Sebenza 25 and Umnumzaan - what are the differences?

B

Barnack

Joined
Oct 16, 2015
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16
Hey, everyone -

I am thinking of getting a Chris Reeve folder to boost my current collection of Project 1, Green Beret 7" and Shadow V.

Aside from the cosmetic styling and the small differences in weight and blade length, what are the differences between the Sebenza 25 and Umnumzaan knives? Is one design more durable and reliable than the other? Or are the real differences cosmetic? If anyone owns or has owned both knives, which do you prefer and why?

Thanks for your help.
 
Can't comment on the 25 ... the umnumzaan is a great knife ... but if you want the true essence of the chris reeve experience. The 21 stands alone as the king....
 
I like the blade grind on the 25 more. Ergonomics are better on the umnumzaan for me. Both are extremely durable and reliable. I own both but tend to favor the zaan mostly for aesthetic reasons.
 
No over travel stop or lanyard hole on the 25, and the Umnumzaan doesn't have a pin and uses the thumb studs as a blade stop instead. I also prefer the grind on the 25, and that plus micarta inlays pushed the Umnumzaan out of my belt sheath.
 
I've had both and I prefer the Umnumzaan. IMO the ergos are better on the Zaan than the 25. The blade looks really good in person as well. The Zaan is also easier to open/flick with the thumb.
 
I prefer the blade-mounted stops on the Zaan, they are more out of the way when cutting things, and in my opinion provide an additional reinforcement to lateral blade movement, transferring stress to the Ti slabs rather than solely on the blade's pivot axis. I also find the Zaan-push method of opening to be more positive and consistent, moving mostly in one direction rather than the more circular route of the Sebenza. I also like how the blade tang on the Zaan is near flush with the Ti finger guard at the "pinch point" between my thumb and index finger when gripping the knife, and seems a bit further forward relative to the cutting edge again as compared to a Sebenza. Pretty clear I prefer the Umnumzaan overall.
 
Man that's a hard question for me. There both worthy of owning and are differant enough.
 
Thanks for the comments so far, guys - it's good to get some information from people who own these knives so that I don't have to buy based on guesswork - but then again, how could you go wrong with either one? I don't think you could.

I have been doing so me reading about the Sebenza 25; here is part of what is on the CRK website:
...Virtually every year since the inception of the Sebenza in 1987 has seen small, incremental developments, improvements and changes. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sebenza in 2012, Chris brought some new concepts to the Sebenza 25.

• Large Hollow Grind Technology—the first blade to feature this new grind that blends the best of hollow and flat grinds.
• Shaped phosphor bronze washer on the lock side brings additional stability to that side of the blade.
• One-eighth inch ceramic ball acts as the interface between the lock bar and the blade, and doubles to drop into the detent, ensuring the blade stays in place when closed.
• Larger perforations in the washers reduce friction, store more lubricant and offer space for small dirt
particles to move away from the blade/washer 
interface, helping to prevent blade action from 
becoming “sticky”.
• 416 Heat treated stainless steel stop pin.
• Asymmetrical pattern thumb serrations on a curved thumb ramp of the blade give excellent purchase.
• At 0.140” (3.56mm), the blade is more robust than previous Sebenza models...
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I am starting to get the idea that the Sebenza 25 is the flagship model of the Chris Reeve folder lineup; is that an accurate read on my part? Or is the new Inkosi the top of the line (even though it is a smaller knife than the Sebenza 25)?

I have read that some people expect a large Inkosi to arrive and that it will replace the Sebenza 25. Any thoughts on that?
 
Barnack said:
Thanks for the comments so far, guys - it's good to get some information from people who own these knives so that I don't have to buy based on guesswork - but then again, how could you go wrong with either one? I don't think you could.

I have been doing so me reading about the Sebenza 25; here is part of what is on the CRK website:


I am starting to get the idea that the Sebenza 25 is the flagship model of the Chris Reeve folder lineup; is that an accurate read on my part? Or is the new Inkosi the top of the line (even though it is a smaller knife than the Sebenza 25)?

I have read that some people expect a large Inkosi to arrive and that it will replace the Sebenza 25. Any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...

The flagship is the 21 and has been at least among collectors. Personally I don't think a small knife would ever be the flagship of CRK but maybe I'm biased. Also, a large Inkosi IS a 25
 
Shazb0t said:
I've had both and I prefer the Umnumzaan. IMO the ergos are better on the Zaan than the 25. The blade looks really good in person as well. The Zaan is also easier to open/flick with the thumb.
Click to expand...

That's good info. to know, as ergonomics are a consideration for my screwed up hands. Originally I thought in terms of getting just one Reeve folder; now I am starting to think in terms of an Umnumzaan and either a 21 or an Inkosi - or hell, maybe all three over time.

I like the styling of the Umnumzaan; it seems like it would be a great choice for an EDC/user folder. It will probably be my first purchase.
 
Personally I like the Zaan much more than the micarta 25. I also like the large 21 better than the 25. The large 21 is in the same size range as the Zaan and 25, however the Inkosi is a much smaller knife. The Zaan is a more stout than the 25 or large 21.

