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Mnandi Woes - Sebenza regret
- Thread starter fleetparadox
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2007
- Messages
- 182
Glad to know that this thread helped at least two individuals.
After a couple days of carrying the Mnandi... it's fine for carrying cause it's so light and the clip is just ingenious (my fav part of the knife). But I just can't seem to get myself to use it cause it's too elegant and the blade finish isn't stonewashed like the Sebenzas.
The Mnandi is great for office work, but the Sebenza is definitely a better option for the size - especially if you need a "do it all" knife.
After a couple days of carrying the Mnandi... it's fine for carrying cause it's so light and the clip is just ingenious (my fav part of the knife). But I just can't seem to get myself to use it cause it's too elegant and the blade finish isn't stonewashed like the Sebenzas.
The Mnandi is great for office work, but the Sebenza is definitely a better option for the size - especially if you need a "do it all" knife.
Professor
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 1999
- Messages
- 3,432
Having owned a Mnandi, but edc'ing a small Seb, they're completely different knives to be roughly similar in length. I would almost equate the Mnandi with William Henry pieces (great little gents' knives in their own right, especially the button-locking models), though the Mnandi would still get my nod for ruggedness, while the small Seb is a pocket-sized Excalibur in many regards.
I've personally chosen my small Seb over small fixed blades for most outdoor activities. For me, it's truly the one and only.
Professor.
I've personally chosen my small Seb over small fixed blades for most outdoor activities. For me, it's truly the one and only.
Professor.
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2006
- Messages
- 627
The Mnandi does take some getting used to. When I first took one out of the box I thought I'd cut myself on the sharp nick opening the blade. Then I looked at it closely and whoa, that's actually a chamfered edge . . . it feels sharp but it really isn't.
The first time I wet the knife the ceramic ball dragged badly but a dash of lube solved that issue.
I have mid-sized hands (a small Sebbie is just wider than my palm) and once I got used to the odd way you open any frame lock folder I have had no problem with it. Sure, it's a smaller handle. Physics says you'll have less leverage on a smaller handle and depending on your hand size, it may feel like nothing more than a paper knife.
One thing about CR folders, every one is just enough larger than the blade for safety. You buy a sub-3" knife, you get a sub-3" handle. It is a matter of personal taste. I find every Chris Reeve folder to be a remarkable example of a highly refined, minimalist design using quality materials and very close tolerances.
By definition, the Mnandi is a gentleman's knife, suitable for office tasks and light cutting. Put a rectangular Sebenza-style handle on it and you would have a completely different knife.
As for scratching the blade . . . I collect knives to carry, not to admire in a safe. Each scratch on each knife is a memory of a day in my life. Like anyone else, I don't like to damage or mar any tool but stuff happens. You can buff it out a bit if you like but time will achieve the same result.
The first time I wet the knife the ceramic ball dragged badly but a dash of lube solved that issue.
I have mid-sized hands (a small Sebbie is just wider than my palm) and once I got used to the odd way you open any frame lock folder I have had no problem with it. Sure, it's a smaller handle. Physics says you'll have less leverage on a smaller handle and depending on your hand size, it may feel like nothing more than a paper knife.
One thing about CR folders, every one is just enough larger than the blade for safety. You buy a sub-3" knife, you get a sub-3" handle. It is a matter of personal taste. I find every Chris Reeve folder to be a remarkable example of a highly refined, minimalist design using quality materials and very close tolerances.
By definition, the Mnandi is a gentleman's knife, suitable for office tasks and light cutting. Put a rectangular Sebenza-style handle on it and you would have a completely different knife.
As for scratching the blade . . . I collect knives to carry, not to admire in a safe. Each scratch on each knife is a memory of a day in my life. Like anyone else, I don't like to damage or mar any tool but stuff happens. You can buff it out a bit if you like but time will achieve the same result.