Mnandi vs. Small Sebbie?

TheFlash

TheFlash

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Oct 3, 2000
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Need your opinions –

I’m considering purchasing a CRK folder. I’ve owned a small sebbie in the past and liked it, but had to let it go to take the collection in a different direction.
Now, I find myself in need (or want) of a small folder for light to medium duty chores and am trying to decide between the Mnandi and the small Sebbie.

Any opinions on which one is better?
(Including cutting ability, ergonomics of the handle, comfort while clipped in the pocket, ease of blade opening, etc.)

Thanks!
Mike
 
The mnandi is slimmer and lighter, so it carries easily. It feels like the Mnandi gets sharper then the sebenza, maybe my mind thinks it's sharper because the blade stock is thinner.

I find the seb easier to open with the thumb stud. I also like the feel of the sebenza a bit better it feels more substantil.
 
I would go for the Mnandi if it's light or medium use and you're concerned about light or discreet carry. The Mnandi is a great cutter for it's size and a real gem to carry.

I find that the Small Sebenza is not really needed for my uses as much now. I now carry a Mnandi in my jacket pocket and a Large Sebenza in my trousers pocket or belt clip. One does all light to medium things and the other all heavier duties and food prep.

But, i've also found the Sebenza to be slightly more easier to open than the Mnandi. Although others may have found different ;)

The fact is either one will work 100% for you. I suppose it's which one you happen to like better. I'm siding with the Mnandi - but it is very close :o

EDIT ... I like the wood inlay better on the Mnandi, too, as it is the same front and back. Definitely a better display - especially Box Elder :D

Mark
bigthumbup.gif
 
I think I would narrowly give the edge to the Mnandi, though it will depend in large part on the specific use you have planned. As the others have mentioned the Mnandi is slimmer, smaller and lighter than the small Sebenza. If you are in a sheeple environment, the Mnandi is ideal. The Mnandi is pretty stong for its size, too, but if you are going to use your knife for occasional heavy tasks, the Sebenza, in my opinion, would be more suitable.
 
Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback & input!

Mark - you and some others have mentioned that the Sebenzas are easier to open than the Mnandi.

Part of the reason I'm leaning a bit more towards the Mnandi is due to the blade "channels" for opening the Mnandi vs. the thumb stud with the Sebenza.
I prefer blade holes for opening since I find it easier to open folders with a blade hole rather than a thumb stud. (Personal preference)

However, if those "channels" in the Mnandi's blade aren't as easy to open as the thumb studs on the Sebenzas, now I'm wondering which would be better...

Any additional opinions / comments???

Thanks!
Mike
 
TheFlash said:
Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback & input!

Mark - you and some others have mentioned that the Sebenzas are easier to open than the Mnandi.


However, if those "channels" in the Mnandi's blade aren't as easy to open as the thumb studs on the Sebenzas, now I'm wondering which would be better...

Any additional opinions / comments???

Thanks!
Mike
Click to expand...

Hello Mike,

Don't worry for a minute about opening or closing the Mnandi. The thumbnail recess on the blade is deep and grippy. I just meant that I preferred the thumbstud for a general opener :rolleyes: :D You will find the Mnandi (if you get one) to be a lovely smooth opener. In fact that was my very first thought when I used mine. If you're not too fussed on thumbstuds anyway, you'll find the Mnandi a delight.

Mark :)
 
Nathan S said:
I think I would narrowly give the edge to the Mnandi, though it will depend in large part on the specific use you have planned. As the others have mentioned the Mnandi is slimmer, smaller and lighter than the small Sebenza. If you are in a sheeple environment, the Mnandi is ideal. The Mnandi is pretty stong for its size, too, but if you are going to use your knife for occasional heavy tasks, the Sebenza, in my opinion, would be more suitable.
Click to expand...

I started to write a response yesterday, but Nathan nailed it in my opinion. I carry my Box Elder Mnandi everyday at the office. It's easy to open, very smooth, and is a real hit with the people who don't carry knives. For my occasional heavy tasks, I also have a SAK Soldier model.

Matthew
 
I just thought I'd post a picture of them together incase you don't have any side by side comparisons of handle shapes and blade sizes, etc.

Also, you can see the shape of the thumbnail recess of the Mnandi. BTW, the thumb lug of the Small Sebenza is considerably smaller than
the one on a Large Sebenza.

Hope this is a bit of help in your choice :rolleyes:

...

...

Mark
 
Roefisher said:
I just thought I'd post a picture of them together incase you don't have any side by side comparisons of handle shapes and blade sizes, etc.

Also, you can see the shape of the thumbnail recess of the Mnandi. BTW, the thumb lug of the Small Sebenza is considerably smaller than
the one on a Large Sebenza.

Hope this is a bit of help in your choice :rolleyes:

Mark
Click to expand...

SHOWOFF! Where'd you get those beauties?


:eek:

My response to the author of the thread is how the Mnandi is received by coworkers. If the knife will travel to that environment, coworkers will be immediately taken with the knifes beauty and appeal. Clipped to a top pocket, it's very office-like in appearance as it looks almost like a snazzy pen. Yet, the Mnandi does reasonably heavy-duty cutting, like boxes, rope, what have you. You won't be underknifed with a Mnandi.
 
The only thing that I would like to add is that I find the pocket clip of the Sebbie lends itself to pants pocket carry while the Mnandi is a better shirt pocket carry knife.
 
Roefisher said:
Hope this is a bit of help in your choice
Click to expand...



Wow .... That thudding noise you heard was my jaw hitting the desk. Congratulations, those are all gorgeous. :thumbup:
 
Does the Mnandi also have the pivot pin bushing? I assume it does, but can't seem to find anywhere that says so??
 
Roefisher (Mark),
I missed the posting you made with the pics...
Can you please repost the pics so I can see, too? :D

I made my decision and placed an order for a Mnandi with the desert ironwood. Hopefully the kind folks over at CRK are making it now... :)

Thanks for all of your thoughts, feedback and opinions!

Regards,
Mike
 
Thanks roefisher.

I think it's been said before, but I wish they made it with a warrencliff or spearpoint blade :D
 
Since Chris Reeve makes it, I am sure that the Mnandi will be smooth as glass!!
 
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