Need advice on an Umnumzaan

Joined
Oct 23, 2011
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199
I'm interested in adding an Umnumzaan to my collection. The majority of them I've been looking at are the 2012 (and possibly later) versions with the smaller pivot and lock-bar stabilizer.

I've also been looking at a 2008 Umnumzaan with the large overbuilt pivot and I gotta say - I really like that one.

So I realize I may get 100 different views on this matter - but what Umnumzaan would you get?
 
Just bought one with the large pivot, other upgrades (blade steel, lockbar extension, etc) and the LBS, however it's the LBS without the CRK logo on it, which I woild have preferred. I wrote CRK to see if its possible to get it milled or replaced with the logo version which I think looks a little better. Seems like the only ones I've seen with large pivot and the logo LBS are early 2012 (March) birthdates. Good luck!
 
Definitely the older variation (Old Pivot, Pre-Idaho Made, Pre-LBS, S30V).

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Out of all the various zaan versions out there, I personally think the Older style with the large blade pivot screw, but is updated with the higher lock release and pre lockbar stabilizer is the coolest looking. I like the LBS with the CRK logo on though. So the new style just before they changed the blade pivot to the 25 style would be just as good.
 
[QUOTE=GuestWho101Definitely the older variation (Old Pivot, Pre-Idaho Made, Pre-LBS, S30V).


I agree !000%. I have an older 1 from 2010. With everything that's mentioned above. I had another older Zann that I traded...I really regretted that trade.

If I was going to get another Zaan I'd wait until I found 1 of the older one's. I got mine last year with a couple of very small snail trails for $365.
 
Out of all the various zaan versions out there, I personally think the Older style with the large blade pivot screw, but is updated with the higher lock release and pre lockbar stabilizer is the coolest looking.

This would be my vote. Slight edge (pardon the pun) to S30V but S35VN would be ok, too.
 
I prefer the large pivot with larger/wider jimping, but that wouldn't keep me from getting a newer version.

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I've owned 4 or 5 old pivot Zaan's with all of the various and subtle changes, they're awesome knives.

I prefer the old pivot with old jimping and no over travel stop. Add a Southard backspacer if you can, you'll love it.
 
I've owned them all. New pivots, old pivots, pre lbs, post lbs, southard spacers, Tanto's, large lockbar release, small lockbar release, carbon scales, big jimping, small jimping, etc.

After owning all variations I can definitely say they are all good to go! Just find the least expensive, "mintiest" one you can and grab it! None of the above enhanced or decreased my enjoyment of this fantastic knife.
 
Personally I wouldn't get one; because I sold mine. However if your mind is set on it; I think the older pivot looks cooler. The newer one will be easier to disassemble, due to hex pivot screw.
 
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I like the smooth finish on the blade of the new one, and the pivot is easier to adjust.

I might be in the minority but I like the regular Umnunzaan style with the new pivot better than the Wilson Combat model, too. I have one of each (and an old-pivot no LBS no Made in Idaho stamp) and of all of them I like the new pivot regular model best, followed by the old pivot and then the WC model.

The older pivot WC model is really attractive though, IMO. That is next on the list!
 
So I realize I may get 100 different views on this matter - but what Umnumzaan would you get?

Having never owned the older pivot style (I've only had the newer one), I'm a little biased toward the new pivot. I would say get the new version because it's easy to adjust with simple hex wrenches, and there is no need to buy (or manufacture) any fancy tools.

I do think the older pivot looks WAY cooler, though, but for the pure function of it, I like the newer version better.
 
I own both - love the look of the old school pivot but it's not as easy to disassemble as it requires a special tool.

Also - many complain about the cutout being too small to disengage the lockbar on older models.

I'd vote for a new model - look at the Wilson Combat version if you want something different.
 
All Umnumzaan variants are all as sturdy as anything except for having a fine point on the blade. If you want a beefy point to the blade go for a Tanto, but as far as the knife construction the Umnumzaan gives up nothing to Hinderer, Strider, etc.
 
I have owned I believe almost every version of the Umnumzaan.. with the exception of my Grail the Prototype.. that being said I prefer the Original Design with the Large Pivot, Gimping. I to like the looks of the CRK logo on the over travel disk.. but I believe (and I may be wrong and often am) that they have the later less aggressive gimping.. If I were looking for a Zann to EDC I would go with the Latest version.. They are great knives!! IMHO..
All the best, Dave
 
The one that's coming to me tomorrow has the old pivot, S35VN, large jimping, and no-logo overtravel stop. So there are large-jimping models with the overtravel stop, or did you mean that if you have the logo on it you'll probably have the small jimping?
 
The one that's coming to me tomorrow has the old pivot, S35VN, large jimping, and no-logo overtravel stop. So there are large-jimping models with the overtravel stop, or did you mean that if you have the logo on it you'll probably have the small jimping?

The Umnumzaans with the logo on the OTS that I have seen/owned had the small gimping on the blade. But that being said there are transitional versions so there could be.. and probably are some with both the logo on the OTS and large gimping.
All the best, Dave

Wilson Combat examples:
12863619134_768a917163_b.jpg
[/url]2014-03-01 13.13.11 by mikepapa1crk, on Flickr

[B]And a few more examples:[/B]
[img][url=https://flic.kr/p/kmAbKw][img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/12703778484_6f67efc124_b.jpg[/url]2014-02-22 12.11.41 by mikepapa1crk, on Flickr[/img]
12704038323_b056a94a30_b.jpg
[/url]2014-02-22 12.57.56 by mikepapa1crk, on Flickr

AND JUST FOR FUN... :)

[IMG][url=https://flic.kr/p/n1xdzz][img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/13789582915_9f7d903c7c_b.jpg[/url]2014-04-11 19.08.06 by mikepapa1crk, on Flickr[/IMG]
 
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Holy cow! I swear some of you guys are TRUE collectors (seeking every variant)...I usually just seek one good example with the features I want that I'll carry. :)
 
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