Mnandi: My latest Obsession

Now .... this just will not do. I had to work my way to page three to find the Mnandi Obsession page!!! Totally unacceptable! Here is my newest one to add to my Mnandi drawer ....

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And ..... the obsession continues! Fortunately, I still have some room in the Mnandi drawer!

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Dennis, you are a bad influence. It's been a while since I've bought a Mnandi, but those pics are stirring up the familiar urges. Just beautiful! I'm still happy with my few though (don't have the bacote anymore though):

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Thanks Jos. To say I was happy with them would be an understatement! Now ... if I could only acquire one .... or three from my wanted list, my pudgy cheeks couldn't stand the strain of the widening grin that would take hold!!
 
My basket weave Mnandi blade project. Just recently I had a basket weave blade installed on my walnut Mnandi. Unlike the basket weave blades on two of my other Mnandi's, the pattern on the walnut was a little too bright and "washed" out for my taste. I decided to etch/darken the blade. Through some trial and error, below is the end result, and process used. Instead of boring you with the processes that failed, I'll only post what I perceive as the successful result.

I used ferric chloride purchased from Radio Shack. Instead of cutting it with distilled water, I used it full strength, as I believe it's already "cut" in the bottle. This is an important part..... You must clean the blade very well with Acetone. Use gloves to make sure the blade is free of any oils, else-wise it won't etch evenly. I submerged the blade in the solution for a few minutes (3-4), flipping it a couple of times. I then rinsed it off with cool tap water, followed by Windex to make sure all of the etch was neutralized. They key for contrast was polishing the high parts. I can't even begin to tell you this was the most frustrating part. After several trial and errors with different grit papers and Scotch Brite, I discovered the most effective method. I used emery compound on a flannel cloth, and hand (index finger) buffed the high spots with the blade laying flat on a desk. Another benefit of doing this was all of the chalky feeling of the new etch was removed. The blade feels smooth, but at the same time you can feel the pattern as well. I could have continued polishing the high spots to a more bright finish, but I was more than satisfied with the early results.

Notice the polished portion (as found on the newer Damascus) of the pivot area and blade tang are gone. And I again enjoy the gritty feeling of opening and closing a Damscus blade.

The only down side is the need to strop out the edge to a bright finish again.


new_walnut_a by accutronman, on Flickr

new_walnut_b by accutronman, on Flickr
 
d.r.h. said:
I can't believe that I had to go to page 4 to find this thread! This just will not do! Thanks to a wonderful BF member and Mnandi queen (we all know who she is) ... I was able to secure the Honduran Rosewood Mnandi that hit the spot for me. She will be a very welcome addition to my Mnandi drawer!!!

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Now ..... let's try to keep this thread on page 1 .... okay!
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Wow, just wow. I guess I missed this when it was first posted. As someone a bit obsessed with HR, this one is a beauty. Nice pick up.
 
Thanks for all these wonderful photos. The variety--and beauty--of the Mnandi is truly amazing. I'm just getting into them (as finances allow) but I can see it could be a very expensive branching of the knife obsession. I have my eye on a Gabon Ebony and am waiting to find "the" Mammoth Bark for me. One question re Mammoth Bark: do any of you who own them carry them or are they strictly collectible pieces that are too gorgeous to put at risk? If carried, are they noticeably heavier in the pocket than the wood inlays? One other question: a few pages back in this thread someone mentioned a listing on "ES". What site is that?
 
I carried a bark with damascus for just shy of one year and never had any issues. I've never noticed a weight difference between carrying a wood or ivory inlay.
I sent you a PM regarding ES.
 
Although I've been a long time William Henry collector, I got interested in CRK several months ago cause I've always preferred the liner locks to button locks with the whs. Bought several small Sebenzas, liked them, then bought a Mnandi. Have not bought anymore Sebs since I got the Mnandi, now have a growing collection Mnandi models as shown in the pic.
Am looking for several more ivory Mnandis or with unique damascus blade if anyone is ready to part with one.chrisreevegroup12-13 001b.jpg
 
Some stunners there! Particularly like the second tops from the right. I remember seeing that one FS at the site from up north. Congrats!
 
rodblder said:
Although I've been a long time William Henry collector, I got interested in CRK several months ago cause I've always preferred the liner locks to button locks with the whs. Bought several small Sebenzas, liked them, then bought a Mnandi. Have not bought anymore Sebs since I got the Mnandi, now have a growing collection Mnandi models as shown in the pic.
Am looking for several more ivory Mnandis or with unique damascus blade if anyone is ready to part with one.View attachment 405290
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You're off to a great start, you have some amazing Mnandis there!
 
Some absolutely gorgeous pictures in this thread. They've prompted me to order one of these beauties. For my first, I decided to go with the gabon ebony inlay. Who knows where it will go from here :)

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Sweet Alex! I am starting to go through Mnandi withdrawal .... haven't gotten a new one in a month!!!!! Somebody save me ...... and point me to one of the wants in my sig line!!!!!
 
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