Mnandi question

D

dcrock

Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
96
Hello all. Just wanted to get some opinions on inlays for the Mnandi. Two in particular since these are the two I have an opportunity to purchase from someone. Box Elder and African Blackwood. I know the Box Elder is a premium inlay.
All opinions appreciated.

Dave
 
I have an African Blackwood Mnandi that I use at work. I've used it for the past two years and it looks as new. The boxwood is more figured and I like the way it looks. The Blackwood is good for hard use but I like the grain of the boxwood. The blackwood is just that, black with no lines. So I guess if you want to go utilitarian go backwood and if you want to go fancy go for the boxwood. I think I would prefer the boxwood even for work for this reason. I would use it for work but since I have the blackwood and I don't care how it looks at work, I continue to use it! Hope this helps!;)
 
Thanks for your reply Scott! I think they both look great but can only swing one right now...
 
I too have a Blackwood that serves as my formal/dress knife.I havn't had the opportunity to handle a Box Elder,but I'm sure it's very nice.I like the BW because its so dark and subtle.
 
My tastes are a little differnet when it comes to darker wood. If I go with a dark wood such as blackwood or Ebony I prefer a Damascus blade. It just goes. Burled or figured wood stands by itself and looks great no matter the blade. My .02. If I were to get a new Mnandi with a standard S30v blade, I'd go with the box elder wood!
:thumbup:
ZebraMnandi.jpg
 
Thanks fellas. It's Gary House that deserves the honors here. His Zebra Damascus rules!
 
dcrock said:
Hello all. Just wanted to get some opinions on inlays for the Mnandi. Two in particular since these are the two I have an opportunity to purchase from someone. Box Elder and African Blackwood. I know the Box Elder is a premium inlay.
All opinions appreciated.

Dave
Click to expand...

Dave,

I have an African Blackwood Mnandi and love it, as I do all of my CRK knives, but I have to agree with others in saying, although it is a great wood, it is rather plain looking. If you really like the black color, I would recommend the Black Palm inlay, another premium wood inlay in addition to the Box Elder. Box Elder is really nice and I think it's getting in short supply especially for the really nice patterns. If you choose the Box Elder or any burl type wood, another example being Redwood, I would recommend that you see it before making the purchase because they each have their own characteristic patterns. Some Box Elder looks outstanding and others look just average. Of the two inlays that you are looking at, I would definitely go with the Box Elder first if the patterns in the wood are to your liking. You won't have any difficulty finding an African Blackwood inlayed Mnandi at a later time as it is very common.

For me, I'm now more into the Mammoth Bark inlays, but again, this is another inlay that requires a look see before purchasing.

David
 
I really appreciate the input from all of you! I find this site to be a very valuable resource. I am leaning heavily toward the box elder inlay Mnandi. When I pull the trigger on one or the other, I will post some pics.
Thanks again all, and have a great weekend!

Dave
 
Hi. I just sent this question to CRK, then saw this thread. I wondered if a Micarta inlay was or is available, or is it too course looking for the Mnandi. If Micrata is not available, what material would be the most scratch resistant. I would love a high quality EDC for dress up situations.

This is my first post on any blade forum. I am a huge CR fan.

Thanks and best regards,
Allan
 
Hi allankid,welcome aboard.I've never seen an Mnandi offered in Micarta but someone who knows for sure will be along soon.I would think that most of the wood inlays would be of about the same hardness.If it was wood you were to choose,perhaps a lighter version would at least show scratches the least.Having said that,I would suggest that perhaps the Mammoth Ivory option would offer the best scratch resistance.
 
If the Reeve factory put out a micarta inlayed Mnandi with stonewashed blade...they sell a whole-lotta-bunchs!
:D
 
squad314 said:
Hi allankid,welcome aboard.I've never seen an Mnandi offered in Micarta but someone who knows for sure will be along soon.I would think that most of the wood inlays would be of about the same hardness.If it was wood you were to choose,perhaps a lighter version would at least show scratches the least.Having said that,I would suggest that perhaps the Mammoth Ivory option would offer the best scratch resistance.
Click to expand...

The Mammoth Ivory does look incredible, but it is an extra hundred bucks. I'm not sure I could bring myself to actually use it. But thank you for your reply.

Best regards,
Allan
 
IMO--fancy blade (damascene)--plain wood;
plain blade (S30V)--fancy wood.
Boo Hoo--I don't have either yet.
Greg
 
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