- among the best in its class!
The question is, are there much better "button lock" knives in this price range? That is the subject I intend to find out in this review. For the simple reason that
Sencut did so much right with this model called
Serene.
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| Sencut Serene |
So far, five versions of this model have been released. What differentiates them is the color of the handles and whether you want a black or satin finish on your blade.
Otherwise, it must be stated that several models from both Civivi and Sencut strongly resemble each other. There are differences, of course, and if you want to be benevolent, it can be stated that there is a lot to choose between. But that was actually partly what attracted me.
The Sencut Serene may not offer any great news, but it can be had at an affordable price and is also slightly larger than many of the other knives that Sencut offers. That was mainly what sparked the interest.
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| "Serene" is what the lines of this knife exude |
Short version: Sencut Serene, budget perfection for those looking for a "button lock" knife!
Blade
I usually say that if you, as a knife designer, do not have a clearly stated aesthetic direction and are hesitant about the shape of the blade, choose a drop point! It seems Sencut thought the same.
This example measures 89 mm in length and the height is at most 30 mm. In terms of appearance, it is basically a classic hunting knife blade. If it had been found on a fixed-blade knife with a Masur birch handle, many people would have recognized it, which is another way of putting it.
The blade is rather discreetly marked and the grind is flat and extends over the entire height of the blade. The finish is, as I said, satin. The knife blade is not full of details, the only ones that are present are the grooves at the base of the back of the knife.
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| Ett klassiskt drop point-blad |
The Serene is, after all, a budget knife, even if that concept sometimes gets a little fuzzy when transcribed from target prices in dollars to European price levels. Simply put, they tend to get a lot more expensive down the road.
However, this means that the materials are not the most exclusive and therefore D2 steel is found in the blade. Tool steel that both I and above all others have written about.
Since it is a group of steels and the properties partly depend on the manufacturer, they are not always exactly the same in how they behave. As with all steel, it also depends on how it has been heat-treated and hardened by the manufacturer.
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| The factory edge was excellent on this specimen |
In that area, it is noticeable that Sencut is a brand with a large company behind it. The knowledge is in-house, so to speak, and it gives good results. The factory edge was very capable and right out of the box the Serene cuts very well. The blade also stays sharp for a decent amount of time. Not extremely good but passed on that point.
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| A typical task for a pocketknife at my workplace is opening boxes |
The material thickness is no more than 3 mm, to begin with, and the grind is a high flat. The material is thinned to approximately 0.4 mm behind the edge. Overall, this knife is an excellent slicer. The only thing that could have been improved is the angle of the edge itself. It could actually have a shallower angle.
But even in this condition, the Serene cuts damn well, to put it bluntly. This applies both to tasks where a sharp tip is needed and when you need a solid edge. I have tested the latter on everything from natural materials such as wood and timber as well as hemp rope to plastic, rubber, and tape. Regardless of the material, this knife performs well.
Then, of course, it is a folding knife, which means that I do not pry with either the tip or the blade, which could cause unnecessary damage.
Handle
In the same way that the steel is not the most expensive, neither is the handle material. But aluminum of good quality is offered here. The handle is also spacious, it is 120 mm long in total, and of that, there is an available grip surface of 100 mm. The thickness of the handle is 12 mm and the height varies between 25 and 21 mm.
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| The spacious handle is comfortable but has a small drawback, it tapers toward the back |
The surface treatment is very nice in this case. Firstly, it looks almost like titanium and secondly, it is quite durable. At least so far. Some minor damage to the surface occurred when the knife was dropped a few times, once on a stone and another time on concrete slabs. But otherwise, there have not been very many scratches.
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| The knife is relatively easy to keep clean with an open back and smooth insides on the handlesides |
The construction is simple and consists of two sides that are joined with two T6 screws in addition to the pivot screw. In the open back, you can also see a bolt that acts as a lanyard attachment and a stop bolt for the blade. The spacers are elegantly hourglass-shaped and the inside is smooth. It facilitates cleaning.
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| Serene is a fairly large knife with good balance, the balance point is found just behind the pivot screw. |
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| The spacious handle makes it easy to find the right grip |
It is easy to find the right grip on the Serene. The handle is roomy enough for most hands, even if you wear gloves. Thinner gloves that is. Otherwise, the recess for the index finger will be a bit cramped. Otherwise, all the standard grip works, whether you seek support with a thumb or index finger on the back of the blade or just hold the knife in a hammer grip.
The only thing I have against the handle is that it contains a pet peeve of mine, namely that it tapers towards the end! This, combined with the fact that the aluminum surface is very smooth, means that you can sometimes get the feeling that the knife wants to slip out of your hand.
So if you know that you have to cut a lot and for a long time, I actually recommend a different handle material and thus also the knife model.
