The iconic classic in a glass-blasted finish and Lefthand Version
Available in Large or SmallReeve Integral Lock with ceramic ball on lockbarBlade Steel: Magnacut
Clip Design: Off-set (on the 31, the clip now sits diagonally rather than straight)
When in June 2019 the end of the Sebenza 21 was proclaimed and with the Sebenza 31 the successor was presented, this message went like a drumbeat through the knife scene. Finally, new introductions of the manufacturer from Idaho are already very rare. If it is then still about the heritage of one of the most famous and best pocket knives of all time, such a thing does not remain without appropriate reaction. Fortunately, Chris Reeve Knives have improved their recipe for success all in all only minimally but in crucial places, so that one can justifiably continue to speak of a Sebenza in the new 31 model..
First, it is noticeable that the hole on the presentation side of the knife is now omitted - something that many Reeve fans have long wished for. The slightly altered angle of the pocket clip, which now no longer presses on the lockbar, is also quickly noticeable to the trained eye.
Less obvious, however, is the revised lock of the Sebenza 31. Just as with the Umnumzaan or the Inkosi, a ceramic ball embedded in the lockbar now presses against the blade root. The hardness of this ball is in a range that can hardly be measured, preventing long-term wear at the contact point of the lockbar..
To improve the hand position of the Sebenza once again a little, the recessed grip on the front was ground a little differently. All in all, we can say: yes, the new model rightly bears the venerable name Sebenza and can effortlessly tie in with the popular 21 series..
Small or Large?
Just like its predecessor, both sizes are still available.
While the large Sebenza 31 is a truly full-blown work knife, the Small Sebenza remains the king of EDC pocket knives - the hand placement continues to be great on the successor model. All of the features mentioned above can also be found in this smaller version of the Sebenza 31 - just in a slightly more compact and pocket-friendly form.
Glassblast vs. SandblastWondering what the difference is between glass-blasted and sandblasted? The glass-blasted finish uses crushed glass, resulting in a finer, tighter grit that is extremely scratch-resistant and smooth, but still retains its grip. Sandblasted, on the other hand, uses sand to create an extra grippy surface that ages with character.
Sebenza 31 CGG – Computer Generated Graphic: Forever Flag
CPM MagnaCut blade, stonewashed, 63–64 RC
6AL4V titanium handles, glass blasted
Reeve Integral Lock with Ceramic Ball Interface
Made in Boise, Idaho, USA
When Chris and Anne Reeve became naturalized American citizens in 2002, the American flag became their Forever Flag. It has held a place on their knives ever since — one of the most personal graphics Chris Reeve Knives has ever put on a blade.
The Sebenza 31 CGG Forever Flag depicts the flag in motion: not static, not decorative, but flying — the way it has stood above people in moments that mattered. For the Reeves, it is not a political statement, but a personal one: a commitment to the country they chose as their home.
The knife itself needs no introduction. The Sebenza has been the benchmark for production folders for decades. The CPM MagnaCut blade — one of the most capable production knife steels available today — is stonewashed and hardened to 63–64 RC. The 6AL4V titanium handles are glass blasted and will feel the same after twenty years of daily carry as they do on day one. The Reeve Integral Lock with Ceramic Ball Interface remains one of the most reliable locking mechanisms ever built into a production folder.
The CGG finish is worked directly into the titanium scale — no sticker, no inlay print, but a process that becomes part of the knife's own surface. The result is a graphic that ages with the knife without fading.
Dimensions & Weight
Overall length Large: 8.40" (213.4 mm) / Small: 6.98" (177.3 mm)
Weight Large: 4.7 oz (133 g) / Small: 3.0 oz (85 g)
Lifetime Warranty: Chris Reeve Knives stands behind every knife for its entire service life — including a free Clean, Tune, Sharpen, and re-sandblast for unmodified knives.
Chris Reeve Knives Sebenza 31
Available in Large or SmallReeve Integral Lock with ceramic ball on the lockbarBlade steel: MagnaCutClip design: offset (on the 31, the clip now sits diagonally rather than straight)
Open the blade and you notice it straight away: everything here just fits! You won’t find any bearings, yet it runs as if it’s been oiled, because the tolerances really are spot on, down to the last detail. Pick up a Sebenza for the first time and you’re guaranteed to open and close it a few more times afterwards. Just because.
