Chris Reeve Small Sebenza Classic Wood: A Discontinued Collector’s Piece
The Chris Reeve Small Sebenza Classic Wood is a mint example from a celebrated era of the company’s history. Furthermore, this knife came from a collection stored in a climate-controlled environment. It shows no carry or use wear. Consequently, the wood inlays retain their original polish and depth.
Chris Reeve introduced the Classic profile in 2000 to revive the lines of the earliest Sebenzas. The lock side carries the factory “Classic MM” engraving, with MM marking that year in Roman numerals. Moreover, wood-inlaid Classics surface far less often than plain titanium models. Buyers new to the platform can start with our guide on how to choose a custom knife.
Snakewood Inlays and Sandblasted Titanium
The factory birth card documents this handle as titanium with snakewood inlay. The wood shows a warm reddish-orange tone with tight, straight grain and a deep polish. Additionally, each scale carries two separate inlay panels divided by a machined titanium spine. That detail is unique to the Classic layout.
Every inlay sits contoured flush into the sandblasted 6Al4V titanium. The transition between wood and metal is seamless under the fingertips. Meanwhile, the Classic series uses precision double-beveled scales, so the handle feels slimmer than its dimensions suggest. Collectors who value figured natural materials will find more in our preowned knives selection.
S30V Blade and the Chris Reeve Heat Treat
The Chris Reeve Small Sebenza carries a 2.875-inch S30V stainless blade with a plain edge. Chris Reeve heat-treats S30V to 58–59 RC rather than pushing for maximum hardness. As a result, the steel gains toughness and edge stability. In practice, that means fewer chips and easier sharpening.
That heat treat became one of the company’s signatures. Because many makers ran S30V harder, Chris Reeve blades earned a reputation for durability instead. Additionally, the hollow grind keeps slicing performance high at 0.125-inch stock. Learn more about steels and finishes in our Knife Knowledge library.
Fit, Finish, and Hardware
The blade centers perfectly between the scales. Lockup arrives early on the lock face and stays solid. Furthermore, the polished pivot and body screws show no driver marks or tool slip. A gold-toned pivot screw contrasts against the matte titanium.
A black braided lanyard runs through the rear lanyard hole. The titanium pocket clip is set for tip-up right-hand carry. Above all, the overall fit reflects why Chris Reeve earned back-to-back BLADE Manufacturing Quality Awards, which appear on this knife’s box. Browse other makers on our shop by maker page.
Chris Reeve Small Sebenza Condition and What’s Included
This knife is preowned in mint condition with no sharpening and no carry wear. Furthermore, climate-controlled storage matters greatly for wood inlays, and it shows here. The grain remains rich and the titanium is unmarked.
The sale includes the original white factory box, brown leather pouch, blue microfiber cloth, instruction cards, and the hand-signed birth card dated January 5, 2009. That card documents the exact build. Our full standards appear under provenance, so you know precisely what arrives.
Chris Reeve Small Sebenza Product Specifications
- Brand: Chris Reeve Knives
- Model: Small Sebenza Classic Wood
- Series: Classic MM (discontinued)
- SKU: 00158-CRK-SEBSM-CW-SNAKE-20090105
- Condition: Preowned, mint
- Birth Date: January 5, 2009
- Country of Origin: USA — Boise, Idaho
- Blade Steel: S30V stainless steel
- Blade Hardness: 58–59 RC
- Blade Length: 2.875 in
- Blade Thickness: 0.125 in
- Blade Edge: Plain, hollow grind
- Handle Material: Sandblasted 6Al4V titanium, double-beveled scales
- Handle Inlays: Snakewood, dual panels per scale
- Lock Type: Chris Reeve Integral Lock (frame lock)
- Pocket Clip: Titanium, tip-up, right-hand carry
- Lanyard: Black braided cord
- Overall Length: 6.875 in
- Weight: 3.0 oz
- Included: Original white box, leather pouch, microfiber cloth, instruction cards, signed birth card
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the “Classic MM” engraving mean?
MM is the Roman numeral for 2000. Chris Reeve reissued the original Sebenza profile that year. Therefore the engraving marks the Classic series lineage.
Why is S30V run at only 58–59 RC?
Chris Reeve chose toughness over peak hardness. Consequently, the edge resists chipping and sharpens more easily than harder S30V.
Does the wood require special care?
Dense hardwoods stay stable, but they prefer steady humidity. Additionally, occasional light oiling keeps the grain rich. Avoid prolonged dry heat.
What condition is this Chris Reeve Small Sebenza in?
It is preowned and mint. Furthermore, it was stored in a climate-controlled collection, so the inlays and titanium remain flawless.
Does it include the original box and birth card?
Yes. The sale includes the white factory box, leather pouch, microfiber cloth, instruction cards, and the signed birth card dated January 5, 2009.
How do you verify authenticity?
We inspect engraving, machining, hardware, and factory paperwork against known references. In addition, we photograph every marking before listing. See why collectors trust us.
Buy With Confidence
Every knife we list is inspected, photographed, and described honestly. Browse the full Chris Reeve Knives collection for more from Boise. Meanwhile, if you own Chris Reeve pieces yourself, sell your collection for a same-day offer.
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