I just received my CRK Large 21 insingo - and it is immediately in my pocket, and will fast become a favorite. It's competition is a pair of Spyderco Gayle Bradleys (an original and a GB2). So far these are my favorite folders, but the CRK is clearly a contender. My question - which model in the CRK lineup has the best flipping action. I am not looking for some kind of rocket, but my GB's both snap open with a little thumb (or middle finger) flick. The CRK is very smooth but I either have to thumb assist it all the way open or give it an exaggerated wrist flip. Does another model behave more like a flipper? Will this insingo develop a faster action, or is this a limitation of the knife's geometry? Clearly I'm already thinking about my next CRK... TIA
Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your viewpoint) CRK does not make knives that flip open in that way. They are designed to be thumbed the whole way open rather than flicked. It is just the style of knife CRK prefers to make for whatever reason. That being said the Inkosi is probably the smoothest CRK I have personally tried. The Umnumzaan can be quite smooth as well. While my 21s are very smooth it is a hydraulic kind of smoothness like found on my Emerson Cqc7s rather than the kind of smoothness where you overcome the detent and the blade just flies the rest of the way open. If that style of flipping action is crucial for you a CRK might not be the knife you are looking for.
Thanks, Lapedog. I suspected as much. Oh - this CRK is definitely my kind of thing! In fact, I am sure an Inkosi with micarta inlays will also be my kind of thing someday
My CF small Sebenza and small micarta Insingo both "flip" open quite easily, but my small Inkosi takes the cake with a degree of smoothness that has to be experienced to be believed. On the other hand, my inlaid Classic won't play that game unless I toss in a good wrist flick, but it still has that hydraulic feeling that Lapedog referred to in his post above. Regards, Adam
Umnumzaan for sure. I am not a flicker fan, but both my Zaans can be flicked open effortlessly. Plus, the o-rings absorb the shock. Good stuff if you like to do that.
Inkosi/Sebenza 25 has action like the Zaan. The heavier blade gives it more flicking authority. I've also gotten my Sebenzas to flick more freely by carefully polishing the washers. 2000 grit sandpaper followed by 3000 and 5000 grit trizac pads does really well.
Inkosi, 25, Zaan like everyone else has suggested. Reason being the pivot tension is adjustable. If you want the fluid hydraulic feeling that a sebenza is known for you set the pivot like it came from the factory, zero blade play, smooth-consistent action. If you want to thumb flick it open, loosen it up a squeak, you might get very very slight side to side play to achieve this, but that is the nature of the beast, same principle behind people polishing up the washers, it opens up the tolerance between the bushing, washers and handle slabs, more space=easier opening.
My CF 25 flys out with the correct technique. Don't own one but the zaan i handled was the same as my 25.
After 7 years of using my insingo, barely taking it apart, the blade falls free at this point. Just use it and it will get smoother. Ps. Congrats on the new knife.
I picked up an umnumzaan, and I have to say that the right technique for flipping it eludes me. I tried with my left thumb and it snapped open, leading me to think even the slightest pressure on the lockbar will give me trouble. It may also need some breaking in? My thumb needs a break, that's for sure. Any other pointers?
Here is my pointer for flicking open your CRK. They flick like you are flipping a quarter with your thumb. No wrist, just load up your thumb and snap it open. My small sebenza took a week of work before it flicked out for the first time. I also noticed the Sebenza requires more of a 5 to 11 direction (for righties). Tightened down completely, it still flicks open quite easily. The small Inkosi flicked open after 2 or three openings. It is much more forgiving, and can even be flicked 6 to 12, which I find more natural. The Inkosi gets tightened down all the way, then back off about 1/8 of a turn. I can even use the inkosi like a front flipper with an 80% success rate. That thing just wants to open. I imagine the Zaan would be similar to the Inkosi. Grease it up a bit, load up your thumb like you are flipping a quarter against the thumbstud, and let it rip 6 to 12.
Well, I have finally landed on the CRK with the best flipping action. Based on responses to this thread, I got an Umnumzaan, and 3 days later passed it along because I simply could not get the hang of it and it was starting to irritate me. So, the search continued, and I picked up a very nice Inkosi. After a bit, and several more reviews that praised the 'zaan, I decided to try again with another one. Boy am I glad I did! The Umnumzaan is fantastic, and I finally figured out how to get this knife to open like I'd expect. I don't use my thumbnail like some have suggested. I use the pad of my thumb (same on my L21 and Inkosi, but with a different grip). Anyway, I love this knife! The Inkosi has been relegated to 3rd place in my CRK lineup, behind the L21. This 'zaan is just the Cadillac of my collection.
Congrats on your second acquisition of Umnumzaan. It is also one of my favorites and the knife which I will never part with.
