Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 31 - Micarta & Raindrop Damascus
Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 31 - Micarta & Raindrop Damascus
Refined design, high-performance construction are all part of this folder. Titanium pocket clip mounted for tip-up carry. Filed worked thumb rest for increased handling. Light for its size, due to the titanium construction. Very strong integral locking mechanism that Chris Reeve pioneered. Begin to enjoy the quality of a Chris Reeve Sebenza 21 folding knife. Amazing details in the hand forged Chad Nichols stainless raindrop pattern damascus blade.
Product Reviews
Please note from my rating that I am very pleased with this knife and do not intend any of the following to be taken as complaint. I just want to share some observations about the knife and buying process that might prove valuable to potential purchasers of similar items.
First off, the purchase process was smooth and great. I called and talked to a polite gentleman that helped me and answered all my questions, the knife was delivered to me faster than expected. I would definitely purchase from Knife Art again and recommend them to others based on this transaction.
On to the knife. I will say that I did quite a bit of research on the Sebenza before purchasing this (my first), however there were a few things that my research never revealed to me before purchase. I Have owned an Umnumzaan for several years, so I anticipated similar qualities from the Sebenza.
When I received the knife it was and is beautiful as expected with all the tolerances and finish we are promised by countless reviews on line. What seemingly none of these reviews prepared me for was the detent.
The detent on this knife is quite solid. I have no worries of it accidentally opening in my pocket. I suppose this is a great thing, but only after I re-trained myself on deployment. If I grasp this knife like I do any of my liner lock knives, I apply more pressure to the lock bar (and thereby increase detent) and my delicate thumb struggles to start the blade on its way to open. Once I learned a different hand position, I am much more able to deploy the blade. This observation struck me as odd because I had no such observations with the Umnumzaan. Perhaps there are differences between models, dates of production, or perhaps my Sebenza simply has a tighter than typical detent? I am not sure, but it does not bother me (it is just an observation I was not prepared for and others that have handled this knife have reported).
The Damascus blade has a relief such that you can feel the layers of steel as you rub it. This comes as no surprise, but what I had not anticipated was the feeling I get when the blade swings open and the detent ball rides over these layers. It is subtle, but (for lack of a better description) it is a similar sensation to stroking corduroy fabric. The blade still swings smoothly like I expect for a CRK, but this subtle sensation is there to remind me that this blade is something special...I actually quite like it.
I could go on and on about all the fit and finish that you have almost certainly read elsewhere. Yes, Chris Reeve makes a nice folder, I will spare you reading it all again. As the title says I am a user. This Damascus is beautiful, but it actually works as a blade steel too (imagine that).
I carried this knife to the water park yesterday and a week ago. While I did not swim with it, I (and it) did get utterly drenched several times on water rides and sitting next to the pool as my kids and others splashed me. As I sit here and type while looking at the knife, I can honestly tell you that other than a few light scratches on the clip, the knife still looks new. The chlorinated water (that temporarily lightened the micarta) did nothing to hamper performance of this knife (no rust, no loss of smoothness). I noticed that the micarta lightened considerably when it dried (perhaps the chlorine left a residue?), but it darkened back to "normal" shortly after I started using the knife again and my sweat/oils contacted the material.
I have not yet conducted any heavy cutting tasks with it, but it has done all matters of typical pocket knife tasks I encounter. I would suggest that the blade steel performs well. I think you give up a bit of the long term edge holding over the S30V that my Umnumzaan sports, but not much.
This is my first Chris Reeve folding knife. The quality and workmanship is outstanding!!! I can understand why, the company received BLADE 2013 Manufacturing Quality Award. The attention to details and tolerance are exceptional, work of art!
Knife Art made it so easy to purchase this product! Information ,specs, and reviews were very helpful! Order knife on a Saturday evening, and received it that following Wednesday! WOW!
Shipping & Returns
USA - Free Shipping on US orders over $150. Most shipments arrive in 2-3 business days with tracking emailed to you. We also offer FedEx Next Day and Two Day air shipping at an additional cost for rush orders. more details
International - We ship internationally! Most shipments arrive in 3-7 business days. Generally, we use FedEx Express and costs vary by country more details
Returns - We want you to be happy with your purchase. All knives carry a 7-day inspection period from the delivery date. Exchanges are welcome. more details