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I totally get your feelings about the Sebenza. I like it, but have never experienced the knife community's excitement or love for it. I own 8 versions of it because I have a serious OCD knife buying addiction. Between not being totally in love with them, and their cost they all sit in my knife storage uncarried & unused.
This was a good video. I love my sebenza, I have a big one or a small kne in my picket basically all the time. I cannot argue with anything negative you said about it. If it doesn't do it for you, it just doesn't. People have lost sight that you're allowed to dislike things that are considered good, and you're allowed to like stuff that's bad. You don't have to justify liking something because it has good specs, you either like it or you don't.
Love Sebenzas, I think most people love action now and they buy that for the wrong reason. It’s a great design, the blade shapes are Amazing and they will last a lifetime. That’s why they are worth the money. The high end version are so nice too with inlays and milling.
@@BrandonGavin_EDC i always hear this, most knives will last a lifetime if you use it as a knife, zts, bms, spyderco you name it, i do think its a really nice knife and great for hobbyists though
@@brertt8350 not every knife will last a lifetime, plenty will break, not have enough life to sharpen, etc. it’s well built with a rock solid warranty, it’s built for great use and has plenty of life on that beautifully shaped blade.
Nice looking watch! Returns are very difficult or impossible at times. Pistols are the same way and they are not cheap. Some folks will want to sell it and take a $200, or $300 hit on a regular handgun or even a $700 or $800 hit on a Custom 1911. Some Buyers are out there looking for that opportunity, they get to buy on the cheap. 🤠👍👏🇺🇸⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. B9USA Sr.
The same happened with my XM-18. Sold it shortly after buying. However, my Inkosi with inlays is a keeper. Just goes to show that variety is the spice of life. Not all of us like the same thing.
I absolutely hate my Hinderer Xm-18 3.5 slicer it barely flicks and came in Super Dull! I thought I'd like it more by adding the $200 TI scale and $100 matching hardware. NOPE I HATE MY Hinderer 🤣
This is actually very insightful commentary that applies to many other aspects of life.... from work to relationships we've all had that internal monologue where we try to convince ourselves of something we know isn't right and we're not always honest with ourselves about it.
It's interesting how subjective our preferences can be. My 21 led to alot of buyers remorse after I got it because other knives didn't stack up for me. You still making the best knife content out there even though our tastes are diverging lately. Keep up the good work
So true. First happened to me with the boos blades hound, I was so unenthused when I finally got it. Same with the giantmouse ace Clyde. But other have surprised me too. Like the ZT 0308 and the giantmouse ace biblio. I was super happy with those in my knife beginnings lol.
So funny you did this video and picked this knife… it is because of your channel that I purchased a Hinderer XM18, I was SO excited to get it and the day finally came it arrived… and I was sorely disappointed in every way in that knife and immediately sold it. That’s when I decided to get my first CRK, picking the Inkosi and I love it so much which surprised me. I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to like it. It is one knife in a sea of thousands, we aren’t always going to be into the same things. 👍
I never got it either until you’ve handled and worked with it until it’s completely broken in. The break in period is much longer than you initially anticipate! Some achieve this level of break in by polishing washers, but that doesn’t account for the ceramic detent to create the track in the blade. I’ve achieved it by good ole use and time and maaaaaaan can I tell you my sebenza 31 is just as smooth as my shirogorov. It’s hard to explain. I also love the aesthetics that’s a personal thing. Anyways I laughed when you said “holding your Sebenza” comment because I was but I still love your channel! 😂❤🙏
Thank you for having the balls to say something not in favor of the chris reeves knives. I have never understood the fascination thinking it looks just average and not something I would spend that much money for. Also, I have been on the fence FOREVER about the paragon knives warlock just avoiding potential remorse...and legal reasons.
@@19Bearsfansince79 They are incredible. I need to decide which one I want, and hope I can find it. That Strider was not cheap, and the Hinderer will hurt me just as bad.
i was intersted in both knives and was quickly over them after handleing them at Blade Show. to me Blade Show is invaluble to experiance knives that most people never will and get your own opinion on. i have bought many knives based on youtube reviews but it is so nice to handle them in person before deciding on a purchase. especially if it is something expensive!
I was in the same boat. First EDC knife was my ZT0562. Later on bought an XM-18 and was underwhelmed. Ended up keeping my ZT and getting rid of my hinderer..
I’ve returned 3 knives because of being underwhelmed I don’t have a deep enough wallet to justify mediocre knives If it’s a 7/10 knife or Lower for its price IMO It will either get returned or sold That’s why I watch like 3 reviews before pulling the trigger now (Unless it’s a Ray Laconico made by a brand I’m personally familiar with, the man just doesn’t make a bad knife, he’s my personal favorite knife designer)
I have 10 knives over $350. Which I know isn’t super expensive to some. I have had 0 buyers remorse on any of them. Spyderco, Quiet Carry, CRK, Hinderer, Demko. Kinda know what is to be expected. Stay with reputable makers that offer designs you find aesthetically pleasing or accomplish a particular task you need it for. Should be ok I would think.
That's the reason I like brick and mortar stores. I bought 2 knives based on how I felt about them in store. A Ruike F118 when I was planning on buying something else. The other knife looked great but the handle just dug in the wrong places for my tiny hands. The other knife was an Opinel. I was planning on getting stocking filler for Christmas but bought an extra for myself when I felt how comfortable that handle was.
Works both ways. Wife bought me a Spiderco PM 2. I Would have never bought it for myself and never thought it would be a knife that I would like or carry. As soon as I put it my hand I was in love. It fits my hand perfectly. It's been in my pocket for 3 straight months. That being said, My small Sebenza 31 is in my 5th pocket and will stay there til I die. I love that knife. It's like my Wilson baseball glove from HS. It's perfect for me.
Such a funny video. I am 180 degrees from you (love my large Sebenza, tried and don't like the xm-18) and love your take on stuff. Daily watch your channel. Keep it up MC!
I'm so glad you re-stated your personal opinion on the CRK Seb. I've come close on so many occasions to buy one, but asked lots of people to compare the action to another knife that I've owned. I'm so glad I did because after learning more and more about the action/ detent of the knife. I know I would feel the exact same way as you about the knife. I guess it's when I realized that the action of the knife is one of the first things I should consider when buying a knife.
I found this interesting. I have yet to own more than a few "expensive" knives and I'm always trying to avoid buyers remorse, even with less expensive knives. I always appreciate your opinions, and they all seem very rational.
I think what’s most important is that you make your own decisions. Too many people let others decide what they should like and then join that club and fall in line, repeating the same things they’ve heard and read rather than thinking for themselves. Once you build a collection of any size, one true test is the knife you actually choose most often. Haha, you just said “fall in line…”
I found that upgrading your current knives by getting new scales, clips, or hardware really helps combat buyer’s remorse. You make it your own, and learn to love it
Never liked CRK until I started thinning my collection down to only a few knives. I think it made me realize that the Sebenza is actually great in a kind of boring utilitarian way. It’s not for fidgeting and doesn’t look like anything special, but I guess that’s the charm.
Crazy timing for me - I finally pulled the trigger on a 31 last week after years of vacillating. I’d had the fortune of handling one at a gun show last year from the only local AD and I ended up buying it from the same AD at a gun show I was the opposite - I expected to fully have buyers remorse but I definitely have only grown to like it more as I’ve worked it in. I do agree that the thumb studs are terrible. But I’ve worked it to the point that they’re not as bad as they felt initially.
funny timing on this. i just purchesed a NCC BBM V2 hand ground satin blade which has been my grail knife for many years. i have never handled one but have loved the design since i first saw it. it is the most expensive knive i have bought ($1745) and will be so sad if i dont love it. i had to purchase on layaway so i wont have it for 3 months. keeping my fingers crossed!
I love my sebenza 25 large and I didn't even buy it it was gifted to me by my fiance at the time and my wife of 10 years now and it's still one of my favorite knives. And I have a lot of other expensive knives including bunch of spiderco's , benchmade's , micro tech and I would say the sebenza is in my top 5 favorites
Sebenzas are like the transition after traditional knives. Not quite modern flippers or at the tip of technology but they have their place. Had 2 and sold them. Lg inkosi inlay is mime forever though.
Just bought a Microtech SOCOM Elite manual and I def have buyer's remorse. Really don't care for it for whatever reason. Makes me realize even more how much I love my PM2.
I was nervous about my first Medford which I found watching this channel. After doing my own research I pulled the trigger on my first Praetorian Genesis. I knew it was a 50% chance I wouldn’t like it. It wasn’t anyone’s fault if I didn’t like it, that’s how it goes. Fortunately I loved it. Channels like this one help people understand the brands and the issues.
I experienced this when I first started getting into knives. Watching Kurt and Zac on knife banter and how they always hyped up the bugout. I finally pulled the trigger on BHQ's 20cv bugout and was disappointed at how unimpressed I was. It's not a bad knife by any means, I just feel it was over hyped IMO.
