torn between 2 expensive knives, could use some insight

[greyling22]

So I'm looking at the spyderco southard http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=788 and the large sebenza (used). They are about the same size, weight, materials, and ballpark price. I'm looking for yet another light use EDC.
The sebenza's that I have handled are very solid, and lock up like tanks, but they don't flick open. at all. The southard has a ball bearing system in it and looks like it flicks right open with the flipper. I have no sebenza or spyderco dealer nearby so I can't compare them head to head.

has anybody handled them? how do they compare? which would you pick? etc.

Throw ego, cachet, bragging rights, value, country of origin and price out the window. I don't really care about those things. I just care about the functionality of the knife. Lets pretend they are both made by Gerber and cost exactly the same and there are no other options. Which knife actually seems like a more useful blade to carry around, slice fruit, and open boxes?

 

[ugaarguy]

Throw ego, cachet, bragging rights, value, country of origin and price out the window. I don't really care about those things. I just care about the functionality of the knife. Lets pretend they are both made by Gerber and cost exactly the same and there are no other options. Which knife actually seems like a more useful blade to carry around, slice fruit, and open boxes?

They're equally useful for any task you could ask a pocket knife to do. Yes, the Southard flips open really easily. The bigger questions are:

Do you want a high end production knife with flipper opening? Or do you want a hand finished knife with conventional one hand opening that's also the standard against which every other high end folder is measured?

Do you like thumb studs or the Spyder Hole?

Does one knife look better than the other to your eye?

How used is the Sebenza?

 

[hso]

And what size is the Sebenza?

BTW, I've owned 4 Sebenzas and have the large and small. I can flick them open, but flicking a knife open has nothing to do with its utility.

The Southard is going to be the more collectable of the two which would mean put it up instead of use it since it will be worth more as soon as it is discontinued (the other problem is if you can actually find one to purchase). That then leads to the question of whether you buy one of each and put the Spyderco aside for later sale or just spend the money on the Sebenza and let the collectors have the Southard.

 

[greyling22]

I guess a more apple to apples comparison would be a bradley alias to a southard then? I actually really preferred the alias to the sebenza in terms of opening, feel in hand, and overall look when I handled them both.

 

[dayhiker]

I would go for the Southard. Just because I have grown to prefer flippers.

The Alias, Sebenza, and Southard are all great choices. I don't for see any problems in actual use with any of the three. Although I only see knives as tools, all three have a following and you should not have a problem disposing of your choice should you change your mind after using it.

 

[hso]

The Bradley was built to compete with the Sebenza while being a little "nicer" looking in the flow and line. We have an original Alias and it looks and feels good, but the clip screws got loose and a dab of Loctite had to be applied. It has been fine ever since. The tip is finer than the Sebenza and would be better at picking splinters out than opening steel cans.

 

[Yo Mama]

Flame suite on, I don't care for the Sebenzas. First, I hate thumb studs, second the price puts it out of my reach. The Southard has been on my list since it came out.

Another option thats cheaper is the Benchmade 300sn.

 

[Sam Cade]

Flame suite on, I don't care for the Sebenzas.

Heresy!
Summon the Ordo Malleus lest chaos take root!



Seriously though, I understand where you are coming from. The big Sebenza seems to be one of those things that either works for you or it doesn't.


I don't have much valuble input on the OPs query since I've never handled (much less used) the Southard other than to say that I greatly prefer a flipper on a work folder.

CTS 204P is also a complete unknown to me.
http://cartech.ides.com/datasheet.aspx?&I=101&E=347

 

[dayhiker]

For the OP. Another Ti flipper framelock that is out there is the AG Russel gentlemans frame lock.

Less expensive than the Alias and Southard. Also easily available. It is made overseas in the country that starts with 'C'....but it has the backing of a legend in the knife world.

 

[hso]

dayhiker,

A.G. considers that a "value" knife and was very disappointed not to get the import award this year at Blade. I don't think he'd put it in the same category as the others.



Yo Mamma,

If ya don't like thumb studs there's not much to be done since the Sebenzas don't have holes or flippers.

 

[dayhiker]

hso,

I wouldn't expect it to equal the others in fit or finish. But for what it is I would expect the function to be top notch.

I am perfectly happy with my daily carry ZT0301, however I did come to notice Mr Russel's offering due to the state next door's 3" limit. And I thought I would mention it as it doesn't seem to get much press on the forums.

 

[hso]

Ooops!

I thought you were referring to the Scorpions.

The Gentleman's Frame Lock should be close enough to the OP's bracket and at a lower price.

 

[greyling22]

Back in may I actually went to the agrussel shop in arkansas when I was visiting my brother. I got to handle all this stuff, and I've got to say I was very disappointed with the gentleman's framelock. Materials and build quality was fine, but the feel was all wrong in my hand. It was too small and the grip shape wasn't right. I know that's not very specific, but suffice to say I handled it and almost immediately gave it back. Same thing with benchmade's titanium assisted opening frame lock. Just didn't like the feel of it.

I did finally find a guy who posted the handle width of the southard at .530, which is going to be too thick for me so I guess I will pass on that one. Pity. If they would lose the g10 scale or put something thinner on there it looks really nice. Maybe I should just keep my eyes open for an alias 1 smooth blade. They're out of stock most places, but maybe I can find a used one eventually. Besides, the sebenza I had my eye on sold. Snoozing and losing and all that.

 

[hso]

Ahhhh, the Gents was too short?

 

[greyling22]

yeah. I have a large-side -of-medium-glove sized hand with skinny fingers and it was too short. I also find the small sebenza and benchmade 705 mchenry & williams too short.



Edit: I just realized that my comments about the gentleman's framelock are sort of an oops. I was actually thinking of the acies 2, but I handled the framelock as well and wasn't all that impressed. They are the same size.

 

[dayhiker]

There is always the Zero Tolerance line. Much larger, hand filling knives.

Though the thickness and weight are also increased.

I like having a 8 ounce 'brick' in my back pocket

 

[Mainsail]

Take a look around on Kershawguy's site- lots of great knives and great prices.

I ordered this Junkyard Dog from Kershawguy, 30 minutes later I got an email that it shipped. Dude is fast. I'm surprised these weren't all snapped up for $65.

 

[jeepnik]

Sebenza hands down. I've used (and sometimes abused) Chris' knives since he started with his One Piece Line, sure do miss those. They don't come any better in the Production Custom category.