Large CRK: Large Sebenza 21 or Umnumzaan

LightGuy

LightGuy

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I have a small Seb 21 for EDC and love it, so now I'm considering getting a larger one.

I like the look and potential function of both of the large folders, but I would like to get an opinion from those of you that have (or have had) both.

Which do you prefer and why?

BTW - I'm not able to "get both"...:rolleyes:
 
Oh man. If you search you will get a slew of opinions in past post. Better yet google it.
For me it depends on the person and applications to be used along with the environment you will be in. Ex: office or do you work at Lowe's?
What are your states knife laws. For me it is different from day to day. I really love my small but at times find more use for the large. To me the large is more comfortable but the small is not uncomfortable. Also, the large clipped inside the pocket hides and rides very nice. It never feels cumbersome or bulky in any way. That was a tually the one thing I was very surprised at.
Now what type of person are you? What is your occupation?
Me? I am conservative. I do not like to show off or show boat.....much. No really. I never ever ever feel like I do not have enough knife for any task with the small.
I am in the restaurant business and the large is a little better for my applications. Again the small has never let me down. I actually plan to get the Nyala for me to use at work.
In the summer I almost always carry the small or Mnandi. I do not like a lot of hints in my pockets and for some reason my larges do not feel like they are as secure in my shorts pocket.
Anyway, give us some more info on you and how you use your knives.

Oh. As far as the large Sebenza vs. The Umnunzaan. I have had 2 Zaans and now I own none but hope to get a Startac Zaan. With that being said I have about 6 large Sebenza's.
I simply like how he knife takes down and the ease of reassembly. Now the Zaan is simple too but the Sebenza is a walk in the park. It's a staple in the CRK line up. I feel like I have the best CRK has to offer in simplicity, elegance and design.
The thumb space cut out makes the Sebenza far easier to open and close.
It goes back to me to being conservative. The Sebenza is a Gentlemans knife whereas the Zaan is more........ Well, more trendy looking. It's an exceptional knife though and almost seems to carry in the pocket a little better over the Sebbie.

All of this was done from my iPhone so if there any errors I apologize.
 
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My Son lives in Ohio and he only carries a 3" blade or less and if you are caught with any longer blade you get free room and eats for a bit.! {3"} Kind of leaves out the "Large Seb."
 
LightGuy said:
I have a small Seb 21 for EDC and love it, so now I'm considering getting a larger one.

I like the look and potential function of both of the large folders, but I would like to get an opinion from those of you that have (or have had) both.

Which do you prefer and why?

BTW - I'm not able to "get both"...:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I have been using a Startac Umnumzaan for about 4 months and just got a large regular sebenza last week. I would say the Umnumzaan is a slightly upgraded version of the Sebenza. But in real world use, I find almost no difference between the two. I would suggest choosing the one you think looks better and if you have a chance to hold them, the one that feels better. You will be extremely happy with either one.

I will say that there is something special (hard to explain) about having a Sebenza because of its history and tradition.

I also have a small Sebenza 21 and even though I really like this knife, I much perfer the large Sebenza and the Umnumzaan to the small.
 
What sort of uses do you generally use your knives for?

The Sebenza is going to be the better slicer, and it doesn't look as "tacticoolish" as the Umnumzaan.

The Umnumzaan has a stronger tip, so I feel a little more confident when I'm doing light prying with the tip.

I have both, and for me it's a toss up every time I go to grab one in the morning.

Try and find a brick and mortar store that has both in stock, and try the ergonomics out on both. Some people don't like the ergonomics and size of the lock-bar cutout on the Umnumzaan.
 
Large Sebenza should always be the first CRK purchase in my opinion.
Everything that is CRK you can find in the large Sebenza.
I thought that the Umnumzaan would also be my first Chris Reeve purchase
but I decided to get a Large micarta. And now its been a while and still no
umnum but I have purchased 3 more Sebenzas. Its a classic and definitley
hard to beat.
 
Hmmmm. What the above poster (Cynic271) described is a very common thing I have noticed among owners of both and their impressions. First let me say I too had your exact question a cpl weeks ago. On the one hand I don't own a small seb nor have I held either in person yet I knew I would love to try a CRK knife. My choices were yours as well: Umnumzaan or Large Sebenza 21. I researched and read as many threads as possible here and there are quite a few regarding this topic. In the end I chose the Umnumzaan and its on its way as we speak :D. My decision was based on a couple of things but I was searching for a more Strider/Hinderer tough folder before I came upon CRK so that had some influence on it. Another influence was based on personal aesthetics and words from the maker himself. I just love the blade shape and stronger tip of the Umnum and beefy pivot. Although from an onlooker's POV, the handle of the Large 21 may seem more comfortable, the overall shape of the blade/handle sold me. Then, browsing through a thread or two I came upon a post with link to an audio interview of Chris Reeve himself where the interviewer asked him the very same question "which would you prefer?" He stated the Umnum for reasons relating to the evolution of knifemaking particularly in the folder genre. Since you already have a small Seb, you might want to go with the Umnum but it all boils down to aesthetics and usage. I think you really couldn't go wrong with either and from what I have observed you will be a lucky man to own either one').

