Request - Unbiased Review of Sebenza 25 vs. Umnumzaan

calypso699

calypso699

Joined
Jun 10, 2006
Messages
572
It might be a bit early, but I'm looking for some unbiased reviews of the Sebenza 25 versus the Umnumzaan. In my opinion, the latest version of the Sebenza makes it much closer to the Umnumzaan in terms of design. They share some characteristics (blade steel and handle material, pivot style and size, ceramic ball on the lock bar) while also having some obvious differences between the two (different types of blade stops, aesthetics and ergonomics).

The reason I'm asking this is because I really don't like having multiple knives in my collection that fill the same niche. I have a specific knife for all the different things I do (working in the office, gardening, dressing up, etc). I'm not a collector so having both "just because" is out of the question. Is there a reason I should start saving my pennies for the Sebenza 25? I already own an Startac Umnumzaan and really don't see anything the Sebenza 25 has to offer that my Umnumzaan doesn't.

I look forward to hearing everyone's opinions.
 
It's got swanky new stabalised washers and a different grind than we usually see, other than that it's a standard CRK.
 
I have the 25 and the Zann. It's known that I am not a huge fan of the Zann, but I do like it and won't sell mine, at least not right now. So far, my limited carry time with the 25 is positive. I would say that the 25 is a hybrid of the Zann and Sebenza. If I had to choose one, I'd chose the 25.
 
I don't understand the question, mechanically they may be similar but their missions are different. The Zaan is tactical and the 25 is more of an everyday folder just like the 21.
 
dinokay said:
I don't understand the question, mechanically they may be similar but their missions are different. The Zaan is tactical and the 25 is more of an everyday folder just like the 21.
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I would say that gap has been bridged, the 25 is the same blade thickness as the Umnumzaan and has a more robust grind being nearly flat so thicker behind the edge. Reaching the balance between a flat and hollow grind was the whole reason for this super shallow hollow grind we see used now. I would say the 25 is as "tactical" as the Umnumzaan and they have very similar target uses, IMO.
 
Haze said:
I would say the 25 is as "tactical" as the Umnumzaan and they have very similar target uses, IMO.
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Hmmm, maybe if you add a glass breaker, LBS, and silent opening bushings.;)

I don't know if a 25 can kick the Zaan out of my pocket.
 
You just convinced me I need a 25, can't wait.


Haze said:
I would say that gap has been bridged, the 25 is the same blade thickness as the Umnumzaan and has a more robust grind being nearly flat so thicker behind the edge. Reaching the balance between a flat and hollow grind was the whole reason for this super shallow hollow grind we see used now. I would say the 25 is as "tactical" as the Umnumzaan and they have very similar target uses, IMO.
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21 meets umnum? I'd take that any day. The ergonomics of the 21 are so much better (for me) than the umnum. If only they would put the umnums old pivot on the 25 then I'd have a keeper!
 
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After disaamenbling the 25 next to the Zann, I am beginning to question wether or not CRK is going to do away with the Zann. To me, the 25 is as beefy of a knife as the Zann is. THe pivot on the 25 is as large and the scales are as thick and the blade stock are equally thick.
 
BBQ BOY said:
I am beginning to question wether or not CRK is going to do away with the Zann.
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I would be surprised if they got rid of the Zaan. They've been steadily upgrading it.

I can see them raising the price on the Zaan though, it has more features and it costs less than the 25.
 
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5.56 said:
Hmmm, maybe if you add a glass breaker, LBS, and silent opening bushings.;)

I don't know if a 25 can kick the Zaan out of my pocket.
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Yes, yes, but back in the real world where glass breakers are usless to most of us, silent opening really means nothing and those of us that carry the early vintages with no LBS are going to find them to be pretty even I think. :D

You know how much of a thing I have for the Umnumzaan and I don't see a 25 kicking my Umnumzaan out of a pocket either, but I am interested in this knife and think they will pan out to be equaly good to the end users like us. :thumbup:
 
Crk stopped production on the regular when the 21showed up...replaced it with umnum. Wondering myself if they will keep producing very similar knives(25 umnum) maybe they come out with something new to replace umnum?
 
How about they stop production on the 'Zaan and start designing the Small Sebenza 25 for those of us that prefer smaller knives...:thumbup:
 
lemmuhj said:
Crk stopped production on the regular when the 21showed up...replaced it with umnum. Wondering myself if they will keep producing very similar knives(25 umnum) maybe they come out with something new to replace umnum?
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I would guess if anything gets replaced, it's the Ti-Lock.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't really see much excitement in the marketplace for this knife.
 
Good points you have about the 25 and Zaan being similar. Biggest differences I see are the stop pins and blade grind. Ergos are a big factor to me and I EDC my Startac over my 21s or regs. The Zaan is just more comfortable to me. I also like the thicker stock. So to me the highlights of the 25 are evident. My 25 shows Monday. I think Chris hit a home run with this one. I'm understanding and liking the changes he's made the more I read and see on this new Sebenza! I held the 25 at this years Blade Show Atlanta and was impressed then.
 
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