Another high-end

D

Dnullify

Joined
Mar 12, 2010
Messages
268
Hey all!

Well, to start off, I got a small sebenza 21 a couple weeks ago, and love it and EDC it. Unfortunately the bug has bitten again, and i'm on the hunt for a new high-end, with preferably a larger blade.

My collection thus far is small, and all users. i try and stay away from safe queens. I'd want to carry whatever i get, though I don't think it would replace my small 21 as the EDC. Sooooo I'm looking for a larger knife for the weekends, hiking, outdoorsy tasks that require a larger grip, and just general fiddling/playing with.

So far, i've been considering the CRK Umnumzaan and a SNG CC (or whatever flavor is in the BST at the time). I'm not considering a large 21, just because it's too similar to my small 21, and i'd like a little variety. I'm not going to even bother trying for an xm-18 :rolleyes:

Concerning a SNG, the three things that bug me about it are:
- that it's chunky-ness doesn't seem to lend itself to comfortable pocket carry, though it's not an EDC so i'm not sure how important it is.

-The short edge for the size knife. It's something that bugs me, even with a lot of spydercos. the SNG has close to the same cutting surface as my small 21, but in a completely different package. Can someone who's had this concern, but ended up with a SNG anyway let me know what they think?

-Recent comments as to fit&finish Problems. I know they're not as refined as CRK knives, but i don't want something made poorly.



Sorry, i didn't mean to bring up the whole "crk vs strider" deal. I've searched through other threads, and it seems that most who ask this similar question have different motives for the decision than i do.
It's a shame that there are such few options at this point, though if you know of any - I'm very open to suggestions!
 
For about the $$ you seem to be looking at, I'd pick the Umnumzaan simply on the quality of the product and the service you get. The Strider is a good heavy-duty knife, but somewhat cruder than CR knives. Still fun, though.

You might look at the Acies from AG Russell, the SR1 from Lionsteel, the Spyderco Military - Titanium version, the Kershaw Volt, Buck TNT (discontinued), Galyean ProSeries Lahar, and some of the entry level offerings from custom makers RJ Martin, Kirby Lambert, Greg Lightfoot & Patrick Nihiser.

I think I'd still go with the design, quality, and service you get with the Umnumzaan even in this crowd. I've particularly been looking at the Wilson Tactical variation called the "StarTac". It looks fantastic.

Hope this helps.
 
^ What he said.

Plus, you may want to consider ordering a custom from Darrel Ralph. It's a bit pricier than you're looking at, but the quality is stupendous, and you would not be disappointed.

Another maker to consider is DMKnives' David Mosier. Custom, but with a little lower price point.
 
I just got an SNG CC and besides the blade being ever-so-slightly off center, can attest that it is super contoured, carries VERY well, is constructed with tight tolerances, feels like an extension of your hand and locks-up beyond tight.....I'm very pleased :thumbup:
Contact me at macmiddlebrooks@hotmail.com for pics or more info.
 
I would say umnumzaan but its pretty similar to a large 21 sebenza as well with similar materials. You said you wanted something high end thats differant and grippier so I guess that really only leaves strider and maybe something from zt. If you can live with blade play, off centered blade, cruder design and dealing with loctite to break down your knife to clean than strider is a beast of a knife.
 
So, what i'm getting is that the Umnumzaan is just a better knife: better built, better CS, better F&F, larger cutting surface.

Frankly, what attracts me to the strider: is it's abuse-covering warranty and toughness, though i can't see myself using it to the point where that's an advantage over a Umnumzaan (unless it's an emergency and i have no hatchet); and that it looks like a little more fun to fiddle/play with - more ways to open/close/grip.
 
Dnullify said:
So, what i'm getting is that the Umnumzaan is just a better knife: better built, better CS, better F&F, larger cutting surface.

Frankly, what attracts me to the strider: is it's abuse-covering warranty and toughness, though i can't see myself using it to the point where that's an advantage over a Umnumzaan (unless it's an emergency and i have no hatchet); and that it looks like a little more fun to fiddle/play with - more ways to open/close/grip.
Click to expand...

Yes I think many would agree that the Umnumzaan is the better built knife. The Strider is a beastly knife but frankly its a 200-300 dollar knife with a 200 dollar warranty added to it. The warranty is the best out there because hell you're paying for it. Honestly you will never get your moneys worth from the warranty because you wont be able to break the knife without a sledgehammer or some other device to intentionally break it. Also Strider wont help you with random issues that might come up with your knife in the future. Anything short of a complete failure in the knife wont make them budge or even answer your emails/calls. Strider makes a great product but nowhere near close to perfect and their CS is just god awful. My older brother recieved an SNG as a gift before heading off to the air force and his came with a severely off centered blade that was slightly scraping the liner when opening/closing that couldnt be fixed by adjusting the pivot. He tried for 3 weeks to get a hold of them and finally he got an email saying it was within manufactoring tolerances and therefore was ok. Lovely service. The thing is if their CS were to be at tolerable levels I think a TON of people would love Strider even with the F&F issues and all because it is such a cool knife with great ergos, strength and utility.
 
I'm going to be the odd man out and tell you to try and find a large Pro Series JYD from Tim Galyean. An excellent knife at an excellent value and I'm sure you'd be able to find one on the foums for sale. Fit and finish is to notch, the IKBS makes for one of the smoothest opening and closing folders I've ever held, and the flat ground CPM-154 blade with Stonewash finish just screams use me. Look for one. You will never regret it.
 
