Noobie need help.

Z

zohninja

Joined
May 8, 2013
Messages
50
Alright guys im pretty new to anything higher end(other than balisongs) and i originally was debating between a large 21 or a smf. almost 100% im going with a crk but ive looked into the umnumzaan a little as well and cant decide which would be better for me.
also if i get a large 21 i really like the look of the plain but how do the micarta inserts hold up/feel/function?
Thanks!
 
How do you see yourself using it? Because every single chris reeve owner I've ever met will never hard use their knife, because they are afraid to scratch the finishes. (I'm sure a sebenza can hold up to torture test pretty much as well as a strider, but that's besides the point) If you want a hard user, I'd go strider purely because they look more and more badass the more scratches and blemish they collect :) Just my $.02
 
olybears57 said:
How do you see yourself using it? Because every single chris reeve owner I've ever met will never hard use their knife, because they are afraid to scratch the finishes. (I'm sure a sebenza can hold up to torture test pretty much as well as a strider, but that's besides the point) If you want a hard user, I'd go strider purely because they look more and more badass the more scratches and blemish they collect :) Just my $.02
Click to expand...

You can't have met many then. I know a lot people that use and carry a CRK as a work knife and a general EDC. I have yet to meet a single person that you describe. Go and toot the strider horn else where.....

I would personally take the Umnumzaan over the 21 every time but you really can't go wrong with either. The Umnumzaan does have slightly thicker blade stock over the 21 though, if that matters. :)
 
I'd go with the umnumzaan, can't go wrong with eighter one, are you gonna use it for general edc or something a bit more specific? for example, if used at work, do you have to use gloves? what kind of materials are you gonna be cutting? etc
 
olybears57 said:
How do you see yourself using it? Because every single chris reeve owner I've ever met will never hard use their knife, because they are afraid to scratch the finishes. (I'm sure a sebenza can hold up to torture test pretty much as well as a strider, but that's besides the point) If you want a hard user, I'd go strider purely because they look more and more badass the more scratches and blemish they collect :) Just my $.02
Click to expand...
Probably not the best forum to suggest the purchase of a strider, besides the op never asked or mentioned anything about a strider. I don't mean to be rude by the way, it's just common sense.
 
Any CRK will be a fine choice.

I have mnandi, small and large sebenza. I use them hard nearly every day and surprised that the finish holds up so well.

ive whittled with all of mine and not a scuff to speak of.
 
magicblade said:
Probably not the best forum to suggest the purchase of a strider, besides the op never asked or mentioned anything about a strider. I don't mean to be rude by the way, it's just common sense.
Click to expand...

Actually, he mentioned an SMF.

Personally, I truly believe that a Sebenza is absolutely as tough, or tougher, than a Strider.

I owned and SnG CC. It was a decent knife, although I thought that it should have cost a couple of hundred dollars less. I traded it (joyfully!) for a Sebenza 25. In that comparo, I'd say the Sebbie had it all over the Strider in terms of toughness.

I've never owned a 'zaan, but have owned several Sebbies. I absolutely recommend a micarta inlay.
 
So much of it is personal preference. My knife uses do not necessitate me needing a large model so 99% of the time I look to my small Sebenza 21 Insingo as my go-to blade. Contrary to "olybearz" statements, I use my Insingo daily and it is a tough, reliable, easy-to-maintain knife made with top-notch materials, highest quality craftsmanship in the business, and besides all that it is stunningly beautiful!
 
I would also suggest the small for actually using as EDC. The large for more of a collector item is my opinion, why not get both and decide, you can always find eager buyers here if you want to part with one.
I just watched a youtube video yesterday, pretty good and long where a fella talks about the inlay vs plain. You should be able to search that up in youtube, worth a watch....basically says it hold up great, wood inlay not so much, also that inlays suit the larger version more than the small as it adds grip.
 
I don't think you can compare a Sebenza and a SMF. Those are totally different knives in shape and size. A SNG would leastways be a comparable size.

Anyway.
On deciding between a 21 and an Umnum the 25 comes to my mind as it is somehow their combination.

Just my 2ct.

