Large 21 vs Zaan

NjHart

NjHart

Joined
Jan 4, 2013
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715
I'm asking a question that I'm sure has been covered thousands of times, but I've never really been able to partake in the conversation. With sort of a limited budget and a largely minimalist mindset, I generally have one nice knife that I EDC. By that, I literally mean it is in my pocket with me all day everyday (unless I'm flying somewhere then it is waiting in my back that I checked exclusively to carry it) regardless of if I'm working on the ranch or sitting in an office. For the last couple of months, I've carried the large Sebenza 21 left handed model. It is really fantastic on most accounts, but I'm somewhat less experienced in higher end knives than most of the good folks who carry such knives. Like most people who don't yet have most everything they could want, I sometimes find myself questioning the Sebenza versus any number of other knives out there. One of the biggest factors in my choice of CRK and the Sebenza was the left handed option. I can deal with locks on either side (years of practice made me pretty ambivalent to which side its on), but very few midtech or higher end production knives are truly lefty friendly with their carry. One of my more recent second guesses is the large 21 I currently carry versus a zaan. I'm just curious, if you had to choose between the two, for not only your only CRK but your only EDC knife, which would you pick?
 
Zaan all the way! I have owned both (actually multiple large sebenzas) and as soon as I got my first zaan it kicked the large sebenza out of my rotation never to return. The sebenza is a GREAT knife, the small is one of my favorite daily carries. However, for a larger knife the zaan has a better grip and just feels better in hand and use.
 
From what I've seen, the blade shape on the zaan is much much more appealing to me. I sort of picked up the basic large 21 because it was readily available in lefty at the time and I honestly didn't have a lot to judge blade shapes against other than my preconceived biases. After carrying it, my preconceived biases were fairly right- I don't like super pointy tips. Whether fair or not, the seem a bit fragile (I can't bring myself to really test it, but I'd hesitate to stab my sebenza into tree or fence on blade shape alone) and by far the bigger is issue is that sharp points have a tendency to cut me without being all that useful for the stuff I use my knives for.

Of course on the other hand, I worried about cleaning and maintenance with the zaan. I use everything I have pretty extensively and they tend to get dirty. I'm pretty religious about maintenance- if anything I over maintain my stuff. I like how easy it is to clean and oil the sebenza and that I don't have to use any of that loctite stuff (never bought it, never used it). I sort of hesitated on the zaan because I worried maintaining it the way I like to would be a hassle and might require carrying more stuff to keep it in working order.

I also should ask, how different is the opening in the zaan? I either use just the basic thump opening on my sebenza or a light thumb flip (I think we have established that is acceptable right?) that is light enough that it only opens about 90% of the time. I was sort of spoiled by the ease of flippers before this, but I hate to use something as minor as this as a huge determining factor. Of course to say it doesn't matter at all isn't true either.

I ask all of this because I'm sort of considering what to do with my 21- keep it or trade it. In my possible "to trade for list" is the 21 insingo and the zaan (among maybe a few others but since this is the CRK forum that's less appropriate and they are far less likely options anyway). Thanks for the help!
 
First, I wouldn't worry about the tip unless you are prying with the knife. The Zaan has a pointy tip too, but I have never broken the tip of ANY knife that I own.
I am careful and take great care of my knives too. The new pivot zaan comes with the correct tools for takedown, if you get one of the older ones it does take the special tool (or you can make one). Just so you know- the pivot is the same size on the "new pivot" zaan. It looks smaller and you might have heard that it is smaller but it isn't. One important difference: the zaan does not have a preset bushing. This means the tightness of the pivot, like most knives, depends on the tightness of the screws. This took a little getting used to for me as I was used to just tightening my CRK knives as much as I wanted without effecting the blades opening/closing. I personally use lock tight, but I am not sure if it is totally needed or not. I use lock tight on all of my pivots though, I don't want them coming loose once I get them where I want them.
As for the opening-it does take a little more effort to open the zaan over my large sebenzas. There is not as much of an space to get you thumb in there to lift it up. I am not a flicker though so it was of no matter to me. The detent is also stronger in my zaan than any of my sebenzas- but that is a good thing to me!
If you can front the money, I would just get yourself both and run them side by side. You can sell the "loser" of the pocket battle and really not be losing much.

Good luck!
 
I tried to do a little research, but never really saw a definitive answer- do the new zaans require loctite too? Is there a good method to cleaning and lube them without fully taking them apart? I think I might enjoy the zaan but I'd hate to have to worry about something else in the process if I can avoid it.
 
I much prefer the Sebenza. I don't care much for the cut outs in the Zaan handle and I also prefer the pivot system, .125 blade, handle shape, and blade shape of the Sebenza.
 
I've never owned a zaan. So when I say "Go Sebenza! keep that in mind.

