IMHO THE PINNACL OF CRK DESIGN.. Yep you guesed it the Umnumzan in its Orignal Form..

I'd disagree, in a friendly way, on two counts. :)

First, personally, I think a prerequisite for design pinnacle in CRK knives would include the Sebenza-type pivot - so that would let the Umnu (which I like a great deal) out right there.

Second, and this is even more subjective, I owned one of the first Umnus made and really did not like the ergos on that knife. I disliked them enough that it is one of very, very few CRK knives I've sold. :eek: I later bought one of the last pre-"LBS" (it isn't, I know...) Umnus and liked that enough that I bought a second (which turned out to have been made on exactly the same day - amazing coincidence, considering they came from dealers 2K miles apart).

At the end of the day, though, it's all good. :thumbup: :)
 
Thank you very much JNewell!! I appreciate your comment and your valued opinion. As I said in the thread I am sure that many will disagree!! And I welcome that!!
No I encourage it!! But in your very kind rebuttal you note that the Sebenza -type pivot should be included.. I agree but that design "Pivot" is hmm at least 26 years old!! The original design of the Sebenza including the Sebenza type pivot is old school! (BUT GOES ON TO THIS DAY IN THE 21) as it should!!
But I am not so much referring to the "OLD STYLE" Pivot as much as the entire design of the knife. That is the Umnumzaan itself. Not since the introduction of the "New Design" in the summer of 1996 have we seen the innovation and design of the Umnumzaan. There must be a reason that it was chose to be knife of the Year at blade in 2008 and despite the many changes since,continues to be one of the top sellers in the CRK line up!

First, personally, I think a prerequisite for design pinnacle in CRK knives would include the Sebenza-type pivot - so that would let the Umnu (which I like a great deal) out right there.

Second, and this is even more subjective, I owned one of the first Umnus made and really did not like the ergos on that knife. I disliked them enough that it is one of very, very few CRK knives I've sold. :eek: I later bought one of the last pre-"LBS" (it isn't, I know...) Umnus and liked that enough that I bought a second (which turned out to have been made on exactly the same day - amazing coincidence, considering they came from dealers 2K miles apart).

At the end of the day, though, it's all good. :thumbup: :)[/QUOTE]
 
Im gonna come in from left field on this one. The Ubejane skinner! (think I spelled right) the reason I think this is out of all the knives I own, not just CRK, it is the blade that receives the most attention when friends see my collection. Most of my friends are bush lovin, knife totin good ol boys and I almost have to fight them to get it back! Its very unique and coupled with that gorgeous sheath is like candy to the outdoorsman. Everyone seems to be able to "find exactly what theyre looking for" in its design. Perfection
 
Great pics :)

I have to agree with Mike..I have had sebenzas in one form or another since '95 or so...Still have one...Maybe two..Will have to look around. The Umnumzaan..I still own one of the 1st generations..May look at the newer version when I pass up the gun craze that I have been on lately.
Really...I am polar opposite. Much prefer the ergos of the Umnumzaan. Likely, it has something to do with large hands, but I do favor the blade shape of the Umnumzaan as well. I EDC a Large Micarta Insingo only because the blade shape seems to be less threatening than the Umnumzaan. Sometimes work around people that have little tolerance for weapons in any form.
 
The first Umnumzaans IMO were a little flawed. The tension on the lock bar was off....too light on lock up. I say this because the second generation Chris made had a much more stronger lock up. The lock bar flies over to engage , and stays there. If you have a first generation Umnumzaan, notice how easy it is to move/disengage the lock. Also, on the later models, he made some improvements to the ergos around the opening for lefties, and the access to the lockbar was increased. These critiques are all mine, so take them as you like. I will say that the originals were super smooth, still can't figure out how they are.
 
Dave, just today I have viewed your Sebenza bakers dozen, your Sebenza through the years picture and now a half dozen Umnumzaans. You certainly have a great collection and I appreciate you taking time to share. Gives someone like me with just two CRKs (Large Insingo and 25) lots of things to consider for another CRK.
 
I have a pre-OTS old pivot S35V Umnumzaan and a pre-OTS old pivot S30V Star Tac Umnumzaan and must admit I prefer the WC version. Best Zaan IMHO.
 
