Plain Jane Mnandi?

I would suppose the usage scenario for a small elegant folder usually doesn't include gritty outdoorsy work, but I'd be very down for a black micarta inlay Mnandi without the polished scales.

If we're making a Mnandi wishlist (that CRK probably won't read), I propose a Lip Opener design for the next Mnandi iteration.
Not a front-flipper, mind you, which has the flipper tab/tang protrusion somewhere between the pivot axis and scale spine in front of the scales, and usually requires bearing washers, but a slow rolling lip opener, where the tang protrusion is below the pivot axis. Basically the Mnandi shape as it already is, but with either less of a 'finger guard' or more blade tang.

a) The lip opener method is a South African design
b) It's much less work to make because it doesn't contain either of the more bothersome elements on a CRK knife: the thumb-lugs and Mnandi notch
 
SavageSick said:
Why has there never been a plain-jane mnandi?

Exotic materials are nice and all, but I want a knife that could withstand all the elements!
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You mean an all titanium mnandi? It’s been discussed on here plenty of times. It would be nice.

The closest thing I’ve ever seen to one was made by Jeremiah Fleming, Eric Fleming’s son and it looked amazing. I’ll try to find a picture and upload.
 
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The Mnandi is a well balanced gents knife. Taking away the dual inlays would detract from that design, not to mention making it unnecessarily heavier. If you're worried about "withstanding the elements" consider bog oak (already submerged in elements for years) or ebony (an extremely durable wood on it's own).

H hoimin I already open a Mnandi like that and have done so for years. It's designed as a two handed knife though.
 
Josh K said:
H hoimin I already open a Mnandi like that and have done so for years. It's designed as a two handed knife though.
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:O Whoa, it's possible! I figured the detent would not allow it very easily without a little more leverage -- there's like nearly nothing poking out!

Not my knife or photo:
chris-reeve-bog-oak-wood-handle_1_1cfa599b3ce23a27ea94021a50e14002.jpg


I kind of always wondered why it was designed to protrude (same with the Sebenza); it's not elegantly hidden and not usefully proud of the scales. A little bit more in either direction would be nice!
 
hoimin said:
I kind of always wondered why it was designed to protrude (same with the Sebenza); it's not elegantly hidden and not usefully proud of the scales. A little bit more in either direction would be nice!
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Because that's the way the lines work. Sebenza protrudes as well, but it's not an intentional feature for opening. A little either way (more tang exposed or more handles covering) and it would throw the lines off in my opinion.
 
Josh K said:
Because that's the way the lines work. Sebenza protrudes as well, but it's not an intentional feature for opening. A little either way (more tang exposed or more handles covering) and it would throw the lines off in my opinion.
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Yeah, it definitely would. The design would have to be re-conceived to prioritize those elements, be it a properly tucked tang, or lip opener.
I think the Sebenza and Mnandi are pretty close to going in either direction (stop pin relocation and tang length adjustments). I don't know if moving the stop pin forward and shortening the tang (and vice versa) would change the framelockup detrimentally.

There are certainly designs out there that give their blades a proper tuck and great line flow both open and closed (Dmitry Sinkevich, Liong Mah off the top of my head).
 
hoimin said:
There are certainly designs out there that give their blades a proper tuck and great line flow both open and closed (Dmitry Sinkevich, Liong Mah off the top of my head).
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For sure. If you move the stop pin the blade closed position will move and the width of the tang needs to be adjusted, which will probably move the tang again. It's all a balancing act. I prefer these designs as they are, and prioritizing a lip opener on either is not big on my wants list.

A bog oak Mnandi is in my shirt pocket most days and it's a great very solid knife. I'm not sure I would recommend it for cutting shingles but I have no doubt it's capable of tasks beyond opening mail, boxes, and cleaning fingernails.
 
Josh K said:
The Mnandi is a well balanced gents knife. Taking away the dual inlays would detract from that design, not to mention making it unnecessarily heavier. If you're worried about "withstanding the elements" consider bog oak (already submerged in elements for years) or ebony (an extremely durable wood on it's own).
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To bring this back on topic, I agree with this. Tiny knife likes the extra handle girth the inlays afford, as well as the pseudo-handle curvature from the different levels of material.

Slightly reverse question: Wouldn't it be cool if the Sebenza/Inkosi inlays had full 31/Annual inlays on both sides like the Mnandi, occluding the lockbar and acting as a lockbar overtravel stop (and preventing fingers from blocking openings)? It would change up the clip situation somewhat, but that's about it.
 
SavageSick said:
Why has there never been a plain-jane mnandi?

Exotic materials are nice and all, but I want a knife that could withstand all the elements!
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I would just LOOOVE that!!

Now since we already are changing the "gents CRK knife", how about a plane jane(or not) Mnandi with a insingo bladeshape?
 
aengina said:
Mnandi means pretty, right? What's pretty about a plain titanium slab?;)
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I think it means very nice in Zulu.

Titanium is the prettiest metal in the Universe :)

They could be creative and anodize it or add some elegant CGGs.
 
I would love just a blasted Mnandi, just like a PJ 21. I inquired about it several years ago. I was told that a PJ EDC is not what the Mnandi was designed for. It was designed as a elegant gentleman’s knife using inlays. CRK is VERY SENSITIVE when you ask for things they do not make or alter an existing design in any way shape or form. They are offended by the question even. So take it from me and Don’t Ask... lol. While I would love a PJ Ti Mnandi, I would never expect one. Even an existing just blasted over without inlays and even having the inlay pocket would be cool. But... nope. Can always dream though.... lol
 
nyefmaker said:
I would love just a blasted Mnandi, just like a PJ 21. I inquired about it several years ago. I was told that a PJ EDC is not what the Mnandi was designed for. It was designed as a elegant gentleman’s knife using inlays. CRK is VERY SENSITIVE when you ask for things they do not make or alter an existing design in any way shape or form. They are offended by the question even. So take it from me and Don’t Ask... lol. While I would love a PJ Ti Mnandi, I would never expect one. Even an existing just blasted over without inlays and even having the inlay pocket would be cool. But... nope. Can always dream though.... lol
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If ever I find a hideously banger up user under $200 I’ll remove the wood and send it off for a custom blast.
 
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