New Umnum today...very tight...

I got mine today.

EXACT same problem. I find this unacceptable. And to those who think this isn't a big deal because you've spent a thousand dollars on customs, there's no logic there.

First of all, customs are customs, and are difficult to tweak out bugs since the maker doesn't make many of them. A handmade production knife like the Umnumzaan is very widely produced and should not leave the shop with such a glaring issue.

Second of all, I can spend less than half the money on a Spyderco and know it will work and be satisfactory right out of the box. Money has nothing to do with it.

Spending $400 on a PRODUCTION folding knife and not having it open properly is simply ridiculous. It's not defensible.

Furthermore, I am underwhelmed with this knife. I realize it is well-engineered and made out of very good materials, but it looks and feels puny and insubstantial.

That's NO fault of CRK, however, just my tastes.

I'll likely be putting this knife on the market. I wanted a classy, really well-made edc, but this model doesn't do it for me. And I am outraged by the QC and the company's subsequent idea of how to fix it.

I'll get two Spyderco Paramilitaries and pocket the other $100.
 
Reeve should provide the tool with the knife--period.

Buying a knife that is too tight to open without having to buy a tool is unacceptable--at any price.

If you accept a knife that is not right, then more power to you. My opinion is that this is a departure from the Reeve knives that I have owned and still own and it is not a good representation of the winner of many Manufacturer Quality awards.

My hope would be that they fix this issue without additional cost to the user.
 
My two have been butter since the day they came out of the box. Mine came with the adjustment tool from the seller for $400.00 including shipping and insurance. Mine came from (Customer Favorites) Helen Lotridge on E-bay, See is the worlds best to deal with. Either one of mine have never needed to be adjusted, They just work.................

:D:D:D Rickster :D:D:D
 
Komondor, you do realize many times it is not the knife but the person thats the problem right?

For example, when I first got my Sebenza, I thought something was wrong with it because it was almost impossible to push the blade out with the thumbstud. After inquiring about it, I found the problem was that the stud was to have a different technique than normal stud folders. Then, in a day or two of practice, it comes naturally and has been a pleasure to own.

There probably is no issue, you just have to adjust to it and let the knife break in. CRK uses extremely tight tolerances, so just give it some time.

Moreover, CRK sends them out with tools now (I believe), and there are dealers out there who sells them with the takedown tool. You have to realize when a new product is released not everything is perfect, it takes time to make perfection. After 20 years of making the Sebenza they still are finding ways to improve it.

I also will add the Umnumzaan is full of innovations, one of them being the knife is pretty much maintenance free. There are no reason to take the knife apart and clean it because particles cannot get inside the pivot.
 
komondor said:
I got mine today.

EXACT same problem. I find this unacceptable. And to those who think this isn't a big deal because you've spent a thousand dollars on customs, there's no logic there.

First of all, customs are customs, and are difficult to tweak out bugs since the maker doesn't make many of them. A handmade production knife like the Umnumzaan is very widely produced and should not leave the shop with such a glaring issue.

Second of all, I can spend less than half the money on a Spyderco and know it will work and be satisfactory right out of the box. Money has nothing to do with it.

Spending $400 on a PRODUCTION folding knife and not having it open properly is simply ridiculous. It's not defensible.

Furthermore, I am underwhelmed with this knife. I realize it is well-engineered and made out of very good materials, but it looks and feels puny and insubstantial.

That's NO fault of CRK, however, just my tastes.

I'll likely be putting this knife on the market. I wanted a classy, really well-made edc, but this model doesn't do it for me. And I am outraged by the QC and the company's subsequent idea of how to fix it.

I'll get two Spyderco Paramilitaries and pocket the other $100.
Click to expand...

Must be a full moon ...that beer must taste terrible with all those tears in it :D

Blazengem is probably correct...its most likely user error :yawn:

You should return the knife to the place of purchase and buy some spyderco's you can repair those with your basic tool kit.

I'm LMAO about you guys complaining about such a tiny issue...These knives are so awesome IMO.

Nothing against spyderco...i have some....but to compare it to this Reeve is a JOKE (IMO) :)

CRK should add those junk takedown tools to the box....bhyde was making some killer ones but he seems to have dissapeared.

If any of you umnumers have a bhyde tool and have sold your umnum...i will buy them. :)
 
BlazenGem said:
Komondor, you do realize many times it is not the knife but the person thats the problem right?