Absolutely, I saw sooo many incredible reviews on the Bugout when I was looking at getting my first super high-quality knife. Instead of picking one online and ordering it, I decided to go to a Cabela's and check out the Benchmades that they had there. I am so incredibly happy that I decided to handle a bugout before ordering one - the handle to me just felt so light and fragile, even though I knew in my head that it was a great knife. I couldn't really imagine myself using it, because it almost felt like a toy in my hand, rather than a tool. It kind of frustrates me how every knife review on the bugout praises it as God, when Benchmade has sooooo many phenomenal folding knifes that never get the attention they deserve. I ended up walking out that day with a Benchmade Casbah in S30V, and it was a knife that I never saw a review of or even heard of before that point. A few years later I still have the knife and it's served me incredibly well, and I'm still glad I didn't blindly order a bugout in its place
@@celebaran Another fan of the 4400 Casbah? Nice! Funny thing is, so many people have said "it's basically an auto-Bugout," yet I too was really disappointed in the Bugout and love my Casbah and it has nothing to do with the opening mechanism.
I bought the BHQ 20cv bugout with the grey G10 and satin blade. I actually love it, but I also got it on a hefty sale, so it was close to the price of a stock bugout with the horrible grivory garbage scales. Maybe I got a good one, but it helps paying so much less than what they want now ($199) which is insane. I can’t believe they put that flexible plastic grivory crap on anything tbh.
I know it’s not the most popular opinion, but I think Benchmade and Spyderco are hugely over rated and overhyped. To me, they’re the Glocks of the knife community. Massive fanboy followings that sing their praises like they’re the single greatest things ever made. When in actuality, they’re average and overpriced and there are many others that are built better, look better, function better, have better features, and for a lower price.
I just sold a Hinderer FireTac and am using the money to buy a Curtiss F3, I'm hoping I'll love it as much as I think I will. I've bought and sold so many knives but for some reason my Emerson CQC-7 and my Demko AD-20 always stick around. I can't wait until AD-20s are more available so I can buy more.
I love the 20s. There was actually a drop in 204p today and I got one. Its the same blade shape as those m390 ones Knife Joy had a couple weeks ago. I had nearly every one of those in cart and they kept selling out while checking out. I got one of these today at least looks like I do I have confirmation from PayPal. I have the clip point and shark foot d2 20s already the clip point black G10 the other blue FRN.
Man, I trusted you on the civivi fg and bought it and couldn't stand it and had to send it right back but everything else you've said I pretty much agreed with.
What's nice about the knife world is that there is something for everyone. Small, large, medium, U.S., Italian, Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, French, all kinds of handle materials, blade shapes. flipper, auto, thumb stud, nail nick and on and on. The perfect knife for one person might not even make the list of the next person. It's a great time to buy knives.
It's nice to know that I'm not alone on some of these things. I also was not blown away by Microtech in all honesty. I don't love how thin the blades are and for the money I would way rather have an Axial Shift.
I have one word for you ! TIMEX ! For under $30 get an indeglow. Buy a velcro band $10 wal-mart . Spend other money to pay off your mortgage or someone else's. Make extra payments then you don't pay the interest . Happy chocolate bunny day ! 🐇
I have had my Inkosi with Insingo blade in Magna Cut. LOVE this knife so much. I know I love Hinderer's as well. Only have ZT 0550 and 0560 but I will get an XM18.
It takes me so long to buy an expensive knife as opposed to a budget because of so many past experiences with buyers remorse. You do everything you can to talk convince yourself that it’s as good as you imagined but you can’t shake that feeling ever. I also agree that you have to watch and read bad reviews to get a full perspective, good and bad of the item. A lot of reviewers will repeat the same points as other good reviews where it almost seems like their trying to convince themselves as well. Great video thanks
I wanted a Chris Reeve for a long time and I watched Shabazz’s review and he mentioned the thumbstud, and after hearing the same mantra repeated over and over by every reviewer about the action not being a “slow roll” the same way… like they’re trying to convince themselves they like that action. I don’t. I like a snappy detent. So yah I’m glad I didn’t take that plunge
Understand completely! I bought an Inkosi a year ago. I was so jazzed until I opened and closed it. I do not like hydraulic actions apparently. Nice knife just not for me..
Cool video topic. This is how I felt when I got an arius. They were so popular that I thought something was wrong with me for not liking it. But after a PVK Vegas drop that had people losing their minds I realized it was just not a design for me, so I sold it and never looked back
sooner or later we all buy something that doesn't live up to our expectations, but seeing a good review is one way to avoid disappointment. unless you can get one in hand, the possibility is always there the item will fall short. best advice--don't spend more than you can eat, and if you do, learn your lesson.
I've always wanted a Chris Reeve Sebenza or Inkosi. Never pulled the trigger, and very glad too. My bro in law bought a large Inkosi last summer so I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Boy, what a let down! It is nothing special at all. The detent sucks, and it just doesn't feel like a $450 knife. It's impossible to thumb flick it without wrist action. He definitely has buyers remorse.
I know I'm a year late to this video. But I had to stop at roughly 17:30 and just literally laugh out loud. I here you 100%. Personally I love my Sebenza 21, I bought it new in 2016, it by far has the most pocket time out of all of my knives etc etc. But everything you said is on point. They first time I picked it up and tried to "flick it open" the knife laughed at me and said "nope." I honestly had this same build up to wicked let down with the MT MSI. But just like you with the Zaan vs the Sebby, I have an Amphibian and absolutely love it. Very similar action, same lock, same scale texturing. But for whatever reason the MSI was just a huge let down for me.
It is strange how specific the buyer's remorse can be. For example, I had buyer's remorse on my 1st Chaves, it was an early Street model with G10 and S35VN. Not a bad knife, but something that I thought was a little over hyped and kinda bland for the price. That didn't put me off on the next 3 Chaves I bought, all three of them I am blown-away by. I saw this down in the comments about buying a lot of cheap knives early on - I had a similar experience. Not that they were terrible knives, but the $100s I spent on Ruike and CRKT and even some Civivis could have been spent on something that I would have taken more joy in.
Buying the cheaper knives allowed me to figure out and dial in what I enjoy. Blade shape, blade length, handle length, handle shape, thumb studs versus flipper, washers versus bearings, frame versus liner lock, and all the shit in between. Probably saved me thousands because even though I like the overall look of a knife I know it’s highly unlikely I will enjoy it even if it is the absolute best quality.
@@nachoisme- very fair point. Can't say I was much different. But now that I look back, did I need to spend at least a $1000 to figure it out? I could sell 85% of my budget knives and not miss them.
@@Abby_Normal_1969 It was all part of the learning process. I have done the same with cooking stuff in the kitchen, tools and you name it before I found what I liked and wondered why I spent so much. My carry has become much more refined and I now only have 6 knives as opposed to the 25 or so I had at one point just sitting in a drawer. I sold all of the budget stuff (mostly) off and now have what I like...and that I actually use.
So glad I got to handle a Sebenza 31 and 21 before buying. Ended up being a clear "no" for me. On the other hand, I REALLY liked the Mnandi. The particular model in stock was out of my price range, but I will be looking for the right one when the time is right. You just never can tell, but it sure is nice to find out before paying hundreds, when you can.
Hahahahahahahahaha ohhh Jesus this has got to be the best one so far. I totally agree just because 20000 people say a particular knife is the be all end all of knives but for you it could be like holding and using a rusty wrench! It’s lovely to get the guidance but sometimes it’s just a case of we shall agree to disagree on this one! Have a beautiful day M_C absolutely cracking episode 😘👍
Always fun to get in the time machine. I watched half this video when you put it out. Stopped, and ordered a larger fancy sebenza. I ran into the same wall you did. Immediately was hit by lackluster. Pocket clip feels like sandpaper on the pocket, handle finish easily marked, kvt as the lock face seems to be wearing faster than other frame locks. The lock up seems to be the biggest let down. Its solid, but gonna die long before other locks. I could be wrong. For phosphor bronze washer knives in or around the price range, the large Spartan SHF is my favorite. Medford and toor before sebenza. Still glad i bought it. Still keeping the sebenza because I'm at least collecting one of every big brand that catches my eye. I think the sebenza is the only knife I got in 2024 that still has the factory edge.
How you feel about the Sebenza is exactly how I feel about Hindeerer designs, just soulless clunky pocket peckers. I'm more into sleek sophisticated profiles. Holt knifes are my favorite designs.
I definitely always thought the sebenza was an overhyped basic knife for way too much money. I felt the same way MC does when I first handled one that a friend had. Plus I don't own any thumbstud openers anyway.
Buyer's remorse knives for me include XM24, Socom Bravo, or just about every Emerson I've bought (except my modded Yangtze Jack)...All mostly because I wear shorts most days and these knives were huge lol. Thank goodness for Reddit where I could pass them onto someone who'd appreciate them.
