Sebenza 31 vs. 21 | Chris Reeve Knives
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- čas přidán 27. 02. 2020
- A quick look at the new Sebenza 31 and it’s updated features, a comparison to the Sebenza 21, and a quick discussion on my opinion on whether it’s worth the upgrade. Enjoy!
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I appreciate that Chris Reeve keeps the Sebenzas to a consistent standard. He doesn't follow trends or flashy innovations. Purely functional and and reliable.
100% agree!
I personally question the reliability of the ceramic interface.
Richard Cannon - I don’t think reliability will be an issue. They’ve been using the ceramic interface for at least 6 or 7 years on the Sebenza 25 and the Umnumzaan. And maybe it’s blind faith, because I can’t personally explain the physics, but I trust CRK’s research & development.
@antithat101 cool story. Its not an issue
Such an iconic design/look. Looks much better without the hole. Thank you so much for sharing.
It took ten years, but they mastered the art of not drilling holes. Lol. Thanks for watching brother. 👊🏻
@@GearedTowardGear1 10 years? More like 31 years lol the sebenza has had that hole since the beginning.
Great video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m a large 21 owner and I’m looking fwd to get my hands on this one ! Cheers man
Right on!! Thanks so much for watching! I hope you can get your hands on one soon. Cheers!
Very nice blade cool to add another to the collection thanks for sharing Sean
Hey Jeremy, thanks for watching brother!
Yesterday I bought a Sebenza 31 large with unique graphic. A really awsome knife. The quality is unbeatable.
Thank you for this!
You bet! Thanks for watching!
😍😍😍😍😍 damn that's a beauty brother!!! That small is breaking in nicely huh? Can't wait to see the 🐌 trails on that 31!!!
Thanks BJ! Yeah the small has been such a great user, a total workhorse for such a small knife. I’m excited to get some more carry time with the 31!
Very nice! The drop point has always been my favorite. I can't bring myself to spend that much. I won't say never, just not in the near future.
Thanks for watching Randy. Yeah it’s certainly pricey and not something I want to (or can afford to) get in the habit of buying.
Great looking knife for sure brother!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks JB!!
My small sebenza 31 with silver hardware is due for production in May-June, I can’t wait!!
Score! I do like the silver hardware on a Sebenza. If given the option I’d prefer silver with a double lug. You’re definitely going to enjoy that knife my friend. Thanks for watching, and congrats on the upcoming addition!
Great overview, as always!👌🏼 a small 31 insingo is definitely on my list. I have a tanto umnumzaan and I love how the ceramic ball interface feels🔥 cheers Sean👊🏼💥
Hey Tristan, thanks for watching brother. I’d love to have an Umnumzaan someday. I actually think the tanto blade shape goes perfect on an Umnumzaan. Cheers man! 👊🏻🍻
Geared Toward Gear I own both Umnumzaans and honestly much prefer the Tanto, it just seems to feel “right”... on the Umnumzaan - I’ll take a clip point on a 21 any day of the week tho!!
@@callofduty60same. Own tanto and drop point umnumzaans and large sebenzas. You are spot on
Nice review. My Sebenza 31 arrived today so I'll do an unboxing video :-) Surprised I didn't find your channel until recently. Really enjoyed your comparison to the 21.
Hey Jack! Thanks so much for watching man! Congrats on your new 31 brother! I’ll definitely go check out your channel!
@@GearedTowardGear1 Wow. Living in gratitude. Mahalo!
I have large 21 Startbenza and love it.
Nice!!! I want a starbenza to badly. They look so good!
So true they look great
I dearly love those knives. I just can't justify the expense. Thanks for the dream material.
That’s totally understandable. It really is hard to justify the price. I think it can be done, lol - but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard to justify. Thanks for watching Grom!
Lay a away my friend. Ease it in like a gentlemen.
@@hiddycreech na just save
Very nice thank you
You bet! Thanks for watching. 🤙🏻
The 31 might be my Christmas knife this year. It be my first Chris Reeves. Just depends on how little I spend on knives this year. Thanks for the review and comparison.
Right on AJ! Thanks for watching!
The slanted clip that doesn’t affect the lock bar tension. The ceramic ball which elevates the lock bar feel. All nice upgrades.
I believe the stop pin is also upgrade to a harder treated steel? Good for thumb flickers.
