Strider SnG vs. CRK Sebenza 

Wow! This video is a blast from the past. It was this video that opened my mind to the Sebenza World. Since I’ve own only 1 SNG and several Sebenza Blades over the years. Great old video, always appreciated your point of view on blades. Take care my friend.

Just a short warranty story from my personal experience. Chris Reeve: I bought a large Sebenza 21 and there was a small problem with lockup. Called CRK and they said send it in. Came back in 5 days free of charge. Strider: Bought an SnG two days ago that had bladeplay (just a tiny bit). Called them and they said send it in with $15 for return shipping. I have no doubt Strider will take care of it but a brand new knife should be fixed for free

You do some excellent reviews. Just got my first Sebenza and I was not disapponted. What a perfect cutting machine. Fit, finish, and grind were flawless as advertised. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts CMR

I think it’s great that this guy does not let his blindness stop him from enjoying fine cutting tools. Bravo

THANKS for the nice comment! I reckon I'm pretty good with my hands... but I also jack with the knife a LOT... The SnG just offers that kind of maneuverability though... I believe it to be the finest EDC available. My day to day work, guiding class III-V whitewater rapids means that a knife is the most important lifeline in an entrapment situation... using a knife needs to be as efficient as possible, so I make sure that I know ALL of the in's and outs of its function.

@traderjoes It's a little ball bearing put in the lock bar that sticks into the side of the blade when closed. It holds the blade in so it doesn't open in your pocket. Hope that answers your question.

I think something most people don't talk about when choosing between these knives is functionality. Both are extremely fine blades. If you are just looking for a knife thin the Sebenza is fantastic and more knife thin you will ever need. If you need a tool that may be used from everything from cutting to a pry bar Strider is were its at.

The three tunes are from my fav. MM album, "The Moon And Antarctica." First Song is "Tiny Cities Made Of Ashes" GRRRRREAT tune!! 2nd is "Paper Thin Walls"...also incredible. 3rd is "I Came As A Rat"... what can I say... perfect.

There is no comparison between the two really. There is Titanium and S30V and that is it. The build of the Sebenza is waaaaay more thought out and expensive to accomplish. I'll be posting a video more about the ins and outs of the Seb really soon... that should help explain things!

Hi Archman. Good to see you again. Was watching all your videos and loved them years ago.:) How is your knife situation now? Still love Spyderco Military? Anything new love? Best regards from Norway.

Just sittin' indoors, sunglasses on, discussin' knives. Baller.

i really enjoyed your review. different angle/thought process than normal reviews. i dig it and can trust what you say because i see part of my uses in your descriptions of each haha

great comparison bro! i've never owned a sebbie, don't know if i ever will, so i can't make a comment about the two. i have owned quite a few striders and never once been dissapointed.

Thank you, This is the most educated and relevent knife review that i have watched, please dont feel inhibited from continuing along these lines in the future.

Take your Sebenza to a wedding.. take your strider on deployment!!

Great Reviews I have watched a few of your vids in the past and had to subscribe.

This "CC" one was loctited from the Strider shop. Never needed adjustment. I did have a standard SnG which I took completely apart to check it out. I had a lil' Ti spanner. for lube I use CRK's fluorinated grease with liner/frame locks.. Its pretty thick, and they need all they resistance they can get.. with others I use Miltec1. I use teflon tape to keep the pivot where I like it.

Good review man, you actually know what you're talking about. I might just buy an SNG based on your review. I've had a sebenza for years but got tired of the titanium handles and finally sold it. My only problem with Strider is their quality control. I've heard it's crap. And the stripes are a bit tacky IMO. Good day.

Fantastic video by the way, I just realised I did not say that in my earlier comment. One of my favourite knife videos.

