I have the Inkosi Insingo in s45vn and the Sebenza 31 with Magnacut on order. Needless to say, the Inkosi made me sell a lot of my knives because I wasn't using them.
My favorite is the Sebenza. I love everything about it. I never really understood the point of the Inkosi, looks like a Sebenza with finger grooves and without the CRK signature pivot bushing. I respect the style of Umnumzaan, but don't really like its features: The blade shape with the thumb cut-outs, thumbstuds with rubber o-rings, the pattern on the titanium handles, the protruding lock bar and the clip which sits so close to the side of the knife. The Plain Jane Large Sebenza 31 with drop point is the one I own, carry every day and love.
I own multiples of all 3 models, in large and small as the sebenza goes. Hands down, without any question.. plain Jane large sebenza is my overwhelming favorite
@@jamesstephenson2346as a lefty I wish I could find a new plain Jane large sebenza. I have a lefty plain Jane large inkosi in drop point and insingo. Freakin love them. A part of me really wants to try a sebenza though but the only lefties I can find have inlays which I am not a fan of and are in Damascus which I am also not a fan of. 😭
I believe it’s the Umnum that has a deep hollow grind and the other two have a regular hollow grind. Great video tho thank you for taking the time to put it together!
The original Umnumzaan has a much more comfortable lock bar that people complained they could not close but they just needed to break it in and it helps to use the pad of your thumb to close it. I’ve had several Umnumzaan and different versions and the original from 2008 up to part 2009 is the best
My first CRK was a large 31 with micarta. Took some warming up to because i was used to spyderco and benchmade. But the longer i had it the more i fell for it. Just got a large inkosi with and micarta and insingo this weekend and i already love the inkosi more than the sebenza. For me the ergos are better than the sebenza.
I like the Zaan the most. Because it's very raw and overall a very good knife. The studs are placed further back, so they are not in the way with slicing stuff. Never thought that I would like it that much. And I'm in love with the blade shape of the Zaan. The tip, together with that swedge, is very good for stabbing. Crk is definitely my favorite knife brand.
I haven’t ventured into that price range yet but I’m sure someday I will get atleast a sebenza. I love the new inlay pattern on the 31 so I would probably lean towards getting the inlay version because I doubt I will buy multiple Chris reeves so might as well get the one I like.
I really am not a fan of the inlays of the sebenza. To me in kinda ruins the ergos for my hands but I think it depends greatly on hand size. Polishing the washers and using the right lubricant combination can make the action really good on any of these. Great video!
I got a large Sebenza 21 Insingo with micarta inlays after handling all of them a bunch. I got a regrind on mine. I think next up will be an Umnumzaan. I love the large Inkosi too with inlays. The inlays feel better in my opinion. Overall I like the looks of the Umnumzaan the best and the feel of the Sebenza the best.
That inkosi is one bad ass looking knife,J.M.O. But I am a sucker for tantos and would not hesitate to drop the $$$ for that knife. I just got my 2nd J.Hoback sumo due to how much I love the knife regardless of the questionable Hoback shady shenanigans. Anyway I think that NKosi would drop my 2 sumos down to #2&3 on the list of favs in my collection.
This review was long overdue, thank you for making it. One point though (at the risk of repeating myself) - I have heard a few (subjective) opinions on the S45VN CRKs not being great with edge retention. Did you notice any relevant difference to CRK’s S35VN? I personally would anyway wait for the MagnaCut … I am not in a hurry.
Edge retention wise I haven’t noticed much of a difference, but I have noticed that s45 sharpens and strops up better. I’m guessing this is due to the higher HRC. Thanks for watching
I’ve had a Sebenza 25 for some eight years and it has good durability. It’s engineering is flawed however. My peeve is the stop pin. When I first cleaned and reassembled I didn’t notice the stop pin has a milled flat surface on one area which has to face the pivot for clearance. The scimpy instructions didn’t mention it. I needed better instructions and less decals and shop cloth in the box. It was a pain to realize the stop pin needed an adhesive to keep the knife from jamming like a 1911 with a bad mag. I’ve learned to live with it and the quality materials are the good part of the package. But, I won’t try another. Chris was already gone when they produced the 25 and my modernized Buck 110 cuts as well and feels better while working with its wider grip.