Here is my Zaan and 25. The perspective is making the 25 look smaller than it really is.
20150316_220047 by brw713, on Flickr

Here is my Star-Tac, Zaan, and large 21: Personally I like the Zaan better than the Star-Tac also.
20150427_220352 by brw713, on Flickr
 
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But the star-tac is a Zaan lol. I prefer the starburst pattern to the stock handle.
 
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The only caution I give the umnumzaan as an EDC choice is deploying in public, if that is even a concern of yours. The Zaan is a great blade, and the opening system is perhaps the best CRK offers, but when you whip out that eye-catching harpoon point in mixed company, expect the odd gasp from time to time. When I EDCd a Zaan at work, I found I ended up being a bit reluctant to use it to open a box for the secretary, or help someone out with a cutting task etc. "Why do you carry a dagger?" was a question I got asked once. If your EDC uses are more private, or the people you work or live around have thicker skin, the Zaan is awesome blade. The sebenzas are more people friendly, and no less capable. My "I only want one CRK" safe-bet suggestion would be a large 21 with Micarta inlays.......unfortunately, any CRK is a "gateway drug" to owning all the other models, so be prepared.
 
Shazb0t said:
Bit the star-tac is a Zaan lol. I prefer the starburst pattern to the stock handle.
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I think the Zaan's crosshatch pattern gives more grip on the thumb - thus I like it better than the Star-Tac. Plus at a lesser cost....
 
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Vaporstang said:
I think the Zaan's crosshatch pattern gives more grip on the thumb - thus I like it better than the Star-Tac. Plus at a lesser cost....
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Well everyone has their own opinion. I prefer the starburst pattern, but we both prefer the Zaan which is nice to get out there. Especially if it entices someone else to give it a shot over a Sebenza if they were on the fence.
 
kidcongo said:
The only caution I give the umnumzaan as an EDC choice is deploying in public, if that is even a concern of yours. The Zaan is a great blade, and the opening system is perhaps the best CRK offers, but when you whip out that eye-catching harpoon point in mixed company, expect the odd gasp from time to time. When I EDCd a Zaan at work, I found I ended up being a bit reluctant to use it to open a box for the secretary, or help someone out with a cutting task etc. "Why do you carry a dagger?" was a question I got asked once. If your EDC uses are more private, or the people you work or live around have thicker skin, the Zaan is awesome blade. The sebenzas are more people friendly, and no less capable. My "I only want one CRK" safe-bet suggestion would be a large 21 with Micarta inlays.......unfortunately, any CRK is a "gateway drug" to owning all the other models, so be prepared.
Click to expand...

While the sheeple are easily spooked by pretty much any knife, size is not a legal concern in my area. In my state, you can carry any size knife you want - even a 10" fixed blade on your belt. The only legal concern is with automatics, which I have no real interest in. A $50 Ka-Bar which is lawful to carry is capable of much more carnage if that is your goal than a 3" blade auto opener.

After reading all the above posts and information, I am pretty well leaning toward the Umnumzaan. If it scares people, it will provide an opportunity to educate them a bit regarding knives and knife laws. Anything can be used to kill a person. A Bic pen can kill a person just as dead as an automatic knife, an Umnumzaan, a Ka-Bar or a .45 auto...
 
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REVDH said:
21 is the best. Go with the Zaan. the 25 shouldnt be called a sebenza.
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I'm curious why you say that? I don't own a 25 and haven't hardly handled one either but own a small 21 insingo and a large 21 inlay and after I pay off the Ti-Lock on layaway I was planning on a Umanzaan or 25. I prefer the true hollow grind of a 21 more but like the ceramic ball lock face of the 25, the oth see other difference is mainly the pivot?
 
kidcongo said:
The only caution I give the umnumzaan as an EDC choice is deploying in public, if that is even a concern of yours. The Zaan is a great blade, and the opening system is perhaps the best CRK offers, but when you whip out that eye-catching harpoon point in mixed company, expect the odd gasp from time to time. When I EDCd a Zaan at work, I found I ended up being a bit reluctant to use it to open a box for the secretary, or help someone out with a cutting task etc. "Why do you carry a dagger?" was a question I got asked once. If your EDC uses are more private, or the people you work or live around have thicker skin, the Zaan is awesome blade. The sebenzas are more people friendly, and no less capable. My "I only want one CRK" safe-bet suggestion would be a large 21 with Micarta inlays.......unfortunately, any CRK is a "gateway drug" to owning all the other models, so be prepared.
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One of the reasons I sold mine. Not that I care so much what others think, but don't like to draw attention. Prefer smaller knives for EDC, but if I want a larger knife, the 21 works for me and a bit more subdued.

Barnack said:
After reading all the above posts and information, I am pretty well leaning toward the Umnumzaan. If it scares people, it will provide an opportunity to educate them a bit regarding knives and knife laws. Anything can be used to kill a person. A Bic pen can kill a person just as dead as an automatic knife, an Umnumzaan, a Ka-Bar or a .45 auto...
Click to expand...

We think alike in this regard, but unfortunately a large number of people do not use logic or fact in their reasoning and no amount of calm explanation will ever change their minds.
REVDH said:
21 is the best. Go with the Zaan. the 25 shouldnt be called a sebenza.
Click to expand...
Well hell, it's settled. Close the thread. [emoji57]
 
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