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After 10 Years, Chris Reeve Knives Updates the Sebenza 21

June 7, 2019

One of the biggest surprises in the lead-up to Blade Show 2019 has been the reveal of the Chris Reeve Knives Sebenza 31, the long-awaited sequel to the classic Sebenza 21.

For years, there has been speculation and discussion about what CRK could do to upgrade the Sebenza 21. It appears that the company decided to take a relatively tame approach with this refresh, with carefully-chosen elements from other CRK products being implemented in the classic Sebenza frame.

The biggest mechanical change is the implementation of the ceramic ball interface on the Reeve Integral Lock; this was first seen on the Umnumzaan and subsequently on the Inkosi models. The clip, which on the 21 was aligned linearly across the lock bar, is now angled. CRK also eliminated the hole on the show side scale, which was created by one step in the 21’s machining process. Finally, the Sebenza 31 has had the shape of its onlay options rejigged; instead of the classic two bars of material, the 31’s onlay will be a single, curving piece. Although some may have anticipated a change in blade steel, CRK opted to keep to their line-standard S35VN.

Interestingly, although the Inkosi was an obvious inspiration for the changes on the 31, CRK is retaining the single-side thumb stud instead of the double lug on the Inkosi.

With the advent of the Sebenza 31, CRK has discontinued the Sebenza 21 after ten years in production. The Sebenza 31 is available to order now.

Knife in Featured Image: Chris Reeve Knives Sebenza 31

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