The Chris Reeve Sebenza has become synonymous world wide with quality, rock solid performance and a "bank vault" feel. First developed in 1987, the Sebenza has gone through some minor changes over the years. The Sebenza 21 was released in 2008 to celebrate 21 years of Sebenza. This iteration boasts a stonewashed S35VN blade and sand blasted titanium handles. The blued titanium thumb lug adds a fantastic visual dimension. Each Sebenza is individually fitted to the closest tolerances. This model is a right hand dedicated and the titanium pocket clip is right hand, tip up. All the fittings are 303 stainless steel.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Blade Length: 3.625" (92 mm)
- Blade Thickness: .125" (3.175 mm)
- Blade Material: CPM S35VN Stainless Steel
- Blade Hardness: 58-59HRC
- Blade Style: Clip Point
- Blade Finish: Stonewash
- Handle Thickness: .150" (3.81 mm)
- Handle Material: 6AI4V Titanium
- Thumb Lug: 6AI4V Titanium
- Fittings: 303 Stainless Steel
- Weight: 4.7 oz. (133 g)
- Pocket Clip: 6AI4V Titanium, Right Hand, Tip Up
Simple yet Impactful
The Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21 is like a finely tuned watch. It is accurate, purely made, and filled with fine parts. Besides being purely made and being a fine knife, the Sebenza claims a rich history that amplifies its worth. Back in 1991, Chris Reeve introduced the original knife to the world. Since its initial release, the knife has changed the company to what it is today. It is that remarkable of a knife. An initial 75 orders led the business to expand its production with the purchase of a computerized production and a larger facility to produce this popular knife. This made it possible to increase the quality and quantity of the Sebenza. Again several years later in 1996, the Chris Reeve Company experienced a sudden growth spurt to further enhance the success of both the knife and the small business. Chris Reeve would not be where it is today without this extraordinary knife.
Idaho Made
On each knife made is the imprint Idaho Made. This proud proclamation has much meaning behind its statement and has come a far way to leave its imprint on the world. From humble beginnings in South Africa, Chris Reeve and a few select others set out to help solve the problems that faced the knife industry. Originally working alone, Reeve moved his way through the industry with his craftsmanship, determination, and hard work. These attributes, being demonstrated around him by the native people in South Africa, shined through his work; especially through the Sebenza. Reeves declared,
Zulu is the native language of the area in South Africa where I was born and raised. The Zulu people traditionally lived their lives in a simplistic, no-nonsense way and I have used that same approach in the way I design and make my knives. Sebenza means work in Zulu these knives are intended to do just that,
And worked he did. After his time in Africa, he along with others formed a company called Blackjack Knives. Based out of Los Angeles California, Reeve and the others sought out to sell the knives he had been developing since 1984. However, after a near bankruptcy and other problems, Reeve set out to make and sell his knives independently. By 1989, Chris and his wife Anne arrived in Boise, Idaho early March. A month after their arrival, they and their small business had set up shop. Like how many small business start off, Chris Reeve Knives had a rough beginning. But with that Sebenza attitude that had carried them across the world and through time, the company was able to succeed. For a more complete history of the company, see the Chris Reeve Website.
How Chris Reeve and the Large Sebenza 21 Revolutionized the Knife Industry
Chris Reeve and the Large Sebenza 21 have revolutionized how knives are produced, and how they function. He once proclaimed,
I have put a great deal of thought into the different features of the Sebenza and know that this is a knife which will work hard, keep a good edge and will be easy to maintain,
Three of the biggest impacts on the industry he and the knife have made include: creating the Reeve Integral Locking system or R.I.L., the fabrication of the CPM S30V Stainless Steel, and the use of Perforated Thrust Washers.
Reeve Integral Locka type of frame locking system that was introduced with the Sebenza. The original Integral Lock was developed by Reeve in 1987. Of the locking system Reeve said,
"My first impressions of the liner lock style locking mechanism were very favorable but when I examined it more closely, I decided that I didn't much like the flimsiness of the thin liner. After some thought, I redesigned the concept and have created the Sebenza Integral Lock© which I believe to be the most rugged folding knife on the market,
As a folding knife lock, it is used when a handle slab (usually located on the back of the knife) is slotted in a groove on the knife to lock the knife into place. This groove is in place behind the blade to refrain it from closing. Critics suggest that this is one of the best locking mechanisms for its life-long durability and its reliability. The locking system makes the Large Sebenza 21 more reliable during use because of its ability to resist slipping while retaining its strength.
CPM S30V Stainless Steelconsidered to be one of the best steel types available. This American made steel is quite capable of retaining an edge and is able to withstand high pressures due to its high ductility. Combining all of these attributes with its corrosion resistance, CPM S30V steel is known as a Super Steel and typically found in higher-end tactical knives as well in custom knives. This steel was created as a joint effort between Dick Barber of Crucible Industries and Chris Reeve. Because of its high-end qualities, the material becomes costly, but is definitely worth the cost. The steel greatly increases the worth of the Large Sebenza 21. With this fine steel, the knife is more capable of handling any job it encounters.