Bought my first crk two weeks ago. Normally I prefer +-3" blade knives for edc so i went with the small inkosi with a tanto blade. Needless to say that i literally felt in love with it. Now i have an umnumzaan on its way😅 my wallet is dying hahaha
I love the color on these blades. I truly want one in this, but......Guess that will never happen. (Also fully Black is nice). Anyway, Wonder if there's someone who can stonewash/sandblast them Dark Grey, blade, handle, hardware(screws, thumbstuds and more?) And also, l truly like the Tanto. It looks Great for a working-knife(like a prybar at the front. But this will be my last knife,, at least my primary one, EDC. So, what would you have choosen as your main blade style? Would love to hear your opinion. Means alot. Best wishes, Thomas, Norway
I got lucky and had an S45VN Insingo Inkosi come up as a trade offer, but if I had a choice I'd probably have picked the tanto. IDK why, but I think it just looks so good with the inkosi handle. Any interest in the new CRK fixed blades shown at Blade? Thoughts on the compression lock military Spyderco finally showed there?
I’m not really interested in the CRK fixed blade. There’s a lot of good small makers out there that I could get a fixed blade from that have thinner grinds and better heat treats for that price. I am going to stick with my original millie, it doesn’t need to be changed and I will die on that hill lol
Carbidizing and heat treating the lock face aren't the same. Carbidizing means carbides are added to the material. Heat treating just hardens with heat.
It’s hard to pick a favorite for me between the 21 and Zaan. The Zaan is bad ass and the 21 blade cuts cardboard like butter. My Inkosi is definitely my least favorite of the 3. The blade is thick behind the edge. The ergo’s are great but it just doesn’t do it for me like the other 2. Great video I enjoyed your take on the knives.
I finally bought my first CRK a few months ago. I got a PJ large Sebenza and I’m convinced I got the worst action of any Sebenza ever made. I’ve polished washers, cleaned, greased, etc., and nothing has worked. I think I’m going to give it and sell it and look for a 21 and an Inkosi.
@@itsaknifestyle8482 I think overall they make an excellent product, but I think they could do a couple of things that would make them the best in the market.
They ruined the 31. Gritty action and lock flex. Moved away from the bushing stop pin too. Super bummed, picked one up and was not impressed at all. I don't want to pay for the markup on a 21.
@@itsaknifestyle8482 It depends on the model like always. I haven't seen any PJ 21's but the micarta and wood variants charge about 100-150 premium over retail. I may bite the bullet and get one before they become unobtanium but there are so many knives out there that are great in that price range.
I believe there were some issues at the very beginning with the 31s..I’ve heard a couple rumors as to why. That said, I have 2; small in s45 and large in magnacut. I will say the actions are great on both (especially after a month of break in) and there is definitely zero lock flex. 🤷♂️
I have the Inkosi Insingo in s45vn and the Sebenza 31 with Magnacut on order. Needless to say, the Inkosi made me sell a lot of my knives because I wasn't using them.
Just got my inkosi insingo magnacut. Pretty staggering fit and finish.
My favorite is the Sebenza. I love everything about it. I never really understood the point of the Inkosi, looks like a Sebenza with finger grooves and without the CRK signature pivot bushing. I respect the style of Umnumzaan, but don't really like its features: The blade shape with the thumb cut-outs, thumbstuds with rubber o-rings, the pattern on the titanium handles, the protruding lock bar and the clip which sits so close to the side of the knife. The Plain Jane Large Sebenza 31 with drop point is the one I own, carry every day and love.
I own multiples of all 3 models, in large and small as the sebenza goes. Hands down, without any question.. plain Jane large sebenza is my overwhelming favorite
@@jamesstephenson2346as a lefty I wish I could find a new plain Jane large sebenza. I have a lefty plain Jane large inkosi in drop point and insingo. Freakin love them. A part of me really wants to try a sebenza though but the only lefties I can find have inlays which I am not a fan of and are in Damascus which I am also not a fan of. 😭
@@jamesstephenson2346Do you prefer the Insingo blade or the DP on your 31?
