Chris Reeve Large Inkosi: The Evolution of Awesome

[@pavlepetrovic6846]

God bless you man for showing this video! I learned a lot! Waiting for mine, and your perception is like i hold it in my hand! Big love and respect from Serbia!

[@iLLBuddy]

I think the floating stop pin aids in getting those oversized washers installed. Also just looks cool. Inkosi slowly becoming my favorite knife.

[@DavidM-lj5yv]

I've had a large Sebenza 25 for a couple years. Out of my 75 or so Folding knives, it is my only Chris Reeve knife. Thinking about getting this one. Looks great.

[@mediumrareribeye]

I feel like the floating stop pin is done to allow a smoother action. All of knives require adjusting both the pivot and the body screw closest to the pivot to get a perfect smoothness while keeping everything tight, maybe the floating stop allow allows the slabs around the washers to stay parallel regardless of how you set the pivot.

[@anthonymendez1015]

Just ordered my first inkosi and CRK can't wait to get it!

[@geraldocesar2009]

I think your lives are excellent. Congratulations.

[@rayvigil4766]

Great Video. Inkosi is next on the wish list!

[@StevePilgrim2013]

Great, thorough, fair review. Thank you.

[@SkyPhoenixGear-Collectibles]

Hey Rob great review as always. Thanks for being honest and pointing out the flaws. I've had an Inkosi before and although it felt strong near the pivot, when I put light pressure with my hand on the spine near the tip I noticed there was some Veritcal blade play. I don't know if this is because of the ceramic interface or the floating stop pin. I stupidly kept my fingers in the blade path and applied a little more pressure not thinking this strong CRK knife would disengage but it did shockingly easily. I basically gashed my finger open almost exactly like you did with that Emerson knife Rob. I also did not enjoy putting this knife back together and found it very finicky. In my opinion CRk shouldn't fix what isn't broken, unless they feel the 21 is broken or outdated 🤔 Imo the 21 is a stronger knife but that ain't saying very much because we all saw how easily that lock failed during the cold steel testing. The only reason I would want a CRK is for ease of maintenance and longevity with the warranty. Although many other companies have better warranty IMO. And the new red micarta 21 from knives ship free is sexy just too pricy for what u get.

[@silencesir1987]

Try out some tuffglide oil. I use it on my knives, it's a drying, oil free rust inhibitor. Keeps the action buttery smooth and won't allow dust and crud to adhere to the pivot action.

[@silencesir1987]

I guess I shouldn't have called it oil if it's oil free lol

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Rob this was a most anticipated review for me as you probably know and you nailed it as always. Thanks. Unfortunately I couldn't wait and took my knife apart a few days prior to the release of this video. I encountered exactly what you went through. Even with removing the pivot first it's tough to get the scales apart but my biggest problem has been after reassembly the adjustment of the pivot screw to achieve smooth action vs. blade centering. I got the pivot screw just right, opened and closed the blade a few times and it's as though the pivot screw tightens a smudge. I finally added the lock tight got it where I wanted it and put the knife away. I will get it back out later today and see if it's better

[@charliemartin4392]

Oh lord, I should've bought a sabenza instead of a benchmade phaeton...... been regretting it.

[@tgates811]

Thanks for pointing out the floating stop with no front spacer. That seems like a huge design flaw over the sebenza. I'd be willing to bet side to side forces on that blade torque the case? That also means bad forces on the washer, stud, knife surface, etc. I was leaning towards the inkosi but now I think the sebenza is the way to go.

[@TheD33pthawt]

Back in June I picked up an Incosi Tanto w/Micarta inlay with part of my COVID stimulus check, then lost it at work the same week. My wife was pretty upset and I totally freaked out and obsessively searched for it but I couldn’t find it anywhere, I prayed about it and finally gave it to the Lord, then, today, four months later a customer asked me if a guitar strap came with the pocket knife hanging on it, I have the Incosi back! I have no idea how the knife made it onto the strap but there it was, hanging on the strap. I had to share this little story with you, I know a pocketknife is a trivial thing when the world is so upside down, but it was just one more example out of many in my life of how much God truly loves us. First He loved me enough to send his one and only son to die in my place and pay the price for my multitude of sins giving me the choice to spend eternity in His presence, now He shows He cares enough to return to me something so small, this is a very, very special knife to me now! I really enjoy your reviews and testimony and hope to send this Incosi in for your full sharpening and treatment after I’ve put some more use into it.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

