Review of CRK Mnandi: As I did with the Sebenza, here are the specifications as I measure them on this knife.
Length closed: 3.625
Length open: 6.284
Blade length: 2.659
Thickness w/o clip: 0.406
Thickness with clip: 0.543
Blade thickness: 0.090
Weight: 1.56 oz./44.2 grams.
Scale thickness (just the Ti.): 0.085
Edge thickness: 0.0175
As has been said numerous times, F & F is extremely good. Blade is centered, no play, even without the lock engaged. Opening and closing is very smooth. In spite of its diminutive size, this is solid knife. The snakewood is actually inlaid not overlaid and there are no visible gaps between the wood and the scales. The finish on the wood is very nicely done. The blade can be opened and closed with either hand, not as easy with the left hand, but it can be done without much practice. The clip can be mounted on either the right or left side in the tip up position. The enlarged nail nick works well to open the blade, not as simple or quick as with a stud, but there is no stud to get in the way when sharpening or to detract from the overall appearance of the knife.
I believe there are only three things to point out about this knife which some may or may not like. First is the thickness of the knife. I personally like it as is, but it is thicker than most gentlemens knives. This gives the knife more to hold on to and for me an extra measure of security when using the knife. If you are looking for a truly slim pocket knife, this might be thicker than you want. I have not found it at all uncomfortable to carry, but just thought it should be pointed out.
Second, the relief cut into the reverse scale for the lock has been cut into the outside of the knife instead of the inside as is the Sebenza. This leaves three sharp points which ought to be rounded off since they are exposed.
Third is the clip. As I understand it, the clip was designed so that when the knife is in ones shirt pocket, it looks like a pen. Mr. Reeve did an excellent job at that. No one, but a died in the wool knife nut will recognize this as a knife when it is in your pocket. The clip is also very stout, highly unlikely that it will get bent if it catches on something. The downside of this is that if you tension the clip for a dress shirt pocket, it will be very tight for a pair of slacks or jeans. Unlike the stamped steel clips of most knifes, the hardened titanium has very little give. I have opened mine up to fit well in jeans or heavy slacks, but that leaves a gap between the clip and the wood of about 0.035. This doesnt bother me, since I find the knife a bit to heavy for a dress shirt, but again something to be aware of. If you are used to carrying a nice pen in your shirt pocket you wont notice the Mnandi.
In the hand I find this knife very comfortable to use. Without the clip even more so than with the clip. The handle is large enough for any chore a knife of this size would normally be used for, but still small enough to be used in polite company and carried in dress slacks. If you are interested in a fine pocket knife, I would strongly suggest you look at the Mnandi. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to post them.
Richard
Length closed: 3.625
Length open: 6.284
Blade length: 2.659
Thickness w/o clip: 0.406
Thickness with clip: 0.543
Blade thickness: 0.090
Weight: 1.56 oz./44.2 grams.
Scale thickness (just the Ti.): 0.085
Edge thickness: 0.0175
As has been said numerous times, F & F is extremely good. Blade is centered, no play, even without the lock engaged. Opening and closing is very smooth. In spite of its diminutive size, this is solid knife. The snakewood is actually inlaid not overlaid and there are no visible gaps between the wood and the scales. The finish on the wood is very nicely done. The blade can be opened and closed with either hand, not as easy with the left hand, but it can be done without much practice. The clip can be mounted on either the right or left side in the tip up position. The enlarged nail nick works well to open the blade, not as simple or quick as with a stud, but there is no stud to get in the way when sharpening or to detract from the overall appearance of the knife.
I believe there are only three things to point out about this knife which some may or may not like. First is the thickness of the knife. I personally like it as is, but it is thicker than most gentlemens knives. This gives the knife more to hold on to and for me an extra measure of security when using the knife. If you are looking for a truly slim pocket knife, this might be thicker than you want. I have not found it at all uncomfortable to carry, but just thought it should be pointed out.
Second, the relief cut into the reverse scale for the lock has been cut into the outside of the knife instead of the inside as is the Sebenza. This leaves three sharp points which ought to be rounded off since they are exposed.
Third is the clip. As I understand it, the clip was designed so that when the knife is in ones shirt pocket, it looks like a pen. Mr. Reeve did an excellent job at that. No one, but a died in the wool knife nut will recognize this as a knife when it is in your pocket. The clip is also very stout, highly unlikely that it will get bent if it catches on something. The downside of this is that if you tension the clip for a dress shirt pocket, it will be very tight for a pair of slacks or jeans. Unlike the stamped steel clips of most knifes, the hardened titanium has very little give. I have opened mine up to fit well in jeans or heavy slacks, but that leaves a gap between the clip and the wood of about 0.035. This doesnt bother me, since I find the knife a bit to heavy for a dress shirt, but again something to be aware of. If you are used to carrying a nice pen in your shirt pocket you wont notice the Mnandi.
In the hand I find this knife very comfortable to use. Without the clip even more so than with the clip. The handle is large enough for any chore a knife of this size would normally be used for, but still small enough to be used in polite company and carried in dress slacks. If you are interested in a fine pocket knife, I would strongly suggest you look at the Mnandi. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to post them.
Richard
