Sebenza vs Mnandi and also which Mnandi Wood

J

jwalker497

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Jul 28, 2007
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I'd like to pick up my first CR knife and was debating between the small sebenza 21 or the Mnandi. At first, not knowing anything about the CR lineup, I was leaning towards the Sebenza, however I have discovered the Mnandi and am having second thoughts. I find weight to be a very important factor in EDC and so the Mnandi is attractive because if saves half the weight while only sacrificing .25in off the blade. So my first question is - for EDC which would be better the Mnandi or the Sebenza?

Second question, if I go with the Mnandi which wood would be the best? I researched and it seems lignum virtae would be the most durable and hardest - anyone have any feedback on which would. Snakewood looks really nice as does boxwood Elder but I am concerned about durability too because it will be in my pocket along with other stuff. Any thoughts, ideas? Any help and pics would be appreciated.
 
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All I know is Lignum is something like ten times harder than oak. That's extremely hard and I'm pretty sure it's a dense wood. I'm not sure how hard or soft the other woods are but CRK will refurb them if needed.
I have NEVER heard anyone complain about CRK's woods.
 
I personally rate the Mnandi over the small Sebenza. If you want a Sebenza get the large. If you want a small knife for EDC or low profile carry in an office or where ever then the Mnandi is the best choice, IMO. The small Sebenza does bridge the gap and is a more rugged small knife but I don't see the need for it my self. It's not as usefull or capable as the large for it's intended use and it does nothing the Manandi can't do for its intended use. I realise the latter part of that argument works both ways but the Mnandi is a better looking, easier carrying and just as usefull knife for those light cutting tasks so wins over the small Sebenza.
As far as wood choices for the Mnandi I much prefer the darker woods like Ebony, Rose wood or African black wood. All of the woods used by CRK are stabalised though and are all pretty much as durable as the next. Just choose the wood you like the look of as that is all there is to worry about really.:p:thumbup:
 
What you need is a small Carbon Fiber Sebenza, just to confuse the issue ;)
 
Yeah...the Wikipedia article on LV has some cool facts about LV. I have a LV small Classic and a Camel Thorn Mnandi, and one of my sons has a Walnut inlay Mnandi. Honestly, I don't think there's a bad choice in the Mnandi inlays, as long as you like the looks of the one that's being purchased.

BBQ BOY said:
All I know is Lignum is something like ten times harder than oak. That's extremely hard and I'm pretty sure it's a dense wood. I'm not sure how hard or soft the other woods are but CRK will refurb them if needed.
I have NEVER heard anyone complain about CRK's woods.
Click to expand...
 
The small Sebenza is the only CRK folder I have, so I can't compare it to the Mnandi, but I certainly do love my small Sebenza! In my opinion, it is the perfect size for EDC; it can be carried with the clip, or loose in the pocket or in the small pouch quite comfortably, and it offers enough blade length for my typical daily uses. To me, the small Sebenza is the perfect efficient design in terms of size and features.

I will have to check out a Mnandi again in person next time I am near my 'local' dealer (190 miles away) so that I can compare it. The Mnandi's 1.5 oz weight is almost unbelievably light, and the selection of wood handles is fantastic (I don't think you can go wrong with any of them).

To be honest, I like a lanyard or fob on my knives, and that makes the small Sebenza a lot more appealing to me than the Mnandi. I wish the Mnandi included a lanyard hole like the Sebenzas.
 
Well, I have a mammoth ivory Mnandi that I NEVER carry. Awesome knife and I love it. I just love my small Sebenza that much. Right now. Have my small micarta Sebenza without the pocket clip or lanyard inside my jeans pocket. I don't wear baggy jeans nor do I wear jeans that are skin tight. I don't even know its there.
 
Maybe I'm just not a gentleman :) I prefer the small sebenza. But I agree with Haze's post, the mnandi can do everything the small sebenza will but I like the "feel" of the small sebbie. You might only be opening a letter or a box but it feels beefier and fits the hand better, so you feel like you are doing a real cutting chore. I own one mnandi and 8 small sebenzas, three of which are LEs. If you really want to get confused consider one of those, they are my favorite small variation.
 
I've had both, sold the Mnandi shortly after purchase. The mnandi is a well-built, solid knife, but IMO it feels small, and delicate. I have medium-sized hands, and i like holding and using my sebenza far more than i did the mnandi. Also, the sebenza blade glides out instantly with a thumb flick. The mnandi is ridiculously difficult to flick open, you really can only guide it open with your thumb. Aside from that, the sebenza feels like a tank in hand; all the features of the mnandi are thinner and lighter; I felt like if i had to do any real work, the sebenza would be more capable. Though I may have developed a bit of a bias toward the Sebenza lol. Your mileage may vary. Both knifes are great, i just sold a mnandi used for five dollars less than i bought it for new; try em both, sell the one you appreciate less! Cheers!
 
I agree with what Haze had said.
It depends on which you prefer, tank look or slim gent? Go to retails, try handing them both and decide for yourself.
Myself, I edc a large Seb when going outdoor n Mnandi in office.
Good luck man, whatever you decide, you are coming on the right track hahaha, CR is the best :D
 
I also think the Sm Sebenza wouldn't be needed if someone has both a Mnandi and a larger CRK folder, but I think if you're only gonna get one (gasp!) CRK folder, the Sm Sebenza covers a broader range of uses, IMO. For example, I carried my Sm Insingo while on shift at the firehouse and will likely carry it tonight when I go to my wife's work Christmas party. A Mnandi would be a better choice for the casual setting, but not stout enough for fireground work, while a Large Sebenza/Umnumzaan would do great at work but be a bit heavy in dress pants(for me, anyways).

It might have just made things worse than better for you, but it's how I view it:thumbup:
 
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