This is a really old video but a few thoughts: The Sebenza is built for harder use, IMO. The hardened stop pin is likely stronger than the studs being used. The studs may not be hardened (I haven't looked into it) and rely on the integrity of the top of the knife staying consistent. The lock on the Strider has had tons of problems and the handle behind the pivot gets really small at points, which could make it a weak link in crazy hard use. I do like the look of the Strider knives and hope to get a PT someday, but the build quality is sub-par by comparison with many other knife companies, not just Chris Reeve Knives. The Sebenza is a simple knife built to a high level of precision and is a fantastic gentleman's folder. The biggest issue I have with it is the average quality steel (Strider uses everything from basic steels like S30V to much more wear resistant types). S35VN isn't bad steel, but for a $400 knife that's rather simple and built in a production line, it isn't very good. They also don't heat treat it very hard. A $100 Paramilitary 2 from Spyderco will likely have better edge retention. It's also a better cutting tool than either of these knives, has a better deployment method, and the compression lock could be viewed as an improvement on the framelock. It would be a weaker prybar though because the steel is ground thinner (which makes it better at cutting). The style of knife a person prefers is subjective. That's why I will be getting another Sebenza shortly (I have a 25 currently). Spyderco knives will generally outperform any of these high-dollar offerings. You're paying for more than cutting performance and durability sometimes.

I'm not even talking about the knives here, overall they are both really high quality and worth the money if you can afford them. I'm talking about the customer service experience, and the fact that Strider doesn't want you to disassemble your knife for cleaning, while CRK includes the allen wrench to open up the knife.

Great video! Have you ever tried out the Bradley Alias yet? If so, how do you think it compares with the Sebenza?

there's one thing I noticed in almost every sng versus sebenza discussion....everyone has both of them! I think I'm pretty set on the SNG though - great review.

I have watched so many knife reviews, you are the first to wear sun glasses in doors! lol, but I think you are kind of cool, and the things you said were making sense. Good video. haha... (And also you said it's silly to make a video about knives, well, it's kind of silly, but that's what we fans do right?lol.)

Thanks for a great video mate, I've owned many sebenza's and your review really helped me to make the decision to get a SNG and I'm not sorry I did. Very different from each other as you've eloquently stated.

Hi man. Like ure reviews. I was thinking of Spyderco Military Titan. How do u think that will compare to the Sebenza?

I read a great analogy on bladeforums once. It is like comparing a racecar with a tractor. The racecar will suck at being a tractor and the tractor will suck at being a racecar. The strider and sebenza are just too different IMO, but very good at their specific roles.

i was at a knife show today looking at both of these knives and i could not make up my mind which one to get... i am leaning towards the strider simply because its an animal of a knife and from what the dealer was telling me is that the warranty with strider is tremendous. also i should mention everybody that walked by at the show, whipped out their strider and told me i couldn't go wrong with a sng.

I own the SnG, and love it and have owned the Sebenza. One comment. If you use the SnG over a prolong period, wear a glove. The SnG is built like a tank with a flat grind. The Sebenza has the edge on the SnG as a superb cutting tool, as pointed out, due to being hollow ground. When I carry a 'big' folder I want to have confidence that it will carry out any task that is demanded of it. IMO whenever II use the SnG it tells me, "You can count on me. I will not fail you."

When I sent in my SnG for repair it took over a month. Whenever I called in to check on the repair status they sounded annoyed that I could ever consider bothering them on the phone. After it came back the SnG still had bladeplay and when I called back to complain it took over a week of calling before anyone picked up the phone. Maybe the customer service person was out sick, but I didn't want to deal with them anymore. With CRK, I never had trouble contacting them and they are always friendly

A wiser fella than myself, I called him "grandpa," once said "the best knife in the world is THE ONE YOU HAVE ON YOU." ... that said, I find a folder easy to carry, and I'd like to have a nice one. If I'm camping or backpacking, sure, a fixed blade is more suitable. I slip a nice folder in my pocket most days... for general purpous duties one of these folders would be hard to beat... I now consider my Spyderco Military in S90V superior to either the Seb or SnG.

Since this video is over a year old now, has your opinion changed on which one would be first pick? I'm debating on which one to get in the near future, and I'm leaning toward the SnG. What would you think after another year?

The SNG is great. Love mine. Anodized fired finish and the brown scales. And the titanium clip rules.

Re: the stop pin... I've had two SMFs where the pin fell out. And not from opening, these were safe-queens that were carried a few times. Anyway, I prefer my Striders.

