Looking for a Folder

[Emre]

of all of the versions of CRK larger models, which is the best cutter and which is generally thinnest behind the edge? Umnumzaan? Seb. 21 or 25? Starbenza? Inkosi? Have you noticed any differences in edge thickness between various sub models?

I've only had a few over the years. Maybe it's my imagination, but I think the Sebenza 21 is probably the best slicer, especially with the Insingo (modified Wharncliffe) blade shape.

Having said that, none of the CRK knives I've owned slice as well as the Dozier Little Workhorse (posted earlier in this thread) or Microtech-Lightfoot LCC. The Dozier and LCC are far thinner behind the edge and slice like lasers. But CRK strikes a good balance between edge geometry and edge holding.

 

[Jack88]

Congrats on both!
My Umnumzaan came pretty dry. After cleaning and putting some oil. it became really smooth.
Also, there is the right angle to push the thumb stud for Umnumzaan. Once you are familiar with it, it should become quite easy to operate and flickable.

Out of curiosity what did you use to oil your StarTac? The grease that came with it or something else? The grease provided didn't seem as robust as just some good ol clp...

 

[miso2]

Out of curiosity what did you use to oil your StarTac? The grease that came with it or something else? The grease provided didn't seem as robust as just some good ol clp...

I use Benchmade Bluelube for all my folding knives including Umnumzaan (not StarTac, though). I have not really tested different lubes, but it works well enough for me. I am actually considering to replace the perforated washers with teflon washers at some point.

 

[Jack88]

I use Benchmade Bluelube for all my folding knives including Umnumzaan (not StarTac, though). I have not really tested different lubes, but it works well enough for me. I am actually considering to replace the perforated washers with teflon washers at some point.

Hmm copy, I'm still not happy on its operation. Think I may just need to loosen it a bit. But I may replace the grease with CLP. The firearms enthusiast in me has never been let down by CLP.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I like Slip 2000 EWL for my CLP

 

[Jack88]

I just took it apart twice, cleaned it both times completely and tried CLP. It was actually worse than the grease provided, so I cleaned it off and put the grease back on. Still not quite happy with how the knife opens. It's not as smooth as I think it should be.

 

[Oscarmikey0521]

I use Benchmade Bluelube for all my folding knives including Umnumzaan (not StarTac, though). I have not really tested different lubes, but it works well enough for me. I am actually considering to replace the perforated washers with teflon washers at some point.

 

[BD_01]

CRK grease has worked best in my experience, but in very sparse quantities. A barely detectable film, so little that it barely appears white, on the blade only--pivot hole, flats, & detent ball track. The washers have a polish or semi-polish on one side; that side goes against the blade. I've been known to judiciously buff the polished side of the washer on a strop--it doesn't take much, just a pass or two.

Finding the right pivot tension might take minute adjustments. While I was getting to know the knife I didn't bother with LocTite. My pivot would loosen after a while, but I was fiddling with it periodically for the sake of "feel" anyway.

Whatever you do, don't try to adjust the lockbar!

Admittedly my thumb was a bit sore after I bought my first 'Zaan. For a little while it seemed as if the detent ball was overly resistant to leave it's home! After a little acclimatization on my part and a little break-in on the 'Zaan's part, it's now pure joy!

The Umnumzaan is not the only knife I've had to spend some time figuring out--hopefully it won't be my last. The knives that teach me something or give me a callus always seem to become my favorites!!! ...I think the 'Zaan did both.

 

[Jack88]

CRK grease has worked best in my experience, but in very sparse quantities. A barely detectable film, so little that it barely appears white, on the blade only--pivot hole, flats, & detent ball track. The washers have a polish or semi-polish on one side; that side goes against the blade. I've been known to judiciously buff the polished side of the washer on a strop--it doesn't take much, just a pass or two.

Finding the right pivot tension might take minute adjustments. While I was getting to know the knife I didn't bother with LocTite. My pivot would loosen after a while, but I was fiddling with it periodically for the sake of "feel" anyway.

Whatever you do, don't try to adjust the lockbar!

Admittedly my thumb was a bit sore after I bought my first 'Zaan. For a little while it seemed as if the detent ball was overly resistant to leave it's home! After a little acclimatization on my part and a little break-in on the 'Zaan's part, it's now pure joy!

The Umnumzaan is not the only knife I've had to spend some time figuring out--hopefully it won't be my last. The knives that teach me something or give me a callus always seem to become my favorites!!! ...I think the 'Zaan did both.

Great! Excellent info, will try this out and I report back. Currently I have it I think a bit loose on the pivot to make it easier to open. It does seem that the detent ball holds up the blade from moving much.

 

[353]

I originally had "Benchmade" as my vote but had an omega spring break just now, so kinda feel like . Love the axis lock action and to be fair I have played A LOT with it. Still, only for 8 weeks.

So I'm back at the CRK camp. A good opportunity to find a strop and some compund and shine the edge of my trusty old small 21.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Make sure you aren't putting any pressure on the lockbar when opening. There is a technique to it as well (as others have mentioned). You will eventually get it down. Took me several days, but is now muscle memory.