Should I get an Umnumzaan?

[Chipped Karambit]

DID NOT POST IN IN CHRIS REEVES THREAD ON PURPOSE
Please keep it in General. I don't just want fans, I want ppl who find flaws in it. No Group think and higher chance of devils advocates here.

Basically, I am looking to trade my Blue PM2 [S30V] for a lone wolf Blackfoot. Recently I got mesmerized by the Umnumzaan with S35Vn steel. I am currently debating Selling my Blue Paramilitary 2 along with a Used Cold Steel Triple action to get funds for an Umnumzaan. I love the shape and style of it and I hear its good use. I have no clue how much I will need for a Umnumzaan (anyone have a price range) and I am looking for more info. I am currently on the line about this.


TL;DR?
Want more info on Umnumzaan in S35vn [I want good and ALL bad]
Should I just keep trying to get a Lone Wolf Blackfoot or will saving for the Umnumzaan be better
Price area I should look around for a New one.

 

[Tim616]

DID NOT POST IN IN CHRIS REEVES THREAD ON PURPOSE
Please keep it in General. I don't just want fans, I want ppl who find flaws in it. No Group think and higher chance of devils advocates here.

Basically, I am looking to trade my Blue PM2 [S30V] for a lone wolf Blackfoot. Recently I got mesmerized by the Umnumzaan with S35Vn steel. I am currently debating Selling my Blue Paramilitary 2 along with a Used Cold Steel Triple action to get funds for an Umnumzaan. I love the shape and style of it and I hear its good use. I have no clue how much I will need for a Umnumzaan (anyone have a price range) and I am looking for more info. I am currently on the line about this.



TL;DR?
Want more info on Umnumzaan in S35vn [I want good and ALL bad]
Should I just keep trying to get a Lone Wolf Blackfoot or will saving for the Umnumzaan be better
Price area I should look around for a New one.

So essentially you want info from people who can't afford one ^_^

Just get one if you like it.

Midtechs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Production

 

[mrdeus]

I've only handled it once, when I visited a knife store in France. I didn't really care for it. It felt cumbersome to open to me. But I only have a few seconds' experience with it. A lot of people seem to like it.

 

[bomber258]

I owned a folder by him and it was too small and didnt like the grind.

So traded for the Umnumzaam and its sitting in a drawer.

In its place in pocket now is a B/M Barrage and I am happier.

Too each their own.

I will sell the Um as its a blade that I will not carry unless its for a dress up event and I need a small blade.

 

[Tim616]

I owned a folder by him and it was too small and didnt like the grind.

So traded for the Umnumzaam and its sitting in a drawer.

In its place in pocket now is a B/M Barrage and I am happier.

Too each their own.

I will sell the Um as its a blade that I will not carry unless its for a dress up event and I need a small blade.

The Umnum is bigger than the Barrage. What exactly are you talking about when you call it a small blade, it's a nearly 3.7'' long blade, compared to the B/M barrage at 3.6''

 

[Samael]

So essentially you want info from people who can't afford one ^_^

Just get one if you like it.

Midtechs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Production

That's a pretty dumb thing to say. Lots of people who can afford one don't have one. Me, for instance.

I've only handled it once, when I visited a knife store in France. I didn't really care for it. It felt cumbersome to open to me. But I only have a few seconds' experience with it. A lot of people seem to like it.

+1:thumbup:

My sentiments exactly.

 

[Beyond You]

I'd say no, I hated mine, rough to open and I doubted the strength of the lock, If i hadnt sold mine id sure trade it for a blue para 2 straight up. The para2s a much more thought out design and useable knife.

 

[Tim616]

That's a pretty dumb thing to say. Lots of people who can afford one don't have one. Me, for instance.

Nah, if I did something like, quote Donald Rumsfeld, that would be dumb. My post even included a ^_^ to enhance the obvious sarcasm; but sorry to ruffle your feathers.

The Umnum is a pretty perfect knife, the amount of anti-love I see in this thread for it, just does not do it justice. The one guy here, saying he doubts the strength of the lock, but likes the para2 better, sorry but that made me laugh.
If you think the steel thin compression lock of the para 2 will outlive the thick heat treated Ti-lock bar of the Umnum than you need to reevaluate.

 

[Reeek]

I like the Zaan a lot - but, if you want to try something else in a similar flavor, the Les George VECP is THE smoothest, easiest opening and unlocking/closing Ti Framelock knife I have ever owned or operated. They are not easy to obtain but I know Les is working on a second production run. Buying a new one from Les or a dealer will ensure a similar price point as the CRK. I suggest that you jump on one when they are in stock though because they will fly off the shelves.

There is no quirky detent or opening technique. You just put yout thumb on the stud and open it. With ease I might add . . .

I'm not a high end folder virgin whatsoever and I'm actually shocked and impressed by the perfection of the lockup and unlocking ease, pivot smoothness and overall quality of my VECP. The pivot action is so nice it feels like a bearing system but isn't - amazing.

I was totally surprised in a good way when mine arrived (after market). I got mine with mild carry for $410 and don't have any current plans to let it go.

But I still own an S30V, no LBS, Sept 2011 Zaan too One of the finest EDC's I have ever carried to be honest.

The small problem for the Zaan though, is that the VECP has stepped into the Octagon now

 

[Tim616]

I like the Zaan a lot - but, if you want to try something else in a similar flavor, the Les George VECP is THE smoothest, easiest opening and unlocking/closing Ti Framelock knife I have ever owned or operated. They are not easy to obtain but I know les is working on a second production run.