After all my nit picking this knife then buying the lg 21 after a little tlc I'm happy to say this has been my edc for a week now and I'm very pleased. Think it'll be replacing my para 2. At least for a while

[@MrGtopper]

Do you mess with lock bar to get it to flip out good or just polished washers I have had maybe 4 sebenzas and not one wanted to flip out easy .thanks

[@DougFLA123]

I own three large Inkosi’s, no Large Sebenza 21’s and no Umnumzaan’s. I’ve never even handled a Large Sebenza 21 or an Umnumzaan...just went straight to the Large Inkosi’s and I love them! I want to buy a Large Sebenza 21 and an Umnumzaan but I’m afraid I’ve been spoiled by the action of the Large Inkosi and won’t like the action of the Large Sebenza 21 and the Umnumzaan. Which knife’s action is closer to the Large Inkosi, the Large Sebenza 21 or the Umnumzaan? Can you rate the three knives in order of your preference? Thank you.

[@TheApostleP]

DougFLA123 1: Lg. 21. 2: Lg. I koi’s. 3: Umnumzaan. A properly tuned 21 will have as good or better action than the Inkosi or Umnum, and once it’s tuned, it’s tuned forever. Just put it together tight to the pivot bushing and it’s the same every time.

[@DougFLA123]

Thank you!

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Well I'm going to have to purchase a lg. Sebenza 21 to compare myself. If the lock pin were in a fixed position I agree totally with you Rob, I think it would have made a world of difference but for me that's not just picking. I think the strength would be most improved as well as the consistency of the action. I can feel the movement in the scales as I open the knife. We'll see when I have something to compare to. I like the sm. Sebenza 21 I own better but am losing interest in smaller knives. I hope you have a lg. 21 in the sale tomorrow night because it'll be off to the races. Practicing my email typing speed tonight. Lol 😂. Thanks for portraying the inkosi very honestly and accurately and I hope you enjoy yours. I am still pleased to own and have collected one.

[@callofduty60]

Have to disagree about the pocket clip being better when slanted. When the blade is open, it doesn't matter if there isn't as much tension on the pocket clip because your never going to be trying to clip the knife while open, that is pointless to point out. I feel as though the clip on the 21's made the knife look WAY more clean and way more aesthetically pleasing.

[@petermccann2561]

Maybe the stop pin floats to allow even bushing pressure through the bushing tension adjustment range. Might be especially important with the large diameter bushings.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

No bushing on inkosi

[@sour7786]

But in all seriousness what do you like more the umnumzaan or inkosi

[@EDCurr04]

Inkosi

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Still have my Incosi. 5 years now. It will survive me I think.

[@justingabor7856]

Was going to ask you if you knew Chris Reeve Knives had switched up their packaging again but I see I don't have to ask. I just got my first Sebenza, a large 21 insingo who's birthday is March 30th 2017. I got it on Saturday and I'm already in love! 😊

[@fritz9830]

Watching this while I wait for mine to arrive tomorrow: my first chris reeve knife Excited!

[@fritz9830]

Loving my Inkosi! I play with it while watching tv for hours. A thick callous has developed on my thumb after hundreds of openings. Maybe over 1000. It is really broken in and smooth now. Absolutely flawless! I took it apart 10 minutes after opening the box, and it was very easy. I'm totally sold on CRK now. Considering my next purchase. Eyeballing a large micarta sebenza, and the umnumzaan(can't decide if harpoon or tanto is better). I'll get them all eventually, but I simply cannot decide. At 500 bucks a wack, I should probably space purchases out anyways. So tempted to just give in and order them all!

[@fritz9830]

Probably gonna grab the sebenza 21. Might as well get it brand new before they're gone. Not interested in the 31. I think the new inlays look ugly

[@bobclapper2672]

Hey , I recently got my First CR Large Sebenza Lefty burled elder. Love it, my first high end non-flipper. Your review of that knife helped me make that decision. What do you think is the Best CR LARGE Knife. ? Thanks. Bob C.

[@chawenhalo0089]

Good evolution on the washer compared to the Umnumzaan. I wonder if CRK will make the same changes to the smaller Inkosi.

[@MrGeerbear]

Rob- great overview and insight. New boxing is an improvement. I totally agree that the micarta and other materials put on the scales are done poorly. It always looks like an afterthought. Great knife.

