New knife Decisions

Yohanlegend

Yohanlegend

Joined
Feb 28, 2018
Messages
210
Looking to buy a new knife and I need some help deciding. I'm stuck between a Chris Reeve Umnumzaan, Todd Begg Steel Craft Bodega (full size), and a Koenig Arius carbon fiber version.

I've never had a CRK and I like the look of the Umnumzaan the most, there's just a few cosmetic things that bother me, the glass breaker jutting out of the tang, and the sharp edge on the lock bar.

The Koenig Arius is almost a grail knife to me. I think it would be worth it to save up the funds, but that is the one thing holding me back the most, the price.

The Todd Begg has caught my attention as well, it looks like a great flipper with a classic design for less than the Koenig, and I found a version that I really like.

I just can't decide...If anyone here has had experience and could vouch for either of them and steer me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks for looking.
JN
 
The Zaan would be the CRK I'd buy, if I were to buy one.
The Arius is too rich my blood, since I wouldn't be happy with a plain jane one it'd quickly go into the 700+$ range (add International Shipping and ~30% on top, it'll end up being a 1000$ flipper, and for that I'd rather get a Shiro 111 CF/M390 since that's a grail knife to me)
The Begg is too flashy for me.
Ultimately it's personal preference. If I were you I'd decide this way: Are you looking for a EDC User? Get the Zaan. Are you looking for a high end grail piece? Get an Arius specced how you want. Or do you want some usable pocket jewlery/collectors piece? Get the Begg.
That's at least how I ould classify and pick them. In the end the want for the Arius isn't likely going away, just something to keep in mind.
 
b00n makes good points. I favor the Zaan all around. The edge of the lockbar isn’t an issue for me in use and skull bonker is a nice addition.
AFAEA610-7E71-491E-899D-98EE7A455E9E.jpeg
 
Not sure what your intended uses for this knife will be ... so just going on what I know of the knives you listed ...

I put off buying an Umnumzaan and after I bought one I couldn't believe why I waited ... it is my favorite CRK folder ... I don't find and hot spots holding it in any grip so I'm not sure about any sharp edge on the lock bar ...

the glass breaker I don't notice at all handling the knife ... if it's just a cosmetic thing then only you can decide on whether it's a deal breaker for you ... but you could always send it to Josh at REK and have it modded to remove it ...

I think the Zaan would be on the top of that list ... a very well built sturdy knife and for me it ended up being my #1 CRK folder ...

the others are too flashy for me and IMHO I believe the Zaan would make a better user ... and that just goes back to what you intend to use this purchase for.

All 3 are very nice knives ... for me it would be the Zaan hands down ...
 
Appreciate the input, very valuable. The knife would be carried and used, but not beat up (that's what my XM's and PM2 are for haha), and to just appreciate overall. I picked these three because they seemed to be able to fit those roles, usability and excellent craftsmanship. I'm thinking the CRK is getting the lead though, I like having variety in my collection and I have a decent amount of Ti flippers already...
 
Of those three, I have (, like, and carry) a Steelcraft Bodega. The 'Zaan doesn't really appeal to me...though I admit I like it better than I used to. The Arius caught my eye a while back; but I shifted to other interests & curtailed my knife buying before I purchased one.
Just understand that the Bodega is a fairly large knife. I'll try to remember to post a comparison picture tomorrow.
 
Zaan is probably one of the best looking folders ever made IMO, next to my upcoming Demko custom. It's a joy to carry and fondle, just has that refined CRK feel with a lot more detail on the knife, I say Zaan all the way.
 
I'd go Zaan

Had one before that I traded, planning on replacing it soonish. Super nice knife.
 
Umnamzaan because you will eventually buy it anyway.

Umnum_tomato.JPG
 
hhmoore said:
Of those three, I have (, like, and carry) a Steelcraft Bodega. The 'Zaan doesn't really appeal to me...though I admit I like it better than I used to. The Arius caught my eye a while back; but I shifted to other interests & curtailed my knife buying before I purchased one.
Just understand that the Bodega is a fairly large knife. I'll try to remember to post a comparison picture tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I generally like larger knives so it works, 3.5-4in. I've been carrying my Socom elite a lot recently, so I'm accustomed to a larger knife. I do like the hand rub satin on the Bodega, a very attractive knife.
 
I would say buy the one that you have wanted the longest. Sounds to me like that would be the Zaan. With that said if the Koenig is a dream knife for you, save up and get it. You will not be disappointed!
 
The people have spoken!
I've decided on the Umnumzaan, the Arius and Bodega will have to go on the back burner for now.
Will be getting it within the next couple of days, thanks for the input, excited to have my first CRK.
 
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