Opening and Lock
Serene is trendy like few with its lock type and not least its multiple opening methods. Two hands can be used but three other methods are premiere choices. It is a flipper knife, it has thumb studs and you can also use the lock to both open and close the knife, like all button locks. In other words, a lot to choose from. In addition, Sencut has succeeded excellently with the combination, which is not an easy task.
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| Serene can be opened in several different ways such as with thumb studs, flipper, or with the help of the lock |
It is extra difficult because this type of knife has no detent ball but the spring in the lock itself is responsible for that function. Here, Sencut has managed to trim it to perfection. Regardless of which of the above-mentioned ways you choose to open the knife, the result is lightning fast. That area gets five out of five stars from me.
Especially as the flipper tab has just the right amount of grip to not be aggressive but still provide good traction at the same time as it can both be pulled back and pushed down. This makes the knife more intuitive to handle and you don't have to think about how to open it. Just press and something happens!
Then it can be added that this is how you place thumb studs! Just far enough out from the handle to reach comfortably with your finger while the leverage is good but above all, completely out of the way when the knife is open. I don't know how many manufacturers still insist on having them halfway out on the blade. They should not be there!
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| See and learn, this is how thumb studs should be placed! |
The lock function is also exemplary. Sencut shows how good precision can be achieved in this field even though the price tag is not astronomical. No play can be felt in the blade when the knife is open. Or folded for that matter. Furthermore, the lock is very easy to release, which is an advantage.
It can also be said that this type of lock, "button locks", is almost easier to handle if you are left-handed. Instead of using your thumb, you can instead use your index finger to manipulate the lock. That and the removable clip make the knife ambidextrous.
To Carry
Serene is decent in this area as well. Not the absolute best but good enough. The sides are smooth, nothing sharp sticks out as both the flipper and the thumb studs are well-rounded and the clip is good. In addition, the knife is discreet in the pocket with only a little of the handle visible.
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| In terms of appearance, a fairly generic clip that is perhaps a little too big |
The clip is nothing special but is similar to most others from Sencut. Now that is not a bad thing in itself as they are basically very good. The tension is there and both the ramp and the space under the clip are sufficient. The clip is attached with two T6 screws and the material is steel.
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| A well-balanced ramp and adequate space under the clip contribute to good properties |
Possibly it could have been recessed in the side of the handle, but it is precisely such details that are saved on when a knife is to have a slightly lower price tag. Processing time is money.
If I have any real objection, I think it's a bit too big purely in terms of appearance.
To Conclude
An objection to
Serene could be that many models released under Sencut as well as Civivi and WE can sometimes be confusingly similar. A few examples from my own collection are Conspirator, Mini Praxis, and Sachse. In addition, there are more brands that today make knives with similar construction, material, and lock type.
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| There are quite a few models that are similar. Here Serene is compared to Sencut Sachse on the left and Civivi Conspirator on the right |
However, in this case, it is an advantage. The Serene looks like a more expensive knife and performs like one without being one. I can't answer how exactly all the competitors compare but this is a damn good knife! Especially if the price is factored into the equation. For the enthusiast, the appearance may feel familiar, but the function is, as I said, very good, and for someone who is new to the world of knives, it is a very good entry point. Of course, that also makes it a nice gift. As you know, it's getting closer to Christmas.
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| Sencut Serene is an excellent EDC knife for those who want something a little bigger and that just works |
Here, Sencut has made a knife that, first of all, looks good with what I usually call harmonious proportions, although possibly a little too discreet. An example of what I mean is the elegant sweeping line that forms all the way from the tip to the end of the handle if you look at the knife from the side.
Secondly, materials suitable for the price point have been chosen and, thirdly, they have played with them a bit. This has been done by combining fine ceramic ball bearings with a well-tuned spring in the lock. That combination, together with a well-made lock, makes for a very easy-to-handle knife. Fidget-friendly, some might say.
Even better is that the simple-looking blade cuts like a laser. Starting from relatively thin stock which is then thinned out down to being thin behind the edge crowned with a good sharpening job gives a very competent tool. Especially as the steel is if not extraordinary then at least adequate.
In order to be used properly, a good handle is needed and that is also obtained here. Serene is a fairly large knife, which gives plenty of space so even those with larger hands or thinner gloves can handle this knife. Comfort and ergonomics are simply good too.
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| Serene has become, if not a constant companion, then at least a fairly frequent one |
Sencut Sereneis a very good example of how well you can make a knife in its price range. EVERYTHING just works. If you don't think gray is exciting enough, there are more colorful options to choose from. If a little more exclusive material is desired, there are, as I said, similar knives within the group where it is found. But in this price range*, Serene is very hard to beat regardless of what it's compared to.
Specifications:
Length Overall: 208 mm
Length Folded: 120 mm
Weight: 98 g
Blade Length: 88 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Blade Steel: D2
Handle: Aluminum
Lock: Button lock
Produced by: Sencut, made in China.
/ J
* Serene can be had for around 85€ in Europe