[@nobodysreview6137]

The 25 has a odd ball stop pin anf i dont like the bent washer either mostly because of the cut out for the tab to go in allows more dirt and its just not as nice to clean and just less apealing then it not being there but i still like the 25 over the large Inkosi just because of this floating stop pin set up. Also these washers are so big more dirt will catch them, the 25 are big as well. but just not stupid big. I don't like either washer to be honest and would consider just big round bronze washers and call it a day. The 25 is quirky but solid and just more bolted together which the gearhead in me likes.

[@neandertalensis1608]

Thanks a lot.

[@anthonyb2990]

@TheApostleP - Hey Rob! awesome review/overview of the large Inkosi, it's becoming one of my favorite blades to carry except one thing. My Inkosi has these small dots of rust, 4 or 5 on the blade and I've tried so much to get rid of them and nothing, do you have any suggestions? I'd really appreciate anything.

[@fritz9830]

How the heck did you rust s35vn?

[@rabbivj]

Got one...love it...

[@mbnall]

You’ve probably figured it out by now, but you did you quite a bit of nano grease, which likely caused the sluggish deployment. You probably only need about half the amount you used, maybe even less-less is more with nano-grease. A better way to apply it would be a thin layer to the contact points on the blade itself instead of in the washer pockets. Hope that’s helpful!

[@mcastro550]

Hey Rob, great video! I might be picking up a large Inkosingo when its released. What are your thoughts? On a side note, if I'm interested in your sharpening service, whats the approx. turn around time nowadays??

[@brotherdougsmith2907]

The Word is sharp Brother and so is yours, I don't want you to cut yourself ....“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

[@pinoyedcknives]

this video made me get the large inkosi lh as well. mine's born on april 2018. the detent seems to be more stiff compared to a friend of mine who has it born february 2018.

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Do you think it’s a worth the money?

[@eplane]

Rob, I loved the video. You inspired the start of my CRK collection. Really want to get an Inkosi. I tend to use 85W Nano oil on my Umnumzaan pivot and the Nano grease on the washers. I just wonder if a little lubrication on the pivot might have helped the action?

[@outdoorsman193]

For someone buying their first CRK, would you recommend the Large Sabenza 21 or the Large Inkosi?

[@sharpshooter3935]

Sebenza. If you buy one CRK you will buy another. If you could only buy one, I would get the 21.

[@Blingem14]

neither. overpriced. Especially when you make a simpler knife and charge more for it. Not to mention that free floating stop pin on the Inkosi. The only spacers are the rear spacer and the pivot. Junk...

[@Shockwave724]

for this price im surprise its S45VN and not M390 or 20CV

[@DenisHauser]

Very nice folder! :)

[@LocoDirewolf]

I will be picking up a small Inkosi with the insingo blade in the near future! It would go well with my standard Sebenza (with BG42 steel).

[@geraldocesar2009]

Good Morning. BENCHMADE 781 or Inkose large? Thank you.

[@Judeandtunes]

Seen some lefty models on forums for about $250-$270 for the small inkosi. What do you think of those. I never have spent so much on a knife, but idk if I should pull the trigger.

[@craigrodriguez8144]

nice! got the same exact one love it!

[@christamu2]

Great video Rob. I never liked the Seb 25 so I've had my eye on one of these since they first came out. 3 steps forward 2 steps back in some ways but I'll definitely be picking one up at some point this year. I think maybe the 85 weight nano-oil would be a better fit than the heavy grease.

[@TheApostleP]

Chris Allison I have the 85 wt. in it now. Works very well.

[@snakalw]

TheApostleP Does the 85wt work well on Sebenzas too?

[@snakalw]

Very fine. I have the CF Large Inkosi. Debating selling it, though, for the Insingo Inkosi. Nice review as always.

[@michaeljuan98]

Wish I could afford a lefty Chris Reeve.

[@sirosis1971]

I believe they cost the same as a right handed.

[@crf450rbulletdavid9]

Kind of off topic but have anyone else use their knife so much and sharpen so much that you can notice the blade is shorter in the frame? My xm and 21 are like this and kind of bothers me but I know it comes with using my knives.

[@stevebantersb]

looks real good!

[@brycewalts2444]

Great vid

[@TheJeffFortner]

Thinking of getting an inkosi insingo in S35 but heard crk may be switching to s45 this year. What are you thoughts, should I wait or pull the trigger on a s35 since it’s so refined and the S45VN may need years of tweaking the heat treat like they did with the s35.

