A question for CR owners.

**jtoler_9** · 10-28-2011, 08:53 PM

So let me start by saying I am still somewhat new to knives. I started with Spyderco and Benchmades. I only recently started to learn about custom knives. So it's with the intention of learning that I ask what's the deal with CR knives? They look good on the net, but holy shit they are expensive. I know price is relative, so those of you that know something about CR knives please help. I want to know if I should save up for one.

**vendettaknives** · 10-29-2011, 12:49 AM

i personally have never owned one but i have heard very good things about them. They are extremely expensive but you get what you pay for. I personally would not spend that kind of money on one due to the fact that i would rather spend that money to have something of my own design made but it really depends on what you're looking to get. i would suggest shopping around and looking into some of the knife makers around on this forum and see what catches your eye then look at the prices. goodluck!

**RNST** · 10-29-2011, 02:31 AM

Originally Posted by jtoler_9

So let me start by saying I am still somewhat new to knives. I started with Spyderco and Benchmades. I only recently started to learn about custom knives. So it's with the intention of learning that I ask what's the deal with CR knives? They look good on the net, but holy shit they are expensive. I know price is relative, so those of you that know something about CR knives please help. I want to know if I should save up for one.

What do you own now?

Does it do the job for you?

Spydies and BM's have a good rep with many people.

I own lots of CRK's and think they are great but they not for everybody. Sebbies, Mnandi's and Umnumzaan's are great folders and IMHO approach the quality you would expect with a Custom knife.

Like I always say: Buy one, if you don't like it you will most likely get most of your $$ back in resale.

enjoy

**Ronlad** · 10-29-2011, 04:23 AM

**Blastmaster1972** · 10-29-2011, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by jtoler_9

I only recently started to learn about custom knives. So it's with the intention of learning that I ask what's the deal with CR knives?

First of all... Chris Reeve knives are not customs.

I like their Mnandi, and their Regular Sebenzas with inlay. I own a few...

Since I started hoarding custom knives, I'm not buying that many CRK's any more... but if a nice Mnandi crossed my path, I wouldn't hesitate!

Kind regards,

Jos

**Clydetz** · 10-29-2011, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by jtoler_9

So let me start by saying I am still somewhat new to knives. I started with Spyderco and Benchmades. I only recently started to learn about custom knives. So it's with the intention of learning that I ask what's the deal with CR knives? They look good on the net, but holy shit they are expensive. I know price is relative, so those of you that know something about CR knives please help. I want to know if I should save up for one.

Get thee to a knife show or knife store that has some CR knives and hold one in your hand. Then decide if you want to spend the money for one.

**Glover** · 10-29-2011, 12:52 PM

I just ordered my first CRK, Naam.

I don't think they are a visually impressive knife, so I've never understood the attraction. To the untrained eye, they just appear to be a standard 60 dollar folder. Many people love the knife, so there must be something that makes then worth the price. I'm sure the quality is top end. Looking forward to finding out.

**jtoler_9** · 10-29-2011, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the help/advice. I agree I need to find a place where I can get a hold of some. Sorry to the mod for the post in the wront forum. My bad.

**Jarlaxle** · 10-30-2011, 01:08 PM

I wouldve saved myself a lot of money if i wouldve bought my sebenza earlier. Instead i wend through a slew of spydercos and benchmades "buying my way up" to the sebenza.

Dont get me wrong i love me some spydies and benchmade, but if you are getting into knives and have a love for top notch craftsmanship you are doing yourself a favor to save up for one.

Plus if its not your thang you will have no problem selling it for very littly loss.

DO IT!!

**silkworm** · 10-30-2011, 07:03 PM

Took me years to finally bite the bullet and get my first CRK. Now I have maybe a dozen. They're well worth it in my opinion. They're easy to find and easy to sell so give it a try.

**captainblowhole** · 10-30-2011, 07:49 PM

To me, Chris Reeve knives just have an appeal due to their high quality and USA made status as a paragon of excellence and I feel that a US company that can do this should be rewarded with money, so they can continue to pay their people to make excellent quality things. I own several and EDC a Sebenza and it is just so nice to open and close and slice with. Its almost a work of art that you carry in your pocket and can feel pride in having and showing others. Its a status symbol. Spyderco and Benchmade are also excellent quality and I have some of them also, so this comes down to your desire and financial motivation to possess something like this. Like it was said above, Chris Reeve knives retain their value as long as they arent abused, so you can always get a good portion of your money back, unlike a Spyderco or Benchmade, which are far more common. Chris Reeve knives are not produced in such large numbers, and that helps keep their demand (and therefore price) high.
So, dont worry about investing in one, assuming you have the money to make the purchase, because youll generally get it back when you want another knife or just need the money. That to me is an added bonus in this day and age, and plus it keeps people working, so your doing a good thing regardless.

**mag1** · 10-30-2011, 08:03 PM

Pick up a plain seb on this forum. It will be less than retail. It should be worth your time and money..If not, resell it..You will get your money back minus shipping...If not, I will send you one of mine and you can try it out to see if you like it!

**Chris_Himself** · 11-04-2011, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by mag1

Pick up a plain seb on this forum. It will be less than retail. It should be worth your time and money..If not, resell it..You will get your money back minus shipping...If not, I will send you one of mine and you can try it out to see if you like it!

That is a gentleman's offer if I ever saw one.

They're very good knives, honestly I believe that a Sebenza either in the large or small configuration is the endgame for many people regardless of money. There are many custom knife makers out there, only a small handful can approach the fit and finish of a CR.

If you want to approach CR fit and finish, the Bradley Alias is also up there along with (strangely) any Zero Tolerance knife you purchase. The 0350 is quite good for a little over 100 bucks and the 0550 and upcoming 0560 are absolutely perfect in every regard despite just being another tactical knife brand.

Here is a USN Sebenza that I had to get rid of for school costs

**jtoler_9** · 11-04-2011, 04:55 PM

Thank you for the response. I aim to pick up a Sebenza as soon as I can. Looking forward to it. CRK have a large and loyal following. That stands as a testament to the quality of the work. Thanks again.

**CDR_Glock** · 11-04-2011, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Chris_Himself

That is a gentleman's offer if I ever saw one.

They're very good knives, honestly I believe that a Sebenza either in the large or small configuration is the endgame for many people regardless of money. There are many custom knife makers out there, only a small handful can approach the fit and finish of a CR.

If you want to approach CR fit and finish, the Bradley Alias is also up there along with (strangely) any Zero Tolerance knife you purchase. The 0350 is quite good for a little over 100 bucks and the 0550 and upcoming 0560 are absolutely perfect in every regard despite just being another tactical knife brand.

Here is a USN Sebenza that I had to get rid of for school costs

Man! I want one of those USN Sebenzas. It would be nice to have a Toxic Green Scale with a USN logo on the blade.

Then I want a Jerzee Devil Sebenza with a Jerzee Devil logo and red scale.

I just received my Sebenza yesterday. I was like others before I got mine. It just feels so good in the hand. The Lockup is great. The blade is thick and meaty. The clip is hearty. The anodized thumb stud is comfortable and the action is smooth.

I just love titanium. Most things I have is in titanium (My EDC light, my kubotan, my Sebby, my Balisongs, my golf clubs, my watch, etc, etc).