Just Bought a NICE Mammonth Mnandi (**Updated**)

F

fespo276

Joined
Feb 12, 2004
Messages
302
I have spent the last week looking for a Small mammoth Sebenza, with no real luck. They are out there, but none I loved. Then, I played with the idea of ordering one direct, but I didn't want the wait. So, I started thinking about the Mnandi (again), and decided it would likely meet all of my EDC knife needs, and then some (my SNG can handle the rest!). After a short search, I found one that I loved, and pulled the trigger. Here she is! I'll post real pics when it arrives:
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Lucky skunk!!! ;)

That's a fine score, no doubt. It's one of the most beautiful scaled Mnandis I've ever seen. I'm envious. No... very envious.

Here's mine, plain jane but ever so reliable:

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Looks good :thumbup::D

Is the M.I. used in not just this knife but all knives stabilized?
 
Markous said:
Looks good :thumbup::D

Is the M.I. used in not just this knife but all knives stabilized?
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I am not sure, good question. I am also not sure how smooth the surface of slab is going to be. I know the MI is cracked and rough, but I am wondering if it is coated with some type of clear appoxy or resin which fills in and smooths out the surface.
 
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This is my regular Mnandi for the office (pic courtesy of Only Fine Knives, which is who I purchased it from):


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Not only does it not "scare" people (a la "Oh my God, he's got a knife!!"), but I get many compliments on what a nice knife it is.
 
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fespo276 said:
...I know the MI is cracked and rough, but I am wondering if it is coated with some type of clear appoxy or resin which fills in and smooths out the surface.
Click to expand...


I'm not certain about the mammoth ivory, but stabilizing is usually the norm when making wooden knife scales, and yes, that would have the (side) effect of filling those tiny cracks that you see so that to the touch it would feel smooth right across. However, with something like fossilized mammoth ivory, my guess is that it's as stable as it can possibly be all on it's own, given that it's survived and been mineralized for a few thousand years under (frozen) ground. The typical stabilization process would serve only to fill those tiny cracks... I don't see how it could penetrate the ivory itself as it's essentially stonelike and not absorptive like even super dense wood would be.

Curious to hear your description once the mailman shows up, and can't wait to see more pictures of course!
 
link2derek said:
This is my regular Mnandi for the office (pic courtesy of Only Fine Knives, which is who I purchased it from):


L-cr-mnandi-bocote-different-nail-nick.jpg

...
Click to expand...

What's going on with that nail nick there? Looks like an additional raised ridge through the middle of it.:confused:
 
Damn nice blade. There have been several mammoth teeth found in the springs here in central florida. I have looked several times, but to no avail. One day I may be lucky enough to stumble across one and I have always planned to do something similar with it.
 
I'm not certain -- it is diffrent from my other Mnandis (the cut-out is deeper, so I find it easier to open quickly). Only Fine Knives calls it a "Unique Nail Nick" Mnandi. I got mine in 2008 I believe.
 
Sweet mother of mammoth! That's nice!

I'm looking to get another Mnandi, wood tho. Who's got them? I see a few on Plaza and ebay, not too many other places... I'd love to find another box elder!
 
Well, it came. Yesterday, actually. Took two days from Northwest Blades to Connecticut. Not bad! Well, here are my impressions:

1. Just about as big as I thought, which is good. It is a small knife, no doubt, but will handle 99.9% of my needs.

2. Very, Very, light. Like, surprisingly so. Really defies reality a bit, as you think that the constitute parts of ANY knife made of steel, titanium, and bone would somehow just HAVE to equal more than 1.5 oz!

3. Sharp as any knife I have ever handled. Due, in part I am sure, to the thinner blade profile. Still, defines SCARY sharp.

4. Fit and finish is just top, top notch. I have had a Sebenza, so no surprise for me.

5. I took the clip off, and I think I will carry it in the pouch, a first for me. First, the clip hid some of the ivory, which I want to see. Also, it is more easy and comfortable for me to open the knife without the clip, which rubbed on my finger. No biggie either way, just more comfortable for my particular hand to open and use with no clip.

6. The ivory really is gorgeous. I knew there was a small missing piece on the clip side going in. However, I wrote to CRK to see if they can somehow fill in the hole a bit more with resin, or epoxy, or stabilizer, or whatever they use to further smooth out the surface at that particular spot. I would hate to catch the edge of this spot on something and damage the scale.

Overall, I am very happy. Its an expensive knife, for sure, but I am at the point where I want ONE really nice knife, rather than 4 or 5 production knives, none of which really excite me. I mean, who wants to sit on the couch and fondle and admire the workmanship on an FRN Delica? (I love Spydies, but you get my point)

This is a very nice, light, but stout, little knife that I plan and carrying and using up to its fullest capabilities. All of a sudden, bigger knives just look and feel awkward (and a bit "silly"(?)) in my hand. I mean, do I really need an SNG to open the mail and cut up a box? In fact, I am so happy with the smaller size that I am considering selling the SNG and getting a small Sebenza for my "big" working knife.

Here are some pics, but they pale in comparison to the ones from Northwest. Thanks for looking and for all your nice comments!!!!
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