Just got a new Umnumzaan and have questions

[akadave2]

Just picked up my second Chris Reeve knife, my first was the Ti-Lock which I still have. This Umnumzaan is a BEAR to open! The end of my thumb is so tender I have to open it with both hands. I have adjusted the pivot tension and discovered that the blade centering can be adjusted as well. I have read the proper way to open with this model and use it. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Dave

 

[bhyde]

Take it down, clean everything and re-lube it up.
Cycle the blade from partially open to partially closed- You do not need to engage the lockbar when open or the detent when closed..
All the parts still need to mate to each other being new. The detent on the Umnumzaan takes a bit to break in so closing and opening after the previous process probably wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Also- Tumb on ramp and push straight up.


Bill

 

[akadave2]

Ill give it some time. Im sure it will loosen up. Takedown shouldnt be too much of a problem.

 

[roadracer46]

Don't forget to NOT put pressure on the lock bar when opening. The break in process is a must, but the lock bar pressure adjustment seems to be another problem when getting an Umnumzaan... especially if you're use to a Ti lock which has no lock bar.

 

[akadave2]

I have a Microtech DOC that had the same issue. Keeping off the lock bar is a must for operation.

Don't forget to NOT put pressure on the lock bar when opening. The break in process is a must, but the lock bar pressure adjustment seems to be another problem when getting an Umnumzaan... especially if you're use to a Ti lock which has no lock bar.

 

[HST]

Keeping your fingers on the lockbar is in its design. It's the only way to open it silently.

My thumb still hurts from my new one. I like to close it with my pointer finger on the over travel and push closer in on the lockbar, for greater ease.

I know know what "CRK Thumb" is; moreover, to accommodate CRKs, I leave my thumb nail slightly longer.

 

[ESCA]

I leave my thumb nail slightly longer.

I do the same thing, if I want to flick the CRK Open I put pressure up on my thumb nail and flick. No pain and it works every time. Just need to get the angle correct because the 21 and Umnumzaan angles are different.

To open slowly, I use my thumb pad and rotate.

 

[BD_01]

Agree with all above. Adjustment, technique, and break in. My thumb was miserable for a week or two.

I'm not sure if the 'how to' handout still gets packaged with the 'Zaan, but here it is anyway.



I love the 'Zaan, BTW. How about a picture, akadave2 ?

 

[HST]

BD_01 It sure does come with the new Zaan. Looks different - obviously - but it does have instructions.

 

[HOKIE_FAN]

akadave2- I just got my Startac Unmum about 2 weeks ago. I understand exactly what you are saying about the stiff opening and sore thumb. BUT rest assured there is light at the end of the tunnel. After almost 2 weeks of opening and closing while driving to work etc. the opening process is much much easier now, perfect actually. Give it some time and work the action. I have not taken mine apart for cleaning/re-lube or adjusted the pivot.. I left it as is and now this thing is smooth and it's a pleasure to open.

 

[Thin-Slice]

Have found that newer Zaans have the detent hole drilled all the way through which makes the detent ball fall in deeper (?) and thereby slightly more difficult to open. I had same issue when I got my first brand new from dealer Zaan. Ended up returning but now have OP and I really do believe that OP version open more smoothly for some reason.

 

[Thin-Slice]

I leave my thumb nail slightly longer.

I do the same thing, if I want to flick the CRK Open I put pressure up on my thumb nail and flick. No pain and it works every time. Just need to get the angle correct because the 21 and Umnumzaan angles are different.
To open slowly, I use my thumb pad and rotate.

That's fine and dandy and what I do but when you are watching an intense movie and realize at the end you have no nails. WHAT THEN....