Hinderer MP-1 or Inkosi Insingo

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danbuff

Joined
May 28, 2017
Messages
9
I am trying to decide between a Hinderer MP-1 and and a Inkosi Insingo for my next EDC purchase.
I have ZTs, Kershaw, and a Hinderer XM-24 Wharncliffe.
I love the quality build of the Hinderer, and I dont find its size to be a EDC issue for me.

I am leaning towards the Insingo.. Maybe cause I dont already own a Reeve.
I like the blade profile of both..

I suppose its Chevy vs. Ford thing.

Any inputs from you knowledgeable folks?
I havent found any comparisons..

Thanks!
Dan
 
I have a large (21) micarta insingo and an XM18. Having handled the predecessor of the large Inkosi (25), it feels better in hand than the 21; and, at some point, I'll probably dump the 21 in favor of a micarta insingo inkosi. That said, I'm in the market for an MP-1. I'm sure it will, FOR ME, feel better in hand than the inkosi...but my insingo 21 is a far better slicer than my XM18. The only reasonable decision is to buy both.;):thumbsup:
 
I've had the same discussion with myself a few times. I have the same range of knives as you and I have a Hinder XM-15 Bowie and Wharny , both 3.5". I really like the sheepsfoot style blade, and the MP-1 has a big-bellied one. But that Insigno has a fantastic hollow-grind to it. And the CRK has a longer, lower profile sheepsfoot blade than Ricks. If you like making mod's to you knife, then you would choose the MP-1.

Go for the CRK. Where did you decide to make your purchase?
 
hhmoore said:
The only reasonable decision is to buy both.;):thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Wow... Both.... :)

I havent decided where to purchase..
If the large Inkosi Insingo were currently available, I'd probably go for that now..
The grind profile attracts me.
Not inclined to mods right now.

Thanks for the feedback.
Analysis paralysis for now.

Dan
 
danbuff said:
Any inputs from you knowledgeable folks?
Click to expand...
Can't help there (;)) but I think by now we know what to expect from CRK and Hinderer. To their credit, they have a pretty consistent output in terms of mechanics, ergos, and f&f. It then becomes a matter of choosing the size and style you prefer. I will be getting an Inkosi Insingo myself but I'm going to be patient and wait until they start coming across the exchange.
 
mp-1 all the way. the ergos are superior. the insingo blade is sharpened on both sides at the tip of the blade (which is a bit weird imo) and the frame is thinner. the meatier handle on the mp-1 is incredible.
 
If you've never owned a CRK and choose the MP-1, you'll be left still wondering about the "Reeve mystique" and wether or no it applies to you.
 
That's tough. I have and love both. The MP-1 ergo's are amazing. The Insingo blade is a great slicer, I'd probably go Reeve since you don't own one now. I have 3 Hinderer's and 5 CRK's, my two favorite brands for sure.
 
wow, it looks like hhmoore may be correct.. BOTH ! :)
arrrrgh... :(

Thanks guys for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
Wish I could check them both out side by side..
I do love my xm-24... but, I feel the draw of the CR..

Dan
 
I'd go with the Inkosi Insingo a thousand times over the MP-1. Assuming you're talking about the large Inkosi, it has a slightly longer blade, is significantly lighter, is a much better design, and is better made. To me, the MP-1 is just really clunky in person.

My favorite large Inkosi Insingo is the one with natural micarta inlays:

zB3e6RD.jpg


Unfortunately it's out of stock at Knife Art and I'm not sure if it's available anywhere else. Good luck!
 
I'd go for the Large Inkosi Insingo like Brancron said the MP-1 just seems clunky.
 
I've had both. Insingo for the win (I have an inkosi drop point, and an insingo L21). The MP-1 is a tank of a knife, almost brutish. The inkosi is refined, and still built like hell, also clearly a very tough knife. The MP-1 is very thick. Also, there are a few unrefined points about it. There are some sharp corners in the handle that make for some hot spots. Also, the edge of the lockbar cut is SHARP. There should not be any sharp edges on the handle of a knife. These can all be corrected with some fine emory paper, but you shouln't have to on a knife in that price range. The Inkosi has no flaws like this and is still a knife that could take anything I would ever imagine throwing at an EDC folder.
 
ok, you guys talked me into the large Inkosi Insingo. :)
Waiting till they ship
Thanks for all the inputs..
 
