Kwaiback or umnumzaan

Pinnacle64

Pinnacle64

Joined
Oct 25, 2013
Messages
271
Title says it all looking at the umnumzaan tanto and Kwaiback carbon fiber model trying to make a decision.

Both look close to same size/weight in specs, both tanto style blades and higher end materials.

Anyone have any feedback or thoughts from handling these knives as I haven’t seen them in person?
 
Murindo said:
Kwaiback all the way. Machining, fit, and finish better than Reeves, bearings, adjustable detent.
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Fit and finish better? You'll need to open it up, take macro pictures and prove that, i don't think there is a single micro spec of space on the Umnumzaans i've handled that are not absolute perfection.

Umnumzaan gets my vote easily, by a country mile..
 
I predict that you will eventually get a Umnumzaan in the future, anyway.
It is just a matter of now or next.
Why not now then?
 
It's hard to top anything that CRK produces. I had a Zaan and sold it as it was a bit big for my tastes. The knife was freaking perfect.

That said, if you like one or the other a smidge better, pick that one.
 
Bought a Kwaiback. Sold it. Lost money.

Bought a Zann. Sold it. Bought one again. Didn’t lose any money I’m the process.

The Zann cuts/slices better, doesn’t have bearings and doesn’t have any use for an adjustable detent. I think the adjustable detent is overrated in practical use. It just doesn’t make a very noticeable difference.


Also, what’s the argument for bearings being better in some way?
 
The tanto Umnumzaan is hands down one of my favorite and oft used knives. I have not been gentle on it and its handled everything thrown at it and is still super smooth and tight.
 
laurin said:
Kwaiback is better knife - mechanically and materials. Bearings, HRD.
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Did you just imply that bearings are some kind of better feature than CRK washers? Thats a joke if i ever heard one. Bearings dont have anywhere near the surface area support as the massive bronze washers CRK uses. Feel free to explain why you think tiny bearings are better, maybe for using a knife as a fidgeting toy.
 
I'm assuming you're referring to a Jake Hoback Kwaiback. If that's the case, that's a tough one. For me, it boils down to daily uses over a knife looking awesome. Don't get me wrong both are awesome looking, but the CRK suits my work more than the Hoback. Main differences for me are, flipper vs non flipper, blade geometry and tanto style. The CRK tanto is a better fit in my work chores. I love my Hoback, but I use my Umnumzaan way more.

RD1pM8l.jpg
 
I've considered both, haven't bought either, but I am somewhat favoring the Kwaiback personally because I am preferential to (bearing) Flippers and like the larger size. That being said, if I was in the market for a CRK I'd definitely get the 'Zaan over the other models first.
 
I have had the Kwaiback and sold it. It was a bit too thick behind the edge to make a decent EDC. IMO It was an awesome knife besides that though. All his other folders have great blade geometry.
Chris Reeve knives are good EDC blades, and if you don't like them, you will get closer to your money back, or break even. Might take a loss selling a Kwaiback, even brand new in box.
 
Cool thanks for picture it’s nice to see both side by side. I think I will go ahead and order the Zaan. Didn’t see a Kwaiback instock that I fancied right now looking at several dealers current stock.
 
Ajack60 said:
I'm assuming you're referring to a Jake Hoback Kwaiback. If that's the case, that's a tough one. For me, it boils down to daily uses over a knife looking awesome. Don't get me wrong both are awesome looking, but the CRK suits my work more than the Hoback. Main differences for me are, flipper vs non flipper, blade geometry and tanto style. The CRK tanto is a better fit in my work chores. I love my Hoback, but I use my Umnumzaan way more.

RD1pM8l.jpg
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Man, that's some sweet steel... I didn't need to see that, or this thread for that matter. That tanto Zaan is haunting me now.
 
Pinnacle64 said:
Cool thanks for picture it’s nice to see both side by side. I think I will go ahead and order the Zaan. Didn’t see a Kwaiback instock that I fancied right now looking at several dealers current stock.
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If you've never had a Umnumzaan, before you order one, go read the threads about people that have a difficult time learning how to open one in the CRK forum.
Flippers are a no brainer, the Umnumzaan has a method that is unlike most studded knives including the 21
 
Ajack60 said:
If you've never had a Umnumzaan, before you order one, go read the threads about people that have a difficult time learning how to open one in the CRK forum.
Flippers are a no brainer, the Umnumzaan has a method that is unlike most studded knives including the 21
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I've never understood this. I got the knife years ago and never had a problem opening it.
 
I don’t expect any issue opening the Zaan. I have average size hands/fingers and great dexterity both hands. I can use chopsticks like a pro and write left or right handed both :)

Kwaiback looks awesome to it will still be in the future own list. I just don’t see the “one” instock I would like and spending 700 dollars I don’t want to just buy anyone.
 
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