[@bryancbailey]

Rob I had all but written off the inkosi after seeing the small version... but after I saw this review I might just have to pick up a large lefty inkosi of my own! What's the name of that lube you're using on the pivot washers again? Where do you get it from? 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheApostleP]

Bryan C. Bailey It's Nano Grease, from St. Clair -- same mfr. as Nano Oil.

[@bryancbailey]

TheApostleP thanks... and I feel like an idiot! LOL. I had to walk into a meeting... came back and finished the video... I left off right before you mentioned nano grease about 50 times. Thanks anyway for answering that dumb question! Keep up the great work my brother! Grace and peace from Atlanta

[@nickkazarian3334]

TheApostleP hello, I am a big fan of your channel. Thank you for providing such informative videos. I was wondering the additional price other than sharpening for a finger choil modification? Thanks ahead of time! Nick

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Would you choose a Sebenza 25 or a Large Inkosi?

[@12345Sui]

Lg. Inkosi

[@alfredyu7213]

Thank you for your honest opinion but I'm still happy with my large sebenza, thank you for the vid.n keep uploading .😀😀

[@111111111Tiger]

I know you were testing out the nano grease. The knife came with grease and loctite. I would have used the lubricate that came with the knife. Thanks for the video. Perhaps you do a follow up / part two to this video to share your experience 18+ months later?

[@rpnp2]

I actually like that washer and stop pin thing on the Inkosi.. Not enough to replace my 25 with an Inkosi, but it looks like an improvement in design. I haven't taken apart my 25 in a few years, so i doubt its that much of an improvement, but it definitely looks better engineered.

[@abefroman9565]

rpnp2 How is it an improvement?

[@tgates811]

I don't think so. That means side to side forces on that blade will torque the frame, axis stud, washer, etc. The sebenza has a fixed spacer and the axis stud is also height limited.

[@wolfganghaeussler]

Thank you Rob, again a great review. Which angle do you apply during sharpening for the Inkosi and the Umnumzaan? Do you use the same angles for the Sebenza 25 and 21 as well?

[@TheApostleP]

Wolfgang Häussler Usually 17 DPS with a 20 micro. If I get one that’s a little thick, I go up a degree.

[@matthewturner7691]

I'm having trouble picking a CRK knives. I'm a hard use kinda of guy who does milright work.

[@VincenzoNero94]

Prying? Go tanto. The standard clip can do light prying. But I would recommend a sebenza or inkosi.

[@TearsInReign]

Did you polish the washers? If so, what method did you use?

[@tripleceas]

Subscribed cause you’re a lefty!

[@jwalt833]

I'm taking a leap into CR knives what should I go with sebenza or inkosi I can't decide

[@mbnall]

j walt Sebenza 21, definitely.

[@jwalt833]

Matt Nall thank you that's what I went with large sebenza 21 with black canvas micarta Inlay I absolutely love it

[@suttonmatthew]

I don’t think those are grease pockets because the washer doesn’t rotate, it’s static. The only surface that needs grease are the washer bronze surface and the pivot surface. Filling the pockets has no purpose. See all that extra goop?

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Also even though I used the included grease with gun oil I believe I used to much grease

[@johnnyboy1586]

These criss reaves knives are close to $1000 here in NZ

[@missmygamergirl445]

by yourself a nice set of high end rc type hex drivers.

[@knifebitten1613]

@TheApostleP how about grind Rob, is it more flat like 25, or is it same depth hollow like 21?

[@TheApostleP]

knifebitten It's the large hollow. Same blade as the 25.

[@knifebitten1613]

TheApostleP Thanks!

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Can the thumb stud be removed from the off side or are they mated together

[@TheApostleP]

chip Lape It's a one-piece pressed in stud.

[@jean-pierrebergeron1605]

Hi, great covering of the knife.May I ask what camera you are using?

[@Robert_Fiori]

Now if I could just get an Inkosi with Insingo blade - whow.... gimmy gimmy gimmy!

[@TheApostleP]

Rob from Oz Apparently great minds think alike! Insingo Inkosis will be unveiled at Blade 😉

[@thecentralavenuegunslinger7861]

I thought you already reviewed the susbenza 25 oh wait 🤔

[@repro7780]

Looks identical to my Sebenza 25.....just everything is backwards!

