Decisions...decisions...

supercoup

supercoup

Joined
Sep 24, 2012
Messages
366
Somebody, anybody, help me decide.

Should I sell/trade a seb for a 'Zaan or a Mnandi? I've only ever owned sebenzas - granted in different variations but I think it's time for a change.

I've never handled either one - although I think I would like the 'Zaan more but I have no idea. I just love that harpoon blade shape. However, It might be hard to say no to a nice inlay. So please, help me decide. Zaan or Mnandi - and what variety? And no, I can't get both.
 
Personally, I have several of each and prefer the Umnumzaan. It seems more "stout", for lack of a better word. I have never handled a Mnandi but I suspect I'd feel it's too small. Selling my #8 of 10 Umnumzaan TNK (True North Knives) 10th Anniversary knife within the next day or two, if you're interested ;) . Regardless, Umnum gets my vote.
 
All depend, do you can refer a smaller knife. The Mnandi is beautiful, but too small and light for me. The Zaan would be a lot bigger than your two small Sebs though. If you've handled a large Seb and liked the size, I'd go with Umnumzaan. Tactical and bigger or gentleman and smaller...that's what it comes down too.

Anyone got a pic of a Zaan, a small Seb, and a Mandi together?
 
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Coming from a diehard Mnandi guy.....get one! I've owned Sebs and wasn't a fan.....the Mnandi is perfect in every way and you'll love which ever iteration you get!
 
Here is a pic of the zaan next to a small P sebenza I used to have. You can see that the zaan is a bit bigger.



Here you can see that the mnandi is a bit more like a streamlined 21.

 
Whats the objective.. daily carry in an office, working in the field or?
All depends on what its purpose will mostly be imo.
 
drhert said:
All depend, do you can refer a smaller knife. The Mnandi is beautiful, but too small and light for me. The Zaan would be a lot bigger than your two small Sebs though. If you've handled a large Seb and liked the size, I'd go with Umnumzaan. Tactical and bigger or gentleman and smaller...that's what it comes down too.

Anyone got a pic of a Zaan, a small Seb, and a Mandi together?
Click to expand...


I've had several varieties of the large, as well. The two smalls are just all I have currently.

Which Zaan or Mnandi should I get? Is there a general consensus as to which versions are better? I hear the old Mnandi is due to pivot, nail nick, etc. but I don't really know anything about the new vs old Zaan's, except for the addition of the LBS.


The small seb just fits my hands. My only fear is that the Mnandi won't cut it in that department - and for that price tag I'd ideally like it to fill out my hand.

My only concern with the 'Zaan is how mean lookin' it is. I feel like it looks a lot more aggressive then a large 21. I've always pictured the Zaan as a gentlemans tac folder kinda which is what's drawn me to it.

Truth be told blade size literally doesn't matter to me. I' think I've managed to accomplish all my daily tasks with something @ 2.6 inches and something at 3.7 inches.

Thanks for all the comments and ideas so far. Slowly helping me wade my way through these turbulent times. :D
 
Nothing wrong with variety
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If you need something to fill out your hand, I'd recomend a large Sebenza.
If you like something that rides nearly unnoticed in your front pocket or even in the pocket of a shirt, then the Mnandi is the way to go.
The advantages of the Mnandi clearly lie in is compact size and light weight, whlie beeing a fully operational integral lock.
Just look at the pictures of what some have cut with it.
One thing, I'm sure you have observed, is the thinner blade.
This should be no problem as long as you use it in it's intented way.
hope this helps
red mag

PS: My vote goes for the Mnandi.
 
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