I really like them all, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the inkosi. Feels the best in hand.
It does feel great. Thanks for watchign
Fingers are a touch to big... sucks
@@themahones Yeah, I could see that. I have slim fingers so it fits me just right.
A very useful comparison. Thanks.
I believe it’s the Umnum that has a deep hollow grind and the other two have a regular hollow grind. Great video tho thank you for taking the time to put it together!
One year later….I have all three…AND I’m on the four year wait for the Sebenza 31 Magnacut with inlay ( burl maple) dual studs
The original Umnumzaan has a much more comfortable lock bar that people complained they could not close but they just needed to break it in and it helps to use the pad of your thumb to close it. I’ve had several Umnumzaan and different versions and the original from 2008 up to part 2009 is the best
Great video. Thanks for the detailed explanation on everything.
here from EDM awesome work guys
My first CRK was a large 31 with micarta. Took some warming up to because i was used to spyderco and benchmade. But the longer i had it the more i fell for it. Just got a large inkosi with and micarta and insingo this weekend and i already love the inkosi more than the sebenza. For me the ergos are better than the sebenza.
I like the Zaan the most. Because it's very raw and overall a very good knife. The studs are placed further back, so they are not in the way with slicing stuff. Never thought that I would like it that much. And I'm in love with the blade shape of the Zaan. The tip, together with that swedge, is very good for stabbing. Crk is definitely my favorite knife brand.
And, the thumb studs won’t jam the blade like a stop pin can.
I haven’t ventured into that price range yet but I’m sure someday I will get atleast a sebenza. I love the new inlay pattern on the 31 so I would probably lean towards getting the inlay version because I doubt I will buy multiple Chris reeves so might as well get the one I like.
I like both of the inlay patterns. The one on the 31 is cool because that was the pattern on the Sebenzas before the 21
I am waiting for my sebenza 31 with double lugs and black canvas micarta inlays in s45vn 👍💪😁
I have this one...do you like it?
I seen you inbox your first Sebenza. That was the best video. You could hear the excitement in your voice.
Magnacut is here! Full switch is expected in Q4 according to Tim Reeve.
Lefty here, can I switch the thumb stud placement on the Sabenza?
What? Dude...C'Mon now
I really am not a fan of the inlays of the sebenza. To me in kinda ruins the ergos for my hands but I think it depends greatly on hand size. Polishing the washers and using the right lubricant combination can make the action really good on any of these. Great video!
Thanks for watching. I really like the inlays but I guess we just got different hands
I got a large Sebenza 21 Insingo with micarta inlays after handling all of them a bunch. I got a regrind on mine. I think next up will be an Umnumzaan. I love the large Inkosi too with inlays. The inlays feel better in my opinion. Overall I like the looks of the Umnumzaan the best and the feel of the Sebenza the best.
That inkosi is one bad ass looking knife,J.M.O. But I am a sucker for tantos and would not hesitate to drop the $$$ for that knife. I just got my 2nd J.Hoback sumo due to how much I love the knife regardless of the questionable Hoback shady shenanigans. Anyway I think that NKosi would drop my 2 sumos down to #2&3 on the list of favs in my collection.
The ZAAN is a tank!
This review was long overdue, thank you for making it. One point though (at the risk of repeating myself) - I have heard a few (subjective) opinions on the S45VN CRKs not being great with edge retention. Did you notice any relevant difference to CRK’s S35VN? I personally would anyway wait for the MagnaCut … I am not in a hurry.
Edge retention wise I haven’t noticed much of a difference, but I have noticed that s45 sharpens and strops up better. I’m guessing this is due to the higher HRC. Thanks for watching
I’ve had a Sebenza 25 for some eight years and it has good durability. It’s engineering is flawed however. My peeve is the stop pin. When I first cleaned and reassembled I didn’t notice the stop pin has a milled flat surface on one area which has to face the pivot for clearance. The scimpy instructions didn’t mention it. I needed better instructions and less decals and shop cloth in the box. It was a pain to realize the stop pin needed an adhesive to keep the knife from jamming like a 1911 with a bad mag.
