My old Umnumzaan. And what now?

thomasaasen · Mar 28, 2021

I just had to go back and read about my all time favourite knive, the OLD Type Umnumzaan by Chris Reeve. Been all over, looking at pictures, reading....I had it, but I gave it away to my childhood friend that got me into knives. Hadn't seen him for years. Just stepped up on his door, knocked on, he came out and I said, ", Here's something for you to remember about when me and you was young and fall into an interest that has followed me since you showed me and learned me". He knew a lot to be only 13-14 years. "Open it when I'm gone". This is many years ago now, and I met him ones, and he always have it with him. It's in his car when driving. I can't say I regret, it was a token of respect and I would do it again. I've read that you should always give the best of yourself, the thing you appreciate the most, so I did, and I felt so good after. I had many knives, but I chooses the one I wanted most myself. It's a good practice. Anyway, now these are hard to get hold of, and I truly want one so much. I had the one with the cross lines on the handles and I also got the leather sheath, it all was there.
I never owned a Sebenza, and I wonder if I should go for the Den. 31 or the Inkosi? Should I go for the small or large version. And if one day both, what would be best for the small version and what would be best for the large? I know, not an easy task, but would like to hear what you and others think. If I truly think of it, a great knife like the Seb.31 and Inkosi in small version would be great. I don't think I need a larger knife for city, desk, outdoor at home,just walking around situation. And I'm sure they can protect me if it should come to that. When you pull up a knife, people turns, even if both have, thank God. And in my 47 years, I never seen need for that. I rather take a beating myself than killing or damaging a person for life with a knife. So, the Inkosi is heavier build, thicker blade,more a hard worker. Open cans with and so. The Seb.31 is maybe a better slicer, cutting cardboard,open letters and still tough. Also, should I have inlays? When I think of it, I like it without. It's sleeker and you feel the nice treated Titanium. And if you have large hands(I have medium, square hands), you can always use the lanyard for grip as well.
Or last, should I get the newer Umnumzaan or try to find an older one for sale? That can be difficult, and would it be worth it?
Hope there's some interest in these questions, and I'm sure the forum has already a lot of them. But please, let me know your thoughts, what you think. Or guide me to another thread that's all about the same.
Best regards from Norway, Thomas

dan35 · Mar 28, 2021

The large Inkosi seems to always have a favorable response when asked which CRK. Given the 21’s are gone. I would suggest the large Inkosi.

Londinium Armoury · Mar 28, 2021

I only have a large Sebenza 21, so I can't really speak on all the other models, but I would 100% suggest looking on the secondary market for a good condition Sebenza 21, the knife is amazing and it's my favourite folder now.
I don't think you will be dissapointed with the new Zaan, if the quality is anything like my 21 then I would trust all of CRK folders to be top notch quality, I don't think any of them would be bad knives, CRK is a quality company.

The Mastiff · Mar 28, 2021

thomasaasen said:
And I'm sure they can protect me if it should come to that. When you pull up a knife, people turns, even if both have, thank God. And in my 47 years, I never seen need for that. I rather take a beating myself than killing or damaging a person for life with a knife.

OK. That reminds me of a girl I used to know. She used to swear that she would rather be murdered slow and painful like rather than hurt someone in self defense. She claimed to have morals about it. I will tell you for a fact that when she was scared she wanted someone to protect her. She claimed to see no irony or contradiction in that.

unwisefool · Mar 28, 2021

I didn't read your wall of text, but just get a new one, they are nice. Better steel and easier to disassemble.

kobold · Mar 29, 2021

Get the large Sebenza, not the small one if you want to use the knife IMHO.

SuzukiGS750EZ · Mar 30, 2021

I've only owned a large 21 and a large inkosi. What I love about the inkosi is its like the best of both worlds between the umnumzaan and the sebenza. The inkosi doesn't have all the refinement the sebenza does such as the chamfered spine, pivot bushing, tensionless pivot, etc but is also not a slouch. I just purchased a large 21 with ladder Damascus & spalted beech inlays because I missed those refinements when I don't need a burly knife. It's a work of tolerance genius. I'd say if you're only going to buy one from CRK and you want to try something other than the umnumzaan, but a large inkosi whether it be a micarta inlay or plain.

Sonnydaze · Mar 30, 2021

thomasaasen said:
I never owned a Sebenza, Should I go for the small or large version. Also, should I have inlays? When I think of it, I like it without. It's sleeker and you feel the nice treated Titanium. And if you have large hands(I have medium, square hands), you can always use the lanyard for grip as well.
Or last, should I get the newer Umnumzaan or try to find an older one for sale?
Best regards from Norway, Thomas

I've had many Sebbies, small and large, plain Ti slabs and wood inlays and patterned Ti slabs.
The smalls look better with wood inlays to me....but I cannot carry one. NOte, when you wish to close the blade, you push the knife forward somewhat in getting access to the lockbar. With a small, when I do this, the knife falls out of my hand.
My advice: get the CRK mod 21 large Sebbie in plain slabs. I've settled on these MANY yrs ago after trying many other design and size options.
Also, know that there are two sizes of Zaans....one design makes it difficult to get to the lockbar; the other design has a nice radius in the Ti in order to provide access to the lockbar. You might wish to read my post on this matter....
https://bladeforums.com/threads/chris-and-nyefmaker-thank-you-for-my-new-zaan.1080579/

Fonedork · Mar 30, 2021

If you want an Unmunzaan now, you’ll still want one after getting a sebenza. So get an Umnumzaan imo. Get a newer one to erase feelings of bittersweet longing for your old one. Pretty sure the steel on the older models was run softer than today, too.