[@dubglock2312]

i will have one, one-day

[@CycloneDeere]

I've been watching/enjoying your videos for a while now. I'm a bit surprised at your hating on the 25 though. I think if you had one there to compare with the Inkosi, you would have found more similarities than you mentioned.

[@TheApostleP]

Carey McMaster I didn't mention the similarities much because they are essentially the same knife, with some updates and improvements on the Inkosi. I view the Inkosi as "Rev. A" of the Sebenza 25, with a necessary name change. I didn't hate the 25... I just never saw it as a Sebenza.

[@brettdavis5555]

1:28 there is a typo. “Return the knife to *use*...”

[@OLMmedic]

I really like this large inkosi. Never was a fan of the 25 but this one i like alot. I think that i will put any funds for other knives on the side for this big guy. Cool vid brother

[@matthewcamargo3052]

Is that the Charcoal color?

[@nathan_navaja]

You ever going to review the Maxamet Manix? Maybe the PM2 when it's released?

[@TheApostleP]

Nathan Navaja I can do that right now... if you want a blade with ultimate wear resistance, but disintegrates like untempered glass as the slightest pressure, Maxamet is great. NOT RECOMMENDED. Far to low in toughness for a knife blade.

[@amo757]

I was starting to save up my money for the new PM2 in Maxamet until I saw this comment. If the steel is that brittle why would Spyderco be making even more knives in Maxamet? They tested it in their Mule first, then the Manix 2, and now they are expanding Maxamet into other lines. In light of this can Maxamet really be as bad as you say? If it is you owe us a video on the subject!

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Does the 21 have that ball in the frame lock?

[@TheApostleP]

No. The Sebenza 21 uses a carburized titanium lock face and a standard ball detent for blade retention.

[@grirrat]

The notch at the top is so you can't see the transition from rounded spine to flat, because that's where its easiest to tell if the spine is misground

[@tylermains9533]

Surprised you didn't review my large Inkosi while you had it in for sharpening

[@ScottyBennitone]

one day i shall own this knife. one day.

[@jclar3565]

Cool to learn about folders...the definate direction millenials are going

[@ChaseAHawk]

Use Phil Wood Tenacious Oil. Trust me. Made since 1974. My small inkosi is smoother than any other lube. If you want a bottle i’ll send you one. Free. Dig the channel!!

[@mynameisjonas7967]

This video was nirvana.

[@astrazenica7783]

don't like having to rely on Lock-tite

[@fritz9830]

It's not a big deal. Takes 2 minutes to apply, and it lasts until you loosen the screws

[@Journeycam]

I could grease my truck with the amount you used.

[@sinjon]

Yeah sometimes less is more. My Sebenza feels better with slightly less grease rather than a truckload

[@Superbus753]

I think you did put in too much grease. In my experience it doesn't need a lot of grease.

[@brycewalts2444]

Just give it time to brake in the grease is great

[@carystarke8000]

I do not see the $425 on these Knives. When you can have a Todd Begg Botega or Glimpse , SteelCraft made for the same cost . Not on my list of Knives to collect .

[@grirrat]

A bodega is around five hundred and sixty dollars.

[@ajacks8007]

Sebenza 25 > large inkosi

[@ronaldventola2465]

“The action is superb…” well, not if the tension of the pivot and the free drop of the blade depend on how tightly you hold the handle! Reeve is making a “feature” out of a “bug.”

[@micah7492]

how does Chris reeve justify downgrading a knife then charging more for it?

[@sinjon]

Chris Reeve Knives, we put unnecessary “grease pockets” in washers but can’t make captive pivots

[@radioham6979]

Are these totally hand made ?

[@azraelsblade]

I'm still waiting for a medium Sebenza front flipper in 20CV....

[@racerx1508]

My sebenza one of the few knives I really regret buying

[@nogps1225]

This isn’t a sebenza

[@racerx1508]

@@nogps1225 yeah I know it just looks like the same knife

[@shaunpearson7905]

Why do you regret it? Price alone?

[@racerx1508]

@@shaunpearson7905 I just thought it was the end all to be all of knives.

[@fritz9830]

@@racerx1508 you should know better. The quest NEVER ends for us

[@dalecarpenter8828]

That's a liner not washers .to much friction .

[@Glenn056]

gasp

[@johnbowen5336]

I can understand most of the improvements, but thickening an already thick blade stock even further? .12 was plenty thick, in fact I would prefer .10. Not a yuge fan of that choice.

[@TheSSHR]

only good thing on this knife is C.R. sign