CRK Mnandi question before I buy...

M

Mrgauth

Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
1,276
I am considering one of these. Have never been to interested because always thought of them as two-handed opening knives, which I am not into, but have watched some youtubers open it easily one-handed. So, possibly back on my list.

My questions are 1) can you confirm one-handed opening, and 2) on the close what does the lockbar feel like? Easy to access and easy to close? Hurt your thumb in any way when pushing lockbar over? Looks very thin and not much exposure from what can see. Have wasted a lot of money on great knives but because they destroyed my thumb closing were sold. Those that are uncomfortable don’t stick around. Have watched every reviewer on the web i could find and none touch on this aspect.

Always admired the look of the knife and it is the only CRK I have not tried.

Thx
 
I have found there are three different ways to open the Mnandi one handed. The first is using the nail indentation intended for that purpose. On the newer models–since CRK changed the nail nick–this is done without a problem on the Damascus versions as the edge of the nick catches on the flesh of your thumb. On the S35VN version I can open the blade using the nail nick but less consistently–sometimes my thumb simply fails to catch. The next method is slow rolling the blade open using the jimping as front flipper. I have found this to be much more reliable than the nail nick on the S35VN models. And the third method is pinching both sides of the blade in the nail nick with your index finger and thumb and opening it using two fingers.

I have never had difficulty closing the Mnandi although due to its smaller size the space to fit your finger in between the lockbar and liner opposite it is rather narrow. The edge of the lockbar easily catches the flesh of your finger. That said, I have never used my thumb for closing a liner or frame lock, I use my index finger.
 
Last edited:
The Mnandi is a great knife. I have two of them, one plain S35VN and the other a CN Raindrop Damascus. They are two of my favorite knives and I carry and use them often. I’m sure you searched all the threads on BF and watched all the videos to see the different opening methods being discussed and demonstrated. I did the same before I bought mine, and the research was really helpful as there are a lot of diverse and nuanced views. And the videos showing the one handed opening methods are how I quickly learned the pinch method. I haven’t tried the “old style” nail nick, but sounds like it may have been a tad easier to open one-handed. In any event, with some practice, I found opening the new style with the two-finger pinch method works reliably for me. I haven’t tried the jimping method referenced by CPP above, but will definitely give that a shot. I’m not nearly as practiced opening the Mnandi one-handed with just the nail nick, and I personally find that much more difficult, but it’s probably the user more than the knife. I have no issues whatsoever with any uncomfortableness on closing. Good luck with your decision!
QhifqEd.jpg
hc39Rx6.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have a new nail nick mnandi anyone calling it a one hand opener is a liar, lol. Yes you can open it one handed, no it's not easy. The framelock is quite easy to close like any other CRK. It's extremely smooth and also very comfortable in hand. My one biggest gripe is it's a tough framelock and is seemingly overbuilt for such a small knife. And this is for me I'd rather carry a traditional or something similar in this size like an Alox over the mnandi.

It's an otherwise fantastic tiny knife.
 
Thx everyone. Yeah, these conflicting views is what keeps me from buying one. And no way to handle prior as no one in OK sells these in store. Too much to take the chance, so think I will pass for now.
 
I’m going for my third visitation of the Mnandi. I actually just missed delivery of it today (damn you signature confirmation!) My first was from the first run in 2001 (at least I think it was 2001) ...then a lignum vitae/s30v circa 2009. This one will be a 2019 CF inlay. A few things have sunk my interest in the past... 1. I prefer composite materials. 2. It’s really fancy. 3. It’s small.

I’ve not handled a “new nail nick” but it’s the least of my concerns. At least in pictures I prefer the older style pivot and the older style clip.

My single concern is the size! (again)
 
I sadly traded out a Spyderco Air and I feel the Air had one thing down that the Mnandi doesn't. If it's going to be in essence a mini framelock, as gentlemanly as it is it should at least be one hand opening and thus needs a thumbstud. Despite being toted as a gents knife. I think I wouldn't have been turned off by it if it really was a true one hand opener.
 
DCFree said:
I liked it SO MUCH better before you fixed it. I thought it was some sort of existential Mnandi quote: "I never use my thumb, I always use my thumb...I am my thumb." : )
Click to expand...
I thumb my nose at the Mnandi! I haven't carried mine lately and got it out and tried my various opening methods and I'm all thumbs! Frustrating. A while ago, I fell in love with the Mnandi I had all over again when I felt I could open it consistently and bought the five additional ones in the picture below plus two more in Damascus. I'm not sure how I feel about this regression...
9MQhYyx.jpg
 
CPP said:
I thumb my nose at the Mnandi! I haven't carried mine lately and got it out and tried my various opening methods and I'm all thumbs! Frustrating. A while ago, I fell in love with the Mnandi I had all over again when I felt I could open it consistently and bought the five additional ones in the picture below plus two more in Damascus. I'm not sure how I feel about this regression...
9MQhYyx.jpg
Click to expand...
That is a jaw-dropping collection. Simply fantastic! I’m sure the one-hand opening will come back to you!
 
I always stayed away from the Mnandi because of my hand size ... but when the Koa Mnandi's came out ... it pushed me over the edge to try one ...

I knew they were small ... but it was like a toy in my hand ... no way I could have opened it one handed ... it was just way to small for my hand ...

So I had it sold in less than two weeks ... was a beautiful knife and I really wanted to like it and make it work ... but I just couldn't ...

I knew that would most likely be the case but man those Koa versions were just enough to make me finally try one.
 
It's designed to be a two-hand opener. That said it's easily opened with one hand in a variety of ways as long as you have moderate dexterity. Took me about 10 seconds of handling one to figure it out. Using your middle finger and thumb to pinch is the easiest way. Old nicks and damascus versions make it even easier.
 
^ This says it all. It's designed to be a 2 hand opener so don't expect otherwise or you will be disappointed. It does involve some finger gymnastics or non conventional handed opening methods which for me is why I only carried mine a handful of times. To each their own.
 
It can absolutely be opened one handed but as mentioned above the new nail nick is lame and makes it slightly difficult, although in comparison a damascus new nail nick is easier because of the added “gription”. The original nail nick was perfect for us end users. If you buy one don’t baby it and you’ll love it.
 
Oh boy ^ here we go and denial is just another river in Egypt. Why can't we just say it's not really a one hand opener and leave it at that.

The only thing that video shows is the brand loyalty of CRK. Someone is doing finger gymnastics and CRK loyalists are saying see how easy that is?

CRK is the only knife brand that I know where their knives have some deficiency and their fans make up some excuse for it. Oh the thumbstuds are supposed to tear up your finger .... Oh the steel is supposed to be soft like that.... Lol.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top