Earlier generation Zaan preference

M

Muaddib1116

Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
1,091
So I just picked up a couple early generation Star-tacs. Both are pre-lbs with the original style pivot. The only difference that I can see is the lock-bar thumb access. Do some people prefer the first generation version with the smaller thumb area on the lock-bar and the smaller cut-out on the presentation side scale? If so, why?
 
I think those who prefer the old pivot versions do so because esthetic reasons.

I actually prefer the newer pivot because it's more functional (easier to adjust with commonly available tools)
 
Thanks, but I was actually asking about the lock-bar changes. I definitely prefer the old pivot for aesthetic reasons. The newer Seb25 style pivot is definitely more practical, but it just looks out of place on the Zaan to me.
 
I know what you're talking about. I like the second gen cut out the best. It gives just a tad more room for your thumb to disengage. I do think I wouldn't mind the first gen now if I had one just because I know the mechanics of how to open an umnum. I think Chris changed it because most everyone was crying how hard it was when they first received the knife. (I was crying too)
 
The first Zaan I had was made in Oct. of 09'. It had the small thumb access. It didn't bother me at all, I never had a problem closing the knife at all. I liked all the features

about the knife. If CRK hadn't changed anything about that model it would have been great. I don't like the changes made on the great original.

The original wasn't broken, it didn't need to be fixed IMO.

The Zaan I have now, an older model, has a little more thumb access but I don't find it much different than my Zaan from 09'.
 
Yeah, there is a difference, but it's pretty subtle. I bought both of them so I could choose the one I liked best and sell the other... but they're so pretty. I dunno, it's a hard choice, but I think I might sell the 1st gen and keep the 2nd gen. Or keep both... dammit!
 
I prefer the original Umnumzaan because that is the knife Chris sat down and designed for production and it works just fine. The later knives with the wee changes here and there are largly a result of people not being able to figure out how to open a knife and messing with the lock bar. I don't need any help with those things myself so I'm more than happy to stick with the original Umnumzaan. :)

Muaddib1116 said:
So I just picked up a couple early generation Star-tacs. Both are pre-lbs with the original style pivot. The only difference that I can see is the lock-bar thumb access. Do some people prefer the first generation version with the smaller thumb area on the lock-bar and the smaller cut-out on the presentation side scale? If so, why?
Click to expand...
 
I have never had the second gen..only the first so I cannot really comment on which I would prefer. The only comment I have is that the first gen was never an issue for me.
At some point, it would be nice to try the new Zaan out, but as far as aesthetics go..it just seems to have lost some artistic styling.
 
I second HAZE. I do like the higher thumb disengage ramp, but as he said, it was because most thought it was a sebenza a could not figure out how to open it. I have an original and like it.
 
I have an average-sized hand. My October 2008 Umnumzaan opens with ease. Action is smooth. I prefer early 'zaans.
 
I too prefer the "original".
I've never had a problem disengaging the lock and find the earlier handle more comfortable, it's contoured better at the edges around the choil and just feels right. Though I prefer the originalthe relieved scale making it easier to disengage the lock is fine What I really don't like is the new style pivot, jimping, and over travel stop; it's all completely unnecessary.
 
1AbominAble1 said:
What I really don't like is the new style pivot, jimping, and over travel stop; it's all completely unnecessary.
Click to expand...
Totally agree.

nyefmaker said:
I second HAZE. I do like the higher thumb disengage ramp, but as he said, it was because most thought it was a sebenza a could not figure out how to open it. I have an original and like it.
Click to expand...
I didn't realize that any of the changes between the first and second gen. had anything to do with opening the knife. I thought it was all caused by people having problems disengaging the lock.
 
If you ever want to let go of the 1st gen star-tac i'd be interested.

I love my first gen umnumzaan, and have a couple of the take down tools from crafty makers here. One reason i don't want to go to the new version is because then there are more tools to deal with. I don't have an issue either with the gen 1 lockbar. I don't really understand how people were having problems with it, and messing up the lockbar that eventually made CRK put the ugly disc on.
 
I'll keep you in mind, but as of right now, I think I'll keep it. I have a handful of knives that I've been meaning to get up on the exchange for a while, so my Star-tacs are very low on the list of knives I'll be selling.
 
I've had the early model and wasn't a fan of the pivot so i sold it. I've got a new style umnum coming and can't wait to try it out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top