Mnandi Woes - Sebenza regret

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fleetparadox

Joined
Jul 4, 2007
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182
So I just got this in the mail yesterday.

A Mnandi in BG-42 w/ Curly Maple.

Mnandi023.jpg


Thought this was going to be my EDC after I sold 2 separate Sebenzas... but lo and behold, I have some gripes about the Mnandi.

Was wondering if anyone else shares these feelings about it?

On paper it seems like the length, and minimized weight, thin blade, and elegant lines would be perfect for a light duty Sebenza replacement. However, I've found the handle to be too dainty even for my tiny hands (my whole hand fit on the Small Seb) and the nail slot/nick to be an source of unpredictable opening. It's too sharp when I dig in my thumb, but too shallow when I try to just graze it open. The phantom weight feel would be perfect for opening letters but I feel like the grip just isn't there for breaking down cardboard and such. I'm sure if I worked in an office environment that this would be an ideal folder but at the moment, it just seems too beautiful to actually use.

In short, this knife makes me long for those Sebenzas I once had and almost changes my mind about the things I didn't like about the Sebs. Who knows, maybe my ad in the trading forum will net me a Sebenza once again...

Anyone else go down the path of the alternative Chris Reeve folder too? Wish they'd bring the Umfaan back.
 
The mnandi is quite a bit smaller when compared to the small sebenza than the specs would indicate due to it being more narrow. I have no problems with the thumb nick and with some getting used to I don't think you will either. That being said the mnandi is not for everyone, its simply a different type of knife.
 
The Mnandi blade opens fine for me if the cutout is nice and sharp. I have large hands and find the size of the Mnandi no problem.
I like the Mnandi. But, if you aren't comfortable with it, that's the important thing.

Since the Mnandi feels too small, I don't think you would like the Umfaan.
 
It's not so much the length... because it fits securely in my hand - with all fingers. It's the narrowness of the handle. I found it hard to open/close because I had to remove my fingers away from the blade and on the scale only. Basically leaving me with a fingertips only grip on the knife.

With all the said and done. I do agree, the Mnandi is simply different and still a fantastic knife. There are certain environments that it would be perfect in. Perhaps someday if I were forced to wear a suit everyday - I might prefer the Mnandi.

However, there is a reason why the Sebenza is touted as one of the best overall EDC's. It combines an adequate size with the same sleekness that makes it look smaller than it actually is - while still retaining the generous size. Whereas the Mnandi actually as small as it appears and may even tip the scales in the opposite end of the spectrum.

If I can't find a decent Sebenza to trade up to... I'm sure I would grow to enjoy the Mnandi. Could do alot worse...
 
I have big hands and still find the Mnandi quite comfortable to handle. I can open it right or left handed, and close the lock ambidextrously as well. Like all knives, it's a matter of taste, and to some extent, of getting used to it.

The Umfaan is about a half inch shorter than the Mnandi, can literally be hidden behind it, and has no clip to aid your grip in opening it. In every other respect, it is a miniature Sebenza, though, matching the design of the larger knife.

I much prefer the Mnandi.
 
fleetparadox said:
It's not so much the length... because it fits securely in my hand - with all fingers. It's the narrowness of the handle. I found it hard to open/close because I had to remove my fingers away from the blade and on the scale only. Basically leaving me with a fingertips only grip on the knife.
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Same here. I got a Mnandi to carry when I needed a small classy knife but couldn't open it one-handed. Switched back to the small Sebbie.
Other people have no problem opening it, I guss my usual grip on the handle when opening isn't adapted to a very narrow handle.
 
It took me a little practice to get the hang of opening. Give it some time, it may grow on you.
 
Lycosa said:
When all else fails--- get another Sebenza.
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...and a Glock! :D

In all seriousness, Lycosa is right. I wouldn't write off that mnandi, it does serve it's purpose, and in BG-42, you have an excellent example. Maybe get another Sebenza or two, one large one small. Rotation is always fun.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
:thumbup:
 
Glad I found this post. I was searching for just such information.

I am stepping up from my Benchmade I lost and my little folding Spyderco.

Small Sebenza it is for me.
 
I have both and they fill two different needs. I am writing a review comparing the two knives. When done, I'll post it. In brief, I REALLY like both the Sebenza (large classic) and my Mnandi. The Mnandi is in my front pocket and the Sebenza rides in a back pocket. Yes, the Mnandi is a lighter knife, so it does everyday light tasks. The Sebenza comes out when the work gets tough. That's the story in a nutshell.
 
law1173 said:
Glad I found this post. I was searching for just such information.

I am stepping up from my Benchmade I lost and my little folding Spyderco.

Small Sebenza it is for me.
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Good choice. I've started EDCing a small regular DBLLUG Sebbie and I've stopped carrying just about everything else (OK... my Caly 3 still gets some work, but I still have my Sebbie along).

The longer I carry it, the more it grows on me.
 
dalefuller said:
Good choice. I've started EDCing a small regular DBLLUG Sebbie and I've stopped carrying just about everything else
The longer I carry it, the more it grows on me.
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Glad you've switched to the Sebenza Dale. I knew all that trading would amount to something good. I made the mistake of selling that Sebenza despite it making so many cross country trips back to me. Maybe it'll find its way back to me again... ;)
 
fleetparadox said:
...Wish they'd bring the Umfaan back.
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I've owned about all the styles they have, the Umfaan is/was a very
small knife, far smaller than the Mnandi. So becareful if you happen
to see one, make sure you can try before buying or at least have a
good return policy!

The small classic Seb with micarta is probably the most useful of the
bunch in size, shape and handle material/gripping.

G2
 
Just a consideration. The mnandi rides in the shirt pocket wonderfully! I carried mine loose in my pocket for quite a while - but shirt pocket carry is amazing. And yes...the mnandi is tougher than heck and will easily fill the role as your 'always with you' knife! Congrats and give 'er some time!
 
fleetparadox said:
Glad you've switched to the Sebenza Dale. I knew all that trading would amount to something good. I made the mistake of selling that Sebenza despite it making so many cross country trips back to me. Maybe it'll find its way back to me again... ;)
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If she comes home again, you need to buy her an ivory & gold plated box with satin lining and let her live out her life in peaceful retirement with you. :D

By Christmas afternoon, we had 3 Sebbies in the family. My wife EDCs a small silver dog paw Sebbie, I EDC a small regular DBLLUG Sebbie, and I have the large blue dog paw Sebbie that she gave me for extended outdoor trips.
 
I had both a Mnandi and a Small Sebenza. I liked both, but found for me the Sebenza just felt better. It felt stronger, better in the hand and just more like a knife I could use for anything and everything.

As others have said, get another Sebenza :-)
 
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