Only one, Sebenza or Umnumzaan?

jritayik

jritayik

Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
206
I'm about to make the leap and purchase a CRK. My question is that there is 0% chance of me owning more than one. So, if you could have only one would you choose a LG 21 or an Umnumzaan and why? This will be my primary EDC and will see alot of use. Thanks in advance.
 
Tough call but since the Umnumzaan is in my opinion an upgrade to the Sebenza,That is how I would (and do) go.

Of the Sebenzas for EDC, I would choose the large Micarta.

dave
 
Only you can know which one is best suited to your application. You will like both. If you want a purebred work knife with defensive properties, get an Umnumzaan (Read my review!!!). If you want cosmetics such as graphics, wood or micarta inlays, or custom designs, get a Sebenza.
 
Hard to imagine needing a more robust folder than the Sebenza. Also, the Sebbie is a great slicer, which IMO, is the primary function of a pocket knife. YMMV.

AJ
 
The Sebenza is what I chose. I had an umnumzaan and a tanto umnumzaan.

I have two Sebenzas though!

The Sebenza is less noticable in the pocket. It's less warrior looking. It slices better. It has the bushing. I've got a small acoustic and a Large Enigma. I like the graphics, and I feel like they make the knife a little less threatening to people, because it gives yet another reason to carry it. Which is because it looks very cool.

You say, hey look at the handle on this baby! Instead of the blade :D
 
I prefer the Um over the Seb but I think if I could just get one then prob the Seb just because it has more history. The um in my opinion does everything better
 
The Seb is a 20+ year old design.
The Zann is CRKs newest design.

Is it an improvement?
Chris thought so. So do I.
 
I'd go for the Seb too. It's more classy and less like a weapon. Micarta inlay would be just right.
 
I say the Classic Seb and not the 21 if you go the Sebbie route. The Umnum is a tad more of a tough knife and the Sebbie is pure coolness. Either, you cannot go wrong. I prefer my Umnum though. Good luck in the quest.
 
I had an Unnumzaan, it was a great knife, but very large. I just prefer the Sebenza over the Umnumzann.
 
Id take the seb for sure. Less gimmicks and just pure beauty IMO. I like my knife for cutting and I feel the seb excels in this. I don't care for large tactical style looking knives. I also really dont like the grooves in the Um.

Large seb for life!
 
I would take the Sebenza without question. I own three of them, they are my most carried knives (have been for about 10 years) and I have no desire whatsoever to get an Umnum.

My first choice of Sebanza would be a Large Regular, but am sure the 21 would be fine.

God, I miss New Paltz.
 
Can you get anywhere in which you can handle them both side by side? If you are near MD, shoot me an email.
Zac
 
the problem is that there is no place near my home where I can handle them before buying. So I am making this decision based on forums and youtube reviews. From what I have read so far it seems like a toss up. Maybe it will come down to a flip of the coin. Heads Sebenza, tails Umnumzaan?
 
I was fortunate that the guy I bought my Umnumzaan from EDCed a large Sebenza, so I had the opportunity to hold both in my hand. To me, the Umnumzaan felt way better. Like Zac said, you should hold both if possible, you will know instantly which one is for you! As either one is a class act, it really doesn't matter which one you opt for. Oh and I'm still gonna get a large Sebenza.:D
 
Here are some things to ask yourself if you can't handle both.
Do you feel that a firmer opening and closing means a more sloid knife? If so get the Seb In my experience with my Seb and Ums the ease of opening is night and day. Yes both are smooth but the Um has less of a hydraulic feel to it.
Does blade thickness matter? To me I prefer thicker I do not do a lot of "slicing" so thinness to me is moot. I prefer a cutter, and thicker blades give me more confidence albeit that prob just psychological.
Does history matter? The Seb has been the Reeve staple for years the Um is new
Are you super particular about weight? I prefer a bit denser carry and while the weight difference is slight you can notice it.
You could always call a retailer and say you would like to order both to compare and one will be sent back. It may cost you shipping and a restock fee but I am sure most would oblige.
 
Is a difference of .015" in blade thickness and 3/10ths of an ounce in weight even noticable without calipers and a scale?
 
CRK's are kind of like Lays potatoes chips. No one can own just one. Get em both.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top