Ah wth, here's some pics of some Umnums I've had/still have etc so we have something to look at..lol



Original Umnum- notice the difference in the lockbar vs the newer ones

 
Last edited:
My early P172 is my favorite, but I had a umnumzaan and carried it for a year and sold it a couple of years ago. I miss it and plan on buying a new umnumzaan this weekend at my local gun show to carry again. It is a great knife in its own way
 
Okay, I'll bite. I would assert that the pinnacle of Chris's designs (and I'll limit my remarks to his production models -- if you throw in the customs and very limited runs, the question get's way harder . . .) is the original Mnandi.
  • Original pivot with bushing
  • Classy nail nick that works as well for one-handed opening as a thumb stud
  • Way cool pivot hardware -- strength, with style
  • Pocketed inlays, built into the design, as opposed to an option
  • Best pocket clip on the planet, and it's reversible, and the knife looks like it was meant to be, with and without
  • Two words -- "Great lines."
  • Overall -- CRK precision, extraordinary styling, and in it's market, even at twice the price, it has no equal

Mnandi_Sharktooth_MIB.jpg

Mnandi_15_lockside_zpsec0f6999.jpg


But then, that's just MHO . . . :)
 
Fooj said:
Okay, I'll bite. I would assert that the pinnacle of Chris's designs (and I'll limit my remarks to his production models -- if you throw in the customs and very limited runs, the question get's way harder . . .) is the original Mnandi.
  • Original pivot with bushing
  • Classy nail nick that works as well for one-handed opening as a thumb stud
  • Way cool pivot hardware -- strength, with style
  • Pocketed inlays, built into the design, as opposed to an option
  • Best pocket clip on the planet, and it's reversible, and the knife looks like it was meant to be, with and without
  • Two words -- "Great lines."
  • Overall -- CRK precision, extraordinary styling, and in it's market, even at twice the price, it has no equal

But then, that's just MHO . . . :)
Click to expand...

I have to agree. It is a magic knife. The feel is out of this planet. I'd say that I "probably" prefer the new clip.

I bought and sold 3 Umnums. I could never get used to it. I wish I would have kept one (old style pivot, just for the looks).

Obviously, there will never be a consensus on this topic :)
 
I truly love my Zaan! I don't think it is just because it was my first CRK or really my first hight quality knife, it just is a great knife. Ready for anything and looking good. I have had 21's and MM in both small and large and have a small and large regular (I think I will keep them for ever but I know the Zaan will never leave. I love the blade and how it fits my hand. I do regret letting a early WC Zaan go but may find another one someday. One thing I did notice for the first time today is the BD card says April 30, 2011 but the scales say B10. I know they do not often match but have never had one that is one year different.
 
Very interesting observation scotteboy!! I have not had the pleasure (yet) of owning, or even seeing one in person. So I can't disagree with you on that one! But I must admit all of the Black One piece knives look amazing... especially the Ubejane (Rhinoceros) Skinner!! Hopefully I will have the opportunity to add one to my collection someday.
All the best, Dave
scotteboy said:
Im gonna come in from left field on this one. The Ubejane skinner! (think I spelled right) the reason I think this is out of all the knives I own, not just CRK, it is the blade that receives the most attention when friends see my collection. Most of my friends are bush lovin, knife totin good ol boys and I almost have to fight them to get it back! Its very unique and coupled with that gorgeous sheath is like candy to the outdoorsman. Everyone seems to be able to "find exactly what theyre looking for" in its design. Perfection
Click to expand...
 
Well Dave, you know what they say about opinions... no thats not where I was going! ;) I must admit that your opinion at least to this humble Chris Reeve Enthusiast is very appreciated and often sought!! And I must admit that without a doubt the Mnandi (Old Style) and new have no equal in your opinion and mine when it comes to a perfect small folder for every day use. Again I agree with you 110%. Thanks for taking the time to share your respected opinion and your awesome knives!!
Sincerely, Dave K
Fooj said:
Okay, I'll bite. I would assert that the pinnacle of Chris's designs (and I'll limit my remarks to his production models -- if you throw in the customs and very limited runs, the question get's way harder . . .) is the original Mnandi.
  • Original pivot with bushing
  • Classy nail nick that works as well for one-handed opening as a thumb stud
  • Way cool pivot hardware -- strength, with style
  • Pocketed inlays, built into the design, as opposed to an option
  • Best pocket clip on the planet, and it's reversible, and the knife looks like it was meant to be, with and without
  • Two words -- "Great lines."
  • Overall -- CRK precision, extraordinary styling, and in it's market, even at twice the price, it has no equal

Mnandi_Sharktooth_MIB.jpg

Mnandi_15_lockside_zpsec0f6999.jpg


But then, that's just MHO . . . :)
Click to expand...
 
You too? My first experence with Chris Reeve Knives was an Old School second varation Umnumzaan!! Large Pivot, Old Style Gimping, revised lock bar, IDAHO MADE, without the over travel disk. Actually I believe I bought it seven long months ago last week!! YEP! Looked it up June 22nd 2013... Maybe that is why the Zaan rates so high on my list!! :D It's what started my obsession with this thing of ours!!
All the best, Dave
Birdhunter1220 said:
I truly love my Zaan! I don't think it is just because it was my first CRK or really my first hight quality knife, it just is a great knife. Ready for anything and looking good. I have had 21's and MM in both small and large and have a small and large regular (I think I will keep them for ever but I know the Zaan will never leave. I love the blade and how it fits my hand. I do regret letting a early WC Zaan go but may find another one someday. One thing I did notice for the first time today is the BD card says April 30, 2011 but the scales say B10. I know they do not often match but have never had one that is one year different.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top