I want a new knife. CRK ???

[wintersix]

Bonus from the boss-man was a lot bigger than I was expecting, and I feel like treating myself.

Recently I have been given some Strider's, and to be quite honest they have ruined me. I know that some folks don't like them, bad rep what have you. As a tool they have really fit my lifestyle well and I have been very impressed. I also really like the aesthetic.

Since I have been given the Strider's nothing has really appealed to me. I have a massive collection of Benchmade's and Spyderco's and they dont really do it for me anymore. Even my beloved ZT's have fallen off.

So I decided that since I already have Strider's (SNG, SMF, PT) I would get something in the same vein, a nice change up. The issue I am running into that no one seems to be making anything comparable. There are a lot of semi-custom's out there, but no one seems to be going after that hard use market that Strider has a hold of.

That brings me to CRK. I have read more testimonials about his Sebenza than any other knife. It is also seems that any time Strider comes up Sebenza comes up or vise versa. I have checked out a bunch of sites and some call Large Sebenza a "a large tactical" knife. So I figure this might be an option.

Aesthetically the Sebenza doesn't really excite me, but perhaps if I got one of the plainer ones with out all the "art work" I could get past it. It looks to me what I would classify as a "gentleman's" knife. I am not sure I am a gentleman.

So I have three questions for you guys in the know.

1. Would Sebenza fall into that "hard use/ tactical" category? If the SHTF would I be glad I had it or is it more of a knife you take to the office or formal occasions?
2. What about the UMNUMZAAN? Is it the same quality as the Sebenza? I never hear much about this knife.
3. Is there another designer/ company I am missing? I am on the list for a ZT0551 and a DPX HEST folder, who have I missed?

I need to pull the trigger on something soon or my knife money will become "mini-blind" money or some home improvement project off my honey do list.

Help me!

 

[neuron]

I really like my Umnumzaan. It has a great design and blade shape, and like everything CRK makes, the F&F and build quality is impeccable. It's also quite robust. In addition to the rock-solid build quality, its blade stock is thicker than that of the Sebenza. Although I haven't really put it through its paces yet, I'd have complete confidence in it if TSHTF or if I had to use it for some really tough work.

Having said all that, given what you've said about your taste in knives, I'd actually recommend the Lion Steel SR-1 over a CRK. It has a very thick blade, a frame machined from a single piece of titanium, a replaceable hardened steel insert on the end of the titanium lock bar, a lockbar stabilizer that can be twisted to keep the framelock from disengaging, and various other well-though-out and/or just plain cool features -- it's just an incredible knife, in terms of both design/technology and quality of execution.

 

[100eyes]

1. Would Sebenza fall into that "hard use/ tactical" category? If the SHTF would I be glad I had it or is it more of a knife you take to the office or formal occasions?
2. What about the UMNUMZAAN? Is it the same quality as the Sebenza? I never hear much about this knife.
3. Is there another designer/ company I am missing? I am on the list for a ZT0551 and a DPX HEST folder, who have I missed?

I wouldn't call the Sebenza a 'tactical' knife. Could serve in that purpose, but personally I like to see some traction on the handle scales for knives in that category. It is a hard use knife, as it's name itself means 'work', but a new one arrives so perfect people tend to baby them.

Waiting for my Um to arrive, but from what I've heard it's a bit more beefier than a Seb.

 

[Biginboca]

I think you should look at a Hinder XM-18 and the Umnumzaan. The Sebenza is a great knife, but doesn't have the tough guy character of a Strider like the other 2 I mentioned.

 

[Big_Red]

Here is a shot of three mentioned... 3.5" XM-18, Umnumzaan, and SNG. Based on what I think is your 'style' - I'd say try to find an XM-18. Having said that, I've since sold all the 'tacticool' knives below and pretty much only carry Sebenzas and slipjoints.

 

[wintersix]

I really like my Umnumzaan. It has a great design and blade shape, and like everything CRK makes, the F&F and build quality is impeccable. It's also quite robust. In addition to the rock-solid build quality, its blade stock is thicker than that of the Sebenza. Although I haven't really put it through its paces yet, I'd have complete confidence in it if TSHTF or if I had to use it for some really tough work.

Having said all that, given what you've said about your taste in knives, I'd actually recommend the Lion Steel SR-1 over a CRK. It has a very thick blade, a frame machined from a single piece of titanium, a replaceable hardened steel insert on the end of the titanium lock bar, a lockbar stabilizer that can be twisted to keep the framelock from disengaging, and various other well-though-out and/or just plain cool features -- it's just an incredible knife, in terms of both design/technology and quality of execution.

Lion Steel S1, that is a good call. I was looking at those a few months ago and they slipped my mind.

How is the F&F and all that on the Umnum vs Sebenza? I get the impression that while all CRK are good the Sebenza is just the master piece. Would you say the two knives are equal? Just curious.

 

[EMT_Lee]

To be honest, if you like Strider's ergo's that much (and I'm the same way, I much prefer them to CRK ergos) I suggest you get a different variant of a Strider. Get a DGG SnG or something. Or a CC. I think you'll be more happy, if you stick to something you know you are going to love.

 

[wintersix]

Here is a shot of three mentioned... 3.5" XM-18, Umnumzaan, and SNG. Based on what I think is your 'style' - I'd say try to find an XM-18. Having said that, I've since sold all the 'tacticool' knives below and pretty much only carry Sebenzas and slipjoints.

