Chris Reeve Carbon Fiber Large Inkosi - Insingo Blade - Magnacut
Chris Reeve Carbon Fiber Large Inkosi - Insingo Blade - Magnacut
Ever since we worked with Chris Reeve to come out with the Carbon Fiber version of the Inkosi, we have had many, many requests to bring out an insingo blade version. We completely agree, and good things come to those that wait! This is a perfect version of an overbuilt everyday carry that features the utilitarian insingo blade shape designed by Rodney Connelley and Chris Reeve, with the reduced weight of the carbon fiber handle scale.
The Insingo Blade
This inkosi.html>Large Inkosi folding knife comes with a 3.64" blade with a long curving blade shape that CRK calls their insingo blade. The insingo style blade shape is a design that Rodney Connelley and Chris Reeve developed and was at one time exclusive to KnifeArt.com The gentle curvature of the blade allows for outstanding, even slicing capability. The blade steel that is used is stainless American Made CPM MagnaCut with an RC hardness of 63-64. This steel comes with a fine stonewashed blade finish and helps hide scratches after repeated heavy use. The blade is a large hollow grind that merges the best of both the flat grind and the hollow grind into a functional cutting tool. The blade can be accessed with either hand by the dual blue anodized titanium thumb lugs mounted on either side of the blade.
Carbon Fiber & Titanium Handle Construction
Chris Reeve Knives has long been known as the innovator and developer of the framelock construction. It puts beefy titanium behind the blade tang of the knife when it is open, providing an extremely robust locking mechanism. What makes this knife special is the use of premium-grade carbon fiber on the non-locking side of the knife. Carbon Fiber was selected by us to reduce the weight without compromising on the strength of the knife. We believe that items in your everyday carry should be as strong as possible yet not be overweight. Carbon fiber is the perfect material because it is rigid, very machinable and retains incredible strength. CF provides a higher strength-to-weight ratio than conventional aircraft materials and that is why it is even used on the Boeings Dreamliner aircraft. The end of the handle has a hand-tied black cord lanyard with a special blue anodized titanium bead, it looks cool and makes it easier to retrieve the knife from your pocket.
Incremental Improvements
The Inkosi has several engineering improvements that make it an outstanding choice for a heavy-duty folding knife. The frame lock mechanism features a ceramic ball that works as a lockbar interface on the back of the blade tang. This ceramic interface greatly reduces lock wear. Another improvement that the inkosi has is the wider pivot construction and wider phosphor bronze bushing, this larger bushing provides excellent stability when the knife is open.
Size and Carry
The principle specs on the large inkosi are a blade length of 3.64" along with an overall length of 8.4". Thanks to the carbon fiber on this knife, the weight is reduced to 4.0 oz! This is a full-size folding knife and is a similar size to the large sebenza and the inkosi. The blade thickness is 8% wider than the large sebenza and provides increased heft in your hand, if you need a bigger folding knife for field tasks this is an excellent choice for your EDC.
Lifetime Warranty
Each Chris Reeve product is made in Boise, Idaho USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. After years of heavy use, you can even send the knife in for spa treatment, sharpening and it comes back looking fully refurbished. The knife comes attractively packaged with multiple hex tools, a chamois cloth, and fluorinated grease to keep the knife opening smoothly. We are extremely proud to have his carbon fiber model as an exclusive to KnifeArt.com.
Product Reviews
After I had my s35 version a long time already, I was lucky enough to also get the s45 version.
It’s easier to resharp but except that I don’t feel any difference.
Only thing I don’t like is the original clip and I changed that to a deepcarry lynch.
Black bead and I have my perfect knive I use every day.
Damn expensive after all because of duty and taxes in Austria it cost me 1000€ all in all, but worth it every day!
I am just in love…
For a large CHRIS REEVE knife, you don't even feel it in your pocket. I had to check a couple of times to make sure it was still in my pocket. As always the quality is top notch, the blade is amazing and sharp!!
One disappointment, a little stiff when opening.
Amazing EDC knife. Light, quality built, comfy and great looking. Not scary. Highly recommend over regular Sebenza
The best version of the the Sebenza in my opinion. This knife gets the most compliments. My cousin from Mexico complimented me so much in it that I gifted it to him thinking I could always get another one. But sadly I have been waiting and none have been available. I’m hoping with the new 31’s knifeart continues their exclusives.
I keep coming back to knifeart for my sebenzas because I am not lost in the mix like at some other online retailers. They call and email me and I feel connected to their business. You don’t find that anymore. Thank you knifeart and thanks for the rewards points!
By far my favorite knife! I was worried that the Chris Reeve “feel” would be lost if the knife wasn’t all Ti. It isn’t! Everything I love about CRK is there, but with noticeably less weight. It’s the perfect knife and my other blades (even my CRKs) are now sad and lonely.
Glad I Ordered this Inkosi in Carbon Fiber!! Such a sweet knife. Highly recommend
I’ve been carrying Chris Reeve knives for the better part of three decades now; I started out with a couple of models from the one-piece range, and picked up a basic large Sebenza when they arrived on the scene. I was duly impressed by the quality and design, and I’ve probably owned a half dozen in various sizes and configurations over the years. A small Sebenza (with clip removed and carried in the leather slip case) has been my preferred daily carry “gentleman’s folder” for the last 20 years or so. That being said, I hadn’t really paid a lot of attention to recent CRK offerings for the last few years…none of the subtle changes in the design and materials seemed to justify upgrading from the CRK folders I already owned.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to pick up a new CGI Sebenza I had been looking for (the Lunar Landing commemorative), and I was reminded of how nice these knives really were. I didn’t plan on carrying the limited edition, but my renewed interest led me to look at some of the other newish CRK folders. I discovered the Knife Art CF Inkosi with the Insingo blade. The combination of the carbon fiber and the semi-sheepsfoot blade sealed the deal for me…finally a CRK folder that was sufficiently different to warrant adding to the rotation!
