Well right... and obviously I see it the other way. And that's based on a quarter century of academic and professional experience.
Have you met Abe Lincoln? Got any valid thoughts about him? Good heavens....
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A real Umnumzaan owners review!
- Thread starter OD-SnG
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Well right... and obviously I see it the other way. And that's based on a quarter century of academic and professional experience.
Have you met Abe Lincoln? Got any valid thoughts about him? Good heavens....
Congratulations on being an acidemic for 25 years. I've been in the computer industry for many years.
We have no way to meet Mr. Lincoln. With a little patience, or $1600, we can meet the new CR folder and make a more informed opinion. My point is you are jumping the gun.
Rich
Actually I only did 5 years in academia. The rest is "real", as it were.
The idea behind design is to think something through *before* it comes to fruition. I like to think we are contributing to that process. If not, maybe the joke's on me. If so, it really doesn't make a great deal of sense to wait until the thing's in production to offer comments.
That would be falling behind the gun.
The idea behind design is to think something through *before* it comes to fruition. I like to think we are contributing to that process. If not, maybe the joke's on me. If so, it really doesn't make a great deal of sense to wait until the thing's in production to offer comments.
That would be falling behind the gun.
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That's hard to say. I would think that more weight would be given to those that have purchased a prototype. However, if I paid $1,600 for a folder, I would be reluctant to say that I didn't like it. I would also be less likely to use that knife in the same manner as I would a $500 knife. I think all opinions will be considered, those that bought the knife, those that handled the knife and yes even those who give their opinions based on just looking at the knife and reading what people have to say on this forum. Even though Chris and company may not comment on this thread, I feel that they will be closely watching and considering what we have to say here.
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Even though Chris and company may not comment on this thread, I feel that they will be closely watching and considering what we have to say here.
You may be right. And by the way, in case someone from the mother ship is listening in, I think U-zan should be priced less than the Sebenza or it will not sell very good. Trying to perfect perfection is not a worthy pursuit as a business no matter how many awards.
I don't think Chris is trying to cater to the masses. I do think he is at a point with this project where he's receptive to critical observations. Some of those observations will come from people who own prototypes, some will come from those who've handled the knife, but don't own it, and some will be offered only on the basis of photos. Hell, some may very well come from folks who haven't even seen photos!
The reason for accepting criticism and incorporating it into the design would be that the particular observation resonates with the designer. I think that resonance is more likely to inform Chris' thinking than overwhelming comments in favor of something he just does not want to do.
A truly effective designer of goods for consumption is arrogant enough to assume he can build a better mousetrap, and yet humble enough to realize that sometimes all the answers don't come from him. That is a fine line to walk, and walking it well is one of the hallmarks of an accomplished designer.
So, to recapitulate, my points are: 1.) Critical analysis of something at the prototype stage is of much greater potential use than it is once the item is in production. 2.) Critical analysis of a physical object based solely on representation (drawing, photo, model, etc.) has the potential to be highly insightful and effective. Most design decisions are made on the basis of abstract representations.
"So, to recapitulate...". Thanks so much.
I guess it was a waste of Mr. Reeve's time to make a prototype. A few drawings and a clay model would have been just as good.
Dave, good point. But, I would still be very interestied in the opinions of the buyers of the prototypes and those at Blade who handled the prototypes.
To me a knife is a tool. A hand tool. How it feels in the hand is very important... to me.
Rich
Of course not. Obviously being able to handle the prototype, or live with it for a while, allows for a deeper level of insight. That's the fundamental reason for making it to begin with.
Again, what I'm saying is: 1.) Criticism is more useful if delivered early enough to be sifted into the production mix. 2.) It is effective (and commonplace) to make critical observations and design decisions based on abstract representations.
This is relevant because I do think CRK pays attention to our comments, and I do think it's interesting and enjoyable to make them, and to see what other people have to say.
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The owner/bias issue could be settled if CRK wanted to do a company sponsored passaround like spyderco does. I think that is an efficient way to collect information, users are not under any obligation to be nice, and perhaps people would tend to use it a little more honestly because it's not their $1600.
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I thnk that's a good idea Dave. Even I wouldn't beat up a $1,600 folder. We both know that a passaround Um Num just ain't gonna happen. Maybe when the production ones become available it may be practical to do the typical pass around with a lottery at the end. But if we could come up with the $1,600 (say 16 people at $100 each), it could work.
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You can bet that when these become available to knife magazines, they will be tested. Also I don't think the Umnumzaan was/is supose to be the Sebenza killer or even in direct competition with it. Just a different knife that is stronger(beefed up if you will) and maybe(maybe) catored towards military/law enforcement. Just a thought.
I've been using my Numzan for the last few days kind of hard. It has been performing outstandingly! Cut's and cut's and cut's... Just like Chris intended it to do. Oh by the way... I flipped the back screw.
I've been using my Numzan for the last few days kind of hard. It has been performing outstandingly! Cut's and cut's and cut's... Just like Chris intended it to do. Oh by the way... I flipped the back screw.
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Scott,
I think if the grooves were removed from the lock portion under the clip, then no. I've actually been carrying it in a nylon shoulder holster along with my H&K P30. It's been riding in one of the mag pouches with the clip outside the sheath and the velcro covering it. A very secure method of carry. The handle grooves aid in keeping it in place.
:thumbup:
I think if the grooves were removed from the lock portion under the clip, then no. I've actually been carrying it in a nylon shoulder holster along with my H&K P30. It's been riding in one of the mag pouches with the clip outside the sheath and the velcro covering it. A very secure method of carry. The handle grooves aid in keeping it in place.
:thumbup:
The grooves , kinda help keep it secure. I dont buy 1600.00 knives every day so when i do; i dont mind if its a little hard to pull out. One thing ive noticed which i cant remember if ive added yet, is when its clipped in the front pocket of my jeans ; it feels like its my small sebenza.