For example, when I first got my Sebenza, I thought something was wrong with it because it was almost impossible to push the blade out with the thumbstud. After inquiring about it, I found the problem was that the stud was to have a different technique than normal stud folders. Then, in a day or two of practice, it comes naturally and has been a pleasure to own.

There probably is no issue, you just have to adjust to it and let the knife break in. CRK uses extremely tight tolerances, so just give it some time.

Moreover, CRK sends them out with tools now (I believe), and there are dealers out there who sells them with the takedown tool. You have to realize when a new product is released not everything is perfect, it takes time to make perfection. After 20 years of making the Sebenza they still are finding ways to improve it.

I also will add the Umnumzaan is full of innovations, one of them being the knife is pretty much maintenance free. There are no reason to take the knife apart and clean it because particles cannot get inside the pivot.
Click to expand...

Blaze, yur a good guy....yur parents should be proud they raised such a well spoken son. :)
 
BlazenGem,

As I played with the Umnum tonight (while watching Land of the Lost-- ugh), I thought there was a possibility that I need a new muscle memory in order to open this knife easily.

Although it hasn't gotten any easier, I'm still thinking it could be a possibility. One of the things that strikes me is there is no grippiness or area of the stud in which to take purchase with your thumb. It's very smooth. The stud also rests very closely-- touching, basically-- to the handle slab.

I've tried everything. I don't think it is me. I think it's the pivot. Not only that, other members here (other than the OP) haven't complained about difficulties opening the knife upon initial experience.

It doesn't make sense that a folder is so innovative that it is difficult to open to the uninitiated. However, I'll try to keep an open mind.

bigmark408,

No tears here-- although it might have helped water down the Creme Broulee Stout I was drinking tonight. Wow, that stuff is heavy.

I guess I'm silly to think that paying $400 for a folding tactical knife would have afforded me something I could have opened with one hand.

How foolish of me.

By the way, why is not being able to open it as it was obviously intended such a "tiny issue" as you so state?

If it were a fixed blade, I can see not being able to open it. That's because fixed blades cannot be opened (or closed for that matter).

It's like buying a really expensive pen-- really expensive-- and it not being able to take the cap off without an unreasonable amount of effort.

Think about it.

I'm happy for you that you've had nothing but positive experiences with this model of knife. But think to what I'm actually complaining about and try re-thinking your attitude.

As to Spyderco: I've been carrying for the last 5 or 6 yrs as my EDC a Police w carbon fiber scales and fully serrated blade. Great knife. Great knife.

Never had a problem cutting anything with it-- everything from rubber hose to bagels to opening cans of dry gas. (Mostly in that order-- :)) Never had a problem opening it up. It's as smooth as silk and cuts like a champ. I've even picked out slivers with its delicate point.

And it looks great. Brand new it cost me about $120-- less than one third the cost of the Umnumzaan.

So where exactly does this "joke" you speak of fall?

One thing I do know about all this: I won't be paying any extra $ for a tool so that I can open my folding knife in a reasonable and intentional fashion.
 
komondor said:
BlazenGem,

As I played with the Umnum tonight (while watching Land of the Lost-- ugh), I thought there was a possibility that I need a new muscle memory in order to open this knife easily.

Although it hasn't gotten any easier, I'm still thinking it could be a possibility. One of the things that strikes me is there is no grippiness or area of the stud in which to take purchase with your thumb. It's very smooth. The stud also rests very closely-- touching, basically-- to the handle slab.

I've tried everything. I don't think it is me. I think it's the pivot. Not only that, other members here (other than the OP) haven't complained about difficulties opening the knife upon initial experience.

It doesn't make sense that a folder is so innovative that it is difficult to open to the uninitiated. However, I'll try to keep an open mind.

bigmark408,

No tears here-- although it might have helped water down the Creme Broulee Stout I was drinking tonight. Wow, that stuff is heavy.

I guess I'm silly to think that paying $400 for a folding tactical knife would have afforded me something I could have opened with one hand.

How foolish of me.

By the way, why is not being able to open it as it was obviously intended such a "tiny issue" as you so state?

If it were a fixed blade, I can see not being able to open it. That's because fixed blades cannot be opened (or closed for that matter).

It's like buying a really expensive pen-- really expensive-- and it not being able to take the cap off without an unreasonable amount of effort.

Think about it.

I'm happy for you that you've had nothing but positive experiences with this model of knife. But think to what I'm actually complaining about and try re-thinking your attitude.

As to Spyderco: I've been carrying for the last 5 or 6 yrs as my EDC a Police w carbon fiber scales and fully serrated blade. Great knife. Great knife.