I’ve learned to live with it and the quality materials are the good part of the package. But, I won’t try another. Chris was already gone when they produced the 25 and my modernized Buck 110 cuts as well and feels better while working with its wider grip.
Bought my first crk two weeks ago. Normally I prefer +-3" blade knives for edc so i went with the small inkosi with a tanto blade. Needless to say that i literally felt in love with it. Now i have an umnumzaan on its way😅 my wallet is dying hahaha
I just ordered an Umnumzaan.
I love the color on these blades. I truly want one in this, but......Guess that will never happen. (Also fully Black is nice). Anyway, Wonder if there's someone who can stonewash/sandblast them Dark Grey, blade, handle, hardware(screws, thumbstuds and more?) And also, l truly like the Tanto. It looks Great for a working-knife(like a prybar at the front. But this will be my last knife,, at least my primary one, EDC. So, what would you have choosen as your main blade style? Would love to hear your opinion. Means alot. Best wishes, Thomas, Norway
I got lucky and had an S45VN Insingo Inkosi come up as a trade offer, but if I had a choice I'd probably have picked the tanto. IDK why, but I think it just looks so good with the inkosi handle.
Any interest in the new CRK fixed blades shown at Blade? Thoughts on the compression lock military Spyderco finally showed there?
I’m not really interested in the CRK fixed blade. There’s a lot of good small makers out there that I could get a fixed blade from that have thinner grinds and better heat treats for that price.
I am going to stick with my original millie, it doesn’t need to be changed and I will die on that hill lol
@@itsaknifestyle8482
Not at all surprising, but I agree on both points. You're certainly not alone on that hill.
Carbidizing and heat treating the lock face aren't the same. Carbidizing means carbides are added to the material. Heat treating just hardens with heat.
It’s hard to pick a favorite for me between the 21 and Zaan. The Zaan is bad ass and the 21 blade cuts cardboard like butter. My Inkosi is definitely my least favorite of the 3. The blade is thick behind the edge. The ergo’s are great but it just doesn’t do it for me like the other 2. Great video I enjoyed your take on the knives.
Thanks for watching
I finally bought my first CRK a few months ago. I got a PJ large Sebenza and I’m convinced I got the worst action of any Sebenza ever made. I’ve polished washers, cleaned, greased, etc., and nothing has worked. I think I’m going to give it and sell it and look for a 21 and an Inkosi.
I’ve seen 31s with QC issues. It’s discouraging to see from a company like CRK
@@itsaknifestyle8482 I think overall they make an excellent product, but I think they could do a couple of things that would make them the best in the market.
Heck yeah
Didn’t mention that the Inkosi is also a front flipper
Because it's not. 😂Who tf front flips a Reeve?! C' mon now funny guy
They ruined the 31. Gritty action and lock flex. Moved away from the bushing stop pin too. Super bummed, picked one up and was not impressed at all. I don't want to pay for the markup on a 21.
Do you know about how much markup there is on the 21? I’m just curious, I haven’t been paying much attention to the secondary market recently
@@itsaknifestyle8482 It depends on the model like always. I haven't seen any PJ 21's but the micarta and wood variants charge about 100-150 premium over retail. I may bite the bullet and get one before they become unobtanium but there are so many knives out there that are great in that price range.
@@itsaknifestyle8482 I might go for an inlayed 31 because I love the pattern but I know it's a step down in quality which is lame.
I believe there were some issues at the very beginning with the 31s..I’ve heard a couple rumors as to why. That said, I have 2; small in s45 and large in magnacut. I will say the actions are great on both (especially after a month of break in) and there is definitely zero lock flex. 🤷♂️
Seriously bro, if you showing your fingers and hands that close on the video.. you need to take a manicure... please.. anyway cool knives..
It’s a knife video not a Barbie doll showcase quit being a baby 😂