Get the Spyderco Sage 2. I dont have many expensive knives in terms of Sabenza or Strider prices, but the Sage 2 is such an awesome knife. I know the tolerances are a bit better on CRK, but for much less money, you get a full titanium handle with great ergonomics, a full flat grind S30V blade, and great fit and finish. If you like the Native, the Sage 2 will make you happy :) Also, I didnt know CRK had that warranty issue, what a turn off :(

Strider doesn't want you to disassemble your knife. If it's taken apart and you send it back they will charge you money. CRK includes the allen key and encourages you to disassemble and clean your knife. That tells me that they have more confidence in their product.

Arch, I wouldn't worry about the negative comments. I really don't think you do anyway. For the record I don't own an SNG, I'm sure the're a fine knife. The other guy got it right though, Chris gives you an Allen key WITH the knife, I think that about says it all about his confidence of his knives.

You've got two very awesome knives there man, I hope to own both someday soon. Great video.

Hey question. Does the Sebenza open fast and smooth? I can't decide between the two they both seem awesome. I want the one that will never open in my pocket and conceals better, cuts great and is more tactical. Which would you suggest?

Hey Arch, what Ray-Bans are those?

Hey Archman, who makes that padded box you have for your knives. I swear I've seen that on one of the sites but I can't remember. Thanks

Arch, do you have any info on a Srider PT?I have a small Sebenza and was thinking of getting a PT to have. thanks in adavance, Jake.

Great review I would love to see more.

picked up both this week..love em. thanks ..you review helped

Great job with the review! I like the SNG, not beaucase that is written on my car plates:) I like the tactical look, strenght, blade shape.. Sebenza is not my cup of tea, although I carry a Bradley Alias or mini Skirmish. When I'll have enough money, I'll be sure to get both. Take care.

Very very good comparison!!! You need to make more knife videos! Thanks

Hi there....great vid. About the flicking part: I heard that chris reeve isn't against flicking the Seb. Thanx for the vid though!

Finally ordered a large Seb. 21 (graphic diamond plate pattern) hope y are ok and start making some more vids.

So funny to go back and watch these early videos. Talk about knives on RU-vid? Silly. Modest Mouse still rules. So does Built To Spill.

Do you ever adjust the pivot screw? What do you use to adjust it? What kind of lube do you use?

Does that fact that they think flicking the knife open is too hard on it also tell you they have more confidence in their product?

Its a tough call.. I like the Sebenza better than the ParaMilitary, but mostly for luxurious reasons. The Sebenza lacks no finishing touches and I think it is a no-compromise design. I do think it is "worth" almost three times more, but in form more than function.

well, usually during different knife discussions people don't have both or all the knives mentioned, so they offer as much info as they can about the one that they do own. there seems to be no such middle-ground for sebenza vs sng; the whole point of comparisons like these(especially for the more expensive blades) are to lead you to the one that you should buy, but i suppose if you're crazy(awesome) enough to buy one, you'd be willing to buy the other

what is your favorite place to get strider knives?

Dig the shades...what kind of shades are you wearing hear? Oh, good vids and I'm jealous because you obviously have a high income and I live in a crappy old rooming hotel but eh, thats life and we both dig nice knives and sunglasses.

Never owned or touched one.... If I was looking for a "sebenza alternative," I think I would try out the Buck Mayo 172 first... Looks like a GREAT folder!

THANKS! Yup.. they are the Crosshairs. I am a sucker for Oakleys...

Is that a hiphop musician??? haha... notice the comparison is between a Regular Seb & an SnG... I since have discovered the joys of the Lg 21... perfection.

Love the Striders. Have an SMF. By far superior in strength to anything out there. Great review.

@twmw2011, hey bro, I am not trying to correct you, or be a no-it-all, but as a friendly comment about your comments. Chris Reeve took the idea of Michael Walkers liner lock and took it a few steps further with his Reeve Integral Lock, what most people call a frame lock. He absolutely was the first and is thusly named after him. I think what Archman was trying to say with regards to the spyderco, spydie hole. I think he was saying he took the idea of the spydie hole and made it his with the

What kid of glasses are those? Do any Sebenzas come with a convex grind?

i have slight bladeplay in my sng, but it's not even a big deal. you can feel slight play, but you don't even see it move. i'm not even going to bother sending mine in until something breaks.

