I have been toying with the idea of purchasing a Chris Reeves Small Sebenza 21 with Micarta inlays. I've watched a bunch of Youtube videos praising the knife but was wondering if anyone here has this knife and can let me know what they think. This knife will be used as an EDC and not be a Safe Queen - so I'd much prefer to hear from guys that actually use it and not just have one as a collectible.

I am looking into the small version (3" blade & 6 7/8" overall) because I feel the large one at 8 3/8" is just too large for EDC. For those who do EDC them, have you taken off the lanyard? What's the big allure of it anyway?

At $425.00 I really want to make sure this IS what it has been cracked up to be. My current EDC is either an original Marbles Safety Axe (Gladstone 2001) Large Stockman with Stag scales (90% of the time), or a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek with a 1/2 serrated blade (10% of the time).

So for those who might actually EDC this knife, please chime in. Is this knife actually worth anywheres near the $425 or am I just nuts?

Thanks!
Chief38

I have never understood the fascination with these knives. I know they are well made, hand built and smooth and glass. But it's a simple thumb-stud design. One can buy Zero Tolerance or Benchmade that are American made and 1/2 to 1/4 the price, have assisted opening, lifetime warranties, etc.

A real sleeper in the knife world is Piranha, hand made in Idaho I believe. They are super light weight and warrantied for life. The only issue is they are an automatic, so you need to be in a state where legal. Get a Piranna X and I bet you will retire that Stockman. Piranha Knives

Here is a ZT frame lock, titanium, with assisted opening/flipper that is half the price. Zero Tolerance Rexford 0801BW Flipper Titanium Knife (3.5" BlackWash) ZT - Blade HQ

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Possum—The other white meat!

Quoting fpuhan from another thread:

Chief...

Can't answer your question direct but learned this
over the weekend.
Knife seller was just across from me at a large gun show this weekend.
I glanced at his blades and he had many Chris Reeve blades.
Business was brisk for him.
His advised his best sellers are:
Nyala....fixed blade but similar to the Sbenza.
Fixed blade called the Green Beret.
Then the sbenza.

I was impressed with all.

Myself and a few other forum members toured the Reeve factory four years back before the S&WCA Meeting in Boise. Very well made knives, they use the best steels, super high QC, etc. But still..... $400+ for a simple folder?

That said...last week at SHOT one could barely get a clear view to LOOK at their knives at their booth. They were constantly taking orders.

Apparently lots of folks like uber expensive folders.

I bought one back in 2010 when they were a bit cheaper. Carried it a bit and within a few days lost it on the Range when I bent over to take burrs off one of the dogs. Slipped out of my pocket somehow. I luckily found it a few days later. It's sat in my safe ever since.

At $425, I would just keep thinking about it.

"Are you thinking about buying a Cadillac, sir?"

"I know I'm buying a Cadillac. I'm thinkin' 'bout a $425 Sebenza."

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I look at Bladeforums quite often, and see all the knives that seem to be popular sellers. The Sebenza is one of them. But I have a VERY hard time reconciling the price of most of these knives. I'd say that a ZT is pushing my envelope for price at $150 to $200. And even then, I doubt I could bring myself to really use it . Benchmade , Spyderco , ZT..all great knives with tons of options at a far better price. I can't wrap my head around $400+ for a small knife that I can possibly lose and not even know til later. Especially when I've paid less for some of my revolvers.

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If you need pocket jewlery ya get one,if ya need a working knife go with Benchmade, Buck, Spydico , OR THE EVER POPULAR KERSHAW

Chris Reeve was South African but moved here years ago, and his operation is in the USA. He may be a US citizen now.

Your point is well taken, and I have a Benchmade 710, which has been very satisfactory. The smaller 305 may be more what Chief .38 wants. My 710 goes in a belt pouch. My pocketknife is usually a Swiss Army sort, for utility applications. The belt knife is meant for needs beyond what a pocketknife normally handles. I think Chief .38 wants a pocketknife that locks.

Custom quality knives are expensive, and one always has to balance that out. But Reeve has a good rep and is here now, and has been for a long time.

For the record, I've never met him or used his knives. I do know that they're very well thought of. Does he have a pretty prompt delivery time, or sell from stock on hand? Many custom makers have long delivery times. You can buy a good Benchmade over the counter.

I have read that the Reeve products are very rugged for folders.

Would you buy a custom bolt action rifle? Some do, but you can get some really nice ones from Winchester, CZ, and others. A new Rigby will set you back about $14,000. But if I had the funds, I'd buy one. Still, I don't think it'd outshoot my M-70 Fwt. Classic .270. But it'd be a delight to own, and
it has the rep and mystique of the name. A Toyota will get you where you're going, and is very nice. But some still buy a Mercedes.

