Choosing a first CRK folder

Andya27

Andya27

Joined
Dec 26, 2013
Messages
555
I spend the majority of my time on the Traditional forum. The only moderns I own are a Mini Griptilian and a Leek. I do not fish, I do not hunt. I live in a suburban/urban area. I use my knives to open packages, for food preparation, and any other odd jobs around the house where they come in handy. I'm unlikely to need a heavy duty utility knife anytime soon. If I did, I'd probably purchase a moderately priced fixed blade. I rarely use my Mini Grip or Leek, as they are more knife than what I really need. They also look a little threatening to my wife.

I'd like to purchase a CRK, as I hear only great things about this brand. As I see it, the two CRK that would be appropriate for my uses would be either the Small Sebenza or the Mnandi. I imagine that I would be happy with either. The Mnandi would probably be closer in size to what I typically carry in my pocket (a 3.5 inch single blade jack knife or barlow, as well as a Peanut or or Baby Butterbean). The Small Sebenza is a bit larger, and would be more of a utility knife, I imagine.

For those of you who own both the Small Sebenza and the Mnandi, and are also familiar with traditional knives, would you think that for my first CRK, the Mnandi might be a better choice, as it is closer in size and purpose to what I typically use? I realize I can't go wrong with either knife, and that I have to make the final decision. But in terms of what would be most familiar in my hand, am I on the right track that the Mnandi would be more like what I typically use in terms of size of handle and blade? The closest knife store that sells CRK is many hundreds of miles away, so holding both in my hand is not really an option.

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
They are both great knives Andy, and you could not go wrong with either one. I posted a thread a couple of days ago "if size matters.." that might help you.
All the best, Dave

Andya27 said:
I spend the majority of my time on the Traditional forum. The only moderns I own are a Mini Griptilian and a Leek. I do not fish, I do not hunt. I live in a suburban/urban area. I use my knives to open packages, for food preparation, and any other odd jobs around the house where they come in handy. I'm unlikely to need a heavy duty utility knife anytime soon. If I did, I'd probably purchase a moderately priced fixed blade. I rarely use my Mini Grip or Leek, as they are more knife than what I really need. They also look a little threatening to my wife.

I'd like to purchase a CRK, as I hear only great things about this brand. As I see it, the two CRK that would be appropriate for my uses would be either the Small Sebenza or the Mnandi. I imagine that I would be happy with either. The Mnandi would probably be closer in size to what I typically carry in my pocket (a 3.5 inch single blade jack knife or barlow, as well as a Peanut or or Baby Butterbean). The Small Sebenza is a bit larger, and would be more of a utility knife, I imagine.

For those of you who own both the Small Sebenza and the Mnandi, and are also familiar with traditional knives, would you think that for my first CRK, the Mnandi might be a better choice, as it is closer in size and purpose to what I typically use? I realize I can't go wrong with either knife, and that I have to make the final decision. But in terms of what would be most familiar in my hand, am I on the right track that the Mnandi would be more like what I typically use in terms of size of handle and blade? The closest knife store that sells CRK is many hundreds of miles away, so holding both in my hand is not really an option.

Thanks for any suggestions.
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Andy, If you go small Sebenza you might consider the Insingo blade since you mentioned food prep. A lot of guys on here swear by that blade for food prep and utility use.
 
Cowboy1629 said:
Andy, If you go small Sebenza you might consider the Insingo blade since you mentioned food prep. A lot of guys on here swear by that blade for food prep and utility use.
Click to expand...

I would absolutely go insingo if I choose small Sebenza. I've seen the Insingo blade with micarta handles - just haven't seen it with some of the wood inlays.
 
I pretty much use my edc like you do, don't like to use a clip, prefer in pocket. tried the small seb and found it too large for my needs, then went to the mnandi which I now carry and love. for the past 10 yrs i've carried william henry b5 or t10 model and found the mnandi, while a little bit larger than either of the wh's, much to my liking. found a relatively cheap mammoth bark raindrop mnandi that I now carry in a small wh slipcase which is smaller than the crk sheath.
 
Hello Andy. . . I am glad you are considering joining the CRK family. As has been previously stated, you cannot go wrong with either decision, but considering your current affinity for the traditional style knives, I would suggest you try out a Mnandi. They have natural handle materials, similar to many traditionals, they are similar in size and shape to the traditionals you mentioned, and they lack a thumb lug and use a nail nick for opening--again, similar to the traditionals. They are definitely gentlemans knives, but the Mnandi is no slouch in the strength and usage department: S35VN steel, titanium framelock, and a long-standing proven track record of performance--especially at opening mail!;)
 
MostMenAreRuthless said:
Hello Andy. . . I am glad you are considering joining the CRK family. As has been previously stated, you cannot go wrong with either decision, but considering your current affinity for the traditional style knives, I would suggest you try out a Mnandi. They have natural handle materials, similar to many traditionals, they are similar in size and shape to the traditionals you mentioned, and they lack a thumb lug and use a nail nick for opening--again, similar to the traditionals. They are definitely gentlemans knives, but the Mnandi is no slouch in the strength and usage department: S35VN steel, titanium framelock, and a long-standing proven track record of performance--especially at opening mail!;)
Click to expand...

