Mnandi, should I?

mjpgolf1

mjpgolf1

Joined
Feb 4, 2016
Messages
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So I am quite new to Chris Reeve knives and really sort of new to nicer knives at all "about 2 years". I recently went thru a small Sebenza that was lost and then I replaced the knife. I would say I've been bit by the CRK bug and am thinking about just selling the rest of my folders and buying a couple more of these great knives. I have a couple ZTs, couple Benchmades, and a couple Spydercos that if sold would be right in the area of being able to buy a couple of CR knives in the $400 range each, which would just give me a total of 3 really nice knives instead of 7 knives that are in the $150-$200 range. So I'm thinking about getting another small Sebenza with micarta inlay or the knife art Carbon Fiber edition, and then I'm thinking about getting a Mnandi. So my question is what does everyone think of the Mnandi? I'm also a bit concerned about the new style nail nick and detent making it hard to open one handed, unlike the old style, but I'm not big on buying used knives so I would have to be patient and find a "new condition" old nail nick Mnandi. So what do you all think about the new style Mnandi? Is there really that much of a difference in opening them? Should I just go ahead and order a new one, or should I hunt down an older model? I'm really fond of the ebony "black" wood model that is available new right now, so did they make this style with an old nail nick?

I know there are lots of threads on this, but I guess I'm looking for some guidance here and wondering what you guys think about the new vs the old and if the old style was made in the wood that I'm interested in. Thanks guys and gals.
 
Go read the Mnandi thread. There are some beautiful pieces posted. I've never owned one, but I've handled both styles. Personally, I couldn't tell the function difference between the two. I only had them for a day so I can only comment on a very brief time. I did find that they're too small for my liking.
I think in one of the treads there are pics of a Mnandi next to a small. That should give you an idea of the size.
IMO, a Mnandi isn't meant to be opened one handed. But that's just me.
 
The Mnandi is a great knife. I don't get too hung up on the one hand opening ability of it. I usually carry it at the office or family functions. If I am doing project work where I need to open a knife one-handed, I will carry one of my other CRKs. I do prefer double studs on my Regulars and 21s.
 
I have both old and new style. I prefer the new one and really like the new "soft" nail nick.
 
Im in the same position. Reducing my quantity for fewer of quality. Been thinking about a Mnandi myself, but Ive got a small 21 w/Bocote inlay coming so it may quell my Mnandi urges...for a while.
 
The damascus models are more like the old models in opening....mint condition old Mnandi do come up for sale from time to time but jump quick if the do. They don't last long before sold


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I have a small seb and Ti-lock and thought the Mnandi was the next one. However I got a chance to play with one old and one new style at a local gun show. For me they were too small and too hard to open with one hand. About a year later, I tried again and looked at an older style one, still too small and too hard to open with one hand. My suggestion is don't buy one until you get a chance to hold one.
 
brownshoe said:
I have a small seb and Ti-lock and thought the Mnandi was the next one. However I got a chance to play with one old and one new style at a local gun show. For me they were too small and too hard to open with one hand. About a year later, I tried again and looked at an older style one, still too small and too hard to open with one hand. My suggestion is don't buy one until you get a chance to hold one.
Click to expand...

Well, size doesn't bother me as I've recently scaled down to the 7 knives I have now by getting rid of all my stuff that is bigger than that 7" range, give or take a little. I don't have a need for "hard use" and to be honest my knives very rarely cut anything. I carry an Alox Cadet everyday that comes out if a string needs cut or a package opened. I'm really more of a collector than an actual user, although I do carry a modern folder everyday, all day, until I lay my head down at night. I just like gear, and nice gear at that. I do like to sit and flick my knives while watching tv, which is ridiculous I know, but that is one of the reasons why the one handed opening is something that is important to me. It's kind of therapeutic. Regardless this is more about scaling down to a few really great knives and the Mnandi seems to be one of those knives that people love, if they are into smaller knives that is.
 
They're easy to open one-handed...

[video]https://youtu.be/L7XGj1HGvho[/video]
 
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