Sebenza

The Sebenza is a folding pocket knife manufactured by Chris Reeve Knives of Boise, Idaho with a stainless steel blade and titanium handle.Harvard reference | Surname=Ayres | Given=James |Title=Gentlemen's Folders | Journal=Sporting Knives 2003 | ISBN= 0-87349-430-X | Year=2003 | Page=138-143 ] 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 was invented by Chris Reeve, and is called the Sebenza Integral Lock©cite journal | last = Dick | first = Steven | title = The Chris Reeve Sebenza Folding Hunter | journal = National Knife Magazine | volume = | issue = | pages = 16-18 | publisher = | location = | date = 09/01/1993 | accessdate = 2008-08-13 ] . It is also commonly referred to as the Framelock. [cite book |last=Delavigne|first=Kenneth|title=Spyderco Story: The New Shape of Sharp (Hardcover)|year= 2004|publisher=Paladin Press |location=Colorado |isbn=1-581-60060-7 |pages=312] The name Sebenza is derived from the Zulu word meaning "Work," a tribute to Mr. Reeve's South African origins.

Design and History

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 sand blasted titanium handle and current versions have a stonewashed finish CPM S30V steel blade.Citation | last = Gardner | first = James | title = Duel of the Titans: two exceptional folders exemplify state-of-the-art | journal = Guns Magazine | volume = 27 | issue = 6 | pages = 145-151 | date = June, 2005 | year = 2005] There are numerous options for the embellishment of the Sebenza's titanium handles, such as computer-generated graphics, custom (unique) graphics, or inlays such as exotic wood, micarta, or mammoth ivory. Originally the Chris Reeve Sebenza was available with a blade of ATS-34 steel.Citation | last = Covert | first = Patrick | title = Points Of Perfection | journal = American Handgunner Magazine | volume = 24 | issue = 5 | pages = 130 | date = Sept-Oct 1999
year = 1999] In 1996 this was changed to BG-42 blade steel and later in 2001 to CPM S30V steel‎. CPM S30V was developed by Crucible Steel, with the collaboration of Chris Reeve. A forged Damascus steel blade is available as an option on the Sebenza. 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 Sebenza model has been discontinued with an exception being the annual limited edition versions. In addition, the Classic sebenza possesses a more pronounced chamfer towards the pivot end of the knife, is referred to as the 'Sebenza 21', commemorating the 21st year of the Sebenza's production.

Awards

1987: Knifemaker’s Guild of Southern Africa -- "Best Folding Knife" (Sebenza predecessor)
1993: Knifemakers Guild -- "Most Innovative Folder at the Show" [Citation |last = Winter | first = Butch | title = The 1993 Knifemakers Guild Show | journal = The National Knife Magazine | volume = 18 | issue = 8 | pages = 32-34 | date = February 1994 | year = 1994]
2005: Blade Show -- "Collector Knife of the Year" (21st Anniversary Sebenza)
2006: Grays Sporting Journal -- “Gray's Best” Award

As of July 2008, Chris Reeve Knives has been awarded Blade Magazine's annual Manufacturers Quality Award 8 of the last 9 years (2000, 2001, and 2003 through 2008).

Knives Illustrated Magazine named the industry's top five tactical folders of all time [Citation | last = Elias | first = Abe | title = The Top Five Tactical Folders: A Panel Picks Its Favorites | journal = Tactical Knives | volume = 13 | issue = 8 | pages = 12-18 | date = August, 2008 | year = 2008] The author, Abe Elias, describes a tactical folder as "a knife used by people who need a dependable piece of solidly build equipment, a folder that gives you -- in all cases -- confidence". His article goes on to say that "At the top of the list is the Sebenza by Chris Reeve." Knives Illustrated Magazine's conclusion provides an interesting contrast to the fact that Chris Reeve Knives has never advertised the Sebenza as a "tactical knife".

References

Links

[http://www.chrisreeve.com/sebenza.htm Description on Chris Reeve Knives homepage]