This may seem odd coming from me, but I agree with your decision. Your curiosity about the CRK won't be satisfied until until you've tried it...and, while many may disagree, I think the Inkosi is a better starting place than the large 21 (based on MY hand - yours may disagree).
As far as the MP-1, I'll have one in hand next week. I'll try to remember to weigh in on the ergonomics after a week or so, since there were conflicting opinions posted.
 
Revisiting this, as I've now had a little time with the MP-1. I struggled with it the day it arrived (the mail delivery was about 6 hours later than usual, putting me at about 37 hrs awake by the time it arrived. I received 3 items, and immediately disliked 2 of them... the MP-1 was not one of those...but there was an issue).
As suggested above, I liked it from the start. The handle fit my hand well enough (somewhat unusual for a 3.25" bladed knife), but it was close; and I found it pretty comfortable. It flipped consistently, and without issue. The only problem I encountered was I couldn't seem to open it with the thumbstud. I checked my hand position, and I didn't seem to be putting pressure on the lockbar; but I could take the knife in my left hand and open it that way easily. I tried various grips, keeping my fingers as far from the lockbar as I could... and the only thing I accomplished was making my thumb hurt. I put it down for a few days (to let my thumb recover); and when I picked it up again, I had no problem opening it right handed with the thumbstud.

None of this changes what I said in my previous post. That CRK itch isn't going to go away until it is scratched... only then will you (OP) know what you think of it.
For me, getting the MP-1 first was the correct choice; but I still plan on trying an Inkosi insingo (my expectation is that I will choose that over my 21 insingo.
 
hhmoore said:
Revisiting this, as I've now had a little time with the MP-1. I struggled with it the day it arrived (the mail delivery was about 6 hours later than usual, putting me at about 37 hrs awake by the time it arrived. I received 3 items, and immediately disliked 2 of them... the MP-1 was not one of those...but there was an issue).
As suggested above, I liked it from the start. The handle fit my hand well enough (somewhat unusual for a 3.25" bladed knife), but it was close; and I found it pretty comfortable. It flipped consistently, and without issue. The only problem I encountered was I couldn't seem to open it with the thumbstud. I checked my hand position, and I didn't seem to be putting pressure on the lockbar; but I could take the knife in my left hand and open it that way easily. I tried various grips, keeping my fingers as far from the lockbar as I could... and the only thing I accomplished was making my thumb hurt. I put it down for a few days (to let my thumb recover); and when I picked it up again, I had no problem opening it right handed with the thumbstud.

None of this changes what I said in my previous post. That CRK itch isn't going to go away until it is scratched... only then will you (OP) know what you think of it.
For me, getting the MP-1 first was the correct choice; but I still plan on trying an Inkosi insingo (my expectation is that I will choose that over my 21 insingo.
Click to expand...


I had a ZT0550 that the same thing happened with. I put it down for a few days, went back to it, and bam it opened great.

I will be interested to see your thoughts when you get the 21 Insingo!
 
whitty said:
I will be interested to see your thoughts when you get the 21 Insingo!
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I already have a 21 (micarta) insingo. I like it better than I did the PJ 21 insingo... but I handled a 25 micarta some time ago, and liked that better than the 21. The only reason I didn't switch then was my preference for the insingo blade. Now that the Inkosi is offered with that option, it's only a matter of time before I grab one (with micarta...I think I'd actually prefer a WC insingo Inkosi; but that's not likely to happen).
If, what you're looking for is for me to gush about the CRK, it's not likely to happen. I only recently realized that I hadn't touched my 21 in well over a year, so i stuck it in my pocket for a day. They're great knives, I can't/won't deny that; but, for ME, there are too many other knives that I'd rather carry. Maybe the Inkosi will have the magic, and I'll finally feel compelled to sell off 60-70% off my modern folders...
Then again, maybe it won't. (I'm actually hoping something leaves me so inspired, and I'd be perfectly accepting of it being a CRK...heck, I'll eat the crow & a big ol slice of humble pie if it is).
 
The only way I was ever able to open my MP-1 with the thumb stud was to apply just the slightest pressure to the flipper tab with my index finger. Then it would snap open. Otherwise I never did get the thumb stud alone to open it. I quit trying.
 
I agree with most of the other people. I would go with the CRK. I don't have one but I would like to try one out. I have a few Hinderers and I really like them but it's fun to try out different brands and styles.
 
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