Mammoth Mnandis and Sebenzas

W

Wrobelan

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
346
Hello forum friends.

I have a question that's been nagging at me for months now. I've been looking at mammoth mnandis, both bark and plain ivory with plain and Damascus blades, and I've noticed that they are often selling for at least $100 more than Sebenzas with the same specs. Often times they are more than $200 more.

I understand that special barks will always gain more, but can some of the Chris reeve veterans explain this and let the rest of this know if this has always been the case or if it is simply because mnandis are more sought after now?

In my mind it could be the bigger piece of bark that each side requires, but that still does not account for $200 in my mind.

Finally, please do not take my musings as a slight against or complaint about mnandis or the brand in general. I'm a huge fan :)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Andrew
 
The color of the Bark is what drives the price IMO. I paid a good amount for a Mammoth Bark Mnandi with Red and green in the Bark. I like the look of the different colors and I feel that adds value to a knife. A simple caramel or plain ivory doesn't appeal to me.
 
Jhileman79 said:
The color of the Bark is what drives the price IMO. I paid a good amount for a Mammoth Bark Mnandi with Red and green in the Bark. I like the look of the different colors and I feel that adds value to a knife. A simple caramel or plain ivory doesn't appeal to me.
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That I understand completely. It's the price variation between mnandis and sebenzas that have very similar barks and shades of ivory that confuse me.

Also, no reason not to share a picture for the visual learners ;)
 
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I feel the since the Mnandi has a larger inlays compared to a large and small Sebenza it will command a premium. Unless you get an Annual then you can spend lots of [emoji383][emoji383][emoji383][emoji383]... I know[emoji51]
 
Wrobelan said:
That I understand completely. It's the price variation between mnandis and sebenzas that have very similar barks and shades of ivory that confuse me.

Also, no reason not to share a picture for the visual learners ;)
Click to expand...

Show pics of 2 that you're thinking of i this situation, I'll try to see why a price difference.
 
These aren't the best examples, but they should work. All have plain blades and sold for just under $700. The sebenza is a large.
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Most small sebenzas with mammoth bark and Damascus have been selling here for around $600 while the mnandis that are very similar have been going for around $850.

Even with the pictures above the bigger blade and bark should bring in more than CRK's smallest IMHO.
 
With some, it's probably how the buyer is motivated. They like them enough to spend more.
There also may be some panic buying considering the current state of Ivory.
 
Each of them has surface grain nd craks, which is a lot less common that the inner ivory of any color. That'll bring a premium. Color will also, such as these Sebenzas.

3BarkSebs_zpsq9wqdhyf.jpg
 
Lone_Wolfe said:
Each of them has surface grain nd craks, which is a lot less common that the inner ivory of any color. That'll bring a premium. Color will also, such as these Sebenzas.

3BarkSebs_zpsq9wqdhyf.jpg
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Yours are stunners and definitely warrant the higher prices. I just don't see $850 for that last mnandi I posted when it's not uncommon to see a sebenza with the same cracks for $600.

I do want a mammoth mnandi, and for that reason I'm trying to get as much information as possible. I think in the end it will take a lot more waiting for a nice knife at a fair price.
 
bhyde said:
With some, it's probably how the buyer is motivated. They like them enough to spend more.
There also may be some panic buying considering the current state of Ivory.
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I think you're on to something Bill. I just want mnandis to level out like sebenzas have.
 
Wrobelan said:
I think you're on to something Bill. I just want mnandis to level out like sebenzas have.
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No doubt..I understand the frustration as I share much of it.
Unfortunately, Mammoth isn't going to become cheaper without getting into politics..
Time is not your friend. Find what speaks to you and either pick one up or find another style that speaks to you.
If you decide to pick one up, the saving grace is that they are only going to go up in price..it may take some time, but it will happen.
They will start moving into private collections not to see the light of day for many years, if at all.
Much like the River of Fire series as well as a few others.
 
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