I apologize for my imprecision--I never meant to imply the Chris Revee knives were not American made, but it sure seems that was from how my post is worded. I believe they are made in Idaho like the Piranhas. I knew he was a custom maker, but had no idea of his nationality.

I should have said "One can buy ZT or BM that are ALSO American made. . ." I was simply stating that ZT and Benchmade are American made, but it certainly appears I am pointing that out to the exclusion of Mr. Revee's knifes.

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I just wanted everyone to know that Reeve was South African, and his knives have never been made other than there and in the USA. No Oriental stuff, etc.

Well thanks Guys for your opinions & posts. The more I have thought about buying one of these Sebenza's (since this post) the more sensible I am becoming (I think). In other words - not getting one and just sticking with my American made Marbles Safety Axe 2001 limited edition Large Stockman AND my American made Kershaw Ken Onion Leek.

Like I said in my original post I purchased the Marbles Stockman back in 2001 (only 25 made in Stag) which is a superb knife. I am more than likely the only one or at least one of the very very few guys who bought one of these and actually uses it every day. They were made about a year before Marbles Safety Axe was sold and is currently just a name that imports Chinese $20 junk now and marked "Marbles".

The Marbles Stockman is a traditional Pocket Knife and can NOT be deployed with one hand or quickly. When I do something or go somewhere that might require lots of one handed knife deployment I take the Kershaw Leek which is a $50 USA made knife with 1/2 regular and 1/2 serrated blade. Nothing wrong with it and it is a good knife for the money. I suppose if it ever got lost or damaged I would not get all bent out of shape like I would if I lost a Sebenza.

While I am not an "official" knife collector, I do have at least 40 - 45 knives around the house, cars, workshop and motorcycle. They just seem to multiply somehow. I have read so much about the coveted and praised Sebenza I thought seriously about buying one and like many here have said - at the end of the day while it is superbly manufactured, it's just a sharp blade. Others on line buy these Sebenzas and from their looks (like they just came from the box) never even use them - just fondle them. I use all my knives no matter what they cost or how collectible they are (maybe I am nuts) but I enjoy using them. Just can't justify spending between $425 - $525 for a folding knife when I already have so many that will do the same job.

I will say one thing here about Chris Reeve........ He has done an absolutely SUPERB job marketing his knife line and Company! Other than maybe Randall Made Knives I can not think of a knife maker having such long wait times, high prices and such huge following - but you pay for that up the wazoo!

So for now I am gonna take a breather from looking at these Sebenza's and see if the urge subsides. If not and I do take the "stupid pill" and get one, I will post it. For now I have gotten over the urge (I think). Thanks!

Chief38

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I suppose the fascination with ANYTHING that is deemed top tier or simply the BEST is that many always strive for the BEST available. Some may never achieve that goal, but one can always strive for it. The same reason people buy Rolex Watches, Ferrari's, and custom built mansions I would think. Others may view them as "a badge of honor" or status.

Unfortunately automatic knives are not legal where I live unless you can prove you are a professional/commercial fisherman and need a one handed auto knife for your profession. You can only carry that type of knife while actually working on your boat. I do not qualify. Even if they were legal in my state, I have never been attracted much to them. They always put thoughts of Gang Bangers or Hoodlums into my mind. I know the high end ones are of course not that way, but I also always feared them opening accidentally in my pocket.

I don't EDC any knife I can't afford to replace next payday. $425? I'd be afraid to take it out of the safe, much less carry and put it to work.

I guess I've been very lucky because I have only lost ONE knife in my lifetime. Thankfully it was only a mass produced and inexpensive Buck Pocket Knife that slipped out of my sweat pants pocket when I got into my car one day. There was a sewer cover right there and that was that! That was years ago but I don't put anything in sweat pants pockets anymore.

Had it been my Marbles or a Sebenza I would have probably gone sewer diving - LOL!!

When I do buy fine and expensive items be it a gun, watch, knife, etc. I always buy them to use - as I would NEVER spend any serious money to fondle them and never actually use them for what they were intended to be used for. That would be a REAL WASTE of money IMHO.

Chief38- sounds like you have plenty of money, so let it rip!
I regret to report that I have beeen losing knives since I was 10 years old.
So if you don't lose blades, that is a plus!
This knife apparently does appeal to a lot of people.
But not to me for that much money.
What does appeal to me?
Just bought this one, it's on the truck.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Pilgrim,
For now I have subdued the urge to buy one. From everything I have read and seen they are some awesome designed and built folding knives. I have always prided myself on my work and work ethic and truly appreciate when someone else does the same. So while I do believe that the Sebenza by C. Reeve is one of the best (if not the best) the reason I have tabled the idea of purchasing is because while it may be the top tier it is only slightly better than others at a LOT MORE cost! Like many have said, a Benchmade for less than half the cost is almost as good!