The Sebenza is the folder from Chris Reeve Knives in Boise, Idaho, and for many in the scene it’s the grail knife, full stop. The name comes from Zulu and means work, a nod to Chris Reeve’s South African roots. The first Sebenza was made in 1987, and since 2019 the Sebenza 31 has been the current generation and successor to the legendary Sebenza 21. The basic shape has stayed the same. The improvements are in places you’ll only notice on second glance.
First and foremost, the Reeve Integral Lock, Chris Reeve’s take on the frame lock. On the 31, a ceramic ball sits in the lockbar and presses against the blade tang. Ceramic is so hard that practically nothing wears at this contact point over the years. That’s why the lock-up should feel the same after long use as it did on day one. You may already know the principle from the Umnumzaan and the Inkosi.
On the 31, the clip is offset and sits at a slight angle, so it no longer presses on the lockbar. On top of that, the finger groove at the front of the handle has been reground, and you feel that straight away in the grip. The handle is made from sandblasted titanium, the hollow-ground blade from CPM MagnaCut. The steel is extremely corrosion resistant and holds its edge for a long time. For you, that means less sharpening and fewer worries when Hamburg serves up its usual drizzle.
Small or Large?
The Large has a 9.2 cm blade that’s 3.2 mm thick. Open, it measures 21.2 cm and tips the scales at 133 g. A full-grown work knife that still won’t hang in your pocket like a brick. The Small comes in at 7.5 cm of blade with 3.0 mm stock, measures 17.5 cm open and weighs 85 g. In the EDC world, it’s been a benchmark for years, and for good reason. Depending on availability, you can choose between a drop point and a tanto blade. Then there’s the Insingo with its long, almost straight edge, which pays off if you do a lot of draw cuts.
In the end, the Sebenza 31 is a knife you don’t have to think about for long. You slip it into your pocket in the morning, it does its job, and in the evening it lies on the table just as precise as on day one. That’s really all you want from a folder.
Sebenza 31 with Natural Micarta Inlay
available in Large (S35VN) or Small (S45VN)
Micarta inlay on the front and back
Clip sits slightly diagonal on the 31
Of course, in addition to the "Plane Jane", the Sebenza 31 is again available in a model with inlays. Two versions are currently available, one with Black Canvas Micarta and the variant presented here in Natural Micarta.
While the rear Micarta inlay is more oriented to the inlays of the Inkosis in terms of shape, a new design was chosen for the show side. Instead of having two inlays as before, now one large one was used, which describes a wide arc over the handle of the knife. As is customary with CRK, the inlays on the Sebenza 31 are bonded in such a way that they last virtually forever.
In addition to the visual difference, the Micarta inlays also provide a somewhat fuller and rounder hand position, which should be interesting especially for use with gloves.
Large
When the end of the Sebenza 21 was proclaimed in June 2019 and the successor, the Sebenza 31, was presented, this announcement went through the knife scene like a drumbeat. After all, new introductions from the manufacturer from Idaho are already very rare. When it comes to the inheritance of one of the most famous and best pocket knives of all time, such a thing does not remain without appropriate reaction.
Fortunately, Chris Reeve Knives have improved their recipe for success all in all only minimally but in crucial places, so that one can justifiably continue to speak of a Sebenza in the new 31 model.
First of all, the hole on the presentation side of the knife is now gone - something that many Reeve fans have long wished for. The slightly changed angle of the pocket clip, which now no longer presses on the lockbar, is also quickly noticeable to the trained eye.
Less obvious, however, is the revised lock of the Sebenza 31. Just as with the Umnumzaan or the Inkosi, a ceramic ball embedded in the lockbar now presses against the blade root. The hardness of this ball is in a barely measurable range, which prevents long-term wear at the contact point of the lockbar.
In order to improve the hand position of the Sebenza a bit, the grip recess on the front side was ground a bit differently. All in all, we can say: yes, the new model rightly bears the venerable name Sebenza and can easily tie in with the popular 21 series.
Small
Just like the previous model, both sizes are still available.
While the large Sebenza 31 is a truly full-blown work knife, the Small Sebenza remains the king of EDC pocket knives - the hand position continues to be great on the successor model. All of the features mentioned above can also be found in this smaller version of the Sebenza 31 - just in a slightly more compact and pocket-friendly form.
Accessories:
Chris Reeve Clip Insert and Screw
Chris Reeve Backspacer
Chris Reeve Body Screw Kit
Chris Reeve Pocket Clip
Chris Reeve Grease
Chris Reeve Body Screw
Chris Reeve Lanyard classic for Sabenza and Umnumzaan
Lanyard Pin