Love this video man. It is so true about the sabenza. I hate the thumb studs. You think they would have changed them on the 31. Really unreal with all the complaints they have gotten. Also the blade steel on my 21 is so soft and doesn’t hold edge at all. Love the channel man.
After listening to everyone online I finally purchased a Sebenza. I waited till I got home to take it out of the box and was genuinely like a kid on Xmas. Took it out and loved the look. Then I started to open and close it. I was told by the retailer that it was going to be different than most other knives so I was prepared for that. But after opening and closing it for most of the night, the action actually started to get worse. Toward the end of the evening, it actually started to sound and feel like it was metal grinding against metal. I returned it the next day.
Purchased an xm-18 on impulse because i loved crk so much, i anticipated using it as a more fidgety alternative, but never really fell in love it with. Granted, that's the awesome part of the knife community, i love that there are such vast variations of "perfect edc" I've come to love the inkosi insingo more than everything else, going on 6 years with mine (original owner) It's been abused, i am a hobbiest hotrodder and that thing has pryed oil filters, cut staples (accidentally), been dropped in 11qts of used oil and much more. Love that thing. Always appriciate the content even though it doesn't always align with my opinion😂
I just got a two sun ts186tida I finally got something with timascus and I’m not loving the front flipper. I don’t know what to do I love the looks and the m390 blade is sharp as a razor but I should have just stuck to my microtechs I think.
I recently bought a twosun knife ts218 that has a front flipper. When I first got it I couldn't even work it at all. Kept flying out of my hands. I thought it was the most dangerous thing ever. Plus it has a weird side pocket clip . I bought it on Amazon so I wrote to the seller expressing my disappointment & told him I was thinking of returning it. He offered to refund 40 of the $51 that it cost and I could keep the knife. I said yes and guess what? After hanging out with it for some time I can now flip it like a pro. Just took getting used to. So maybe write to them with your concerns and see what happens.
I wanted a Hinderer so bad! Videos on the knife fueled my anxiety to have one immediately. By luck I found one at Grommets. Lol I hated that damn knife after getting it. Total buyers remorse over this pos lol.
I owned a handful of the knives on that list including an xm 18 and even a couple full customs and I preferred my 21 large insingo over all of them. I was surprised it didn't make the list too. That said, it seems overpriced to me, maybe, and the regular blade shape doesn't really blow my skirt up. Just the insingo sheeps foot.
I've been lucky. I almost bought two knives that I'd made into the perfect thing in my head, but I dodged a bullet both times: once by pure chance, the other because I'm in good with the owner of a brick and mortar knife shop. I've even surprised myself in a good way (with the S35VN Tenacious Lightweight), but there have been two other knives I've bought and hated. So, here's the breakdown... I dodged a bullet on the Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 21. No, not the Large Sebenza 21; I have that knife and love it. The SMALL Sebenza 21. Ironic in view of the topic of the video, but I figured "okay, this is gonna be like a Delica to my Large Sebenza 21's Endura!" So this is the one I did exactly what you did with: built it up over and over in my mind until it became the perfect companion to one of my favorite knives in my entire collection. I also have large hands. Beginning to see where this is going? Now, my brick and mortar shop is a smaller place, but they are a Chris Reeve dealer, and I asked the owner "hey look, I got my Large 21 online based on recommendations and just happened to love it...can I just take a look at the Small 21?" He said "Sure You'll hate it, but sure." I was stunned. He said it like I'd just asked him to hand me a screwdriver; it was that kind of emotion. But he brought it out, and there was this little tiny knife and I'm thinking "THAT...is a Small Sebenza 21?! It looked...bigger...". I opened and closed it twice, put it back into the box after making sure it was clean, and the owner just smiled and said "told ya you'd hate it." The second time was under very different circumstances. I was about a month away from buying a Benchmade Bugout, everyone's favorite knife. Except mine, as it would turn out. Nothing inherently wrong with the design, and I even like the Benchmade Bailout and Benchmade Griptilian. But I picked up the Bugout from a guy working on my property helping rebuild a fence (he, meanwhile, got to play around with the Spyderco Ikuchi I had on me. And I felt--not saying this was the case, and if you've got a Bugout and love it, then great--the following at the time: "they made a knife around ounce-counting. I cannot justify buying this when I can have a Bailout and already have a well-loved 550 Griptilian, plus the Ritter Hogue and the Ritter Hogue Mini [one of the few really small knives I actually do like a great deal])." And I just lost interest in the Bugout. But, as I said, there were two times I failed to dodge a bullet. The first time was with--drumroll please--the ESEE-4 fixed blade. It just felt awkward. Blocky and uncomfortable. I never liked it in any way in very stark contrast to every other ESEE I own. It was made with the same quality as my beloved ESEE-5, ESEE-6, ESEE Laser Strike, and my Izula II. But I just did not like it. At all. Took me a while to realize why. So fast forward and ESEE announces their S35VN knives. Being a fan of fixed blade belt knives, I got the ESEE-3 in S35VN and I loved it. All the while, I'm noting all these similarities to my ESEE-4, which I'd since sold to my handyman and it became a sort of "why do I love this thing?" It just felt so nice in the hand and...and then I realized what was wrong with my ESEE-4. And then I took the plunge: the ESEE-4, all over again, in S35VN. And I love it. Not because because of the blade steel, either (though it's a fine bonus for what I'm using it for!), but because of the handle scales. The ESEE-4 in 1095 CroVan with the slabs-of-micarta handle scales felt awful in my hand. It felt like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. But the textured G-10 handle scales on the S35VN version were a dream. Shoot, I may even buy another ESEE-4 in 1095 CroVan, provided it's got those textured G-10 handle scales. And then there was the complete miss. The knife that felt defective and wasn't. I'd bought a few special runs of Buck knives and "modernized 110" I created in their online custom shop. I love that last one. So I figured I'd get their Buck 347 Vantage Pro-based Buck of the Month in S35VN when it came out. Hoo boy, was that ever a mistake. So far, it's given me the worst flipping action of any flipper knife I've ever owned and is SO hold sensitive when flipping that if I can get one in 20 flips, I'm doing well. The opening hole wasn't chamfered too well, so reverse flicking it was a literal pain until I used a ceramic rod to knock down the edges. Lockup is around 60%, though has not moved. The micarta inlays in the handle are beautiful...but the handles themselves are cheap FRN. And by cheap, I mean "feels like gas station knife plastic" cheap. The ergonomics are weird. It works, it's got a great pocket clip, and the grind is probably the third or fourth best grind I've ever seen on a Buck folder from the 21st century. But the knife just began sitting in my drawer, barely used at all, and there it has stayed for over three months. And yet...I've had no problems with Buck since then!
My first "expensive" knife was a Super Freek and I still love it. It''s my dedicated work knife and the only thing I dislike about it is taking it apart to clean it. I think a lot of people got taken for a ride by knife banter when they first got into the hobby as they always hype the shit out of specific knives.
@@jameswilson8907 Yes knife banter does like to hype things up by weird noises while holding their overstock products. But Dutch bushcraft knives did a destruction test with the freek and that won me over. I admit I did hope the lack of liners would make it either easy to clean intact or be easy to take apart. How is it for you with rust? Did you have any issues with hard use?
@@powerart1 I'm a mechanic and I'll just say that my Freek has been used to unclip wire holders with the tip and cut cable ties in hard to reach areas more times than I can count, I've had no issues in that regard and holds an edge fairly well for being used in non ideal conditions and cutting open rotor packaging and sometimes scraping the rotors themselves. I did have to send it in to Benchmade one time to repolish the backside of the blade where the sliding bar travels as I had some corrosion there but otherwise the coating on the blade is extremely durable.
Great topic MC. If you collect knives long enough you're eventually going to have buyers remorse over a knife purchase. I had the same experience recently. My thing is out the side manual folders but I thought I needed at least one OTF auto for my collection, so I purchased a Microtech Troodon. I was immediately underwhelmed by the knife. I remember opening and closing it and thinking "This thing just doesn't have any soul." It did absolutely NOTHING for me. After a couple weeks I sold it to a friend who absolutely loves it. I put the money back into my knife fund and am currently saving for the Atlanta Blade Show where I hope to get my next "grail" out the side manual folder.
My remorse is a Hogue X-5, with the 4” blade. It’s really nice, but all I’ve done with it was fidget. I always pick something else to carry. I’ll end up throwing it on eBay.
Many of the high end knives are expensive in part because they're in limited supply or the demand is so high that they sell out within minutes of hitting the market. Obviously there are other factors and there are exceptions, but you can usually resell an expensive knife that doesn't do it for you if it's still in "like new" condition without taking much of a loss. Some of the exclusives and sprint runs will even turn a profit (if you're okay with being that guy). Buying a new knife, as long as it's not going to compromise my finances, seems like a relatively low risk activity.
