In need of some advice...

A

Atama

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I am relatively new to CRKs, having picked up a Sebenza (i'm a lefty) from a forum member recently. LOVE IT! Simple and understated, yet strong and elegant all at the same time...

Anyhow, I want another now! This time around, I am thinking I want am Umnumzaan. I am having trouble deciding between a Wilson Tactical version or the standard Umnum. I don't believe in "safe queens," and whatever I get will see my pocket regularly and get put to use.

Here is where my question comes in. Which version would you go with, and why? "normal" Umnum, or the Wilson Tactical version? Help me decide, PLEASE! Thanks for your words of wisdom.
 
Well that is a hard question to answer for you. I have had both and what I can tell you is I would be happy with either. Of course I kept the original one. No LBS Old piviot S30V. Love it carry it all the time.
 
I have owned all 3, the regular, the tanto and then the WC Version. All are nice, but the WC version has the sharp grooves that cut into your fingers and for use, is downright painful. If you want one for show, the WC is fine, if you want one to heavily use, the regular tactical version in either regular or tanto will suite you best. I have spoken to several on here over the years, and they have agreed with the sharp grooves on the WC version being uncomfortable. If the grooves on the WC zaan were like they are on the WC sebenza, it would be absolutely awesome, but they are not. Also, another thing, the newer styled version of the zaan has a slightly modified thumb release that makes it easier to disengage the lockbar. This was changed before the lockbar stabilizer was added. Trust Me, I do not say too many negative things about any CRK, I have owned 93 of them to date and they are my favorite knives by far, its just with the WC version, the grooves do not make it as comfortably functional as the regular zaan does. Either way, you will get a zaan, I am just giving you some pointers on which is better is all. I will post several pics of the ones I used to have to show you the differences. The old original zaan remains one of my favorite CRK. Enjoy the pics...!!!













 
I don't own a zaan (anymore) but I am a big fan of the Wilson combat version. I have a sebenza with the WC pattern and it is my most carried sebenza.
 
I still haven't held the WC version but I vacillated over the same question and ended up with a standard Umnumzaan (old pivot/ logo LBS). My knives are all users and can tell you the feel of the Umnumzaan in the hand is wonderful. IMO the 25 is a tad more comfortable (more rounded) but I actually prefer the overall straighter and more tactile feel the Umnumzaan rewards. Most important, the blade shape is without a doubt my favorite of all CRK's. Picked mine up about 4 months ago and haven't carried my 21 or 25 since.

You are on the right path to a great knife. Enjoy
 
It's definitely a very personal choice. I had both. My favorite crk that I've ever owned was my 2009 umnumzaan. Great knife!
 
nyefmaker said:
I have owned all 3, the regular, the tanto and then the WC Version. All are nice, but the WC version has the sharp grooves that cut into your fingers and for use, is downright painful. If you want one for show, the WC is fine, if you want one to heavily use, the regular tactical version in either regular or tanto will suite you best. I have spoken to several on here over the years, and they have agreed with the sharp grooves on the WC version being uncomfortable. If the grooves on the WC zaan were like they are on the WC sebenza, it would be absolutely awesome, but they are not. Also, another thing, the newer styled version of the zaan has a slightly modified thumb release that makes it easier to disengage the lockbar. This was changed before the lockbar stabilizer was added. Trust Me, I do not say too many negative things about any CRK, I have owned 93 of them to date and they are my favorite knives by far, its just with the WC version, the grooves do not make it as comfortably functional as the regular zaan does. Either way, you will get a zaan, I am just giving you some pointers on which is better is all. I will post several pics of the ones I used to have to show you the differences. The old original zaan remains one of my favorite CRK. Enjoy the pics...!!!













Click to expand...


Word.
 
nyefmaker said:
I have owned all 3, the regular, the tanto and then the WC Version. All are nice, but the WC version has the sharp grooves that cut into your fingers and for use, is downright painful. If you want one for show, the WC is fine, if you want one to heavily use, the regular tactical version in either regular or tanto will suite you best. I have spoken to several on here over the years, and they have agreed with the sharp grooves on the WC version being uncomfortable. If the grooves on the WC zaan were like they are on the WC sebenza, it would be absolutely awesome, but they are not. Also, another thing, the newer styled version of the zaan has a slightly modified thumb release that makes it easier to disengage the lockbar. This was changed before the lockbar stabilizer was added. Trust Me, I do not say too many negative things about any CRK, I have owned 93 of them to date and they are my favorite knives by far, its just with the WC version, the grooves do not make it as comfortably functional as the regular zaan does. Either way, you will get a zaan, I am just giving you some pointers on which is better is all. I will post several pics of the ones I used to have to show you the differences. The old original zaan remains one of my favorite CRK. Enjoy the pics...!!!













Click to expand...

Is it just me, or is the WC version "beefier?" It looks as though it might be a thicker version of the Umnumzaan. Thanks so much for your pics and advice, I think I am leaning towards the standard version.
 
Tannin said:
I still haven't held the WC version but I vacillated over the same question and ended up with a standard Umnumzaan (old pivot/ logo LBS). My knives are all users and can tell you the feel of the Umnumzaan in the hand is wonderful. IMO the 25 is a tad more comfortable (more rounded) but I actually prefer the overall straighter and more tactile feel the Umnumzaan rewards. Most important, the blade shape is without a doubt my favorite of all CRK's. Picked mine up about 4 months ago and haven't carried my 21 or 25 since.

You are on the right path to a great knife. Enjoy
Click to expand...

I want to try a 25 out, but haven't seen a lefty version available as of yet...
 
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