A $400 letter opener??? - I might not mention the cost to the wife...
 
After switching over to mainly traditionals for users, I never really used my mini Ritter Grip or small Sebenza. My slipjoints filled that need. I only kept my large micarta Sebenza, large micarta Insingo and Umnumzaan. I would like to get a small desert ironwood Seb, and a paw prints small Seb, just because of the design/inlay. Other than those, slipjoints fill my need. Just a thought.
 
You say you are the traditional guy... normally.
But now you want to join our crazy little modern high quality knife group. Good decision in my opinion. If I were you I'd choose as the first one a typical CRK. And that's the 21 more than the Mnandi. Insingo is definitely a great knife but whatever bladeshape you prefere "the" CRK is still a plain Sebenza.
Just my opinion.
At the end you can't go wrong with either.
 
I started with an Umnumzaan then got a Large Sebenza shortly after.
I was planning to get a large Insingo next but then I got a crazy deal on an Mnandi that I just couldn't pass up.

Crazy as it may seem I think I like the Mnandi even better than the Seb! It's smaller, lighter, prettier and packs almost as much cutting power. In some cases I find the Mnandi even better than the Seb, cutting apples for instance.

Now I've got my sights set on the Small Insingo as a potentially perfect middle ground. Now the question is carbon fiber to keep the weight more in line with the Mnandi or Micarta inlay to get a bit more heft.

I think you should keep your eye out for an Mnandi with an inlay you really like (some sites show each one they have in stock so you can pick the exact one you want) and get a small Insingo to hold you over :)

You could also look for both on the exchange here and see if you can't find a deal!
 
Small sebenza for sure! Pick a nice wood inlay and you are set!
 
I think if I'm going CRK, as much as I like my traditional knives, the Small Sebenza is more CRK than is the Mnandi - at least for a first CRK. I suspect whichever knife I first buy, I'll be buying more. That is, after the kid graduates college in a year and a half. This may actually be my final knife purchase for a while. Seriously. I mean it.

And...if I purchase a small Sebenza and find I don't like it, I can sell it very easily. I don't use my knives hard, so I imagine it will retain its value.

What I really like - thinking ahead - is that when the knife needs a tune-up, CRK will be there to do the work.

What I think I will do is have a nice evening after finishing work in a while, and then make a decision tomorrow as to which to purchase. Can't go wrong any way I go.

Many thanks for the replies - they are greatly appreciated.
 
Make sure you post pics when you decide. A word of advice make sure the seller has a good reputation or if buying new go to CRK website and check dealer list. Also don't sell your first CRK you will regret it later. Happy Hunting!
 
Due to your description of what style you like, how often you use your knives, and what for I'd highly suggest a Mnandi, it's an astounding knife that packs more cutting power than it's sleek lines lead you to believe.
But,
I read the entire post and you mentioned that you like the fact that a small Seb can be refurbed if the need should ever arise. Like a Mnandi I don't believe that CRK refurbishes the wood or mammoth inlaid sebenza's( looks wise, performance still covered), just the micarta inlaid ones. So if you were thinking a wood inlay would bridge the gap between what your used to and a small21 you should be aware of that.

As listed above the small 21 is a workhorse and I find the Insingo blade shape isn't scary to the sheeple around here, and it may just be the best EDC knife ever created. Either way you win, we'd all like to see some pics of whichever you decide on.

Have fun stalking the postman :)
 
Small Micarta Insingo........Andy that's where it's at!

I have a GEC #55 and it carries about the same as a small Sebenza when loose in the pocket.
 
I think I've narrowed it down to these three variants (in no particular order) of the small Sebenza. Would appreciate any input from you all.

Small Sebenza with carbon fiber inlay and Insingo blade (available at Blade-HQ only)
Small Sebenza with micarta inlay with Insingo blade
Small sebenza with cocobolo inlay with standard blade (no Insingo option with wood inlays that I've found)

Your thoughts?
 
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I have had the first two, great knives. The carbon fiber inlay is beautiful, and it has the stonewashed blade so it will hide wear well and can be retumbled if necessary. I still prefer the micarta Insingo though, I really like the micarta with the blasted frame. I don't think there is a wrong choice with the ones you have it narrowed it down to.
 
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