First Chris Reeve Knife

Which CRK?

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Knifeaddict556

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Looking to buy my first Chris Reeve knife. Most likely will be a large model. Looking at the sebenza 21/31, inkosi, and umnumzaan. Mostly be used for EDC. Would like to know how the ergonomics of all the models compare, The differences between the ceramic ball and the original Ti lockup on the 21. Smoothness of all the models and the deployment would be helpful too. Then what you would recommend overall. Thank you BF.
 
I agree it is a very individual thing as to which suits you ...

having said that ... the new 31 coming out may very well be a great knife and even have some improvements ... but personally I would say get a 21 while you can ... they are just simplist perfection ...

and the 21s just go on working ... I am a bit worried the 31 with the ceramic ball may wear much faster ...

I haven't seen it in a CRK but a couple other very popular knife brands that develope blade plade from that exact thing ...
 
If you think to have more that one, I think it is at the moment a good opportunity to pick a large 21 “for the history” and to have a basic benchmark for the others you will have
 
What other knives do you have? I recently (last 2.5 Months) bought an Umnumzaan and a Large 21 (Inlay) so I was at a similar crossroads. I went for the Zaan first because I liked the uniformity of the milling, price, size and blade shape. I ended up adding a 21 because I wanted to experience it. I went for a drop point for that one with wood inlays, which match the Zaan pretty well in terms of color (the former is bronze anodized, the latter has striped platan inlays) and with the 21 having slightly thinner stock they compliment each other quite well (in my opinion at least).
I don't see the point of the 31 personally, it feels like it's turning the 21 into an Inkosi, so it's a non existent gap in the line up and the new inlays look...meh? It looks better in three pieces, again just my opinion. The plain jane one's look a bit boring to me, just because I am not a huge fan of plain Ti scales.
I got big hands and I would give the Zaan a very minor advantage in terms of feel in hand, but aside from that they are very comparable. You can't really go wrong with either. If you have more specific questions, I am happy to try and answer.
 
I fear that the 31 will be a while before they hit the dealers. CRK stated that when they finish their current obligation of 21's then the 31 will begin production. I you happen to come across one on the secondary market, it will be stupidly high priced.
If you're not worried about slicing stuff, and are more of a stabby/pokey type of user, then the Umnumzaan or Inkosi is the way to go. I you like to slice stuff or use your knife cutting food in public places, the 21 is your go to knife.
IMO, the smoothest CRK out of the box is the Inkosi. The two I have did not require any break in time.
 
large 21 first, unless your hands are very small. I cannot hold onto a grip that is less than 4" long (the small).
Next the Zaan...wonderful.
I've had thirty or more. The wood inlays and such are all pretty, but I carry the slab-sided ti plain grips and love the spider-trails. You can always have the grips "renewed" for free.
 
I always vote Umnumzaan.
It tends to be the dark horse in these types of threads, but the ‘Zaan has a very loyal following.
It was my first CRK and still my favorite & most carried. If I could only have one knife in my life I would choose an Umnumzaan without hesitation.

I like the deployment of the ‘Zaan better than the others; set your thumb in the right spot and “pop-thug,” it’s open. I also love the blade shape/grind (DP & Tanto). The design conveys ruggedness, but it’s still fancy enough for dress-up occasions.

Of my CRK samples, all are smooth pivot wise, but my (small) Inkosi seems frictionless. (Hopefully I’ll have funds for a large this fall.)

To me the 21 seems a bit more “sophisticated” than the others, though I really can’t explain why. FWIW all my 21’s have inlays of some form; that might have something to do with it.

Some will say you need a 21 for the “genuine” CRK experience. I disagree. IMO you need several CRK’s for the genuine experience. :D
 
Hard to beat an insingo inkosi for a true user. I enjoy the finger grooves they fit my l-xl hands just right. Also the fact all inkosis come standard with dual thumb studs is a plus.
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You’re probably going to eventually buy a seb, an Inkosi and a zaan. You’ll never really know what you really prefer otherwise. I bought a seb 1st, then two Inkosis, then a zaan. I prefer the Inkosi with micarta inlay, insingo blade. The zaan is close 2nd.
 
I would say since you want a CRK now and the 21 is being discontinued anyway; get the 21.

They’re all great knives though so it really depends on personal preference. Any advice given other than “they’re all good,” will be based on the preference of the person suggesting it.

With that said;
Sebenza 21 all the way!
 
I voted umnumzaan. It’s the only knife I’ve bought and sold 3 times and now have a 4th on order. I have owned the 21 and Seb 25 (basically an Inkosi) as well so I have experience with all 3. I prefer the ergos, looks, and mechanical operation of the Zaan. Cutting performance will be similar for all models.
 
Bought:
Small 21 Drop Point
Large 21 Insingo
Zaan Drop Point
Zaan Tanto
Small Inkosi CF

All that remains is the Zaan Tanto and I highly doubt I’ll ever sell it. Great knife and agree with those above singing its praises.
 
Knifeaddict556 said:
Jumped on a large 21 micarta today for a good price. Thanks for all your replies. Will probably get a zaan next.
Click to expand...

You made the right call...Large or small 21 for your first CRK is a must! -- The others will come later!
 
Even if I think a large 21 or 31 PJ is all what CRK is really about ;) i fully understand the recommendations for the umnumzaan

I have just received a tanto Umnumzaan today and I am very impressed
It is a completely different animal than the Sebenza but what a great one :)

I am much more impressed by the Umnumzaan than I was by my large Inkosi
 
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