MY FIRST (AND ONLY) CHRIS REEVE FIXED BLADE (Early Production Nyala)

mikepapa1

mikepapa1

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Jun 8, 2013
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Hey CRK fans!! I took the plunge and could not be happier!! A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to find a knife collector who was selling off a few BNIB CRK Knives. One was my BNIB Early Umnumzaan that most of you who follow my long boring posts have seen. The other was this BNIB CRK Nyala. I really had not thought to much of Fixed blade CRK's especially the "Black Knives" don't get me wrong they are nice!! and I would not mind having a couple of dozen of them in my collection but I have been a little, shall we say obsessed with the many different varieties of CRK folders out there, Sebenzas, Umnumzaan's, Ti-Locks and of course don't forget my Avatar the Umfaan's . (haven't really warmed up to the Mnandi yet) but watch out when I do.. :) So, anyway after reading the very informative and interesting post by our fellow member and CRK enthusiast 1AbominAble1 (Thanks Rich!!)" CRK Nyala is a good Hunting companion- Graphic" (link below) And knowing that this Nyala was still available I decided to give it a try. I must say as Rich noted in his post this knife is very underrated!! It is not only a fine piece of equipment it is another beautiful example of Chris Reeves attention to detail and over all workmanship!!
Thanks for reading my very long and I am sure very boring post.
All the best!!
My First Fixed Chris Reeve Fixed Blade:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/105937865@N07/sets/72157638649636356/

Nyala gets kitchen duty (hat tip to 1AbominAble1)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1087227-Nyala-gets-kitchen-duty

CRK Nyala is a good Hunting companion- Graphic:
(hat tip to 1AbominAble1)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...CRK-Nyala-is-a-good-Hunting-companion-Graphic

Post Your Nyala Manufacture Dates (Hat tip to JNewell)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/736531-Nyala-Manufacture-Dates?highlight=nyala



1AbominAble1 is online now http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...CRK-Nyala-is-a-good-Hunting-companion-Graphic
 
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I can't say that I find CRK's slab-handled fixed blades that appealing, but you've gotta fall in love with their attention to detail, both in design and manufacture. I love the rounded tang that's exposed from the handle scales. And the milling on the scales is fantastic. Congrats on getting another CRK that you love mikepapa1!
 
Thanks Muaddib1116!! I have to agree with you on both points.. I don't find them or any fixed blade for that matter that appealing.. but you have to admit no matter what your opinion of fixed blade knives I think that CRK as with its folding knives strives to make the best product available for its customers. And the Nyala is no exception. As Rich so eloquently and graphically described in his post these knives are designed to be used and when used properly are an excellent tool!! Which I think is exactly what they were designed to be.. a tool to be used by hunters, campers and in some cases Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the service of our great country. And in my case just to be admired for there beauty and craftsmanship. :)

Muaddib1116 said:
I can't say that I find CRK's slab-handled fixed blades that appealing, but you've gotta fall in love with their attention to detail, both in design and manufacture. I love the rounded tang that's exposed from the handle scales. And the milling on the scales is fantastic. Congrats on getting another CRK that you love mikepapa1!
Click to expand...
 
If I got a CRK fixed blade is would most definitely be the Nyala!! Congrats man!!
 
OP, see this thread that I started back in April 2010. I believe that April, 20, 2010 may be the earliest date on Nyala cards. :thumbup:
 
Wow!! great link JNewell!! Thank you very much for sharing it with us!! I thought it was a pretty early production model but did not realize it was that early. Makes sense though the gentleman who owned it also owned the very early (October 16 2008) Umnumzaan in my collection.
Many thanks!!

JNewell said:
OP, see this thread that I started back in April 2010. I believe that April, 20, 2010 may be the earliest date on Nyala cards. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
 
Well that was a pleasant read, thank you my friend for the kind words.

I obviously enjoy owning and using Chris Reeve Knives, I'm a huge fan because of how well they work and because of how long they last due to their superb fit and finish. What I don't think I mentioned in that thread was that a few years ago I had also used a Shadow III and an Aviator to field dress deer. While they both did their job they by no means wowed me in any way and we're later sold off while the getting was good, the Nyala won't be going anywhere-except on every hunting, camping, and backpacking trip I ever take- I love that knife!

A long time ago I posted a thread about how well it worked in the kitchen. I was using it to make fajita chicken burrito's if I remember correctly( found the link http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...yala-gets-kitchen-duty?highlight=Nyala+dinner )to test out how it'd work for the camp kitchen chores, with the belly it has- like a Large Regular- it performed as well on the cutting board chopping toppings as it did splitting the rib cage. Whether it's bloody from deer or greasy from pepperoni the handle grooves keep it from twisting in your hand while cutting and the contoured and rounded choil keeps it comfortable when you push tight against it. Add to that great and useful jimping, a contoured handle, a rounded spine, and a very nice hollow grind and it all adds up to a sleeper of an outdoor blade that deserves A LOT more praise than it gets.