I’m even ok with the more traditional wood inlay design.
I really want a BEB small 21. Not holding my breath on the release.
To be fair sebenza 21 also rode on a ceramic bearing just smaller. The lockup is what is different but when opening they both ride on a ceramic bearing.
Great video, only reason I got the 31 was because the inlays on the 31 is nicer. My ergonomic of all the Sabenza's is the 25 (Inkosi) style with the extra finger cutout. 🍻
I agree, the inlays design on the 31 look way better in my opinion.
That ceramic lock face is interesting. I've never seen that before. I know there are people who claim ceramic can shatter if hit hard, I'm not sure if that is true (I suspect not) but certainly is a cool approach. Agree on drop points, I like them too... although I find myself liking clip points more and more as well. Truly beautiful knife. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching my friend! I’m a big fan of clip points also. A clip point Sebenza would be amazing actually now that I think about it. Lol.
The CRK Umnumzaan has had the same ceramic lock interface since 2008.
Are the pivot systems different I could never flip my 21 open
I prefer the small 21 for legal reasons (carrying knives is banned in my country) but there are a tolerance for smaller blades. It's plenty enough to cut a dry sausage or cheese 🧀 and also it's very light thanks to the titanium handle. (82 grammes)
Awesome! The small is an excellent knife when there are legal constraints! I prefer the large, but I did purchased a small Sebenza 31 not long ago.
They look very nice. Like the blue it break the one color up
Yeah me too, the blue is a nice touch! Thanks for watching Tojo!!!
@daAnder71 thank you
nice video! you mentioned that you prefer the drop point blade but you didn't say why. I would like to know the advantages.
LOL So much for, "I probably won't buy another Sebenza". Great review!
Hello Sean. I like the clean lines of this knife and that clip not pressing on the lock bar is a plus. Not sure about the ceramic ball though. I often use ceramic rods for sharpening and they do wear. Obviously i don't know the different qualities if any of ceramic that exist or are used and i don't suppose CR would use anything but the best. I really like the stone washed finish and the markes on it just make it yours. All the best.
Thanks Rhino! The ceramic ball they’ve been using on a couple other models for the last 5 or 6 years so I’m with you, trusting that they’re using the best, lol.
It took a decade, but we have finally mastered the technology of hole not-drilling. Are your minds BLOWN?!?!? Cool. Now give us money. You’re welcome!
Mastering the art of not drilling holes is one that takes years of skillful practice. I think there’s an apprenticeship involved? But they totally nailed it!! Lol.
Geared Toward Gear nobody doesn’t drill holes quite like Chris Reeve doesn’t.
marshalllaw123 peach is sister 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
The hole was there because they drilled every slab. Some became the lock side. Some became the mark side.
1581zebra I think you might be missing the joke a little bit...
I wanted a large so I got one. I wanted a drop point so I got one. I wanted damascus so... You should get one!
Why do you prefer the Drop Point blade shape over the Insingo? Aesthetics? I lean the other way.
Just personal preference. It’s a tight race, and yeah / the aesthetics put it over the top for me. I think the insingo shape has some added functional value, but for someone like me who just uses my knives for basic EDC tasks I haven’t found anything that the drop point doesn’t do well. If I worked in a warehouse for example and it was my work knife, I’d probably lean toward the Insingo.
I hear there’s a “two-fer” at the blood plasma clinic during their “March Madness” drive. I’m thinkin’ a 31 by Easter.
Hahaha
Do the 31's come with a stepped shoulder lanyard pin so they don't fall out when you remove the lanyard?
Yes sir.
Is the 31 using 21 thickness and hollow grind or 25 thickness and near flat (very shallow) hollow grind
Same hollow grind as the 21 👊🏻🍻
What do you like about the drop point compared to the insingo?
I just prefer the look. They both function wonderfully.
Very jealous. I have a large 31 reserved but don’t know when it will be in.
Right on! I’ll be very much looking forward to your review!
Great point in that if you already have any size 21 you wouldn't recommend buying a 31 because it's essentially the same Knife, thank you for that. I ordered an Umnamzaan about a month ago and it looks like it should be ready around the first of the year. 🤝🏽
Love my Umnumzaan!!!
@@knifeaddict1014 Kool Brother, I appreciate you responding back to me. Have a great day.