Dnullify said:
Hey all!

Well, to start off, I got a small sebenza 21 a couple weeks ago, and love it and EDC it. Unfortunately the bug has bitten again, and i'm on the hunt for a new high-end, with preferably a larger blade.

My collection thus far is small, and all users. i try and stay away from safe queens. I'd want to carry whatever i get, though I don't think it would replace my small 21 as the EDC. Sooooo I'm looking for a larger knife for the weekends, hiking, outdoorsy tasks that require a larger grip, and just general fiddling/playing with.

So far, i've been considering the CRK Umnumzaan and a SNG CC (or whatever flavor is in the BST at the time). I'm not considering a large 21, just because it's too similar to my small 21, and i'd like a little variety. I'm not going to even bother trying for an xm-18 :rolleyes:

Concerning a SNG, the three things that bug me about it are:
- that it's chunky-ness doesn't seem to lend itself to comfortable pocket carry, though it's not an EDC so i'm not sure how important it is.

-The short edge for the size knife. It's something that bugs me, even with a lot of spydercos. the SNG has close to the same cutting surface as my small 21, but in a completely different package. Can someone who's had this concern, but ended up with a SNG anyway let me know what they think?

-Recent comments as to fit&finish Problems. I know they're not as refined as CRK knives, but i don't want something made poorly.



Sorry, i didn't mean to bring up the whole "crk vs strider" deal. I've searched through other threads, and it seems that most who ask this similar question have different motives for the decision than i do.
It's a shame that there are such few options at this point, though if you know of any - I'm very open to suggestions!
Click to expand...

ESEE H.E.S.T. is coming out by December! Not really a "high end" folder, but it looks to be prime quality and its supposed to only be aorund $175.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=758237

hest02.jpg
 
I've seen the HEST. it's a couple months down the road, and i'd have to wait for reviews and such. i like the half titanium half g-10, and the blade shape.
 
Umnumzaan.

It is a very different knife from the 21.

I always found the SnG to be a little small, especially on blade length. It's barely a 3" blade.
 
I have the fixed HEST, and I gotta say it's my favorite knife, period. Given thought to a fixed blade at all? For outdoor use I think you'll find it more well-suited, since you already have a quality folder. Just a thought. If not, take a look at Galyean Pro JYD's or a ZT.
 
I was actually considering an izula for weekend carry, but i decided that a fixed blade isn't suited for my EDC, and will likely be left at home 99% of the time.

I'm not a big fan of the JYD styling... don't like the paneling pattern.
 
If you don't like the JYD check out the other Galyean Pro Series knives. He has a sub forum here. I really like the Lahar.
 
Daniel Dorn said:
Plus, you may want to consider ordering a custom from Darrel Ralph. It's a bit pricier than you're looking at, but the quality is stupendous, and you would not be disappointed.
Click to expand...


Or maybe one of the HTM-DDR Gunhammers from him?
 
Judging by your buying pattern so far, I believe you will end up buying both of them. So don't stress out about it and get whatever is the best deal available. I've seen both Umnumzaans and SNGs NIB going for about $380 in the Exchange area of these forums.

If you think that's not the case, I'd go for the Umnumzaan. I own a Large Sebenza, an Umnumzaan, a Strider SMF and an XM-18 3.5" and the Zaan is still my favorite (with the XM-18 slowly closing the gap as I warm up to it, since it is my latest purchase).
 
sjhong said:
Judging by your buying pattern so far, I believe you will end up buying both of them. So don't stress out about it and get whatever is the best deal available. I've seen both Umnumzaans and SNGs NIB going for about $380 in the Exchange area of these forums.

If you think that's not the case, I'd go for the Umnumzaan. I own a Large Sebenza, an Umnumzaan, a Strider SMF and an XM-18 3.5" and the Zaan is still my favorite (with the XM-18 slowly closing the gap as I warm up to it, since it is my latest purchase).
Click to expand...


I'll probably end up owning both, but not for a good long time. This is going to be the last high-end folder i get for at least 9 months, if not 11 months. Budget really doesn't allow for another $350+ knife.

I'm still leaning towards the Umnumzaan, as a more reasonable choice, but i can't get myself to write off a strider! I really need to hold one, but there are no stores locally that stock them.

Gonna sound odd, but any sng owners in the south bay area CA that'd like to meet up briefly?
it's the only way i can think of to handle a sng without buying one straight off.
 
These are my favorites:

IMG_7972.jpg


IMG_7978.jpg


It is a larger folder, not a smallish one. People get very excited when they hold this one. 'Very unique, very smart, very sharp.

aehaas
 
Don't get me wrong, the Striders are strong knives and fun to play with. But for 99.9% of typical usage, outstanding customer service, and almost perfect fit and finish - I'll put my hard earned money on Reeve knives almost every time. Their styling isn't as radical as some, but they really are that good. Don't forget to look at the Wilson "Startac" model if you decide on an Umnumzaan - it's pretty cool.

+1 to the Galyean Pro Series Lahars as well (I mentioned it earlier) - great knives for the price.
 
Lion Steel SR-1
156_1.jpg


monolithic TI handle, Sleipener blade, rotoblock, framelock steel insert
not a custom but very high end and high tech, try one!

Maxx
 
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