I live in Idaho nearish CRK and I held one FINALLY at blade ops. I was so underwhelmed and heartbroken when this knife I’ve been working toward which was finally in my hand and it was forgettable. I bet CRK was INSANE and TOP OF THE TOP at the time when it came to market but damn. It felt like a Buck with thumb studs to me. Don’t get me wrong I have admiration and appreciation for CRK but not at all for me. Not even a little bit
That's why it's said to "never meet your heros" I traded my 520whp sr20 powered S15 that was a complete build of love because I was going to buy a R35 gtr... I got one for the weekend from a friend to drive before I bought one... on the funnest roads I have ever drove on that are a complete total thrill in the s15 was numb. The car just did what it's told, no fuss no over steer no understeer just dead feeling but so precise at the same time. After about 300 miles I knew I was NOT buying a R35. The person I sold the S15 to sold it back to me a week later for exactly what I sold it to him for and THANK GOD he did because if I had to start over and rebuild me another S15 it would have taken forever with how difficult getting parts has become and would be insanely expensive to the point I likely wouldn't have be able to build my car again. It's daily driver reliable (my normal driving is on a 380whp map, car is totally capable of 520whp but I never run that map) super responsive boost response and just so fun to drive. My normal car is a TRD Camary but I do drive the S15 a lot. My next halo car is a 300zx TT and I will own one. The great thing is that is a car that I have ample driving experience with and know that I want one badly and when I get it I will be the happiest girl in the world. The R35 thing really made me look differently at wanting things so bad I can't stand it.
Ultimately everyone is different. I (and my hubby) like some knives you're not crazy about and you like some that are just too 'blingy' for our tastes. : ) I don't use and abuse my knives - like you state - be real, we use them to open Amazon packages and letters etc... For the most part our knives don't get heavy use. And honestly if I'm outside needing a heavy duty knife I will grab a fixed blade... my go to is Esee for that. Like I wanted a Demko 20.5 forEVER - then I got the less expensive version as the blade steel didn't really mean anything for my usage - when I got it I HATED the cheap feeling scales. Which made me seriously disappointed with the knife - then I saw some basic titanium scales that were under $100 and I bought them and made me LOVE the knife. So I have my Demko that I spent a total of $175 on and am very, very happy.
I won’t spend hundreds (knives, flashlights, etc) or thousands (pistols, rifles, etc) for anything that I cannot see and handle first. I learned that lesson a long, long time ago.
Jeez Louise that Chunky Knife looks like a Chey 1-Ton Dually Crew Cab! I've got a Sebenza, also have a Tactile Pen. I feel the same way about the pen as you do the Sebenza and can't see pulling the trigger on the Tactile Knife. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so Kudos to you for being honest. Like Christopher Walken wanting more "Cow Bell" I'm wanting more "King of the Hill" impersonations Mr.! They're Hill-arious!
I feel the same way. Heard nothing but good things. Gotta get a sebenza, you need a sebenza. I got a sebenza. I’m not impressed. Exact same reasons you listed. It’ll stay in my collection. But if I had one in hand prior, I would’ve bought pretty much anything else
I was shocked after I bought a small Sabenza 31 when I noticed they put the lanyard hole so close to the knife tip that the blade actually cuts into the lanyard they had installed from the factory. Pathetic for a $400 knife.
Im in that place now, i want to but the zt 0562 ti but en im not sure, do you think it a good buy nowdays? Or exist another option titanium framelock around 300 bucks?
The ZT0562 is absolutely a good knife. I'm sure others will have other ideas of what to consider in that price point but my 0562 is by far my most carried knife. You definitely can't go wrong with it.
Totally subjective, but I'll take my 0562 over the XM18 any day. It's a "feel" thing for me. Also, the stock clip sits very deep and holds the knife perfectly down the side of your pocket. You can find them from 220-250 on the secondary market. Absolutely still a good purchase.
@@paulcoste8093 agreed. I was expecting when I bought an xm-18 to like it more than my 0562. That was NOT the case. Traded off my hinderer, still carry my 0562
I bought an inkosi and it was an amazing example, zero flaws and early lockup. I found the handle case way too narrow for my liking and I ended up selling it off. It has such a nice and useful blade but the handle is just like holding a twig. My Hinderer XM-18 Skinny is a much nicer light weight thin EDC that has more user friendly handle. For serious tasks the XM-24 puts the work in. CRK had the first frame lock and had a lot of magazine write ups. He perfected the simple design and people liked it at the time, faster than a lock back. These days Tim's job is making the knives for as little $ as possible and the shops job is to reduce man hours keep machines making knives and make money.
CRK are the worst knife feeling out of the box. My first thought when asked about them is sandpaper, rattling, and extreme "Thumb pain". I own a Zaan, Sebenza, and Inkosi and I keep asking myself why I have them.
I'm eyeballing a CRK large Inkosi tanto left handed model. $450.00 seems like a good deal for what it is. I like knife makers that also have models out there for us wrong-handed folks.
@@clo2715 the one I've inquired about does have the micarta inlays. And I'm getting about $100 off the sticker price so what the heck. I have a couple Hinderers and a Strider, so I think it's time to add a CRK to make the Holy Trinity!
Out of the big 3 crk I'd have to agree. I'll take the zaan and inkosi over the seb anyday. But the action thing is subjective imo. If you go in knowing it's not going to be a pocket princess(looking at you arius) but instead a work horse and something intended to be a tool, not a fidget toy it's much easier to love. Full disclosure, the zaan was my first crk. At first I didn't like it compared to other knives in my collection that flew open and dropped shut, so I carried it for a few days and my remorse disappeared. My thoughts changed to, "Jesus, a knife is a tool, not a fidget spinner. I love this thing." TLDR: Thanks for the fair thought through comparison.
I know this is an old video but i absolutely get what you're saying. Sometimes an individual's reaction to something that many people love is so different. I know exactly how this feels. It's like going out to eat with friends and they hype up a place or a beer or whiskey and you do the thing and you just don't like it. I remember going out in downtown Nashville. The bartender talked to us and hyped up a hoppy Flat Tire beer so we thought why not. Both of us thought it was gross. I wanted to let it fall out of my mouth instead of actually swallow it. She saw our distaste and immediately have us something else and didn't charge us. Good on her. She said "I don't know if I'm going to recommend that any more." BTW I'm not trying to compare a pricy knife to a beer... Just the immediate disliking of something other people seemed to love.
Knives have a soul like puppies and shouldn't be resold. Better look for a good home instead of going for the money. I just happen to run a puppy-knife home. 🙂 You can send me all the knives you don't like anymore and I will take care of them 😂
I kind of feel the same way with Spydercos... I kept hearing how great they are ,etc..bought one and though mehh..it just didn't do anything for me...and I feel lots of people feel that way as well since I see them often being sold in knifeswap.
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I totally get your feelings about the Sebenza. I like it, but have never experienced the knife community's excitement or love for it.
I own 8 versions of it because I have a serious OCD knife buying addiction.
Between not being totally in love with them, and their cost they all sit in my knife storage uncarried & unused.
This was a good video. I love my sebenza, I have a big one or a small kne in my picket basically all the time. I cannot argue with anything negative you said about it. If it doesn't do it for you, it just doesn't. People have lost sight that you're allowed to dislike things that are considered good, and you're allowed to like stuff that's bad. You don't have to justify liking something because it has good specs, you either like it or you don't.
The greatest thing about Sebenzas for me is they are available in a true left-hand version. If only they cost about half as much😂
Love Sebenzas, I think most people love action now and they buy that for the wrong reason. It’s a great design, the blade shapes are Amazing and they will last a lifetime. That’s why they are worth the money. The high end version are so nice too with inlays and milling.
@@BrandonGavin_EDC i always hear this, most knives will last a lifetime if you use it as a knife, zts, bms, spyderco you name it, i do think its a really nice knife and great for hobbyists though
@@brertt8350 not every knife will last a lifetime, plenty will break, not have enough life to sharpen, etc. it’s well built with a rock solid warranty, it’s built for great use and has plenty of life on that beautifully shaped blade.
@@sweetdrahthaar7951 lefty PM2 is where it’s at.
Nice looking watch! Returns are very difficult or impossible at times. Pistols are the same way and they are not cheap. Some folks will want to sell it and take a $200, or $300 hit on a regular handgun or even a $700 or $800 hit on a Custom 1911. Some Buyers are out there looking for that opportunity, they get to buy on the cheap. 🤠👍👏🇺🇸⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. B9USA Sr.
The same happened with my XM-18. Sold it shortly after buying. However, my Inkosi with inlays is a keeper. Just goes to show that variety is the spice of life. Not all of us like the same thing.
This is a great comment. Same as me haha
Same here. Wanted to like it…Just didn’t.
I absolutely hate my Hinderer Xm-18 3.5 slicer it barely flicks and came in Super Dull! I thought I'd like it more by adding the $200 TI scale and $100 matching hardware. NOPE I HATE MY Hinderer 🤣
This is actually very insightful commentary that applies to many other aspects of life.... from work to relationships we've all had that internal monologue where we try to convince ourselves of something we know isn't right and we're not always honest with ourselves about it.