I was kind of a snob about having carbon steel blades on my field knives due to how well they hold an edge and even though I've had some less than stellar experiences with early CRK S35VN I feel that I must say that the S35VN on my Nyala has made me a convert. After dressing that entire deer and using it to split the ribs it'd still shave the hair on my arm. Did I say that I love that knife? Carbon steel performance in a comfortable stainless package. I may buy another one as a back up if I find a good enough deal, just in case they discontinue it on me.

Thanks for being one of the 3 people that read my thread Dave, I'll quit ranting now.
 
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I love the looks of the Nyala! I think I am going to have to purchase one here in the near future. Thanks for sharing Mike
 
Thanks Rich!! I really enjoyed both of your posts on this fine knife!! Just finished reading the earlier one "Nyala gets kitchen duty" its always nice to be able to share information and experiences about "This thing of ours" although everyone knows I am just a collecter of these works of art, it is great to see how well they really perform!! Whether in the kitchen or in the field. These knives aren't just for show they are fine tools..just like a fine revolver, pistol, rifle, wrench or hammer!
All the best,

1AbominAble1 said:
Well that was a pleasant read, thank you my friend for the kind words.

I obviously enjoy owning and using Chris Reeve Knives, I'm a huge fan because of how well they work and because of how long they last due to their superb fit and finish. What I don't think I mentioned in that thread was that a few years ago I had also used a Shadow III and an Aviator to field dress deer. While they both did their job they by no means wowed me in any way and we're later sold off while the getting was good, the Nyala won't be going anywhere-except on every hunting, camping, and backpacking trip I ever take- I love that knife!

A long time ago I posted a thread about how well it worked in the kitchen. I was using it to make fajita chicken burrito's if I remember correctly( found the link http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...yala-gets-kitchen-duty?highlight=Nyala+dinner )to test out how it'd work for the camp kitchen chores, with the belly it has- like a Large Regular- it performed as well on the cutting board chopping toppings as it did splitting the rib cage. Whether it's bloody from deer or greasy from pepperoni the handle grooves keep it from twisting in your hand while cutting and the contoured and rounded choil keeps it comfortable when you push tight against it. Add to that great and useful jimping, a contoured handle, a rounded spine, and a very nice hollow grind and it all adds up to a sleeper of an outdoor blade that deserves A LOT more praise than it gets.

I was kind of a snob about having carbon steel blades on my field knives due to how well they hold an edge and even though I've had some less than stellar experiences with early CRK S35VN I feel that I must say that the S35VN on my Nyala has made me a convert. After dressing that entire deer and using it to split the ribs it'd still shave the hair on my arm. Did I say that I love that knife? Carbon steel performance in a comfortable stainless package. I may buy another one as a back up if I find a good enough deal, just in case they discontinue it on me.

Thanks for being one of the 3 people that read my thread Dave, I'll quit ranting now.
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Always a pleasure kwazyjuice!! But the credit should rightfully go to 1AbominAble1! I doubt I would have acquired the Nyala if not for his post (s) It really is a Great Knife that in my very humble opinion has been widely ignored by most of us.. If you get the opportunity I highly recommend getting one!!
As always, all the best!:)
kwazyjuice said:
I love the looks of the Nyala! I think I am going to have to purchase one here in the near future. Thanks for sharing Mike
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Great looking Nyala. Is the micarta rough or smooth or somewhere between those? Its hard to tell from photos. I always thought the surface was likely raw like it is on the black inlays, but it looks shiney in your pictures
 
Great thread, lots of info. With all these talks about Nyala knives you guys are really tempting me to get one. Of course that's not a bad thing. Anyways Thanks for the links, I have not seen the older ones.
 
kidcongo said:
Great looking Nyala. Is the micarta rough or smooth or somewhere between those? Its hard to tell from photos. I always thought the surface was likely raw like it is on the black inlays, but it looks shiney in your pictures
Click to expand...

I puzzled over that for a while after I got mine. I think that it is machined micarta that has been buffed with a soft cloth wheel. I could be wrong...
 
Very smooth to the touch.. not at all like the inlays on the Sebenza.. buffed quite possible. They look very nice. great attention to detail for a production knife IMHO..

JNewell said:
I puzzled over that for a while after I got mine. I think that it is machined micarta that has been buffed with a soft cloth wheel. I could be wrong...
Click to expand...
 
Glad you enjoyed reading the posts tactical45!! I for my part was just sharing my latest "score" and was persuaded to acquire my first CRK fixed blade after reading Rich's (1AbominAble1) second post. So when you get your Nyala the credit goes to him and of course our friend JNewell. I am just happy to pass on there knowledge and experience!!
All the best,

tactical45 said:
Great thread, lots of info. With all these talks about Nyala knives you guys are really tempting me to get one. Of course that's not a bad thing. Anyways Thanks for the links, I have not seen the older ones.
Click to expand...
 
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