Thank you so much! The pic's are a huge help, I am not a very "visual" person and seeing the SNG ( you nailed it my favorite knife) next to those two really helps.

You guys in this thread and on this forum are awesome, and the knife's you recommended are exactly what I was looking for. You guys should be consultants!

So now I am in the hunt for a SR1, Umnum, Xm-18 hopefully I can find one out there in cyberspace. Would really like a Hinderer, but they are tough to find.

Thanks again guys, I appreciate it.

 

[JNewell]

Lion Steel S1, that is a good call. I was looking at those a few months ago and they slipped my mind.

How is the F&F and all that on the Umnum vs Sebenza? I get the impression that while all CRK are good the Sebenza is just the master piece. Would you say the two knives are equal? Just curious.

Yes, I think the Sebs and the Umnumzaan are all manufactured and finished to the same high standard. It's really a choice of things like blade, ergos, design features. CRK doesn't have a "B" product line. :thumbup:

 

[creativeoutlethobbie]

I think if you have that big of a collection and can afford it, its worthwhile to have at least 1 CRK. I've been moving a little away from striders lately to CRK.

 

[MrPres]

As some of the other guys here have said, I don't really think the Sebenza will be your knife. It is a great knife (my favorite EDC in fact), but from you description, I'm not sure you'd love it like some of us do. I would recommend either a Hinderer XM-18, or a DDR Hun Hammer. I think you would be more pleased with these knives. Good luck!

 

[tacmedic909]

I really wouldnt consider the CRK tactical, they are great knives but I just wouldnt consider them. If you want a great knife go for a Hinderer. I like Emersons and Striders myselfm the CQC-11 is built like a TANK! I never could get into the whole CRK buying experience which is not to say they are crap but there are other things out there that suit my needs adequately.

 

[Stainz]

If you like the Striders - how about a ZT-300/01/02? That said, the basic Umnumzaan almost got me as my CRK example - then I saw last autums's Wilson Combat variant - the 'StarTac' Umnumzaan - grabbed it:

I don't know if Wlson Combat has any more of 'their' 'zaan or not. They run $30 over list - inc s/h. Same way with their next production - a similarly styled small Sebbie - which was still available, the last time I looked. If they do a large Sebbie, I may have to hock something to get one.

Stainz

 

[Stainz]

Here is a picture showing the relative sizes of some of my favorites - top down: Benchmade 630 Skirmish; ZT-301; Kershaw JYDII Ti/SG2; CRK 'StarTac' Umnumzaan; and Buck 172 Mayo TNT.

The ZT is the only one I know is still in production. All blades but the laminated 'Super Gold 2' of the JYDII are of S30V.

Stainz

 

[Thingus995]

How about something from RJ Martin? An Overkill or Havoc may fit the bill?

 

[wintersix]

I think if you have that big of a collection and can afford it, its worthwhile to have at least 1 CRK. I've been moving a little away from striders lately to CRK.

I agree, I really should have at least one CRK knife. I ordered a Umnazaan I just like the way it looks better than the sebenza. I think I was holding off because i was afraid that it was the lesser knife, but it seems that is not the case.

Now I have a couple more knives on my radar from this post. That DDR Gunhammer and that Overkill are both interesting to me. Might be a multiple purchase day for me, but we can all agree you can never have too many knives

I really wish that Mr. Hinderer would open up his services to ordinary folks again. I wouldnt want to get in the way of the folks he is making them for but I sure would like to get on a list, or a lottery for one.

 

[wintersix]

Here is a shot of three mentioned... 3.5" XM-18, Umnumzaan, and SNG. Based on what I think is your 'style' - I'd say try to find an XM-18. Having said that, I've since sold all the 'tacticool' knives below and pretty much only carry Sebenzas and slipjoints.

Sir you do have excellent taste in knives. I keep looking at your pic's and coveting your orange hinderer.

I was out of the country when they came out and were still available to the gen public. I cam back and heard about them, but it was too late. They had a great price point too. Pricey but not prohibitive. I would have definitely grabbed an orange one like yours, a darker one, and one of those xm-24.

You guys out there with Hinderer's should hang on to them, you are going to see them popping up at auctions for big bucks in 10-15 years.

 

[Biginboca]

G

You guys out there with Hinderer's should hang on to them, you are going to see them popping up at auctions for big bucks in 10-15 years.

That's already happening. If you want one there have been a handful of new ones that popped up on the exchange here in the last few days, all priced around $600.

I have owned maybe 5 or 6 XM-18's. They are great knives but when you have one in hand and ask yourself is this knife worth what the secondary market is asking its becoming harder and harder to say yes. I don't see the prices going much higher. There are lots of these knives out there, and there are other knives that are just as attractive available new from makers for Rick's actual asking price of about $400.

I would not buy a XM-18 looking for the price to go up. Buy it if you think its worth the asking price now, which at $600+ I have a hard time saying that it is.

 

[shooterpunk]

I had an Umnumzaan and loved everythign about the knife, except for the lock bar. It hurt me to disengage. I've tried a few others that did too. I also had an SNG but sold it, regrettably. I now have a small regular sebenza. Sebenzas quality is absolutely top notch and without equal, but it bores me. It's just too simple. So now I think im going to try and trade the Sebenza for another Strider SNG. Just something about it fits me well.