Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31 - Left Hand- S45VN

In June 2019 at the BLADE Show, Chris Reeve Knives introduced the latest in its flagship line. Marking 31 years of the sebenza, and a legacy laden in major industry awards, the Sebenza 31 was an improvement over its predecessors in design as well as construction. With improved machinery and techniques, the Sebenza 31 starts with even higher tolerances than the 21.

The small Sebenza is an everyday carry knife featuring the simple, yet effective Chris Reeve design which made the Sebenza what is considered by many to be the perfect folding knife. A simple titanium handle which has been lapped completely flat, married to a blade that has been flattened again after heat treatment gives you that bank-vault lock feel with a spring steel type lock bar mechanism you can trust and feel.

The Blade

In working with Crucible Industries, Chris Reeve Knives has used CPM S45VN stainless steel to provide a blade that is incredibly tough as well as hard. With an HRC of 59-60, this high vanadium and niobium tool steel resists chips, marring, and retains its razor-sharp blade cut after cut. The drop point blade is hollow ground, providing a thin profile cutting surface and its stonewash finish makes it even more corrosion resistant for use in all sorts of conditions. The Small Sebenza is the smaller, more everyday carry-friendly knife in this line. With an overall length of 6.98" and a blade length of 2.99", this 3 oz. knife fits nicely in your pocket when folded and even nicer in your hand when you are ready to use it.

The Handle

The handle is made from 6AI4V blasted titanium which provides excellent strength to weight ratio as well as corrosion resistance. The frame lock incorporates a 1/8" ceramic ball to reduce abrasion between titanium and steel and gives you a reliable, solid lock use after use. The titanium pocket clip is nice for deep-pocket, tip-up carry and has been offset to give you a better feel in your hand than previous designs. The Small Sebenza 31 is available in right or left-handed designs with a myriad of customization options available. Chris Reeve Knives allow you to customize with spacers, thumb studs, and even replacement perforated bronze phosphor bushings, so you can adjust the knife exactly how you want it in the field. Chris Reeve Knives are proudly made in Boise, ID, USA.

The Sebenza

Perhaps the most famous of his knives is the sebenza. Renowned among collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who expects only the best in form, function, and bare-bones aesthetics, this knife is named for the Zulu word meaning "work" and does exactly that. It is the definition of "no-frills". What you do get is a simple titanium handle, surface ground, and fitted to a multipurpose S35VN stainless steel blade that has been ground, heat-treated, and quenched and then surface ground again to tolerances within 1/10th of 1000th of an inch. These tolerances rival even those of the aerospace industry and give a smooth opening blade, reliable and durable catch, as well as no side motion at all. The steel at a Rockwell hardness of 59-60 is versatile enough to keep from breaking even in the toughest of conditions, yet tough enough to hold an edge for a very long time on that hollow ground edge. The CPM particle metallurgy of the steel allows for both.

The Devil is in the Details

The hollow ground blade is stonewashed at 20,500 RPMs to give it a corrosion-resistant, non-reflective finish that allows for a longer-lasting edge than bead-blasted competitors. It's also pretty stunning to look at. The pieces are assembled by hand and set in place by screws tightened to a specific torque. Even the chamfer on the back of the blade is cut by hand to give it that added grip and performance you can come to expect from the CRK sebenza 21. Once it's locked in place with Chris Reeve's locking mechanism, that blade isn't going anywhere you don't want it to go. The 2.99" blade complements the overall 6.98" length nicely, giving it balance as well as a perfect utilitarian length and just .4" thick.

An All-Purpose Sebbie

For tough cutting jobs, constant use, or a daily carry knife, you'll want the small sebbie stashed away in your jeans pocket or onto your belt held by the titanium clip, ready to go whenever you need it. While in use, the nylon lanyard will keep it from getting too far if you drop it too, providing that extra peace of mind you'll want for what is to become your favorite knife. An optional leather belt sheath or calfskin leather pouch will keep it safe and clean, folded up for easy access.

Precision You Can Expect from a Sebenza Folding Knife

Aside from the precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that makes the sebenza 31 world-famous, Your small Sebenza folding knife is perfect for outdoor pursuits, camping, boating, tactical or survival applications. Not only that, but it is a unique, and striking knife to behold. So be prepared for a conversation anytime this knife comes out, especially if you are around people who know their blades.

Who is Chris Reeve?

For nearly 30 years, Chris Reeve sebenza knives have been turning heads among knife aficionados, cutlery enthusiasts, and people who recognize quality and aren't afraid to pay for exactly what they get. But there might be a lot you don't know about what goes into the making of these knives, or the man who proudly puts his name behind his product and the company moniker. Chris Reeve is a stickler for detail and precision, to say the least. South African born in 1953, Chris began his trade in tool and die making, which considering the high degrees of tolerance personified in his blades, isn't much of a leap of the imagination.

Chris Reeve sebenza knives are the epitome of detail and craftsmanship. As an authorized dealer of Chris Reeve Knives, Knifeart.com offers fast, free shipping in the USA for orders over $150 and a satisfaction guarantee.