Crk itch opinions please

[BD_01]

Actually, I quite like the adjustability of the Umnumzaan (I haven’t played with it as much on my small Inkosi). I can set just the feel I like without too much trouble. Unlike my experience with other washer pivot knives, there is quite a range of adjustment & feel possible without inducing blade play. There’s none of the frustrating “micro-degree adjustment sweet spot” BS that I’ve had with Benchmade and Spyderco (not trying to throw down against other brands, but that’s been my honest experience). My guess is it has to do with the washer size, pivot thread spacing, and general tolerances.

At the same time, I agree with the awesomeness of the 21’s bushing pivot. Crank it down and forget it. That said, some folks tweak/polish the washers of their 21’s to get the feel they want. (I wound up doing the same fixing a washer I pinched. ). If you’re into that, it’s honestly easier to adjust the pivot on an Inkosi/Zaan than it is doing figure-eights on 1000 grit sandpaper—and there’s no risk of screwing up tolerances.

IMO the way CRK does it, both pivots are great and both have their advantages. Just don’t let experiences with adjusting pivots on other knives bias your opinion.

 

[BeaverTail_Hunter]

They make a cream for that, you know.

If so, then I need a big jar of it because I cannot make my itch go away!

 

[BeaverTail_Hunter]

I have recently began to itch for another crk. I’ve had only a small 21 prior but sold it few yrs ago. I know i want a larger size, trying to decide over large 21, large inkosi or a zaan! I recently tried some xm18s for my desire for a well made knife but but the 3” and 3.5 xm18 neither really felt great in my hand and honestly just really didn’t cut well. I felt for the price that just wasn’t for me. So any experienced opinions please? I do really like the look of the zaan

How about a Large Wilson Combat style Inkosi?

It is a heck of a knife, different feel from the Sebenza, and since you already have a small 21 this would give you a chance to try the large size and a new model.

 

[BeaverTail_Hunter]

Good and informative thanks alot for ur experience. I feel that I’d like the over travel stop of the zaan but I like the canted clip off the lock bar of inkosi. I guess neither should be a deal breaker though

I have both and if I could only keep one I would keep the Inkosi. Feels better in my hand IMO.

 

[BeaverTail_Hunter]

Dallas, may I ask what your reasoning was back then for selling your small 21?
I've got my eyes on a small 21 at the moment, but I find it hard to decide between the small and large... Is there any particular reason why you currently prefer the large?

Start by looking at all your others knives. Do they compare more to the small or to the large sebenza? I am a large knife guy and while I have tried to love the small 21, I always end up not carrying it. Just prefer a larger knife.

Others find it too big for daily carry so your best indicator might be the sizes you have historically bought and used.

 

[Dallas T]

Well I like larger sized ones as long as they carry comfortably. If they carry fairly unnoticeable I prefer big. But if feels like a thick heavy brick I tend not to carry it.

 

[BeaverTail_Hunter]

Well I like larger sized ones as long as they carry comfortably. If they carry fairly unnoticeable I prefer big. But if feels like a thick heavy brick I tend not to carry it.

I feel like the Large Sebenza and Inkosi both carry well.

 

[Dallas T]

Im Kinda leaning towards a large 21. How do they compare to for instance to An xm18 3.5? Size, quality?

 

[Ajack60]

Im Kinda leaning towards a large 21. How do they compare to for instance to An xm18 3.5? Size, quality?

A couple of quick pics of a larger 21 and XM 3.5, I own exactly 2 XM's and about 50 CRK's, which one do you think I'm going to say has better quality

 

[jumpstat]

Im Kinda leaning towards a large 21. How do they compare to for instance to An xm18 3.5? Size, quality?

I have both, a plain jane 21Large and an XM 3.5" Spanto. For maintenance, the CRK onley needs one tool, 1/8" allen. The XM requires 3 types. CRK's lock bar relief is on the inside so its smooth along the whole length of the slab, whereas the XM is the opposite. In terms of machining quality and tolerance, CRK marginally wins however both are of high quality. Best feature IMHO is the pivot design, no need to fiddle or tune up necessary. Put it back together and tighten the pivot. All centered. Both edc well, albeit the XM is heavier and thicker. I carry my sebenza in a CRK sheath which protects it from other stuff in the pockets.

 

[XtianAus]

I am having the same trouble deciding between the 21, inkosi and umnum. What did you end up choosing Dallas?

 

[Dallas T]

Neither! Lol a All titanium para 3 and this

 

[Dallas T]

Will probably go with the large 21 next though

 

[XtianAus]

Ah nice! The non flipper xm18 is my 4th consideration (I swear there's no more )
Leaning towards that or the Umnumzaan

 

[Dallas T]

 

[bart1]

It's all just a matter of personal preference. I tried the large Inkosi, but prefer the thinner blade of the Sebenza Regulars, 21's etc. , Insingino in particular. The Um is a great knife too.... carrying more than one at a time is a first world problem !