MNANDI Impressions

r redden

r redden

Joined
May 23, 2015
Messages
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I have read the post here for a while but this is the first time I've posted in this area. I did a quick research but did not find the answers I was seeking. I have a small 21 and really like the size. My wife told me to pick out a knife for a Christmas present and was thinking I might like a Mnandi. Can some of you tell me what you think of it and how it compares to the Small21. I am a traditional knife guy and felt this would fit well with the many knives I already have. Here's a picture of my Small21.
nm8ZKiF.jpg
 
The Mnandi is a beautiful knife and I recommend picking one up if you find a specific example you really like. By that I mean, get one with inlays that specifically call to you and if you can afford it, consider a Damascus blade. Many online purveyors show individual photos for each example they have, allowing you to pick out the exact knife you want.

I find the blade on the Mnandi to be capable of almost all the same tasks as the small Seb but the grip is not quite as comfortable nor secure.

One of the main situations in which I prefer the Mnandi to the Small Seb is that the Mnandi looks fantastic without a pocket clip and there's no indication that something's missing. I hate the appearance of a 21 with the pocket clip removed as it either looks like there's something missing, of if you put in the filler tab then it looks like there's some random part that serves no function, which ruins the utilitarian aesthetic of the knife, in my opinion.

If you are looking for a small knife that you can carry like a traditional and pluck open like a traditional, but that can be opened one-handed if necessary and locks solidly, then the Mnandi is the knife for you!

I also don't care for the polished scales that CRK uses for wood/ivory inlay Sebenzas so if wood/ivory is your goal, again this would be a reason to lean Mnandi from my perspective.

Personally, I have re-sold all of the Mnandi's that passed through my collection due to them filling a niche in between utilitarian and elegant that did not fit my tastes. I find that I would rather carry a sebenza for rough days and a custom slipjoint for relaxed days.
 
Thanks for the input Guy's I need to make a decision soon before my wife changes her mind.
 
If you're interested in the Mnandi model, go for it! I have two: a box elder burl with a plain blade and an ebony with basket weave damascus. I own multiple Sebenzas as well (large, small, inlay, insingo, unique graphic, and damascus) and the Mnandis are my most carried. I have to dress business casual for my job, and the Mnandi fits in perfectly. The pocket clip doesn't draw attention because it looks like a pen. It's very comfortable in the hand and super smooth to open and close. It's perfect for any cutting task I've asked of it.

This model exudes class. I highly recommend it.
 
Classy knife, but I prefer the small sebenza if I am going to carry a locking folder over a slipjoint. The Mnandi is beautiful, with lots of choices between the wood options and the Damascus and satin blades, but for the money I think the sebenza is a better choice.
 
I carry a Mnandi at the office and a small Seb or classic at home. (Although lately I've been putting my Inkosi through the paces at home.) I think of the Mnandi as a traditional folding knife that has a lock. To me the Seb is more of an utilitarian knife. As mentioned above the Mnandi is stout enough to handle what a small Seb can, but the Seb handle will be more comfortable when doing heavier duty tasks.
 
I EDC a Mnandi, so I am fan. I love the blade, the lock is rock solid and it is very comfortable in the hand, especially clipless. I know the clip is an amazing feature itself, but I tend to grip a knife hard and generally prefer no clips at all. I have pretty standard wood inlay and S30V blade. The damascus and premium inlays turn this folder into a piece of functional art. I always admire those but I think I'd struggle really use them the way I use my knives.

The Mnandi is so light, it disappers in the pocket. This is probably the main reason I gets so much pocket time from me. I work in an office during the week and the <1.25 oz is perfect in slacks. I like SAKs and traditionals but I found the weight to be an irritation and end up back with the Mnandi. The Mnandi spoiled me.

I put my knife to good use on many a weekend and the Mnandi is a strong and capable folder. I like traditionals of a similar size but being able to open and close one handed is often quite useful. The solid lock is a great bonus.

I understand those who like a larger knife but Mnandi is tough to match in its size.
 
I'm in the same boat as many who must dress business casual. I carry my Mnandi like a pen. If I carry a small Seb, it is pants pocket of course. Comparison pics FWIW:

18833091846_09abd94639_c.jpg
16525480593_0163d91b15_c.jpg
 
dawgfan said:
I'm in the same boat as many who must dress business casual. I carry my Mnandi like a pen. If I carry a small Seb, it is pants pocket of course. Comparison pics FWIW:

18833091846_09abd94639_c.jpg
16525480593_0163d91b15_c.jpg
Click to expand...
The top pic almost makes me wish CRK produced a pen. If the price is right, I'd buy it. Never cared for any of the other knifemaker pens to this point.
 
r redden said:
I have read the post here for a while but this is the first time I've posted in this area. I did a quick research but did not find the answers I was seeking. I have a small 21 and really like the size. My wife told me to pick out a knife for a Christmas present and was thinking I might like a Mnandi. Can some of you tell me what you think of it and how it compares to the Small21. I am a traditional knife guy and felt this would fit well with the many knives I already have. Here's a picture of my Small21.
Click to expand...

So cool having a wife who is understanding like yours. I wish mine would buy me a knife too.

Mnandi is really a handsome design IMO. Small compact and quite a large blade for its overall size. I like the way the pocket clip looks that compliments the other curves of the handles. Only gripe for me would be that there are too many choices to pick from. It would be nice to have all types available. GO for it.
 
Thanks to all for the feedback.:thumbup::cool: I chose a Mnandi with bocote inlay should be here next week.
 
dawgfan said:
I'm in the same boat as many who must dress business casual. I carry my Mnandi like a pen. If I carry a small Seb, it is pants pocket of course. Comparison pics FWIW:

18833091846_09abd94639_c.jpg
16525480593_0163d91b15_c.jpg
Click to expand...

Just curious, how's the clip retention on the Mnandi ?

r redden said:
Thanks to all for the feedback.:thumbup::cool: I chose a Mnandi with bocote inlay should be here next week.
Click to expand...

:cool: :thumbup:
 
My anecdote about the Mnandi clip is that it DESTROYED my jeans, much more quickly than the Sebenza pocket clip. Not quite as quickly as a Spyderco PM2 with G10.
 
My wife just okayed a mnandi purchase in the budget now off to find the right one for me!
 
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