Mnandi

[anthony cheeseboro]

I just picked up an Mnandi from Arizona Custom Knives. Although I have not had time to really test this knife yet, I feel that I should post some of my initial observations. First, pictures of this knife do not do it justice! The Mnandi is far and away the best looking Chris Reeve designed knife that I have ever seen. Nobody will accuse the Mnandi of being a grey ****. The enlarged nail nick works just fine for opening and closing. Although the both sides of the blade have nail nicks, the knife is not really ambidextrious. Left handers need to special order. The size of the Mnandi is perfect for a traditional pocket knife as oppossed to a tactical style folder. When I say that the size is ideal, I mean that the overall profile of the Mnandi is closer that of say, a traditional Case pattern, instead of a Sebenza or a Mini AFCK. The actual number are a blade that is roughly 2.7" and an OAL of 6.25". The blade is different from other Reeve folders because it is a hollow ground clip point instead of a high hollow ground drop point like the Sebenza et. al. Finally, I would like to say that that the quality of construction is up to the usual high Chris Reeve standards and the lock up is flawless. The Mnandi would appear to be a wonderful high-end gents knife.

 

[swede79]

Anthony,

What is the color of the wood? From the pics I have seen, it looks kind of brown-green or dark brown. I was hoping for more of a rose or cherry colored wood.

 

[Architect]

Anthony, since you also have used William Henry knives, how would you compare the Minandi to let's say, the William Henry Spearpoint (with Redwood Burl)?

Or to the William Henry Spearpoint Carbon Fiber. I know that the blade is longer (not a problem with me). I don't like the shape of the Lancet, and the Kestrel seems too small.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

The Ziricote wood inserts are dark brown with black strips. I find the inserts very attractive.
As for comparison to William Henry, I would say that the Mnandi gives a feeling of greater sturdiness. This is a gents knife that could be used to skin a large game animal with no problem. The handle is sturdy and the blade has a very workable belly. The Mnandi is a bit smaller than large spearpoint; it is cloaser to the midsize William Henrys.

 

[cpirtle]

Anthony, glad you like yours. I have a small review en-route on mine and I share your opinion. I was really quite impressed with mine, the clip by itself is almost a piece of art.

I decided I wanted a little more security for mine so I ordered a large William Henry clip case for it, I'll let you guys know how it works out when it arrives (probably today).

I feel the CRK family really hit a home run with this one!