It's interesting how subjective our preferences can be. My 21 led to alot of buyers remorse after I got it because other knives didn't stack up for me. You still making the best knife content out there even though our tastes are diverging lately. Keep up the good work
So true. First happened to me with the boos blades hound, I was so unenthused when I finally got it. Same with the giantmouse ace Clyde. But other have surprised me too. Like the ZT 0308 and the giantmouse ace biblio. I was super happy with those in my knife beginnings lol.
Love the sebenza but that's why I love your channel is because I'm getting an honest review not a knife infomercial
So funny you did this video and picked this knife… it is because of your channel that I purchased a Hinderer XM18, I was SO excited to get it and the day finally came it arrived… and I was sorely disappointed in every way in that knife and immediately sold it.
That’s when I decided to get my first CRK, picking the Inkosi and I love it so much which surprised me. I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to like it.
It is one knife in a sea of thousands, we aren’t always going to be into the same things. 👍
Could you elaborate on how you were "disappointed in every way" with the Hinderer?
About 19:30…so true! I'm trying the, ‘I’m going to use my way into liking it.’
I never got it either until you’ve handled and worked with it until it’s completely broken in. The break in period is much longer than you initially anticipate! Some achieve this level of break in by polishing washers, but that doesn’t account for the ceramic detent to create the track in the blade. I’ve achieved it by good ole use and time and maaaaaaan can I tell you my sebenza 31 is just as smooth as my shirogorov. It’s hard to explain. I also love the aesthetics that’s a personal thing. Anyways I laughed when you said “holding your Sebenza” comment because I was but I still love your channel! 😂❤🙏
I had my zaan for 2 weeks edc guny flide if i want light thumb flick open
Thank you for having the balls to say something not in favor of the chris reeves knives. I have never understood the fascination thinking it looks just average and not something I would spend that much money for. Also, I have been on the fence FOREVER about the paragon knives warlock just avoiding potential remorse...and legal reasons.
The Reeves knives don’t do it for me either. I’ve got a Strider now, so now have a new goal. A Hinderer.
@@voodoo7008 can't go wrong with a Hinderer in my opinion there should be some drops coming this month so keep your eyes peeled
@@19Bearsfansince79 They are incredible. I need to decide which one I want, and hope I can find it. That Strider was not cheap, and the Hinderer will hurt me just as bad.
i was intersted in both knives and was quickly over them after handleing them at Blade Show. to me Blade Show is invaluble to experiance knives that most people never will and get your own opinion on. i have bought many knives based on youtube reviews but it is so nice to handle them in person before deciding on a purchase. especially if it is something expensive!
@@shaunharrison9618 we don’t have dedicate knife shows, but we do have gun & knife shows about 15 minutes away. I guess I need to go one day.
I was in the same boat. First EDC knife was my ZT0562. Later on bought an XM-18 and was underwhelmed. Ended up keeping my ZT and getting rid of my hinderer..
0562 is maybe my favorite knife not nearly the most expensive I own either
@@tripleceas my favorite is probably my Sebenza or Arius. Zt definitely still gets pocket time though!
I’ve returned 3 knives because of being underwhelmed
I don’t have a deep enough wallet to justify mediocre knives
If it’s a 7/10 knife or Lower for its price IMO
It will either get returned or sold
That’s why I watch like 3 reviews before pulling the trigger now
(Unless it’s a Ray Laconico made by a brand I’m personally familiar with, the man just doesn’t make a bad knife, he’s my personal favorite knife designer)
I have 10 knives over $350. Which I know isn’t super expensive to some. I have had 0 buyers remorse on any of them. Spyderco, Quiet Carry, CRK, Hinderer, Demko. Kinda know what is to be expected. Stay with reputable makers that offer designs you find aesthetically pleasing or accomplish a particular task you need it for. Should be ok I would think.
That's the reason I like brick and mortar stores. I bought 2 knives based on how I felt about them in store. A Ruike F118 when I was planning on buying something else. The other knife looked great but the handle just dug in the wrong places for my tiny hands. The other knife was an Opinel. I was planning on getting stocking filler for Christmas but bought an extra for myself when I felt how comfortable that handle was.
Classic MC knife "rambling", love it. Great looking watch, if you love it it's worth every penny.
Works both ways. Wife bought me a Spiderco PM 2. I Would have never bought it for myself and never thought it would be a knife that I would like or carry. As soon as I put it my hand I was in love. It fits my hand perfectly. It's been in my pocket for 3 straight months. That being said, My small Sebenza 31 is in my 5th pocket and will stay there til I die. I love that knife. It's like my Wilson baseball glove from HS. It's perfect for me.
I agree, PM2 just feels right. BUT I think my Manix 2 is winning me over with it’s ease of operation and how it feels in hand.
Nice to know. That will be the next one to feed my addiction.😆
19:14-19:24
It hurts.....my stomach hurts SOO bad from laughing so hard....owieeee😂
Omggg sooo accurate!🤣 Literally can not breathe....ow
Such a funny video. I am 180 degrees from you (love my large Sebenza, tried and don't like the xm-18) and love your take on stuff. Daily watch your channel. Keep it up MC!
Hey MC, happy Easter. Great video with a good take on "that feeling". We've all been there. Have a wonderful day everybody!!!
I'm so glad you re-stated your personal opinion on the CRK Seb. I've come close on so many occasions to buy one, but asked lots of people to compare the action to another knife that I've owned. I'm so glad I did because after learning more and more about the action/ detent of the knife. I know I would feel the exact same way as you about the knife. I guess it's when I realized that the action of the knife is one of the first things I should consider when buying a knife.
I found this interesting. I have yet to own more than a few "expensive" knives and I'm always trying to avoid buyers remorse, even with less expensive knives. I always appreciate your opinions, and they all seem very rational.
I think what’s most important is that you make your own decisions. Too many people let others decide what they should like and then join that club and fall in line, repeating the same things they’ve heard and read rather than thinking for themselves. Once you build a collection of any size, one true test is the knife you actually choose most often. Haha, you just said “fall in line…”
I found that upgrading your current knives by getting new scales, clips, or hardware really helps combat buyer’s remorse. You make it your own, and learn to love it
Never liked CRK until I started thinning my collection down to only a few knives. I think it made me realize that the Sebenza is actually great in a kind of boring utilitarian way. It’s not for fidgeting and doesn’t look like anything special, but I guess that’s the charm.
The Sebenza has more soul than most other knives combined ✌🏻
Nah. You obviously own one though.
@@2212mjm not anymore lol
@@2212mjm bit weird to comment to someone after one year, peoples tastes change.... did you even check the date?
Crazy timing for me - I finally pulled the trigger on a 31 last week after years of vacillating. I’d had the fortune of handling one at a gun show last year from the only local AD and I ended up buying it from the same AD at a gun show
I was the opposite - I expected to fully have buyers remorse but I definitely have only grown to like it more as I’ve worked it in.
I do agree that the thumb studs are terrible. But I’ve worked it to the point that they’re not as bad as they felt initially.
7:44 not offended, but you're right. I'm playing with my sebenza while watching this video🤣
funny timing on this. i just purchesed a NCC BBM V2 hand ground satin blade which has been my grail knife for many years. i have never handled one but have loved the design since i first saw it. it is the most expensive knive i have bought ($1745) and will be so sad if i dont love it. i had to purchase on layaway so i wont have it for 3 months. keeping my fingers crossed!
I love my sebenza 25 large and I didn't even buy it it was gifted to me by my fiance at the time and my wife of 10 years now and it's still one of my favorite knives. And I have a lot of other expensive knives including bunch of spiderco's , benchmade's , micro tech and I would say the sebenza is in my top 5 favorites
Sebenzas are like the transition after traditional knives. Not quite modern flippers or at the tip of technology but they have their place. Had 2 and sold them. Lg inkosi inlay is mime forever though.
They are kinda like the 1911’s of knives
Just bought a Microtech SOCOM Elite manual and I def have buyer's remorse. Really don't care for it for whatever reason. Makes me realize even more how much I love my PM2.
Same for me. At least you can make $100 off it on ebay.
Bought my 2nd spyderco knife the stretch 2 in k390 based off your review dont regret it one bit thankyou for your review. Happy Easter.
I like watches but my favorite is my eco-drive divers watch . Love your new watch..it fits your wrist perfectly. Also classy enough for work or play
I was nervous about my first Medford which I found watching this channel. After doing my own research I pulled the trigger on my first Praetorian Genesis. I knew it was a 50% chance I wouldn’t like it. It wasn’t anyone’s fault if I didn’t like it, that’s how it goes. Fortunately I loved it. Channels like this one help people understand the brands and the issues.
I experienced this when I first started getting into knives. Watching Kurt and Zac on knife banter and how they always hyped up the bugout.
I finally pulled the trigger on BHQ's 20cv bugout and was disappointed at how unimpressed I was. It's not a bad knife by any means, I just feel it was over hyped IMO.
