Lg Sebbie vs. Umnumzaan

[Biginboca]

Thinking about picking up another CR folder after being without one for about 5 years. I used to have a Large Sebbie which I was very happy with so that was what I was going to get again, but now I see there is a new model "Umnumzaan".

In comparing the 2 I see that the Zaan uses a larger pivot but no bushing system. The Bushing pivot was IMO a great feature of the Sebbie, so I am a little disappointed that the Zaan lacks it since it was a great feature that set Reeve folders apart from the rest. (I almost wonder if the change is more of an improvement or a cost cutting measure? I have assembled many folders that use bushing pivots when I worked at Microtech and it's a real PITA in manufacturing to make bushings for each blade and keep them all in tolerance.)

As I see it the pros for the Large Sebbie are:

Bushing Pivot System
Proven Design
Lighter Weight
Traditional Blade Profile

Pros for the Umnumzaan are:

Larger Pivot Assembly
Thicker Blade
Texturing on the Handle
Rubber Rings on Studs (Although this could be a wear item?)

Which one do you guys prefer, or does anyone have some thoughts here?

Best Regards,
Alphonse

 

[tsiloics]

IMO, all the Pros you list for the Large Sebbie are valid, but none of the Pros you list for the Umnum are valid.

IMO, the Umnum is more of a response to current market trends than it is to actual, practical use parameters, so I would prefer the Sebenza.

I'm not trying to bash the Umnum, just saying that relative to the Sebenza, it loses some features I don't want to lose, and it doesn't really add anything I want.

 

[mongomondo]

I don't really see the advantage of the Umnum either.

 

[Beile]

OOPS! Double post.

 

[Beile]

I have both Umnum and Sebenza, the Umnum has a longer thicker blade, the pivot compared to the Seb is sooooooooo smooth! I took mine apart and polished the scales, put it back together and have no issue with blade play. The bronze washers have holes in them to hold the lube a little longer then solid ones. The Um is a little heavier. 4.7oz vs 5.1oz. The o-rings on mine have no wear after carrying it everyday now for about a month but not to worry, you can pick them up at any hardware store for about 2 cents each and if you really wanted to go wild you could get different colored ones I like mine but the Seb seems a little simpler. If in doubt, no worries, this thing is CRK quality!

 

[bigmark408]

IMO ...The umnum is far superior to the sebenza in every way, shape and form.

 

[rolexkid]

i can't see it being that much more superior, if any.. go for the "21". you'll be happy!!

 

[nifegrinder]

if you decide on a reg seb, start hunting for it soon. we discontinued it.

 

[carrot]

IMO ...The umnum is far superior to the sebenza in every way, shape and form.

How so? I realize this is quite subjective but I have been eyeing the Umnum (I love the look) and just looking at the ad copy and photos I can't see what makes it better than the Sebenza.

 

[jimmer_5]

I'm just waiting for a Lefty Umnumzaan...... I'm still not wild about the weird shape of the back of the blade, but I think I will have to get one. If I don;t like it, the resale value should be good.

 

[joebobx]

I've got a zaan and it's awesome

 

[rangerover_95]

What intrigues me about the blade shape on the Zaan is that it looks like you could put your thumb on that divot on the spine. If thats what its for, then I like it, as thats where I put mine when Im doing certain cuts or whittling. But after just getting my first Seb, I think I might wait for the new blade steel to come out before looking too hard at an Umnumzaan. There are still more Sebs to buy first!

 

[CarlHeinz]

I think I might wait for the new blade steel to come out

what new steel?

 

[rangerover_95]

If you look at plazas site, there was a decorated zaan with "mystery steel" that bigmark bought I believe. It's steel was to be unveiled at Blade this year.

 

[bigmark408]

if you decide on a reg seb, start hunting for it soon. we discontinued it.

Tons were made...they come up 4sale all the time.

 

[bigmark408]

i can't see it being that much more superior, if any.. go for the "21". you'll be happy!!

Do you own a Umnum ?

 

[rolexkid]

no need to, have a regular small with bg 42, and my new small "21".

 

[Biginboca]

Ok, thanks for all the input. I just purchased a Large Sebenza 21!

I think the main thought in my mind was that I agreed that the Umnum seems to be, as Tsiloics so eloquently put it, "more of a response to current market trends than it is to actual, practical use parameters."

Will be great to have a Sebenza in my pocket again after all this time!

 

[Professor]

Originally Posted by bigmark408: Do you own a Umnum ?

Do you own a Sebenza?

I own both, and do not see the validity in saying that the Umnumzaan is an improvement, much less "far superior" to the Sebenza. In fact, I view them as two very different knives that happen to share similarities in manufacturing (and manufacturers for that matter), materials, and cost. The Umnum in my opinion gets the nod for a more tactical flair, with the utilitarian flair going to the Sebenza.

The pivot systems are different, but I don't see how one is any better than the other. Same thing with the blade stop.

Having owned/carried/used Sebenza's since 2002 when making the step up from other manufacturers' folders, I am here to tell you (IMHO of course), other than perhaps ergonomics, there ain't much room for improvement with the Sebenza. The Umnum is simply a different folder.

Professor.

 

[Professor]

PS... Biginboca, good to see you posting again. I believe my very first Bladeforums transaction was with you in 1999, as it would appear when we first joined. Best to you and yours!

Professor.