Is the Umnumzaan a tactical knife?

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Feb 18, 2017
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I've heard it written and mentioned on various reviews that the Umnumzaan is CRK's tactical knife. However I've never seen anyone really get into this in detail. Obviously it doesn't follow the spec-ops design language so many knife makers employ these days but how do people think it holds up for tactical purposes, i.e. self defense?

I'm sure there are more purpose built tactical folders out there. And I'm sure an Emerson or a Spyderco is better designed for tactical needs. But I'm wondering specifically about the Umnumzaan here. Any insights you guys can offer would be great!

Thanks.
 
What's the definition of a tactical knife? The Umnumzaan deploys faster than the Sebenza, at least in my limited experience. The harpoon blade also seems more aggressive to me.

I am a major recent convert to CRK. However, I think the Spydie hole is the best folder deployment method I've come across. In a stressful situation, it seems the least likely to screw up. I think it's genius, actually.
 
I once heard a wise man say: the loser of a knife fight dies on the street and the winner dies in the hospital.

This is why I only get into fights with packing tape and food...they don't fight back! ;)
 
There are references to the Umnumzaan being a tactical model from CRK, but those references do not come from CRK. It was the first CRK folder with thicker blade stock and aggressive texturing on the scales. The lock bar has an extended flange to accommodate release with a gloved thumb, and the over travel stop helps prevent operator-induced damage in an adrenaline fueled situation. Add to that the quiet opening by shock absorbers and the glass breaker and one could argue that qualifies as a tactical knife.

I think the Tanto grind and an ACU lanyard more than qualify it as Tactical because it even looks tactical.

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Go to CRK's web site, look up the Umnumzaan and see how CRK describes their knife. That will give you first hand info on the knife.
Don't believe everything you read or hear.
 
Interesting first post...

I'm too am not sure what tactical means when it comes to a knife. Strider comes to mind when that word comes up for a folder and the Busse folks have that market cornered for fixed blades.

I sit behind a desk for what I get paid to do and when I'm fishing or in the woods pretty much any CRK I own can meet my needs.

Kinda bummed my boss never asks me to wear all black BDUs, carry an M4 or kick in any doors. Some day... some day!!!!!
 
I would say no.

Reading the info about the Umnumzaan on CRK's website is an excellent point.

If it suits your needs/requirements, it matters little what others call it. The Umnumzaan is a top-notch folder and begs to be used. :thumbup:
 
All of the Zaan's I've had have successfully completed their deployment missions to tactically open mail. Welcome to Blade Forum discretion.
 
The lock bar has an extended flange to accommodate release with a gloved thumb, and the over travel stop helps prevent operator-induced damage in an adrenaline fueled situation.

Early versions did not have either of those features. After getting a later version (still with the old pivot but also with the over travel stop and lock bar flange) I realized it was a bit of a pain to close an Umnumzaan without that little extension on the lockbar. It's funny how sometimes you don't notice something until you're offered an alternative.
 
I'd think usage determines tactical.... or not.... I use mine to butter toast and open boxes.... Carry a .45 for tactical... Knife is weapon of last resort, right behind hauling ass!!!
 
Early versions did not have either of those features. After getting a later version (still with the old pivot but also with the over travel stop and lock bar flange) I realized it was a bit of a pain to close an Umnumzaan without that little extension on the lockbar. It's funny how sometimes you don't notice something until you're offered an alternative.

How far back do you have to go to get one with a smoother lockbar? I'd be interested in looking at one. I like my Zaan but that sharp edge on the lockbar is not my favorite; tears up my thumb. I prefer the Sebenza in this regard.
 
I love the unique design of the Umnumzaan but I would not consider it a tactical knife. Opinion varies, I'm sure Nutnfancy (please don't hate me for mentioning him here) would consider it tactical as he refers to an Endura as tactical. The Umnumzaan has plenty of traction on the scales, but not much of a finger guard to protect your hand when thrusting and a fine point (not good).
It's a great EDC they will hold up to a ton of abuse but I wouldn't want to defend myself with it. I would suggest a large inkosi for hard/tactical use (camping) as it has a more durable point and finger grooves with aggressive jimping. The Umnumzaan is a great slicer but if I needed a defensive tool I would suggest a P227 :)
 
I looked some stuff up.

Tact - noun
1.
a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.
2.
a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination.
3.
touch or the sense of touch.

Tactic noun
1.
tactics (def 1).
2.
a system or a detail of tactics.
3.
a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.
adjective
4.
of or relating to arrangement or order; tactical.

Tactics noun
1.
(usually used with a singular verb) the art or science of disposing military or naval forces for battle and maneuvering them in battle.
2.
(used with a plural verb) the maneuvers themselves.
3.
(used with a singular verb) any mode of procedure for gaining advantage or success.
4.
(usually used with a singular verb) Linguistics.
the patterns in which the elements of a given level or stratum in a language may combine to form larger constructions.
the study and description of such patterns.

Tactical adjective
1.
of or relating to tactics, especially military or naval tactics.
2.
characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure:
tactical movements.
3.
of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.
4.
expedient; calculated.
5.
prudent; politic.

Tactical adjective
1.
of or relating to tactics, especially military or naval tactics.
2.
characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure:
tactical movements.
3.
of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.
4.
expedient; calculated.
5.
prudent; politic.

Testicle - testis noun, plural testes [tes-teez] (Show IPA). Anatomy, Zoology.
1.
the male gonad or reproductive gland, either of two oval glands located in the scrotum.


I'm pretty sure it's not a testicle knife.



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The short answer is knives are not tactical. People are or can be tactical. So any person with any thing can push that thing into a tactical role. If a knife was pushed into a tactical role the knife would have to fit into the specific mission. For infantry, a cheap, properly tempered fixed blade is appropriate. For James Bond an Umnumzaan might be the ticket.


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It's not easy to define "tactical" explicitly. But, is the umnumzaan as tactical as the XM-18? Is the Sebenza as tactical as the umnumzaan?
 
Tactical folders is a category of knives, if the Umn is not the CRK tactical folder, which CRK folder is?
 
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