Decided to give the Mnandi a try...

[Medic1210]

Well, I've been looking at and considering giving the Mnandi a try for a while now, but could never make myself go through with it. Personally, I don't know if it's gonna be too small for me. For my 'current' tastes, my small Sebbie Insingo is how I envision a perfect EDC knife in regards to size and blade shape. Fits my hand perfectly, and is not intimidating around non-knifers. At least I don't see any signs of folks getting nervous when I pull it out. Then again, I am currently on a military base in a war zone, so large 'scary' knives and guns are a common sight... Still, I keep going back and looking at the Mnandi, wondering how it will feel, how easy the blade is to open, will I use it, etc... Anyway, I made the mistake of stopping by KnifeArt to see what other CRK knives they have in stock, and I notice one single Mnandi listed. With that said, I hit the Buy Now button and have an African Blackwood in line to be shipped to me. Total impulse buy I admit, but I figure it will be an easy sell if I decide it's too small for my liking. We'll see. Pics when she gets here sometime next week hopefully.

 

[Liquidm1980]

nice find. when i was thinking of getting one i wanted to go with the blackwood. i decided on a starbenza. the sad thing is i know in time i will end up with one. good luck with it and let us know how it compares to the small insingo.

 

[lisantica]

Interested to read your impressions once you have it. It's not for everyone, but I sure like 'em!

 

[Bluesummers]

I picked up 2 in one go. Have zero regrets after having them in hand. I'll probably get a 3rd and 4th if a specific type of inlay/blade comes up and catches my eye. I like them that much. It is probably my 2nd favorite CRK knife after the small sebenza. Can't say I won't get another small Sebenza if the right one comes around but I am more inclined to get another Mnandi than another Sebenza. I would like it if they made a Mnandi with a stone washed blade.

Thanks to a certain youtuber I always open my Mnandi with the spyderco drop. Serves no purpose other than I like to open it that way now.

 

[JNewell]

My older son and I each have one and were talking about them last night while I fiddled with mine as we were watching an episode of From the Earth to the Moon. We agreed that they are not necessarily the most practical knives, but they are a real pleasure to carry, fidget with and even use to cut things. I think you'll enjoy it. :thumbup:

 

[Medic1210]

I hope I like it. Honestly, I don't really know why I bought it since I already have large and small micartas in my pocket now. I need another knife like I need a hole in the head. I've just been drawn to a wood inlay for a while now, and figured I'd give the Mnandi a go. I don't see it replacing my Insingo or large 21, but there may be times when I decide to reach for the Mnandi when I don't want to scare any of the timid who may be around. I really gotta start selling some of my other knives. With 3 Sebbies and an Mnandi purchased since January, I really feel I'm going way overboard.

 

[Medic1210]

I have a question... The more I think about it, the more I seem to remember the African Blackwood inlays as being, well very dark, almost black in color. This is not what the photo of the one I purchased looks like. Can you guys enlighten me if the photo below is actually African Blackwood, or in fact another inlay that was mislabeled. Whether it's blackwood or some other wood, I'm just hoping this is the knife that's coming to me. I don't want an inlay that's almost solid black. I purchased this knife because I loved the colors in the grain. Anyway, what's the verdict? Is this blackwood or something else?

Edit: Google is my friend... Answer found. At any rate, this is what I have coming my way.

 

[Toyz]

The Mnandi is just a really neat little knife. I must admit I overlooked it many times during my trips to the local CRK store. I'm always looking at the newest 3.5"+ bladed folders when I go there. One day, out of curiosity, I asked to see it and I ended up taking it home with me.

It's a lot of good things going on in a little package - I think that's the appeal for me.

 

[lisantica]

Which wood is that? I would have guessed Desert Ironwood.

 

[JNewell]

Individual pieces of blackwood vary considerably. Some show a lot of lighter brown, others are more solid black-brown.

I have a question... The more I think about it, the more I seem to remember the African Blackwood inlays as being, well very dark, almost black in color. This is not what the photo of the one I purchased looks like. Can you guys enlighten me if the photo below is actually African Blackwood, or in fact another inlay that was mislabeled. Whether it's blackwood or some other wood, I'm just hoping this is the knife that's coming to me. I don't want an inlay that's almost solid black. I purchased this knife because I loved the colors in the grain. Anyway, what's the verdict? Is this blackwood or something else?

Edit: Google is my friend... Answer found. At any rate, this is what I have coming my way.

 

[Medic1210]

Which wood is that? I would have guessed Desert Ironwood.

It's African Blackwood according to the knife description. Checking out other AB inlay photos on google, I see others that look very similar.

 

[lisantica]

It's African Blackwood according to the knife description. Checking out other AB inlay photos on google, I see others that look very similar.

Ahhh yes, I see what you mean...it is AB.

 

[Davor]

You'll enjoy it. I also have a small sebenza and the mnandi has a unique feel and look to it. It will fit perfectly in your front shirt or pants pocket. You won't have to worry about the clip tearing up your pants or shirt. The small sebenza is also just a bit longer.

 

[mep]

I have a Mnandi in African Blackwood that looks almost identical to yours. It has become my favorite knife and I hardly carry anything else. My African Blackwood inlaid small Sebenza sits at home along with many other knives. I do have to wear business casual most days and the Mnandi fits that situation very well. It is large enough to cut most anything that you come into contact with on a daily basis. I hope that you enjoy it.

 

[Davor]

I haven't carried my mnandi for a week. I decided to EDC it today b/c I didn't want to tear up my nice pants pocket. Wow, I sure missed that knife.

 

[Slider817]

The Mnandi is great for the size, and great in the office, but I usually carry a Sebenza instead, Large variety

 

[gnystrom]

I bought the same knife form Knife Art a few days ago. Good service from them. The Mnandi great product and it will fill the gap between "tactical" and SAK. Best description is "gentlemans knife" This is my African Blackwood.

 

[Tasmaniac]

I've only had mine a couple of weeks but I'm lovin' it.

 

[tomsch]

The Mnandi is a great knife if you are used to using traditionals. I have just started using mine more and finding that even though it is small it works very well.

 

[Medic1210]

Still waiting for it to arrive. It was shipped on the 6th, so it's taking longer than normal to get here. Same thing happened when I ordered my small Micarta from them last time, but I just chocked it up to the bad weather we were having over here at the time. I've long since received 3 other orders placed at the same time from other companies, so hopefully it's close.