I had a PT CC for a few months... they are SMALL small. ...but you never know til you try! I prefer the Sm Seb.

What was the last thing you meantioned? Ball detent? What is that?

awsome knife reviews you should do more

do u think the linerless G10 side makes it weak? how tough is G10?

both are awesome knives, there's no way around that.

How you like your sng, would you say there worth the money?? please reply i not sure what to buy!!!!!!!

If you ever want to part with that strider, contact me. Ive got quite a few different blades.

flicking will not void warantee lol. its excessive wrist flicking he is talking about. it crk finds damage to stop pin or blade tang. you might get charged a nominal amount to replace stop pin or fix tang. he will not not void warantee

ha ha ha... I am constantly misinterpreted by my appearance. Most of my vide are done in the am, and I thought it would be "different" if I sat down and had a cup of coffee "with" the viewer... I think is is a little more personal and less formal... thanks for the compliment!

hell yeah i agree completely

expensive passion, but i love the folding tools:)

I'm not a fan of backlocks either... but I reckon they are good for lefties! It's super cool that Spyderco has introduced a lefty Military... Being lefty may be great for sports, but all things considered, I'm sure glad I'm a righty!

Sex isn't necessary, but it sure is nice! I put shades on when I wake up and take them off when I hit the hay. I actually have to think twice to realize I have them on most of the time... I ALWAYS wear them when looking at a computer... sometimes I take them off for vids though.

i use to like more the Strider, now I don't know. eventualy I'll get both...

I strongly recommend the used market.

How does one do a comparison without owning both?

Great Vid..well done

If you have not or do not own a Spyderco Military, pick one up first... If you think you may have problems with the size, try the Para Military... The Military is my first pick though... both are damn close to either the SnG or the Seb in quality @ less than half the cost.

@john1112112 nope. G10 is pretty bomber stuff... along the lines of carbon fiber.

I practically wear shades in the shower. I'd rather not wear them in my vids, but I forget.

@JRNY1605 It is a "Pelican Box." good stuff!

The stripes look totally shitty in pics, but in person they are fine... even cool. I would say that I don't prefer stonewash over the stripes... I do like to scotchbrite the striped blades to help with rust resistance though.

you are awesome dude

Kershaw Tilt?

modest mouse!! good taste in music :)

Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?

IV!! A JD bro's comment's are surely appreciated!! THANKS!

You're saying it like Chris is running some kind of scam. I've never heard of anyone being dissatisfied with his service. So what if he doesn't offer an unconditional guarantee on his knives? Strider is pretty much the only company that does, at least on folders. Strider designs their knives to deal with heavy abuse, Reeve doesn't. I've never had anything go wrong on a Reeve knife. The whole flicking thing is a rumor as far as I'm concerned.

Awesome, thanks bro

I really have zero interest in the Hinderer. If you read the "passaround" thread on the BF thgere are lots of pics and very detailed reviews/descriptions. I really appreciate a thin grind, or at least a thin edge. I like a bombproof handle/pivot and a more delicate edge on folders.

"the perfect cuting tool" sure is not a folder. Anyway, nice knives. Too expensive for me ight now, still, on my wish list..

HI... Nice review :)

I'm carrying a Lg Seb. 21 now... I favor it over these two easily!

great video.

@iq201 yup it voids the warranty.....

Hey what's up with the sun glasses? You hiding a black eye or something? LOL

where you say strider took ideas from other companies isn't fully true. Chris Reeve was not the first knife maker to employ a titanium frame lock. Also the patented Spyderco opening hole is larger in size and a different shape. I'm not attacking you so don't take this the wrong way. Also I own a Sebenza and a few Spyderco knives as well as Strider and i love them all equally.

I agree that the camo seems ugly.. I don not own a single piece of camo gear otherwise... I bought it to see what all the fuss is about, and I find it to be superior to the Seb in many ways. The seb is SURELY more refined and gentlemanly...the blade is a better overall design. The SnG fits my hand better. They are both tools, they have aspects that beat each other in different ways... Currently I don't own either... I'm edcing a Mnandi and a Spyderco all black Paramilitary...