Kwaiback or umnumzaan

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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Have both...the Zaan gets carried way more. Its a much better cutter and easier to carry IMO. The kwaiback is nice, but to say they have better f&f is just not the case....at least not with mine. Never had any problem opening it...not sure what thats about. Every Kwaiback I have handled has a bit of slop in the detent/action. As for the HRD...lots of hype, not really much improvement over a standard detent in my experience.
 
Umnumzaan. My completely uninformed opinion of the kwaiback is that they look broken when open. Like a knee joint that hyper-extended. Purely a visual thing about what is probably otherwise a great knife.
 
The Kwaiback does have that more aggressive slanted blade look while the Zaan looks more traditional blade angle wise.
 
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Complete reversal, I ordered the Kwaiback today after speaking with one of my favorite knife dealers. He made me realize I wasn’t looking for a EDC type blade (I have several of those already). I was looking for lite-duty/last defense type folder to carry while walking/hiking trails several days a week.

There are several places I walk/hike that I can’t carry a pistol or a bigger fixed blade on those trails. A mid size to large folder is about my only choice. We both felt the Kwaiback filled that role better overall while the Zaan would be a better overall EDC type carry blade.
 
I'd say Zaan as well. I had a UHEP Kwaiback, It was cool and well built. I little too thick overall and I didn't like how it road in the pocket. I've never had a Zaan but I do have a large Sebenza, I wouldn't say that the Kwaiback is built any better than a CRK outside of having the nice lightening pockets. I find the HRD adjustments don't make much of a difference in the action of the knife and that it's more of a gimmick as its just a grub screw with a bearing for a nose from what I can tell. Having an HRD is like having a coilover suspension with 32-way adjustable valving.... Your not gonna notice much outside of maybe 4 positions. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever decision you make.
 
I'm so glad I get a chance to comment on this post.

I have owned a number of Umnumzaans, all of them were very well built and would have served very well. With that being said, I currently own none. While I wouldn't mind having the tanto variant back, I wouldn't trade it for a single one of my Kwaibacks.

Chris Reeve Knives are, well, very Chris Reeve. They're very much the very same knife. Not much going on in the category besides some Sebenza variants. Additionally, the handle finish is terrible. It wears horribly. Every scratch and scuff will show and show prominently. I believe the titanium is beadblasted. Which is enough said.

I do, however, own about seven Kwaibacks and two A15s. Hoback makes a fantastic knife and the fit and finish is spot on. I can short of guarantee you that every Hoback you purchase will fire hard, be centered, have solid early/mid lockup, and be without any blade play what so ever. Not only that but the blade/handle finishes are superior. The blade steel is superior. They feature the HRD. They're just awesome.


Unequivocally they're my absolute favorite knife by my absolutely favorite maker. That's my opinion and I wholeheartedly reccomend the Kwaiback.

On a side note - My EDC Kwaiback that I purchased years ago on these forms had some stripped screws from the previous owner. I, stupidly, attempted to remedy this issue via butchering the knife. I, for all intensive purposes, ruined the scales. I contacted Jake and he immediately agreed to fix the issue and the knife. I essentially received a brand new knife in return. His customer service is unparalleled. I believe it was also Jake himself that I contacted.
 
Good info and to be honest I’m sure I will end up with both knives by the end of summer. I’ve been eyeing the Zaan tanto for a while now it’s the one Reeves knife that just speaks to me profile/spec wise.

I ordered the full TI Kwaiback because I like the color/ Ano finish best (20v steel also my favorite steel) from the choices I had to choose from. I didn’t know, however was told the carbon fiber scale can be bought and changed out later if I feel the need for 1oz less weight or the carbon fiber look.

Not sure I will do that though I’m use to carrying a Stitch auto, Contego and Socom Elite all 5oz -6.5oz knives so 5.6oz’s doesn’t scare me away.

Crazy part is this is the most I remember spending on a single knife ever. I’ve dropped some serious cash over the years but it’s always been $500 and less per knife.
 
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Pinnacle64 said:
Complete reversal, I ordered the Kwaiback today after speaking with one of my favorite knife dealers. He made me realize I wasn’t looking for a EDC type blade (I have several of those already). I was looking for lite-duty/last defense type folder to carry while walking/hiking trails several days a week.

There are several places I walk/hike that I can’t carry a pistol or a bigger fixed blade on those trails. A mid size to large folder is about my only choice. We both felt the Kwaiback filled that role better overall while the Zaan would be a better overall EDC type carry blade.
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Having known that, we might have said that you could save over $600 and go with something simple an to the point. (Not that I’m one to talk about frugality and knives...)
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Well as predicted ended up with both a Kwaiback full TI and the Zaan ;)

Have to say you guys were right on the money with your advice.

The Zaan definitely has more of a utility feel to it a very nice EDC blade. The construction is “typ” Reeves top notch materials and simple design that’s flawless built. I really like the Tanto Zaan a lot perfect size for me and not to scary looking for me to carry around the office at work.

The Kwaiback is for sure 100% tactical inspired. The machine work is impressive even the inside of the scales have machined pockets to reduced weight. The Kwaiback balance and awesome ergonomics give you a lot of controlled power to make deep slicing cuts very similar to the Stitch auto feel.

The Kwaiback flipper blade is ball bearing smooth it just flies open with a pull of your finger.
Overall, it’s a bad dude one of the best handling tactical folder knives I’ve owned in its size class.

Both these knives are keepers for me :)
 
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