Never had a problem cutting anything with it-- everything from rubber hose to bagels to opening cans of dry gas. (Mostly in that order-- :)) Never had a problem opening it up. It's as smooth as silk and cuts like a champ. I've even picked out slivers with its delicate point.

And it looks great. Brand new it cost me about $120-- less than one third the cost of the Umnumzaan.

So where exactly does this "joke" you speak of fall?

One thing I do know about all this: I won't be paying any extra $ for a tool so that I can open my folding knife in a reasonable and intentional fashion.
Click to expand...

I recently picked up another umnum im gonna pimp for a good buddy of mine and it was stiff as hell just as has been described in this thread...i have several take down tools so it just took me a second.

I just think the umnum is being judged un fairly here....CRK should provide a tool....Make no mistake though...when the pivot is properly adjusted the umnum is a awesome knife (IMO) smoothe as a babies ass and a awesome lock mechanism that is smoothe as hell and doesnt stick.

BTW, i have a couple of spyderco Ti military's with the CRK framelock on order. ;)
 
Komondor,

My experience with CRKs is that it will take time to adjust to the technique and keep opening and closing it to let it wear in. It is sort of like new leather boots...or sort of like Striders, stiff at first (did I mention comes with bladeplay).

In my opinion, you should really give the Umnumzaan another shot, theres not another folder on the market like it.

I just had the Sebenza in my pocket and found pieces of lint has gotten into the pivot and washers, thus now I have to take it apart, clean and lube it again. The above would happen with any folder, however, with the Umnumzaan, you would of had nothing to worry about.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667637

Get yourself a takedown tool for a few bucks, or you will be missing out.
 
While it is BS to have to shell out a tenspot for the takedown tool, I'll tell you what's even WORSE. When I bought my Zaan from the Pharmacy they didn't have any takedown tools, so I said "no problem" I can score one online. Got home and fired up the internet only to find that the tool was unavailable anywhere. CRK was working on them but there were none on the market. I kept checking and eventually found a popular Canadian CRK dealer had them. Seems there was a "pecking order" on getting these from CRK and this dude was first in line. Here's the part that POed me...

He REQUIRED the purchase of a Zaan in order to qualify you to buy the takedown tool. That's right folks. You had to purchase that $400 folder all over again just to be "entitled" to get the takedown tool. That popular Canadian CRK dealer (he knows who he is) can go pound sand as far as I'm concerned. Like, from here on out. :mad:
 
Harry, contact CRK as I am sure they will sell you one. And as for the Canadian dealer, thats exclusively his policy, CRK is not to be blamed for it.
 
Goodness got some emotions going in here I see lol.

The way I see it, if the take down tool will solve the issue and slick it up, I won't complain. I guess all my time in performance cars and custom firearms has me used to the idea that sometimes, things need to be tweaked. I agree they should include the tool and I was surprised when she required me to pay for it considering the situation. Yes it was a brick and mortar shop, and a nice one, but I know the owner well I wasn't gonna put it back on him.

I will agree with you guys though, it certainly requires different muscle memory to open than most folders. That is a part of it, but to be honest even after wearing my fingers sore last night lol it still too tight to reliably open every time with one hand.

All that being said, its put up till I get the tool and tweak it a bit, trying not to pass final judgment until the knife is right. We shall see.
 
Argghhh. I'm convinced-- begrudgingly at least-- that I should be patient with this knife.

I know it is fine quality. It's just that it is not immediately obvious like other folders. The knife has a strange lightness and insubstantial-ness to it; but it is well balanced and has superb fit and fitness.

I can't believe this knife is 5 oz. It feels more like 3 oz. The blade is .14" thick, but looks more like .11 (like my BM 710) because of the beveled top spine.

It's definitely sharp...no issue there. I like the grippiness of the slabs (every knife should have grippiness) and the hump of the blade profile (reminds me of my beloved Busse FBMLE).

Alright, alright, alright. I'll work with it more.
 
They're right about break-in, but because these have variable tension I imagine some are tighter than others from the factory. Plus, CRK has a policy that a knife as slick as we like them is not factory acceptable. They like em tight so you can't flick em.

I had the same trouble with the thumbstud. Took me a month to get used to it.

komondor said:
Argghhh. I'm convinced-- begrudgingly at least-- that I should be patient with this knife.

I know it is fine quality. It's just that it is not immediately obvious like other folders. The knife has a strange lightness and insubstantial-ness to it; but it is well balanced and has superb fit and fitness.