Best
Peter
 
Thanks for the opinions guys!
Im not really interested in the 25 as it doesnt have the bushing which i think is awesome about the 21.
I plan on using it really for anything i need it to. I dont go out of my way to use and abuse my knives but i use them no matter what if i need to. I would mostly use it just for edc(i know people think the small is better but i dont like small knives in general.) and for when working around the house/backyard.(not going to try to chop through a board or anything stupid)
One thing i was worried about with the umnum is the tip. i know it has a thicker blade than the 21 but its tip is also a little more delicate. Not saying im gonna go pry with my knife but i dont want to have to worry about it when using it
 
What are your wants and needs in a knife? Before we can give you some better insight buddy
 
kwazyjuice said:
What are your wants and needs in a knife? Before we can give you some better insight buddy
Click to expand...

"I plan on using it really for anything i need it to. I dont go out of my way to use and abuse my knives but i use them no matter what if i need to. I would mostly use it just for edc(i know people think the small is better but i dont like small knives in general.) and for when working around the house/backyard.(not going to try to chop through a board or anything stupid)"
 
If it's the bushing that you like, then you are pretty much limited to the Sebenza.

zohninja said:
Thanks for the opinions guys!
Im not really interested in the 25 as it doesnt have the bushing which i think is awesome about the 21.
I plan on using it really for anything i need it to. I dont go out of my way to use and abuse my knives but i use them no matter what if i need to. I would mostly use it just for edc(i know people think the small is better but i dont like small knives in general.) and for when working around the house/backyard.(not going to try to chop through a board or anything stupid)
One thing i was worried about with the umnum is the tip. i know it has a thicker blade than the 21 but its tip is also a little more delicate. Not saying im gonna go pry with my knife but i dont want to have to worry about it when using it
Click to expand...
 
Do you like a beefier knife or..? The reason why I ask is that you said that you weren't interested in the 25.

I've owned several CRK's and the 25 is my favorite! I wouldn't let the non bushing thing bother you.

It's an amazing knife! I love the bigger pivot, the extra finger choil, the blade grind, beefiness.
It fits better in the hand then the Umnuzaan(I do like the zaan blade though)

Just don't put it out because of the non bushing. It really doesn't make a difference. I've had my pivot bushings come loose on my CRK's.
 
kwazyjuice said:
Do you like a beefier knife or..? The reason why I ask is that you said that you weren't interested in the 25.

I've owned several CRK's and the 25 is my favorite! I wouldn't let the non bushing thing bother you.

It's an amazing knife! I love the bigger pivot, the extra finger choil, the blade grind, beefiness.
It fits better in the hand then the Umnuzaan(I do like the zaan blade though)

Just don't put it out because of the non bushing. It really doesn't make a difference. I've had my pivot bushings come loose on my CRK's.
Click to expand...

I have thought about the 25 but i just havent seen any and as it looks i should be getting a used 21 with micarta inlays for a fair price just gonna need a little work will post pics when i get it
 
Haze said:
You can't have met many then. I know a lot people that use and carry a CRK as a work knife and a general EDC. I have yet to meet a single person that you describe. Go and toot the strider horn else where.....

I would personally take the Umnumzaan over the 21 every time but you really can't go wrong with either. The Umnumzaan does have slightly thicker blade stock over the 21 though, if that matters. :)
Click to expand...

I agree with HAZE....!!! I am one of the CRK users that USE my knives. Both the umnumzaan and 21 are winners, you cant go wrong with either. The 21 has the thinner blade and slices nicely and is easier to take down. The zaan is a step up and is stockier throughout and takes a special tool to take down depending on version and the loctite to set the pivot to your liking. I love the zaan and its the only folder that knocked my sebenza out of my pocket for awhile. I have them all, P, Regular,21,25,zaan and they are all winners. Just pick which you like the best and it will last you a lifetime........THEN you will want more......just warning ya.....lol....!!!
 
I'll second what Scott said.
A lg micarta Sebenza is a fine knife.
The micarta inlays add to the look and feel in especially during wintertime it is nice to handle.
It also gives some kind of professional look - if you know what I mean.

Later there come different wooden inlays.

all the best
red mag
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top