Is this lock up within spec?

K

kith

Joined
Jan 7, 2003
Messages
21
Guys,
I'm about to trade a knife and get a used Zaan. I know the locks on those do seem to lock late but this one seems extreme. I'm being told that the lockup is firm and theres no bladeplay. If you guys could have a quick glance and let me know what you think I'd appreciate.

http://imgur.com/7xgCrB8

Best regards
 
Looks good to me. You can also look at the back side of the blade where the lock ball rubs and I would guess that it's probably halfway.
 
My old Zaan is just a bit less than that and the ball is hitting around 60%, I'd guess that the ball on that one is hitting around 75%.
If you're ok with that then I'd say don't worry about it at all, mine didn't move a bit after 3 years of EDC use.
I was concerned and sent the knife into CRK when I got it just to be reassured that all was well with it, they told me that is what it's supposed to be on that model. If yours is a 09 or 10 it looks perfect, the later ones locked up just a little but sooner from what I've seen.
The guy to ask is MikePappa, he's our resident Zaan historian, and has enough of them to compare yours to for a more educated answer.
 
Umnumzaans are visually a little different because the lockup % is measured by where the ball is, rather than where the edge of the lockbar is. That one is probably fine, although maybe at the far end of the normal range. I would not be worried. The ceramic detent will not wear at all.
 
It's been said, but throwing out another opinion, it looks normal with the ball at like 50-60%
 
My umnum has similar lock up. If you are worried, and want to put your mind at ease, hold the knife a just the right angle, in front of a very bright light, with the blade open, and you can see the ball resting on the tang, likely at about 75%. Mine has not moved, and I've been EDC ing it pretty hard for weeks now. Its just a mind-bender because we are all mostly trained by the internet to look for 'early' lock up.
 
Thanks for the help guys, finalized the trade. I noticed the O-rings were missing and just out of curiosity put a piece of printer paper between the thumbstud and the scale - The lockup is significantly earlier that way. Could it be that the missing O-rings cause that very late lockup?
 
The o-rings should really make no difference to actual lock up percentage, they just help soften the action.
 
Haze said:
The o-rings should really make no difference to actual lock up percentage, they just help soften the action.
Click to expand...

I've never handled a Umnumzaan so if the o ring doesn't make a difference then I suppose the metal of the thumb studs makes contact with the scale?
 
Yes, that is correct. The o-ring is compressed causing the thumbstud and frame make contact when the knife is open and locked. The o-rings are only intended to "dampen" the lock up action. :)

alwayscarryaknife said:
I've never handled a Umnumzaan so if the o ring doesn't make a difference then I suppose the metal of the thumb studs makes contact with the scale?
Click to expand...
 
kith said:
Thanks for the help guys, finalized the trade. I noticed the O-rings were missing and just out of curiosity put a piece of printer paper between the thumbstud and the scale - The lockup is significantly earlier that way. Could it be that the missing O-rings cause that very late lockup?
Click to expand...



Congrats on the trade. I hope that you love the Umnunzaan as much as those of us here on the CRK sub forum do, it's a great knife !
 
Sorry I did not chime in earlier.. but I have been very busy checking my balls.. on my Zanns that is!!:D And thanks for the kind words Rich!! I concur with all my brothers who have replied to your thread kith. The lock up especially on the early Umnumzaans appears much later than it actually is.. and in fact you can push the lock bar over quite a bit to make it appear even later. So, as you have already discovered I am sure your new Umnumzaan is good to go brother!! But please tells us more about your Zaan!! and pictures would be Great!!
All the best, Dave
 
Thanks guys,
I'm not sure whether its the honeymoons but I'm starting to like the Umnumzaan even better than my Sebenzas. Simpler design but still ingenious. The one I got has plenty wabi sabi which I like alot, might artificially age my Sebenza 25 too :D.

Had a hell of a time disassembling (previous owner apparently dunk it in loctite), bend a coat hanger to fit the pivot and unscrewed it… sheesh. Cleaned and lubed her up. Scale has B10 stamped on the inside. Guess shes from 2010 then. No LBS either. 2010 were S35Vn already weren't they? Came without birth certificate (bummer), pretty dull will have to sharpen her up… :)

Heres a quick snapshot, can't do better sorry :D

 
Last edited:
Nice catch kith! And welcome to the Zann Clan! They are great knives! The blade steel on your Zann is most likely s30v.
All, the best, Dave

kith said:
Thanks guys,
I'm not sure whether its the honeymoons but I'm starting to like the Umnumzaan even better than my Sebenzas. Simpler design but still ingenious. The one I got has plenty wabi sabi which I like alot, might artificially age my Sebenza 25 too :D.

Had a hell of a time disassembling (previous owner apparently dunk it in loctite), bend a coat hanger to fit the pivot and unscrewed it… sheesh. Cleaned and lubed her up. Scale has B10 stamped on the inside. Guess shes from 2010 then. No LBS either. 2010 were S35Vn already weren't they? Came without birth certificate (bummer), pretty dull will have to sharpen her up… :)

Heres a quick snapshot, can't do better sorry :D

Click to expand...
 
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