I can't believe this knife is 5 oz. It feels more like 3 oz. The blade is .14" thick, but looks more like .11 (like my BM 710) because of the beveled top spine.

It's definitely sharp...no issue there. I like the grippiness of the slabs (every knife should have grippiness) and the hump of the blade profile (reminds me of my beloved Busse FBMLE).

Alright, alright, alright. I'll work with it more.
Click to expand...
 
When I first got my Sebenza, I thought it was unusually hard to open but it is actually technique. It is a little bit different to open than your typical Spyderco or Benchmade, and like someone else noted, the polished thumbstud on the Umnum doesn't help. But I'm sure if you give it a shot you'll get the hang of it, might not even need adjustment.
 
komondor said:
Argghhh. I'm convinced-- begrudgingly at least-- that I should be patient with this knife.

I know it is fine quality. It's just that it is not immediately obvious like other folders. The knife has a strange lightness and insubstantial-ness to it; but it is well balanced and has superb fit and fitness.

I can't believe this knife is 5 oz. It feels more like 3 oz. The blade is .14" thick, but looks more like .11 (like my BM 710) because of the beveled top spine.

It's definitely sharp...no issue there. I like the grippiness of the slabs (every knife should have grippiness) and the hump of the blade profile (reminds me of my beloved Busse FBMLE).

Alright, alright, alright. I'll work with it more.
Click to expand...

The weight v.s size does almost defy the imagination. I get that feeling too. Really got my fingers crossed that I can loosen this thing up a bit and get used to the motion (seems to me more of a forward push than an up push on the thumb stud), I REALLY WANT to like this knife lol :D
 
Where can I buy the takedown kit for the Umnum ? I can't seem to find it anywhere on the net.
 
(seems to me more of a forward push than an up push on the thumb stud),
Click to expand...

Yup. That's exactly what it is. Pushing forward-- not up, and not in (towards the other slab).

Now it's getting easy. I already cut my first thing with it: opened a bag of coffee today. I feel like a kid with my first folding knife. :D

Will I be able to hammer this knife into a steel pipe without damaging it? :D:D:D
 
A few comments for this discussion that I would have liked to have posted earlier but I just did not get a chance :

Gotsouthern – I have spoken with Charmaine, our customer service gal with whom you spoke yesterday, and she remembers the conversation. I apologize that she did not insist you send the knife back to us. That is our policy – if there is some circumstance where that is difficult (like the customer being out of the USA or some particular time constraint), then we offer the customer the option to try to remedy by himself. I would still encourage you to return the knife to us so please contact me to make arrangements crkinfo@chrisreeve.com or 208-375-0367. We inspect all knives leaving the shop thoroughly and if, for whatever reason, our customer gets a knife that is difficult to open or there is some other area of concern, we want to know about it. This is true for all customers so Komodor, please consider yourself included!


Please bear in mind that the Umnumzaan opens by pushing your thumb straight forward against the thumblug, parallel with the handle. This is different from the Sebenza that needs a sideways, sweeping motion.


To address other parts of the discussion concerning the supplying of the take down tool and Chris’s philosophy etc.

Chris’s philosophy about making knives that are well designed, perform exceptionally, are manufactured to the highest standards and are supported by outstanding customer service have not changed in the slightest. His philosophy about customers disassembling their knives has not changed either. What we all wonder about is why some of our customers receive brand new knives, in perfect condition, and within minutes have to them apart – but that is another discussion!

There is good reason why we don’t supply the take down kit with every Umnumzaan. The reality of our experience is that the number of customers who do not disassemble their knives is quite a bit higher than the number that do disassemble them. (While this might not be the case for Bladeforum participants who are a pretty fervent bunch, it is true for the rest of our customer base.) The allen wrench supplied with each Sebenza costs us 18 cents. The Umnumzaan take down kit contains two wrenches, two delrin tools, a container of Loctite and booklet with instructions on how to dis- and re-assemble. At our current retail price of $7.50, we have been losing money on the kit and are going to have to increase the price. However, recognizing that it the tool is a custom item and cannot be purchased elsewhere, we choose to keep the price very reasonable at $12.50.

Yes, we it did take us a while to get the kit to market. We were having the tools made by a local machine shop at a cost to us of $10.00 each. It took a few months for us to purchase the lathe, develop the process so the cost could be reduced......

Should we increase the price of every Umnumzaan for a kit that a majority of our customers don’t want and won’t use, or should we offer the kit as an accessory?

Anne
 
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