Not saying I won't get one in the future but for now I agree that $425 - $525 for a folding knife is crazy! Although once in a while we all take a "stupid pill". LOL!!

Nothing fancy for everyday. Benchmade Mini Griptilian @ $89. Love it. I'd still cry if I lost it. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

A few ago I was sitting at a table at a local gun show.
On a guy walking past, I see a folder in a short belt-sheath.
I take a good look and say something like-
Holy ****! That's the best looking knife that I ever saw!
He grinned at me but kept on walking.
So I never met him or got to see that knife up close.
It was now deceased master maker Harvey McBurnette.

Knife Talk: Harvey McBurnette, The Tradition of New Mexico

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Chris Reeve and his outfit are good folks, he makes an honest knife and stands behind his product. Can't say enough good things about them.

Buy it. They are simply the best.

I have three, a small regular one and two full sized ones with Damascus blades. If you have the money, you'll never regret it. I prefer the larger ones though, easier to hold on to and they are very lightweigt due to titanium grips.

But I also have several Mad Dog knives which used to be between $700.
and $2500. Now that they are no longer being made, they are on ebay for $2000. to $10,000. I know this sounds crazy, but I'm an easy man to please, I'm always satisfied with the best. Living well is the best revenge.

mad dog knife in "Collectible Knives, Swords, and Blades" | eBay

I carried both the Mad Dogs and Chis Reeves in the middle east for many years and they never let me down. If you need something that you can absolutely rely on, no matter what, then get the Reeves.

BTW, I tend not to lose things.

I had a McBurnette lockblade folder with engraving and a burgundy handle. It was indeed magnificent and I did carry and use it, although careful not to scuff it up.

Alas, I was forced to sell it to pay a bill.

As someone who has owned and regularly carried CRK blades for years I can only say that if you are looking for a knife of superior quality of design, fit, finish and function then you would probably be well pleased with any of his products.

All CRK products are and have been made in the U.S.A. since 1989. owning one is kind of like owning a S&W. Sure, you can probably get a quite similar Taurus for quite a bit less and it will probably be just as accurate and reliable but many here still buy the more expensive S&W for any number of practical or perhaps impractical reasons. The same can be said for purchasing a CRK knife or many others.

I know that my large Sebenza 21 and my Umnumzaan have and will continue to provide excellent service, pride of ownership and at the end of the day will still command excellent resale even with regular wear and use.

We like what we like and we don't what we don't, often with little or no actual basis for that opinion but I would never discourage anyone from buying something simply because of what it cost. If you change your mind I think you would be quite pleased in the long run though with any purchase, high or low I would suggest you handle one first if possible.

Umnumzaan



Large Sebenza 21 with my S&W M66 no dash.

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I have a large 21 with gold leaf graphics that I bought when I Was into knives. In my opinion, they are overrated and are not worth the money unless for investment because they seem to hold value pretty good. They call the Sebenzas "semi custom", but I think there are production knives with higher quality at lower prices. All the recent Zero Tolerance knives for example. I'd take them over a Sebenzas for edc. Reeve has been making knives in the US for years, he was from Africa hence the names of his knives are all in African tribe language.

For me, I still Cary an old spyderco. Don't much like the new ones as they are mostly made in Taiwan now with a US made price tag.

I have owned & carried knives for over 50 years. Had a small Sebenza, beautiful knife, well built. Carried it for a few weeks, then realized I never used it in case I scratched it. Sold it, my Randall and all the handmades I had collected through the years. I now carry a Benchmade mini-Barrage, light, solid & crazy sharp. I have a couple of other Benchmades as well. And I'm never afraid to use them.

Chief38
Sounds like your mind is made up. I didn't read every post above but I have 3 CR Sebenzas. Two smaller ones and the third is the large one. I bought the large one in the mid 90's when CR was still a true custom maker IIRC.

The knife was one of fifty offered by purveyor Les Robertson. I've carried that knife for over 10 years and it really isn't all that big for an EDC.

You will find though that you'll be dropping your hand on the clip pretty often to make sure the thing is still there. I would never argue with any of the comments above but it is a quality knife and I believe has better steel in the blade than many others IMO. I have many, many, types and brands of knives but I carry the Sebenza almost exclusively.

Spendy you bet, but sometimes you've just got to do it. Say, if you're on this forum I'll bet you have some pretty spendy pistols or other firearms, so why not for knife?

There is an inherent knowledge of quality when you spend above the average for something that is above the average and it just make a person feel better!

Ah don't listen to me, I buy Smith & Wesson PC pistols and I can't hit any better with them than I can with a non-PC pistol, but darn that quality is sure in there and it's nice to have it! Good Luck
T&B