I’ve been carrying the knife for about three days at this point, and I couldn’t be happier with it. The legendary CRK quality is evident…the (clichéd) bank vault lock up, incredible tolerances and superb ergonomics…it’s all there, better than ever. The simple thumbstud operation and smooth elegance afforded by the bronze bushing makes one wonder what all the recent fuss about flippers and bearings has been about. The carbon fiber used on the Inkosi is obviously of a superior quality, with a lovely semi-matte finish and no discernible voids or cracking. It’s very light for a relatively large knife. The packaging is excellent (a huge improvement from the somewhat-difficult-to-reassemble foam and cardboard contraption CRK used a few years ago), with appropriate wrenches, Loc-Tite, lubricant and CRK chamois included. The only (very) minor nit I have is the absence of the calfskin pouch that CRK used to include with their folders (my preferred means of carry). It’s not a big deal…the item description doesn’t indicate that the pouch is included, and they’re readily available.
As usual, Knife Art’s service and shipping was superb…thanks for bringing this outstanding CRK configuration to the market!
1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Chris Reeve knife. My first purchase was a large Sebenza 21. The Sebenza is a great product with legendary status. Love the action and quality of knife. The large Inkosi with Insingo blade is very attractive piece. I order the knife with the carbon fiber grip - I couldn't be happier. The quality of the carbon fiber is outstanding. I intend to buy additional Chris Reeve knives and all new purchases will be with the carbon fiber handle. The carbon fiber handles are only available through KnifeArt. Great product guys!! Well done.
This is the opinion of someone that is used to knives almost exclusively from another popular company. The balance of this knife is fantastic and feels truly "just right" for me. The grip is comfortable with adequate traction between the CF and titanium and the CF grooves fit very well. Some comment how this seems to lock your hand in that is a ways away from the blade, it's maybe further out than some but I don't look at it as being "too far" and more just "normal distance."
The blade finish and blade shape overall are very nice, stock thickness not too bad either.
The action comes stiff with a strong detent which from what I can read is typical of the model starting off that will improve with time and pivot adjustment if desired will also help a lot. I think the reason I didn't actually keep the knife was that I was used to a very different feeling action than what this knife had. If i didn't have other knives that were on my list to get, I would have more likely given this knife the time it deserved to adjust and get to know and appreciate it for what it is. Those that keep and use this model rave about them and I believe it has the ability to be an incredible tool in addition to a looker. Great service from knife-art, and this model isn't around often so I'd encourage you to pick one up if you're on the fence.
I have been using knives for over 45 years and collecting them for the last five or so. I am now over 80 of different types, brands and constructions, fro cheapies to numerous Hinderers, Chris Reeve, Spyderco, Lionsteel, and others.
When this knife arrived (very quickly, I might add, a day early - which was very much appreciated, as anticipated as it was) I was honestly taken back by how beautiful the knife is in hand.
Pictures do not do it justice.
The pattern on the carbon fiber is wonderful, and angling it different ways makes the pattern look entirely different. I have numerous carbon fiber knives, and motorcycle parts, but none of them look as good as this. Not by a long shot.
The Insingo blade shape is not only pleasing to look at, but is a great slicer and will sharpen easily. It won't need it for a while, though, as it shaves hair easily right out of the box.
And this is my first Inkosi model Chris Reeve knife; I have Sebenzas, 25s and Unmumzaans and I was pleasantly surprised how well executed the design is.
If you are on the fence, get it while it is in stock. You will not be disappointed.
I just purchased this knife, my second CF Chris Reeve and I have to say that this has to be the pinnacle of folders. Such a great knife
This is the best iteration of the Inkosi I have seen so far. Blade geometry is improved for slicing, and is thin at the edge for ease of sharpening and cutting performance. The carbon fiber on the show side greatly improves weight and balance. Action is fantastic thanks to the retention/interface ceramic ball- very smooth. Awesome edc.
The Inkosi Insingo is a great knife, and one that will last a lifetime! The carbon fiber front side gives it a desirable weight. The blade cuts well and the handle is ergonomic. A treasure to own!
2 people found this review helpful
I owned the drop point CF Inkosi for more than a year and had to have the Insingo as well. IMO the CF version of any CRK is the perfection of the knife for EDC. The weight reduction alone is worth it. Of course, CRK does their part with a superb knife, and KA does theirs with lightning fast shipping.
My latest insigno. Best one yet. Love it.
I wanted to try the Inkosi but was specifically looking for the CF exclusive from KA with the Insingo blade. Seems like I got the last one!
I ordered it on Friday and got it on Monday (can you say lightning fast shipping!?)
This guy is very light, very smooth and rides the pocket really well, as expected from CRK.
CRK and KnifeArt for the win!
Thanks guys!
The improvements of the Inkosi combined with the versatile Insingo blade style makes a superb tool.
The carbon fiber scales takes out the weigth and makes this the ultimate combination.
My new EDC.
What can i say, KA service is outstanding, order with confidence.
Thank You.
Shipping & Returns
USA - Free Shipping on US orders over $150. Most shipments arrive in 2-3 business days with tracking emailed to you. We also offer FedEx Next Day and Two Day air shipping at an additional cost for rush orders. more details
International - We ship internationally! Most shipments arrive in 3-7 business days. Generally, we use FedEx Express and costs vary by country more details
Returns - We want you to be happy with your purchase. All knives carry a 7-day inspection period from the delivery date. Exchanges are welcome. more details