Question about thumbing the zaan

[longun]

I understand that the most of the CR knives are not meant to be flipped. What about the zaan? Is it designed as a thumb flipper? Is it warrantied as such?

 

[Colog]

I don't think it's supposed to be flicked. I'm sure it's possible tho. No idea of the warranty question.

 

[Haze]

You can easily flick the Umnumzaan out with just thumb power, there is no need for that ridiculous wrist flick to slam the blade out. This leads us to the misconception about the nonflicking of CRKs. There is no harm in thumb flicking any CR knife the problem is when people needlessly launch the blade out like their cracking a whip. That is totally unnecessary and it seems CRK decided if you do want to do that to your knife don't go bothering them about it when you have prolems.

 

[marthinus]

One of the best posts on Flipping/Flicking from CRK:

The whole issue of flicking knives has gotten a little away from reality! No, it is not a sin to flick a Sebenza but it is not something we recommend.

Flicking a knife is an activity that has the potential to damage the whole lock mechanism. It causes the parts to slam together, creating unnecessary wear. Flicking the blade open once in a while it is not a problem – in fact, we recommend it as part of the assembly process. It is the compulsive, continuous snapping open of the blade that is a problem; the spending an afternoon in front of the television and flicking-your-knife-open-breaking-the-lock-closing-it-flicking-it-open-again for the duration of a football game, or movie or whatever, and doing it every week.

This is as true for Sebenzas as it is for any other knife – or any hinged mechanism with a stop and a lock. Of all the knives on the market, the Sebenza is best able to withstand flicking because the size of the stop pin/sleeve, and the configuration of the pivot bearing and bearing surface, cause the energy to disperse over a large area.

Here is an analogy that illustrates what we are trying to say:
A man owns a Porsche – it is a well-built car and the whole vehicle has a “bank vault” feel to it. He particularly likes the sound of the doors closing – thunk. To work off his obsessive frustrations about life at large, this man spends hours and hours just opening and closing the door. Eventually the hinges wobble and the doors whistle when he is driving because they don’t close securely any longer. Do you suppose Porsche will replace the doors happily and at no charge?

So in summary, we do not advocate flicking knives at all – it is not in the best interest of the knife – any knife.

Anne

One of the things we are still working on is an Umnumzaan dismantle and cleaning kit with instructions. This will include the tools with which to undo the pivot mechanism and some of the low strength Loctite that we use to ensure the pivot does not loosen accidentally. I guess you guys are just too eager to take things apart!

There has been endless discussion over the "flicking a Sebenza voids the warranty" (I presume you mean flicking not flipping as in "flip this house"!).
A search will get you lots of information. The fact of it is that it is the endless, repetitive flicking that will cause damage to your knife, not just the once in a while instance.

The Umnumzaan opens in the same way as the Sebenza opens with a sweeping, sideways motion on the side of the thumblug. This is usually the remedy for painful thumb but, if the blade is too tight, send it back so we can check it out.

Enjoy your Umnumz!!

Anne

I gave this one to Chris and here is his reply:

The handle must be assembled first and both screws tightend. Just comfortably tight (this applied to all the screws!). The blade assembly (blade, pivot and 2 bronze washers) is then inserted between the handle slabs. If it will not go in, you do not have it assembled correctly. Do not loosen the handle screws off. Once the blade assembly is in the handles, line up the pivot hole and insert the pin. The allen wrench can help you line this up. Tighten the screw into the pin. Flick the knife open once and you are ready to go. This is the only time flicking is advised!

Anne

 

[mikepapa1]

I'd say that about covers it! I especially like the Porsche analogy. Thanks for taking the time to post these quotes marthinus!!:thumbup:
All the best, Dave

 

[Officer's Match]

Got my regular Zaan onboard today. Such a perfect knife...

 

[Birdhunter1220]

I love my Zaan. I have only had to flick it out once. While hunting in North Dakota neither my dog or I were aware of a BIG rooster stalking us. I can only assume I had killed his good friend or brother earlier. Well lucky for us my partner gave a yell to "Look Out" and I turned and flicked out my Zaan and the rooster was dinner. I hope I never have to flick it againg but if I do I know it can be done. Not really just kidding.

 

[MEJ]

I could flick my umnum from day 1 if i remember correctly, like the people above said avoid the wrist action and it shouldnt be matter. I really enjoy the smooth sweep of opening my seb/umnum that i dont really flick them.

 

[MostMenAreRuthless]

Marthinus--thanks for the above quotes--I had never read a couple of those!