Sebenza

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Three Sebenzas: Large Regular with ATS-34 Steel blade and a Large and Small Regulars featuring Damascus steel blades with computer engraved and annodized handles
Three Sebenzas: Large Regular with ATS-34 Steel blade and a Large and Small Regulars featuring Damascus steel blades with computer engraved and annodized handles

The Sebenza is a folding pocket knife manufactured by Chris Reeve Knives of Boise, Idaho with a stainless steel blade and titanium handle.[1] Its handle functions as the lock mechanism similar in concept to the Walker linerlock differing in that the handle itself is the lock which holds the blade open. This is mechanism is known as the Sebenza Integral Lock© or the Framelock.[2] The name Sebenza is derived from the Zulu word meaning "Work," a tribute to Mr. Reeve's South African origins.[3]


There are currently 4 models of the Sebenza:

  • Small Regular - 2.94"
  • Large Regular - 3.625" Blade
  • Small Classic - 2.94"
  • Large Classic - 3.625" Blade

First introduced in 1990, the basic model has a bead blasted titanium handle and a stone washed CPM S30V steel blade.[4] There are numerous options for the titanium handles such as computerized graphics on the Regular models or inlays such as wood or micarta on the Classic models. Originally the Chris Reeve Sebenza was available with a blade of ATS-34 steel.[3] In 1996 this was changed to BG-42 blade steel and later to to CPM S30V steel‎ which was designed by Crucible Steels with the help of Chris Reeve.[4] A forged Damascus steel blade is available as an option on the Classic models. A feature of the Sebenza that is highly praised is the ease of maintenance. CRK encourages the customer to disassemble and maintain the knife by including a hex driver. Another feature of the Sebenza is the use of a bushing system around the blade's pivot that keeps the blade at a constant tight fit which is always centered. This bushing allows the user to tighten the pivot screw completely without having to manually adjust the pivot tension.

As of May 2008, the Regular model has been discontinued with an exception being the annual limited edition versions. In addition, the Classic sebenza will sport a more pronounced chamfer towards the pivot end of the knife and it will be named the 'Sebenza 21', commemorating the 21st year of the sebenza's production.

Chris Reeve Knives was awarded Blade Magazine’s Manufacturers Quality Award for 2000, 2001 and 2003.

A small Sebenza cutting a knot
A small Sebenza cutting a knot

[edit] References

  1. ^ Ayres, James (2003), "Gentlemen's Folders", Sporting Knives 2003: 138-143, ISBN 0-87349-430-X
  2. ^ Delavigne, Kenneth (2004). Spyderco Story: The New Shape of Sharp (Hardcover). Colorado: Paladin Press, 312. ISBN 1-581-60060-7. 
  3. ^ a b Covert, Patrick (Sept-Oct 1999), “Points Of Perfection”, American Handgunner Magazine 24 (5): 130 
  4. ^ a b Gardner, James (June, 2005), “Duel of the Titans: two exceptional folders exemplify state-of-the-art”, Guns Magazine 27 (6): 145-151 

[edit] Links

Description on Chris Reeve Knives homepage