Question for those that own both Umnumzann and Sebenza

T

ThumperACC

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Feb 28, 2009
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So...I just got my first Sebenza (small, plain 21) and I just love it. Thinking of getting a large 21 to go with it, but I keep looking at the Umnumzann as well.

Here is my question. My small 21 locks up so solid it feels like a fixed blade when it is open. Very impressive. Given that the Umnumzaan has those rubber bumpers on the studs/stops does it lock open as rock-solid as the Sebenza does? Do the rubber bumpers get completely squished or is there some give when locked open?

Thanks,
ThumperACC
 
I'm looking at my Umnumzaan right now in the open position and the o-rings do get a little squished.

They are very durable and bounce back to shape as soon as the pressure is taken off.

As far as lock up - it's solid as a rock. The o-rings are there to allow for quiet opening and to allow you to flick the knife open, as the rings act as a shock absorber. If I take my o-rings off, the knife still locks up solid with no play. The stop pins make direct contact with the titanium.

The other main difference is the ceramic ball installed in the face of the lockbar which makes contact with the blade tang. You will notice that the lockbar face does not make direct contact with the blade like the Sebenza - thats due to the ball making contact.
 
They sort of cushion the opening but it is rock solid once locked.

I had an Umnu but didn't like the lockbar access...I still prefer the Classic/21 models. YMMV! It is a great knife if it works for you.
 
If you like the style of the Zaan, you can always take the rubber rings off -- it doesn't affect the function of the knife.
 
Having owned both and EDCing both the L. Seb and Umnumzaan everyday, I would recommend getting the Large Sebenza first. That's not to say that the lockup or F&F of the Umnum has any problems, just that the fit and finish of the Sebenza is at 100%. The only thing I disliked about the Umnumzaan was the pivot and having to loctite it. I think I got spoiled by the Sebenza. The Sebenza has such a simple design, and makes it that much better.

However, in the long run, I would recommend eventually picking up an Umnum. It is amazing and the lock bar with the ceramic ball makes it super smooth opening and closing. These two knives have made it impossible for me to go back to other knives.

But if it's bladeplay or lockup you're worried about the Umnumzaan, it's not an issue. It has no bladeplay and 100% lockup.
 
I seem to carry the Umnumzaan the most these days but TBH there is very little between the two at all. I also use my Umnumzaan with out the thumb stud o-rings.
 
I owned both and kept both. They are very different knives.

I will say I love the ceramic ball interface on the Umnumzaan. Extremely smooth, and rock solid lockup.

Given a choice where I could only carry one I would keep my Umnumzaan.
 
I've had both and both are fantastic. Usually if I need to trade off or sell a knife, I'll go for an Umnumzaan first because, other than the tantos, they are all the same while all of my keeper Seb's are inlays or graphics. I suppose that between a plain Seb and a typical Umnumzaan, I might keep the Umnum.
 
DallasSTB said:
I've had both and both are fantastic. Usually if I need to trade off or sell a knife, I'll go for an Umnumzaan first because, other than the tantos, they are all the same
Click to expand...

Oh really?:confused:
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I have both and like both knives, but............

I only use the Sebenza. I doubt any knife will replace it as my user.
 
I like both, I use both. They are quite different knives.

I will say that I find the Umnumzaan take-down more of a hassle than the Sebenza's, though, once I break the locktite the Umnumzaan becomes an easier re-assembly.
 
Wow, thanks for the insights everybody.

I think I will eventually wind up with both but it is killing trying to decide which to get first. Limited funds and all that. :(

Thanks again all,
ThumperACC
 
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