Update us in the thread which one you decide and your initial impressions upon receiving.
 
I used to own an Umnu. I own three large Sebs, 2x 21 and 1x Classic; no regulars. Why? I don't like the restricted access to the lockbar on the Umnu and the regular. Lots of people feel the other way, however. It's personal preference.
 
I think that ultimately Chris would like all of us to jump into the Umnumzaan camp, but I can't help it - I just luuuuuv my Sebenza. No matter what flavor, the Sebenza is just a classic and represents all that is best with Chris Reeve knives.

Now if he decided to offer an Umnum with a blade option like M390 at 60-62RC, that might be another story.......
 
My first taste of the CRK goodness began last week when I got my new Umnumzaan. I like my knives more on the tactical side and this knife fills that role admirably. It came in the new S35VN so that was a nice bonus I didn't expect. What is surprising to me is how well it carries. Even though it's blade and handles are beefier than the sebenza it disappears in the pocket. I've been carrying it daily since I got to break it in and it's already getting buttery smooth. Being a bit tougher than the sebenza allows you to flick it without worries. The problem is now I'm eyeing a large sebenza and a mnandi! Does this addiction ever end?
 
edlex said:
My first taste of the CRK goodness began last week when I got my new Umnumzaan. I like my knives more on the tactical side and this knife fills that role admirably. It came in the new S35VN so that was a nice bonus I didn't expect. What is surprising to me is how well it carries. Even though it's blade and handles are beefier than the sebenza it disappears in the pocket. I've been carrying it daily since I got to break it in and it's already getting buttery smooth. Being a bit tougher than the sebenza allows you to flick it without worries. The problem is now I'm eyeing a large sebenza and a mnandi! Does this addiction ever end?
Click to expand...

I got my new Sebenza 21 last month, Its almost 7 oclock in the morning in west coast time, still looking for another CRK, telling me what is addiction? :D
 
I would say go with the Umnumzaan. The large is great but I like the Umnum a bit more because of its sheer simplicity.
 
Is the Umnumzaan actually tougher than a Large Sebenza?

I thought there was some evidence to the contrary relating to the locking ball.
 
TUF said:
Is the Umnumzaan actually tougher than a Large Sebenza?

I thought there was some evidence to the contrary relating to the locking ball.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't say it's tougher but if I feel the need for a tough knife for certain applications I use a fixed blade like my Busse or ESEE. Hopefully soon I can add a Nyala to those fixed blades.
The tip my be stronger on the Zaan but to me the Sebenza is plenty tough for what purpose a knife is intended for.
 
BBQ BOY said:
I wouldn't say it's tougher but if I feel the need for a tough knife for certain applications I use a fixed blade like my Busse or ESEE. Hopefully soon I can add a Nyala to those fixed blades.
The tip my be stronger on the Zaan but to me the Sebenza is plenty tough for what purpose a knife is intended for.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. :thumbup:

OP - you might want to see if you can try to handle both before you decide.

While I'm thinking, or pretending to...it's not a deal-breaker, but I have dealt with Loctite on pivots for so long...it is so nice to just tighten up a Sebenza and know it's right & tight. The Umnu is, in that respect, like going to some other brand, but worse because you need the Delrin spanner to adjust the pivot. Sure, I understand this isn't something that gets done every week or even every month, but lubes dry, pick up lint/dirt/grit, etc.
 
Video I made on the Umnumzaan just a few days ago:

I hope this helps a little, I know there's tons of reviews on the net, but this is one more :o I'd vote Umnumzaan, but you can't go wrong with either. If a quick take down matters to you, the Sebenza has a simple allen wrench for complete disassembly whereas the Umnumzaan requires a tool that isn't provided.

[youtube]xkK6lNLFpfo[/youtube]
 
I have a Large Classic and L O V E it. It has been a back pocket EDC almost daily since Nov 2009 when I got it. I have yet to find another knife that seem to fit my hand so well. I use it frequently for task many people might use a smaller knife for, but it handles nicely.

If you like the smaller Sebenza, and your hands are not too small, I predict you will like the large version that much more.
 
Having handled both the Insingo and the Zaan I would say the latter is a definite step up. I feel the only thing that could really be improved would be to have the thumb stud a few mms further away from the scale to aid in opening. Otherwise its damn near perfect.

That said THE major reason that prevents me from adding one to my rotation is the steel. I have unfortunately become ruined to anything that uses S30V. Its terrible because that also includes knives I still very much want to own but there it is...
 
I've owned both versions of the Zaan and about every configuration of the Large Sebenza. My own personal preference is for the Large Sebenza, Reular that is.:D
 
Buffalohump said:
Having handled both the Insingo and the Zaan I would say the latter is a definite step up. I feel the only thing that could really be improved would be to have the thumb stud a few mms further away from the scale to aid in opening. Otherwise its damn near perfect.

That said THE major reason that prevents me from adding one to my rotation is the steel. I have unfortunately become ruined to anything that uses S30V. Its terrible because that also includes knives I still very much want to own but there it is...
Click to expand...

S35VN isn't likely to fix your dilemma, either. :(
 
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