Absolutely, I saw sooo many incredible reviews on the Bugout when I was looking at getting my first super high-quality knife. Instead of picking one online and ordering it, I decided to go to a Cabela's and check out the Benchmades that they had there. I am so incredibly happy that I decided to handle a bugout before ordering one - the handle to me just felt so light and fragile, even though I knew in my head that it was a great knife. I couldn't really imagine myself using it, because it almost felt like a toy in my hand, rather than a tool. It kind of frustrates me how every knife review on the bugout praises it as God, when Benchmade has sooooo many phenomenal folding knifes that never get the attention they deserve. I ended up walking out that day with a Benchmade Casbah in S30V, and it was a knife that I never saw a review of or even heard of before that point. A few years later I still have the knife and it's served me incredibly well, and I'm still glad I didn't blindly order a bugout in its place
@@celebaran Another fan of the 4400 Casbah? Nice! Funny thing is, so many people have said "it's basically an auto-Bugout," yet I too was really disappointed in the Bugout and love my Casbah and it has nothing to do with the opening mechanism.
I bought the BHQ 20cv bugout with the grey G10 and satin blade. I actually love it, but I also got it on a hefty sale, so it was close to the price of a stock bugout with the horrible grivory garbage scales. Maybe I got a good one, but it helps paying so much less than what they want now ($199) which is insane. I can’t believe they put that flexible plastic grivory crap on anything tbh.
I know it’s not the most popular opinion, but I think Benchmade and Spyderco are hugely over rated and overhyped.
To me, they’re the Glocks of the knife community.
Massive fanboy followings that sing their praises like they’re the single greatest things ever made.
When in actuality, they’re average and overpriced and there are many others that are built better, look better, function better, have better features, and for a lower price.
I just sold a Hinderer FireTac and am using the money to buy a Curtiss F3, I'm hoping I'll love it as much as I think I will. I've bought and sold so many knives but for some reason my Emerson CQC-7 and my Demko AD-20 always stick around. I can't wait until AD-20s are more available so I can buy more.
I love the 20s. There was actually a drop in 204p today and I got one. Its the same blade shape as those m390 ones Knife Joy had a couple weeks ago. I had nearly every one of those in cart and they kept selling out while checking out. I got one of these today at least looks like I do I have confirmation from PayPal. I have the clip point and shark foot d2 20s already the clip point black G10 the other blue FRN.
Man, I trusted you on the civivi fg and bought it and couldn't stand it and had to send it right back but everything else you've said I pretty much agreed with.
What's nice about the knife world is that there is something for everyone. Small, large, medium, U.S., Italian, Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, French, all kinds of handle materials, blade shapes. flipper, auto, thumb stud, nail nick and on and on. The perfect knife for one person might not even make the list of the next person. It's a great time to buy knives.
It's nice to know that I'm not alone on some of these things. I also was not blown away by Microtech in all honesty. I don't love how thin the blades are and for the money I would way rather have an Axial Shift.
Same here. I have 2 Microtech knives that I am disappointed with.
I have one word for you !
TIMEX ! For under $30 get an indeglow.
Buy a velcro band $10 wal-mart . Spend other money to pay off your mortgage or someone else's. Make extra payments then you don't pay the interest .
Happy chocolate bunny day ! 🐇
And if you're spending serious money, just buy Rolex.
I have had my Inkosi with Insingo blade in Magna Cut. LOVE this knife so much. I know I love Hinderer's as well. Only have ZT 0550 and 0560 but I will get an XM18.
It takes me so long to buy an expensive knife as opposed to a budget because of so many past experiences with buyers remorse. You do everything you can to talk convince yourself that it’s as good as you imagined but you can’t shake that feeling ever. I also agree that you have to watch and read bad reviews to get a full perspective, good and bad of the item. A lot of reviewers will repeat the same points as other good reviews where it almost seems like their trying to convince themselves as well. Great video thanks
I wanted a Chris Reeve for a long time and I watched Shabazz’s review and he mentioned the thumbstud, and after hearing the same mantra repeated over and over by every reviewer about the action not being a “slow roll” the same way… like they’re trying to convince themselves they like that action. I don’t. I like a snappy detent. So yah I’m glad I didn’t take that plunge
Understand completely! I bought an Inkosi a year ago. I was so jazzed until I opened and closed it. I do not like hydraulic actions apparently. Nice knife just not for me..
Cool video topic. This is how I felt when I got an arius. They were so popular that I thought something was wrong with me for not liking it. But after a PVK Vegas drop that had people losing their minds I realized it was just not a design for me, so I sold it and never looked back
sooner or later we all buy something that doesn't live up to our expectations, but seeing a good review is one way to avoid disappointment. unless you can get one in hand, the possibility is always there the item will fall short. best advice--don't spend more than you can eat, and if you do, learn your lesson.
I've always wanted a Chris Reeve Sebenza or Inkosi. Never pulled the trigger, and very glad too. My bro in law bought a large Inkosi last summer so I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Boy, what a let down! It is nothing special at all. The detent sucks, and it just doesn't feel like a $450 knife. It's impossible to thumb flick it without wrist action. He definitely has buyers remorse.
You clearly don’t have enough experience with knives to appreciate tolerances and fit and finish.
A weak detent is a deal breaker. I've owned/collected hundreds of knives over the years. I have plenty of experience with high end folders.
@@sixate yeah… never had a CRK with a bad detent. Can’t shake mine out on my sebenza or my Inkosi no matter how hard I try. Seems perfect.
I know I'm a year late to this video. But I had to stop at roughly 17:30 and just literally laugh out loud. I here you 100%. Personally I love my Sebenza 21, I bought it new in 2016, it by far has the most pocket time out of all of my knives etc etc. But everything you said is on point. They first time I picked it up and tried to "flick it open" the knife laughed at me and said "nope." I honestly had this same build up to wicked let down with the MT MSI. But just like you with the Zaan vs the Sebby, I have an Amphibian and absolutely love it. Very similar action, same lock, same scale texturing. But for whatever reason the MSI was just a huge let down for me.
Almost forgot. Happy Easter everybody.
It is strange how specific the buyer's remorse can be. For example, I had buyer's remorse on my 1st Chaves, it was an early Street model with G10 and S35VN. Not a bad knife, but something that I thought was a little over hyped and kinda bland for the price. That didn't put me off on the next 3 Chaves I bought, all three of them I am blown-away by. I saw this down in the comments about buying a lot of cheap knives early on - I had a similar experience. Not that they were terrible knives, but the $100s I spent on Ruike and CRKT and even some Civivis could have been spent on something that I would have taken more joy in.
Buying the cheaper knives allowed me to figure out and dial in what I enjoy. Blade shape, blade length, handle length, handle shape, thumb studs versus flipper, washers versus bearings, frame versus liner lock, and all the shit in between. Probably saved me thousands because even though I like the overall look of a knife I know it’s highly unlikely I will enjoy it even if it is the absolute best quality.
@@nachoisme- very fair point. Can't say I was much different. But now that I look back, did I need to spend at least a $1000 to figure it out? I could sell 85% of my budget knives and not miss them.
@@Abby_Normal_1969 It was all part of the learning process. I have done the same with cooking stuff in the kitchen, tools and you name it before I found what I liked and wondered why I spent so much. My carry has become much more refined and I now only have 6 knives as opposed to the 25 or so I had at one point just sitting in a drawer. I sold all of the budget stuff (mostly) off and now have what I like...and that I actually use.
So glad I got to handle a Sebenza 31 and 21 before buying. Ended up being a clear "no" for me. On the other hand, I REALLY liked the Mnandi. The particular model in stock was out of my price range, but I will be looking for the right one when the time is right. You just never can tell, but it sure is nice to find out before paying hundreds, when you can.
Hahahahahahahahaha ohhh Jesus this has got to be the best one so far. I totally agree just because 20000 people say a particular knife is the be all end all of knives but for you it could be like holding and using a rusty wrench! It’s lovely to get the guidance but sometimes it’s just a case of we shall agree to disagree on this one! Have a beautiful day M_C absolutely cracking episode 😘👍
Always fun to get in the time machine. I watched half this video when you put it out. Stopped, and ordered a larger fancy sebenza. I ran into the same wall you did. Immediately was hit by lackluster. Pocket clip feels like sandpaper on the pocket, handle finish easily marked, kvt as the lock face seems to be wearing faster than other frame locks. The lock up seems to be the biggest let down. Its solid, but gonna die long before other locks. I could be wrong. For phosphor bronze washer knives in or around the price range, the large Spartan SHF is my favorite. Medford and toor before sebenza. Still glad i bought it. Still keeping the sebenza because I'm at least collecting one of every big brand that catches my eye. I think the sebenza is the only knife I got in 2024 that still has the factory edge.
Wish I would have seen this years Ago .Thanks MC.!