Yea man np at all, just purchased a spartan harsey today it will be my first one, I’m so excited
@@knifeaddict1014 That's a good Deal Brother. I'm seriously looking at the Les George V3, man that thing is awesome.
Reggie Ringgold Jr. haven’t seen that, about to check it out tho!
I got my order confirmation Monday but I never got a shipped email with the tracking number. So I called up knifecenter and they informed me that some large 31's we miss labeled and contain smalls. Ugh what a knife tease, looks my ummnum will get some extra pocket time.
Dang!! That sucks, sorry man. I just actually bought an Umnumzaan, should be here Friday. I’m excited about it.
@@GearedTowardGear1 the S31 was supposed to be my CRK but I got inpatient and noticed blade center had some zaan's in stock. I did a polish job on the washers with a 10k stone and swapped out the lube with KPL. I don't have a reference for any other CRK knives but this thing feels like tank could run it over and it would laugh it off.
Definitely going get used😂 that would get taken a different way in Cleveland
🤣
Would you recommend the 21 or 31 for my first CRK?
If given the choice I’d definitely go for the 31. 🤙
@@GearedTowardGear1 Awesome thanks
I feel like so many people are between whether the large or small is right for them. For me, the large is just a bit too large and the small is too small. I wish they would come out with a medium Sebenza. But I know that will never happen. For CRK that is like a 10 year project. Unfortunately I think that's why I'll probably never own a Sebenza. If I'm going to pay $400 for a knife it has to at least be a Goldilocks size that never feels awkward during use.
I can certainly understand that. If they came out with a medium they could just call it “The Sebenza”, since the others are actually called small & large, LOL.
I own both the inkosi and 21 and in my mind the Sebenza 21 has a way better lock-up! feels more solid as well, I call it the old school CRK they did a lot more hand fitting on the 21"s, just my thought,thanks
Yes and now we have all the talk about the lock rock of the 31, the 21 is just rock solid!(pun intended..) In 10 years when we get the 41, I'll bet its good bye to the pivot bushing as well...
Inkosi isn't even made the same.. wtf you talking about
Greatly appreciate the comparison as I'm really interested in getting a CRK in my hands to see if the hype is real for me. I've got a friend who just got a 21 back from the spa I'm considering getting it but not sure I'll like it.
Thanks for watching brother! The good new is that the resale on CRK’s is quite good. If you buy one used you’d probably be able to resell it for exactly what you paid for it.
I honestly hate the new clip. The old clip, laying on the lock bar, hid away the clip and made the knife look clean and crisp. The new, canted clip just sticks out and seems to be a bad place for me to rest my fingers on when opening the knife.
Yeah I imagine it’ll come down to preference for most people. I didn’t mind the 21 clip, but I’m also used to carrying an Inkosi so the changed clip seems natural to me at this point.
Lol
Classy. James Bond carry.
It is definitely classy. I’d like to think 007 would rock a Sebenza.
What's about the Inkosi do you like it?
The Inkosi is great! Some people are calling the new Sebenza the “Senkosi”, lol. The main difference now is just that the Inkosi has an extra finger groove. Otherwise it has the same features that the 31 now has like the angled clip, no milling hole, and the ceramic ball on the lock face. Now that they’ve made the changes to the 31 they’re very very similar. The dimensions are virtually identical.
@@GearedTowardGear1 don't forget the Inkosi has a thicker blade stock
Geared Toward Gear also, the Inkosi has an adjustable pivot instead of tightening the Sebenza’s screw all the way and forgetting it. They also supply you with Loctite when you buy an Inkosi - not the case when one buys a Sebenza. One can tune the action on an Inkosi.
I got the new 31..and i gotta admit, it requires quite a bit pressure to open it up. it’s smooth, but god damn, it would be nice if it would open a little easier. for the price, I feel like it should open better. Not saying it should flick, cause I know that’s not the CRK way. But it is super stiff.
Mine was pretty smooth when it arrived. You can adjust the pivot screw just slightly and possibly get it a bit smoother, or polish the washers and/or add some additional grease. But it usually just takes time. The CRK’s that I carry and use frequently are stupid smooth, and a couple that I have as kite if collectible pieces are certainly on the stiffer side. I’m glad you got one though, they’re great knives for sure, and the good news is that they hold they’re value pretty darn well so they’re typically easy to sell without losing too much of your initial investment. Thanks for watching, and stay safe!! 👊🏻🍻
Some overtravel protection is the only thing missing.