Perforated Thrust Washersthis new type of washer was introduced with the 2008 Umnumzaan folder. The Thrust washers differ from standard washers because of their ability to bear heavy loads and not weaken over time. It is a newer generation washer system with larger perforations, which helps retain lubricating grease better than previous designs. To be effective in use, thrust washers must be heat treated and then polished to achieve a hardness and surface finish that is equal to the bearing that is being supported. These finely made parts provide the Large Sebenza 21 with a more smooth motion when opening and being capable of handling heavy-duty use.
Chris Reeve Knives has and will continue to change the way knives operate and perform in the future. It is exciting to see what they develop and their progression. Of this progress, Reeve stated,
Sebenzas are a work in progress. I strive continually to advance minor features of the Sebenza so as to improve our methods of making the knives and to enhance their performance. Our knives are fitted to the tightest tolerances in the industry and the Sebenza has set a very high standard for the industry.
Contents
The Chris Reeve Company has a deep interest and concern in their customers. They prioritize to insure the user is satisfied with their products. Included with the Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21 is a full kit that meets the companys goal of a pleased customer. Within the kit, there is an Allen wrench to enable the Sebenza 21 owner to tighten or take apart the knife. Along with the wrench comes a list of instructions and guidelines to tightening the knife. The kit also includes the companys special formulated lubrication to preserve the knife for a life-time. The lubrication included is a Fluorinated Grease. Lastly included is a towel to assist with cleaning and shinning. Besides these tools to help upkeep the knife, there are a few papers that provide information regarding maintenance, warranties, and other miscellaneous information.
Easy to Maintain
Included with each Large Sebenza 21 knife is a sheet of instructions to best maintain the knife for a lifetime. From that paper, here are some specific instructions to ensure a well-kept blade:
Each knife is supplied with an Allen wrench to enable you to dismantle the knife, should you wish to do so. The wrench can also be used to ensure that the screws are kept tightfinger tight is good, it is not necessary to super tighten them, and please do not use Loctite or any similar product. Also when removing/tightening the screw please make sure the wrench is seated securely to prevent stripping the screw.
Before storage, wipe the knife clean with a soft cloth (included). If it has been used in a corrosive medium (blood, salt water, fruit juice, etc.) be sure to rinse it in fresh water. Coat the blade with a thin film of lubricant (like WD-40) or a good quality gun oil (3-in-1 or similar), wiping off any excess. Should you wish to lubricate the pivot, use a Teflon lubricantour Fluorinated Grease (included) is recommended for this purpose.
Chris Reeve makes it quite simple for the user to maintain the Large Sebenza 21. The same paper ends with this quote, Take care of your knife and it will take care of you! As before compared, the Sebenza is like a finely tuned watch. It only stays that way if it is cared for. If not, the watch falls out of sync and loses its worth. It no longer can perform the function it was intended for. The same hold true for the knife. If you take care of your knife, then it will take care of you.
Specs
Along with the rich history and impressive impact on the knife industry, the Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21 specifications are noteworthy as well. The knife sits comfortably well with those who have larger hands along with those whose hand size is average. Another notable specification to the knife is its blade length. It almost makes up half the distance of the overall length. When holding it in person, it is easy to see: this knife is ready for some cutting. Some other specs include:
·Overall Length: 8.335"
·Closed Length: 4.71
·Blade Length: 3.625"
·Blade Thickness: 0.125"
·Blade Material: Crucible CPM-S35VN
·Blade Style: Clip-Point
·Handle Material: 6Al4V Titanium
·Weight: 4.70 oz.
·Clip: tip-up carry pocket clip
·Sheath: None
·Made in Idaho, USA
Pocket Real-Estate
To help make the knife feel better in the pocket and improve the transition from pocket to hand, there are a few key things to highlight about the Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21. For starters, the knife is pretty flat and narrow compared to many other knives. This allows more room for those other important items that are kept in the pocket, i.e. cell phone, wallet, keys, etc. The knife has a nice weight to it so that it is noticeable, but not overbearing. You will know you have your knife on hand ready for action. What sticks out on this knife is the little bit of rope carefully tied near the clip. Not only does this help add character aesthetically to the knife, but is highly functional. This helps pulling the knife from the pocket much easier.
Uses
The Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21 is not your typical every day carry. With components such as the CPM S30V stainless steel, the Perforated Thrust Washers, and the high precision in sharpening this knife makes it a heavy-duty, industrial ready blade. If cutting all day is what you do, this is the knife for you.
Variations
There are several variations available when it comes to the Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21. The most notable of the changes are the blade style and the different handle finishes. The two different types of finishes that vary are wood inlays of different types, and different designs that are embellished on the handle. The wood finishes include Micarta, Gabon Ebony, Cocobolo, Snakewood, Bocote, and Box Elder.
The Insingo Blade is the other type of blade type option. However it is only available as Large or Small and is available only with the plain and Micarta inlay handle and only with a tumble finish.
For those that are left-handed, there are options for you. Granted they are limited, but the quality of this knife makes it a great choice regardless.
For more information on the different types of variations, see http://www.bladeops.com/Chris-Reeve-Knives-from-BladeOps-com-s/898.htm.
The Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21 is simple, but quite effective. This high quality knife is perfect for those heavy-duty jobs you may encounter. Like the finely tuned watch, you get what you pay for; a piece of technology that will last you forever. As a quote from a paper in the Sebenza says, Look after it, and it will look after you. The Sebenza will take care of you and fill all your needs.