I have a crk. Great knifes BUT..... I agree with ur assessment of the Sebenza
How you feel about the Sebenza is exactly how I feel about Hindeerer designs, just soulless clunky pocket peckers. I'm more into sleek sophisticated profiles. Holt knifes are my favorite designs.
Hold on, lemmie grab my Sebenza.
You keep on liking what you like. Heck, I'm the guy that didn't fall in love with the Arius...
I definitely always thought the sebenza was an overhyped basic knife for way too much money. I felt the same way MC does when I first handled one that a friend had. Plus I don't own any thumbstud openers anyway.
Buyer's remorse knives for me include XM24, Socom Bravo, or just about every Emerson I've bought (except my modded Yangtze Jack)...All mostly because I wear shorts most days and these knives were huge lol. Thank goodness for Reddit where I could pass them onto someone who'd appreciate them.
This wasn't about buyers regret at all. Hehe, still entertaining, thanks MC
Love this video man. It is so true about the sabenza. I hate the thumb studs. You think they would have changed them on the 31. Really unreal with all the complaints they have gotten. Also the blade steel on my 21 is so soft and doesn’t hold edge at all. Love the channel man.
In the last year I went from collecting Hot Wheels Treasure Hunts to Rc cars/trucks and now knives
After listening to everyone online I finally purchased a Sebenza. I waited till I got home to take it out of the box and was genuinely like a kid on Xmas. Took it out and loved the look. Then I started to open and close it. I was told by the retailer that it was going to be different than most other knives so I was prepared for that. But after opening and closing it for most of the night, the action actually started to get worse. Toward the end of the evening, it actually started to sound and feel like it was metal grinding against metal. I returned it the next day.
The Cold Steel video, where the Sebenza snapped in three seconds still cracks me up!!!
I also had buyers remorse on 2 Microtech knives I brought.
Purchased an xm-18 on impulse because i loved crk so much, i anticipated using it as a more fidgety alternative, but never really fell in love it with.
Granted, that's the awesome part of the knife community, i love that there are such vast variations of "perfect edc"
I've come to love the inkosi insingo more than everything else, going on 6 years with mine (original owner)
It's been abused, i am a hobbiest hotrodder and that thing has pryed oil filters, cut staples (accidentally), been dropped in 11qts of used oil and much more. Love that thing.
Always appriciate the content even though it doesn't always align with my opinion😂
I just got a two sun ts186tida I finally got something with timascus and I’m not loving the front flipper. I don’t know what to do I love the looks and the m390 blade is sharp as a razor but I should have just stuck to my microtechs I think.
I recently bought a twosun knife ts218 that has a front flipper. When I first got it I couldn't even work it at all. Kept flying out of my hands. I thought it was the most dangerous thing ever. Plus it has a weird side pocket clip . I bought it on Amazon so I wrote to the seller expressing my disappointment & told him I was thinking of returning it. He offered to refund 40 of the $51 that it cost and I could keep the knife. I said yes and guess what? After hanging out with it for some time I can now flip it like a pro. Just took getting used to. So maybe write to them with your concerns and see what happens.
I wanted a Hinderer so bad! Videos on the knife fueled my anxiety to have one immediately. By luck I found one at Grommets. Lol I hated that damn knife after getting it.
Total buyers remorse over this pos lol.
I owned a handful of the knives on that list including an xm 18 and even a couple full customs and I preferred my 21 large insingo over all of them. I was surprised it didn't make the list too. That said, it seems overpriced to me, maybe, and the regular blade shape doesn't really blow my skirt up. Just the insingo sheeps foot.
I had to carry my Sebenza for a month straight before I started to appreciate it.
I've been lucky. I almost bought two knives that I'd made into the perfect thing in my head, but I dodged a bullet both times: once by pure chance, the other because I'm in good with the owner of a brick and mortar knife shop. I've even surprised myself in a good way (with the S35VN Tenacious Lightweight), but there have been two other knives I've bought and hated. So, here's the breakdown...
I dodged a bullet on the Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 21. No, not the Large Sebenza 21; I have that knife and love it. The SMALL Sebenza 21. Ironic in view of the topic of the video, but I figured "okay, this is gonna be like a Delica to my Large Sebenza 21's Endura!" So this is the one I did exactly what you did with: built it up over and over in my mind until it became the perfect companion to one of my favorite knives in my entire collection. I also have large hands. Beginning to see where this is going? Now, my brick and mortar shop is a smaller place, but they are a Chris Reeve dealer, and I asked the owner "hey look, I got my Large 21 online based on recommendations and just happened to love it...can I just take a look at the Small 21?" He said "Sure You'll hate it, but sure." I was stunned. He said it like I'd just asked him to hand me a screwdriver; it was that kind of emotion. But he brought it out, and there was this little tiny knife and I'm thinking "THAT...is a Small Sebenza 21?! It looked...bigger...". I opened and closed it twice, put it back into the box after making sure it was clean, and the owner just smiled and said "told ya you'd hate it."
The second time was under very different circumstances. I was about a month away from buying a Benchmade Bugout, everyone's favorite knife. Except mine, as it would turn out. Nothing inherently wrong with the design, and I even like the Benchmade Bailout and Benchmade Griptilian. But I picked up the Bugout from a guy working on my property helping rebuild a fence (he, meanwhile, got to play around with the Spyderco Ikuchi I had on me. And I felt--not saying this was the case, and if you've got a Bugout and love it, then great--the following at the time: "they made a knife around ounce-counting. I cannot justify buying this when I can have a Bailout and already have a well-loved 550 Griptilian, plus the Ritter Hogue and the Ritter Hogue Mini [one of the few really small knives I actually do like a great deal])." And I just lost interest in the Bugout. But, as I said, there were two times I failed to dodge a bullet.
The first time was with--drumroll please--the ESEE-4 fixed blade. It just felt awkward. Blocky and uncomfortable. I never liked it in any way in very stark contrast to every other ESEE I own. It was made with the same quality as my beloved ESEE-5, ESEE-6, ESEE Laser Strike, and my Izula II. But I just did not like it. At all. Took me a while to realize why. So fast forward and ESEE announces their S35VN knives. Being a fan of fixed blade belt knives, I got the ESEE-3 in S35VN and I loved it. All the while, I'm noting all these similarities to my ESEE-4, which I'd since sold to my handyman and it became a sort of "why do I love this thing?" It just felt so nice in the hand and...and then I realized what was wrong with my ESEE-4. And then I took the plunge: the ESEE-4, all over again, in S35VN. And I love it. Not because because of the blade steel, either (though it's a fine bonus for what I'm using it for!), but because of the handle scales. The ESEE-4 in 1095 CroVan with the slabs-of-micarta handle scales felt awful in my hand. It felt like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. But the textured G-10 handle scales on the S35VN version were a dream. Shoot, I may even buy another ESEE-4 in 1095 CroVan, provided it's got those textured G-10 handle scales.
And then there was the complete miss. The knife that felt defective and wasn't. I'd bought a few special runs of Buck knives and "modernized 110" I created in their online custom shop. I love that last one. So I figured I'd get their Buck 347 Vantage Pro-based Buck of the Month in S35VN when it came out. Hoo boy, was that ever a mistake. So far, it's given me the worst flipping action of any flipper knife I've ever owned and is SO hold sensitive when flipping that if I can get one in 20 flips, I'm doing well. The opening hole wasn't chamfered too well, so reverse flicking it was a literal pain until I used a ceramic rod to knock down the edges. Lockup is around 60%, though has not moved. The micarta inlays in the handle are beautiful...but the handles themselves are cheap FRN. And by cheap, I mean "feels like gas station knife plastic" cheap. The ergonomics are weird. It works, it's got a great pocket clip, and the grind is probably the third or fourth best grind I've ever seen on a Buck folder from the 21st century. But the knife just began sitting in my drawer, barely used at all, and there it has stayed for over three months. And yet...I've had no problems with Buck since then!
I bought an elementum and an xl sheepdog as my first "good knives" and carried them for over a year. I wish I spent that money on a benchmade freek.
My first "expensive" knife was a Super Freek and I still love it. It''s my dedicated work knife and the only thing I dislike about it is taking it apart to clean it. I think a lot of people got taken for a ride by knife banter when they first got into the hobby as they always hype the shit out of specific knives.
@@jameswilson8907 Yes knife banter does like to hype things up by weird noises while holding their overstock products. But Dutch bushcraft knives did a destruction test with the freek and that won me over. I admit I did hope the lack of liners would make it either easy to clean intact or be easy to take apart. How is it for you with rust? Did you have any issues with hard use?
@@powerart1 I'm a mechanic and I'll just say that my Freek has been used to unclip wire holders with the tip and cut cable ties in hard to reach areas more times than I can count, I've had no issues in that regard and holds an edge fairly well for being used in non ideal conditions and cutting open rotor packaging and sometimes scraping the rotors themselves. I did have to send it in to Benchmade one time to repolish the backside of the blade where the sliding bar travels as I had some corrosion there but otherwise the coating on the blade is extremely durable.
