Mnandi Ilay options

R

romanx

Joined
Jun 7, 2007
Messages
55
I'm considering a Mnandi to go with my large regular Sebenza and Mark VI, as both are a little large to carry everyday (especially as both are illegal to carry here unless you can show good cause):eek:. A mnandi is more of a gentleman's folder and therefore will arouse less anguish in non-knife folks who behold it (hopefully).

Anyway, my question is which inlay options stand up to abuse more? Not that I will ever abuse a mnandi intentionally, but usually scuff marks etc.

I like the box elder, african blackwood and ivory, but may be willing to consider another inlay if it was more likely to wear better.

Also, does anyone have any opinions on which is best from an aesthetic point of view. There is no dealer around here and I am working off pictures on the net.

Thanks guys.
 
I EDC an african Blackwood for just that reason - it has never raised an eyebrow (I am at headquarters in a fortune 50 company) - it has worn very well and looks almost new after 6 months of daily use.
 
I've used an African Blackwood inlay at work for the last four years. It still looks great. All the woods are stabilized so I doubt that you would have any trouble with any inlay. I even have a bark ivory inlay that I use a s aweekend beater. Mnandis hold up very well. Despite its looks, it's no flimsy baby knife.:thumbup:
 
Thanks for the replies, sounds like everyone is pretty happy with their inlay of choice.

Funny, that there is another thread by Silenthunterstudios on the go about a very similar topic. I too had heard somewhere that snakewood was not the most rugged inlay.

Does anyone have any idea about what is the absolute strongest inlay option for the Mnandi? I wish there was a dealer nearby where I could see a selection in person. Anyone have any experience with Ivory or Box Elder (in Mnandi or Sebenza) and if so are the tough enough to stand up to edc?

Thanks again
 
I have a large Classic Sebenza with ivory inlays. I had EDC`ed it for a few months, when two out of the three inlays developed hairline cracks. No huge cracks, but enough to bother me to some extend. I do have to admit though, that I usually perspirate quite a bit. So I guess the climate in my pocket could be called "humid", and the ivory didn`t like that. ;)

That being said, I don`t think that ivory is the best choice when it comes to durability. I would guess stabilized wood would hold up better... .
 
I've got an ironwood inlay Mnandi that I carried and used quite allot. I never had any trouble with the inlays and the knife is in great shape.

Gary
 
Thanks for the replies, especially about the ivory. Sounds like I won't be going for that option. I too would find it annoying the have hariline cracks in the ivory, especially as they would stand out more on ivory. It's fine for a rugged knife, but on a mnandi it would look wrong IMHO.

I heard before that ironwood is very durable, but can't see it as a standard inlay or in the premium woods.

Just realised that I misspelled Inlay in the title:foot:.

Thanks again. Looks like I've narrowed it down to african blackwood, box elder or ironwood (if it is available). Good work guys, now all I have to do is stop procrastinating and make a decision.;)
 
"I heard before that ironwood is very durable, but can't see it as a standard inlay or in the premium woods."

If you go to the price list on the Reeves site and look at the list of standard inlays for the Mnandi they do list ironwood. They don't show a picture of it though.

Gary
 
Yes, I was looking at the William Henrys as well. The Mojave is very nice indeed. However, maybe a little too ornate for me. Also, I really like that you can strip and clean a mnandi, whereas many other knives are apparently not so good after being reassembled.

That's a good observation about the price list, I was just looking at the pretty pictures and didn't notice the list of options:).

The procrastination continues, but getting there.:thumbup:

By the way, has anyone seen any pictures of a mnandi with ironwood inlays?
 
romanx said:
Yes, I was looking at the William Henrys as well. The Mojave is very nice indeed. However, maybe a little too ornate for me. Also, I really like that you can strip and clean a mnandi, whereas many other knives are apparently not so good after being reassembled.

That's a good observation about the price list, I was just looking at the pretty pictures and didn't notice the list of options:).

The procrastination continues, but getting there.:thumbup:

By the way, has anyone seen any pictures of a mnandi with ironwood inlays?
Click to expand...

Here's a picture of the one I purchased a few years ago:
P-CR6057.jpg


Picture credit goes to True North Knives

Gary
 
Plaza Cutlery in Costa Mesa has a couple of Iron wood Mnandis available. The price is $350 and they look real good.:thumbup:
 
The Blackwood is a very dense wood and very durable, as is the Lignum Vitae. Of course the inlays are all stabilised so there may be little difference between them. I'd go for the colour you like best.
Greg
 
Thanks for all the responses. All I have to do now is make the final decision and put in an order.

You've all been very helpful.

Cheers.

Romanx
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top