I kind of like the look of the zaan, but I am really really in love with the pivot system on the Sebenza. I had a few XM-18s, which I absolutely loved! The only thing I didn't like was the pivot. This was a fault in myself—my hyper-obsessive self was constantly adjusting it to get it "just right." And because I am a nutter, it never was. I just adore the tighten and go action. You also have more blade/inlay options with the Seb.

And then again, people love the zaan... so... rats. I need to stop looking at more knives! I'd say you can't go wrong with a seb from experience, and by testimony, neither is the other a bad choice.
 
I have a large 21 at the moment and I'm definitely happy with it. I'm still sort of debating if I would be happier trying to get a zaan or insingo for it. I think I'll definitely try to trade for one, but I'm not really sure which. I'm still a little concerned with the pivot of the zaan (though rather than actually work in the office this morning I'm going to try and research it a bit more), but I do prefer the thicker blade stock and the aesthetics. If not the zaan then the insingo- I don't think it us a huge difference from what I have now except a more useful blade shape for me.
 
The zaan and sebbie are two totally different folders. They're both awesome for they're intended purpose, the zaan is pure tactical and the sebbie (especially the regular sebbie) is a general purpose folder. I'm not into tactical so for me its the sebenza that I would pick any day of the week but that's just me.
 
I actually just watched a YouTube video that showed the zaans tip was thinner than the seb? That's sort of surprising and a huge plus in favor of the seb if that's accurate. I was actually looking for a less thin tip (sharp points are a far bigger negative than benefit for me). Also and it may sort of be a misplaced question, but is there a seperate CRK trade section or is the general the best bet? I think I want to try and find someone who wants a regular shape for an insingo. Thanks for all the help y'all!
 
I'd go with the Seb. I like the bushing. It's big enough for just about anything you could want in a folder for and it's less scary looking than a zaan.
 
You have to have both...really...sorry :D You can't NOT have a Seb - the bushing is sort of unique. I love the Umnu, too, but that harpoon tip does get people a little concerned. :rolleyes:
 
NjHart said:
I actually just watched a YouTube video that showed the zaans tip was thinner than the seb? That's sort of surprising and a huge plus in favor of the seb if that's accurate. I was actually looking for a less thin tip (sharp points are a far bigger negative than benefit for me). Also and it may sort of be a misplaced question, but is there a seperate CRK trade section or is the general the best bet? I think I want to try and find someone who wants a regular shape for an insingo. Thanks for all the help y'all!
Click to expand...

I have both and while the zaan might seem to have a thinner tip its actually just the swedge that makes it seem that way. Point both blade tips up to a light and you can see the full thickness of each tip is identical. My favorite knife is the zaan because it looks better to me, is built with less parts, and is overall built tougher in my opinion. That being said I carry a large sebenza 21 almost 90% of the time so what I'm trying to say in a roundabout manner is that both are top tier folders and it comes down to your personal preference. You cant go wrong with either.
 
You are neglecting the large Regular Sebenza in your research. To me, that is the perfect EDC. It's not quite as "pointy" as either the 'Zaan or the 21. They don't make them any more, but they are available the used market. An inexpensive trip back to CRK makes them like new again, if that matters to you.
 
Might I suggest a Tanto Umnumzaan if your looking for a knife with a thicker tip.
I have carried one for more than 2 years and it has never left me wanting more knife or feeling like I need to worry about it while using it for whatever tasks the days have brought.
That way you still get a fine CRK and a knife that's crazy tough.
 
Evany said:
You are neglecting the large Regular Sebenza in your research. To me, that is the perfect EDC. It's not quite as "pointy" as either the 'Zaan or the 21. They don't make them any more, but they are available the used market. An inexpensive trip back to CRK makes them like new again, if that matters to you.
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I used to feel this way as well (Large regular fanatic here) but i must admit that my Star-Tac 'zaan has become my primary EDC, bumping the large regular right out of pocket for the reasons listed below (IMO).
The zaan has more blade belly, a better locking interface w/the ceramic ball, thicker blade, false top edge (swedge) that is very useful and among other things it is quiet as a church mouse when opening/closing with those o-ringed thumb studs.
To the O.P., of the two choices my answer is easily the Zaan & i have owned several 21's.
 
I just traded a large sebenza cgg for a old pivot umnumzaan and got tired of adjusting the pivot then traded for a Strider SnG not refined enough for me I like the simplicity of the sebenza pivot just tighten all the way down and your done thats why my sebenza cgg is back on its way to me if i want a hard use folder ill carry my zt 0301
 
Magnumfloyd said:
I just traded a large sebenza cgg for a old pivot umnumzaan and got tired of adjusting the pivot then traded for a Strider SnG not refined enough for me I like the simplicity of the sebenza pivot just tighten all the way down and your done thats why my sebenza cgg is back on its way to me if i want a hard use folder ill carry my zt 0301
Click to expand...

Different story, but it sounds sooo familiar. :D
 
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