@@jameswilson8907 Thanks. Besides the hardware it still might be my next knife. I was actually wondering if it could handle zip ties well.
Great topic MC. If you collect knives long enough you're eventually going to have buyers remorse over a knife purchase. I had the same experience recently. My thing is out the side manual folders but I thought I needed at least one OTF auto for my collection, so I purchased a Microtech Troodon. I was immediately underwhelmed by the knife. I remember opening and closing it and thinking "This thing just doesn't have any soul." It did absolutely NOTHING for me. After a couple weeks I sold it to a friend who absolutely loves it. I put the money back into my knife fund and am currently saving for the Atlanta Blade Show where I hope to get my next "grail" out the side manual folder.
You explain things very well and that is why I love to watch your reviews your the best
Ah yes, MC, my enabler and my therapist, keep it up!
My remorse is a Hogue X-5, with the 4” blade. It’s really nice, but all I’ve done with it was fidget. I always pick something else to carry. I’ll end up throwing it on eBay.
Many of the high end knives are expensive in part because they're in limited supply or the demand is so high that they sell out within minutes of hitting the market. Obviously there are other factors and there are exceptions, but you can usually resell an expensive knife that doesn't do it for you if it's still in "like new" condition without taking much of a loss. Some of the exclusives and sprint runs will even turn a profit (if you're okay with being that guy). Buying a new knife, as long as it's not going to compromise my finances, seems like a relatively low risk activity.
I live in Idaho nearish CRK and I held one FINALLY at blade ops. I was so underwhelmed and heartbroken when this knife I’ve been working toward which was finally in my hand and it was forgettable. I bet CRK was INSANE and TOP OF THE TOP at the time when it came to market but damn. It felt like a Buck with thumb studs to me. Don’t get me wrong I have admiration and appreciation for CRK but not at all for me. Not even a little bit
That's why it's said to "never meet your heros" I traded my 520whp sr20 powered S15 that was a complete build of love because I was going to buy a R35 gtr... I got one for the weekend from a friend to drive before I bought one... on the funnest roads I have ever drove on that are a complete total thrill in the s15 was numb. The car just did what it's told, no fuss no over steer no understeer just dead feeling but so precise at the same time. After about 300 miles I knew I was NOT buying a R35. The person I sold the S15 to sold it back to me a week later for exactly what I sold it to him for and THANK GOD he did because if I had to start over and rebuild me another S15 it would have taken forever with how difficult getting parts has become and would be insanely expensive to the point I likely wouldn't have be able to build my car again.
It's daily driver reliable (my normal driving is on a 380whp map, car is totally capable of 520whp but I never run that map) super responsive boost response and just so fun to drive. My normal car is a TRD Camary but I do drive the S15 a lot.
My next halo car is a 300zx TT and I will own one. The great thing is that is a car that I have ample driving experience with and know that I want one badly and when I get it I will be the happiest girl in the world.
The R35 thing really made me look differently at wanting things so bad I can't stand it.
Ultimately everyone is different. I (and my hubby) like some knives you're not crazy about and you like some that are just too 'blingy' for our tastes. : ) I don't use and abuse my knives - like you state - be real, we use them to open Amazon packages and letters etc... For the most part our knives don't get heavy use. And honestly if I'm outside needing a heavy duty knife I will grab a fixed blade... my go to is Esee for that. Like I wanted a Demko 20.5 forEVER - then I got the less expensive version as the blade steel didn't really mean anything for my usage - when I got it I HATED the cheap feeling scales. Which made me seriously disappointed with the knife - then I saw some basic titanium scales that were under $100 and I bought them and made me LOVE the knife. So I have my Demko that I spent a total of $175 on and am very, very happy.
I rhought the CRKs had super tight tolerances and machining...that was the deal with those.
I won’t spend hundreds (knives, flashlights, etc) or thousands (pistols, rifles, etc) for anything that I cannot see and handle first. I learned that lesson a long, long time ago.
Jeez Louise that Chunky Knife looks like a Chey 1-Ton Dually Crew Cab! I've got a Sebenza, also have a Tactile Pen. I feel the same way about the pen as you do the Sebenza and can't see pulling the trigger on the Tactile Knife. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so Kudos to you for being honest. Like Christopher Walken wanting more "Cow Bell" I'm wanting more "King of the Hill" impersonations Mr.! They're Hill-arious!
Where did you get that crusader bead? It's on the bottom one over
I feel the same way. Heard nothing but good things. Gotta get a sebenza, you need a sebenza. I got a sebenza. I’m not impressed. Exact same reasons you listed. It’ll stay in my collection. But if I had one in hand prior, I would’ve bought pretty much anything else
I was shocked after I bought a small Sabenza 31 when I noticed they put the lanyard hole so close to the knife tip that the blade actually cuts into the lanyard they had installed from the factory. Pathetic for a $400 knife.
Actually bought my Shikari because of your review and love it!
Im in that place now, i want to but the zt 0562 ti but en im not sure, do you think it a good buy nowdays? Or exist another option titanium framelock around 300 bucks?
The ZT0562 is absolutely a good knife. I'm sure others will have other ideas of what to consider in that price point but my 0562 is by far my most carried knife. You definitely can't go wrong with it.
Totally subjective, but I'll take my 0562 over the XM18 any day. It's a "feel" thing for me. Also, the stock clip sits very deep and holds the knife perfectly down the side of your pocket. You can find them from 220-250 on the secondary market. Absolutely still a good purchase.
@@paulcoste8093 agreed. I was expecting when I bought an xm-18 to like it more than my 0562. That was NOT the case. Traded off my hinderer, still carry my 0562
I bought an inkosi and it was an amazing example, zero flaws and early lockup. I found the handle case way too narrow for my liking and I ended up selling it off. It has such a nice and useful blade but the handle is just like holding a twig. My Hinderer XM-18 Skinny is a much nicer light weight thin EDC that has more user friendly handle. For serious tasks the XM-24 puts the work in.
CRK had the first frame lock and had a lot of magazine write ups. He perfected the simple design and people liked it at the time, faster than a lock back. These days Tim's job is making the knives for as little $ as possible and the shops job is to reduce man hours keep machines making knives and make money.
CRK are the worst knife feeling out of the box. My first thought when asked about them is sandpaper, rattling, and extreme "Thumb pain". I own a Zaan, Sebenza, and Inkosi and I keep asking myself why I have them.
I'm eyeballing a CRK large Inkosi tanto left handed model. $450.00 seems like a good deal for what it is. I like knife makers that also have models out there for us wrong-handed folks.
You won't regret it. I recommend getting the micarta scales on it, it feels better in the hand. It's my favorite knife.
@@clo2715 the one I've inquired about does have the micarta inlays. And I'm getting about $100 off the sticker price so what the heck. I have a couple Hinderers and a Strider, so I think it's time to add a CRK to make the Holy Trinity!
Yep I love my Large Inkosi Black Micarta Tanto
Out of the big 3 crk I'd have to agree. I'll take the zaan and inkosi over the seb anyday. But the action thing is subjective imo. If you go in knowing it's not going to be a pocket princess(looking at you arius) but instead a work horse and something intended to be a tool, not a fidget toy it's much easier to love.
Full disclosure, the zaan was my first crk. At first I didn't like it compared to other knives in my collection that flew open and dropped shut, so I carried it for a few days and my remorse disappeared. My thoughts changed to, "Jesus, a knife is a tool, not a fidget spinner. I love this thing."
TLDR: Thanks for the fair thought through comparison.
I still drool over your black stonewash Xm 24’s… great video tho are you familiar with Andre de villiers- want me to send you a couple to check out
That opens like my Jeep promo folding knife...really slow.
Or is it that I am no good at it?
The Sebenza is something you need to use and carry and break in to fully appreciate and understand.
I did. Went down the whole path with it. I don't like it. That path has ended permanently for me.
I know this is an old video but i absolutely get what you're saying. Sometimes an individual's reaction to something that many people love is so different. I know exactly how this feels. It's like going out to eat with friends and they hype up a place or a beer or whiskey and you do the thing and you just don't like it. I remember going out in downtown Nashville. The bartender talked to us and hyped up a hoppy Flat Tire beer so we thought why not. Both of us thought it was gross. I wanted to let it fall out of my mouth instead of actually swallow it. She saw our distaste and immediately have us something else and didn't charge us. Good on her. She said "I don't know if I'm going to recommend that any more."
BTW I'm not trying to compare a pricy knife to a beer... Just the immediate disliking of something other people seemed to love.
Knives have a soul like puppies and shouldn't be resold. Better look for a good home instead of going for the money. I just happen to run a puppy-knife home. 🙂 You can send me all the knives you don't like anymore and I will take care of them 😂
I kind of feel the same way with Spydercos... I kept hearing how great they are ,etc..bought one and though mehh..it just didn't do anything for me...and I feel lots of people feel that way as well since I see them often being sold in knifeswap.