Mnandi competitors

J

Jayhrc51

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Dec 22, 2017
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Like the title says, what are some Mnandi competitors? I'm searching for knives that are very similar to the Mnandi, but not quite as costly. I need thin, lightweight, similar blade length, similar quality, nice pocket clip that will work well with slacks and not scream tactical folder if I bust it out in an office setting. Prefer American made if possible. I've been trying to search all the big online knife retailers but I just haven't seen anything that jumps out at me.

I really like the Mnandi and have no problem spending the money to get one at some point but this isn't a high priority purchase for me. I'm an outside sales guy and I only wear slacks a couple times a week while I'm out on the road.

I've got a 940-1 that I've been carrying but it's not a good option all the time. I prefer the 940-1 when I'm wearing jeans. A while back I picked up a Kershaw Leek on a whim to try and fill this role but I'm not real happy with it either. I'm buying a Lrg Sebenza this week, plus I've got the holidays coming up and Christmas presents for the wife and kids which is why I'm trying to avoid another $400 knife purchase this time of year. I get away with a lot but if I spend almost $900 on two knives this close to Christmas it's going to take some serious explaining... So, is there anything out there in a $150-250 price range that I should be looking at as an alternate?
 
I’ve looked at everything. There’s nothing, absolutely (IMO) nothing with wood that compares.
Sorry to the wife and kids, sorry about Christmas, but you’ll have to get the Mnandi.

Seriously, stop looking for anything else. You’re just wasting your time.
 
Mcusta comes to mind but I can't actually recommend them as I've never actually handled one.
 
Do you want a nail nick to open or will other designs work? I'm thinking of the MD Gent.
 
I tried to do what you're doing; find a $200 Mnandi, and I finally gave up a bought a Mnandi. The closest thing I found was a Benchmade Megumi but it didn't have a pocket clip. Sadly, the Mnandi has few peers in the knife world. If you're willing to consider a pocket sheath and can find one, at least take a look at the Nak-Lok Megumi. I still kind of wish I'd bought that knife.

If you drop your price range, there may be some options open to you so you can get your fix on a budget, lightweight gentleman's folder. The Boker Trapper Petite is an interesting knife, as is the Boker Wasabi. Maybe the Boker FR. But, then again, these are Boker. I started a thread about the new Isham Bladeworks Blackstar elsewhere on Blade Forums and that might be worth a look as a modern slip joint folder.
 
I know it's not exactly a direct competitor, but try out a Spyderco Chaparral CF if you can. Classy, great fit and finish, and as close to pocket perfection as they get. There are a few different models including the recently discounted Ti models.

I sold my Mnandi a while back and have not missed it at all.
 
What material inlays have you looked at with the Mnandi? I love the looks of the Mnandi and it is really the only CRK I have any interest in so I am happy to hop down this rabbit hole quest with you.
 
Ha, I was expecting to get a few of those "don't waste your time and buy it" responses. And believe me, I get it! I've had those exact thoughts already. I figured there wasn't much out there that could match up with a Mnandi. I've been looking for a while and I was coming up empty.

I'm not against something other than a nail nick. That MD Gent looks interesting, a little plain but definitely interesting. The Magumi isn't bad looking but the lack of a pocket clip kinda makes me lose interest. I think that if I was going to do something with a pocket sheath I would probably go traditional folder and that's not really what I'm looking for at the moment.

I kind of like the look of those Boker mini Kwaiken's but again, it's a situation where I don't know if I like it enough to actually buy one. And the blade doesn't seem all that office friendly to me.

Thanks for the reply's so far!
 
PirateSeulb said:
What material inlays have you looked at with the Mnandi? I love the looks of the Mnandi and it is really the only CRK I have any interest in so I am happy to hop down this rabbit hole quest with you.
Click to expand...

I really like the Box Elder Burl but some of the spalted beech I've seen aren't bad either.
 
Spyderco Ti Chaparral? They're cheap right now too.

And the stepped Ti Chap is even nicer, but not as budget friendly. But still cheaper than a Mnandi.

Also totally forgot about the Raffir Noble Chap... Not wood but a unique material for the handles will give it that gentlemanly flair.
 
Used mandi and don’t like it sell for what you bought it for?

Look for a couple weeks at the used market and you will know fair price. Should be out nothing if you sell it later.
 
The WH E6 isn't bad looking.

I'm not usually a used knife buyer but I had considered a used Mnandi. And I have been watching the for sale section but everything that I've seen doesn't really save me that much, not enough to justify buying used. For $100 savings and a potentially 8 year old knife, I would rather buy new.
 
MSchott said:
Do you want a nail nick to open or will other designs work? I'm thinking of the MD Gent.
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I saw these with custom wood scales. Tickled tha fancy. The scales are usually offered on SleezBay from one guy that makes em.
 
I hate to say it but, there is nothing like a Mnandi. The Boker Kwaiken is a much heavier knife.
For the F&F, lightness, and look. Nothing beats the Mnandi. I own two and love them for gentlemans carry. Fyi: Im a fan of CRK, but not a "fanboy".
I agree, the William & Henry is a good comparison, but around the same price. Just find a Mnandi that makes you smile, buy it, love it, and ask for forgiveness later. ;) You never know...once your wife sees and feels it...she may put one on her Christmas list for herself. :D Its that nice. IMHO.
 
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