Price go up?
Nope, same exact prices at the Sebenza 21. 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
@Geared Toward Gear Have you checked yours for this lock rock thing?
czcams.com/video/fUKVPe6RRoI/video.html&feature=emb_title
www.bladeforums.com/threads/sebenza-31-lock-rock.1718273/
Yeah I never got into the small knifes (in any brand)
They forgot to do away with the blue stud 🤣
@daAnder71 it is the same material
Not much of a difference between the 21 and the 31... I prefer the way the clip on the 21 sits straight. It looks so much cleaner! - also I don’t think the ceramic ball changes much, I don’t know of anybody know have opened and closed their knives so much that the lockup went to 100%.... It’s a good upgrade but maybe not really needed?
Great informational video! If you ever want to let that small 21 go, reach out to me!
🤟👌🤘✌👍🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻
My 31 I got a month or so ago completely broke on me
Broke in what way
@@tyyamnitz3531 lockbar snapped when I didn't even press it to that point. They didn't even do anything about it. It was faulty. Maybe the inkosi will suit me better
@@Lakandula1234 I didn't buy another one yet. I was gone give them one more try soon, and if it actually works and doesn't bust on me, I'll be good haha
I'm having a hard time understanding why CRK would use a ceramic interface on their lock bar. I'm not a materials expert or even a knife expert by any means but allow me to explain where I'm coming from.
Ceramic ball bearings. They're often marketed as being faster rolling in the cycling industry however they severally lack in durability. Why? Ceramic ball bearings are set into steel races. The ceramic balls are harder than the steel races. It's like driving a train on asphalt. It will eventually dig a groove into the street. Ceramic ball bearings have an incredibly short life span. Additionally, what are sharpening whetstones usually made of? Ceramic. A lot of us use ceramic stones to sharpen our blades. One's harder and acts as an abrasive allowing us to do that.
I can't help but think although the ceramic interface might not wear quickly. The blade itself, or the part that comes in contact with the ceramic will eventually wear. My guess is a groove will form. What does that mean for longevity and lock strength? I would have preferred to see an LC200N steel lock bar insert. Rust proof. Like for like material. Seems like the more logical choice to me. I'm not sure about this design. I'd be interested to hear why they opted in that direction. Just my 2 cents.
Hey a Richard, thanks for watching! I follow what you’re saying. I don’t know why they chose ceramic, but I know it’s been a material used in this application for quite a long time. I know the Senenza 25 and the Umnumzaan have been using this interface for many years. I can’t explain the physics (nor do I think there was anything wrong with their basic Ti lock face) but I haven’t heard any reports of it causing any issues in the last 6 or 7 years they’ve been using them. I guess time will tell
I have a 25 and I haven’t seen the wear groove get any worse.
The ceramic action and feel is so superior. Maybe they figure people are not hard using.
As soon as you start pushing the lock bar, the blade starts moving. It’s a really direct feel that I like. It’s subjective I know.
I like the 25 so much that I sold off my 21 which didn’t feel so special.
So now I can finally rebuy my first knife with the small nuances I want.
I know it’ll take awhile so I’m not holding my breath. I’m hoping I can get during the summer.
I WOULD LOVE A LC200N blade! One of my all time fav
Thanks for the response GTG. It's been something I've been curious about for some time. I know the mechanical articulation between a bearing and lock bar are much different but I do find that small detail very interesting.
With that said, gorgeous set of knives. I have a partiality to the insingo blade. Muuuch desired. I've never owned a CRK but i've had the pleasure of handling a co-worker's from Idaho. Over a decades worth of use on his but still tight as a drum yet smooth as glass. You cannot deny the quality of workmanship they put into making their knives.
All the best.
Will EDC maybe that ceramic is meant to break in the action to perfection! I need to experience one of these new sebenzas man!
Are you not so post to flick a sebenza I've been told LoL nice 31 congrats 👍
I’ve never heard that before, lol. It’s not the most “flickable” knife in the world, but I do like flicking it! In reality though, I probably slow roll it open 90% of the time and flick it 10%.
asking why is this knife so expensive.its crap nothing sereous for using it my ontario could brake it in half...