There is no quirky detent or opening technique. You just put yout thumb on the stud and open it. With ease I might add . . .

I'm not a high end folder virgin whatsoever but I'm actually shocked and impressed by the perfection of the lockup and unlocking ease, pivot smoothness and overall quality of my VECP. The pivot action is so nice it feels like a bearing system buit isn't - amazing.

I was totally surprised in a good way when mine arrived (after market).

I've actually been wanting to score one of those myself. I love the sebenza and it just reminds me of it.

 

[David_Parker03]

I've posted my sentiments before, but I'll say it again: I friggin' love my Umnum.

It took me a while to like it though. While the lines and design are clean-clean-clean, the actual use was very different from what I was used to carrying, a manual Microtech Socom.

The Socom rode pretty high, as it was an earlier production model, and was tip-up carry. The Umnum sits fairly low compared to the Socom, and is tip-down. The drawing action threw me off for a while.

While I'm lucky to own one without the Lockbar stabilizer, and mine has the new grooved bar as well, it tore the living hell out of my thumb. And I don't have super soft hands. They're not cowboy hands, but they've seen their fair share of abuse. And Umnum tore it up. I've had to build a fairly sized callous to use it.

I knew that I held in my hands a great knife. But using it was tough. I can only compare it to a 1911 or so. Sure, you liked the 9mm you used to shoot, but now you want something big and heavy, tried and true. And its gonna take a while for you to handle it properly. This is what it was like with the Umnum. Opening and closing it was different, but eventually for the better. It took a long time for it to win me over 100%, but I'm there now, and I still encourage anyone to add it to their collection. Its my EDC along with a Leatherman Wave.

 

[Alvaro Candanedo]

I think that you'll have to handle one, to really form an opinion about it. I like the looks of the knife (or I should say, the "tactical" version, the Star -Tac); just can't afford one, at the moment. So it could be about: Do you want one? vs. Do you need one? Only you can tell.

 

[Tetsujin 140.6]

I own and EDC a CRK umnum. It has been in my pocket almost daily since 2009, when I got it. The blade is S30V steel, as opposed to the now in use S35V. Prior to this I carried a Lone Wolf DA for a number of years which also has the S30V blade steel.

I like that the umnum has a fairly large blade that carries quite nicely in the pocket. The blade length is comparable to that of the Lone Wolf, but it weighs MUCH less, and is much slimmer and less cumbersome to carry in the pocket. The S30V steel on mine has held up very well, I have never had any lock issues and feel confident it would safely handle any task I would subject a folder too. The pocket clip is an engineering masterpiece, IMO. It fits snuggly, but not too snug, nor does it damage clothing fabric, as my Lone Wolf is prone to do. I also really like the swedge on the back of the knife, that I use for cutting tape and light scraping duties, without worrying about damaging the blade edge. I use a spyderco sharpmaker to resharpen and gets and holds a fine edge.

I have carried a number of spydercos, benchmades, ZTs, Kershaws, an XM-18, and a CRK sebenza, and the umnum remains my favorite knife to carry and use.

This is a photo of mine (posted elsewhere also), just a contribution as threads are better with pics.

 

[Reeek]

As the knives themselves go, the VECP is going to win head to head against the Sebenza IMHO. It's beefier and perhaps a tad heavier, the CTS-XHP is a better blade steel IMHO, the HT is better and the smooth action of the VECP might change one's opinion of the CRK smoothness. They are different for sure. Both smooooooth but IMHO, the VECP takes the action up a solid notch or more.

I've actually been wanting to score one of those myself. I love the sebenza and it just reminds me of it.

 

[marthinus]

If you think the steel thin compression lock of the para 2 will outlive the thick heat treated Ti-lock bar of the Umnum than you need to reevaluate.

The lock interface with the Umnumzaan is on the ceramic ball that is also used as the detent. Not the conventional heat treated lock face one finds on other knives.

The amount of tolerances to achieve this is really a marvel to me.

On another note, there are two main complaints, no make that three on the Umnumzaan that has popped up over the years.

Can't open it: it requires a different technique ie, pushing the thumb stud up and not out like one is somewhat use to.

The pocket clip digs into the hand when doing hard cutting chores.

The bar engages to far: designed that way (IMO early lockup is over rated) and not one Umnumzaan has worn out that I know of. The ceramic ball is damn hard and dents an anvil when hit with a hammer.

New it goes for around $400. Won't find it cheaper as its a fixed price. If you can justify the cost then go with it. If not, then don't. Only you can decide, its your money.

 

[JPD1998]

You need to handle one before buying it. I like mine, but it does not open as smooth as similar style knives.
I bought it because the build quality is perfect.

 

[Tim616]

The lock interface with the Umnumzaan is on the ceramic ball that is also used as the detent. Not the conventional heat treated lock face one finds on other knives.

The amount of tolerances to achieve this is really a marvel to me.

On another note, there are two main complaints, no make that three on the Umnumzaan that has popped up over the years.

Can't open it: it requires a different technique ie, pushing the thumb stud up and not out like one is somewhat use to.

The pocket clip digs into the hand when doing hard cutting chores.

The bar engages to far: designed that way (IMO early lockup is over rated) and not one Umnumzaan has worn out that I know of. The ceramic ball is damn hard and dents an anvil when hit with a hammer.

New it goes for around $400. Won't find it cheaper as its a fixed price. If you can justify the cost then go with it. If not, then don't. Only you can decide, its your money.

I know I have one, the ball is still treated, and still stronger than the compression lock. For anyone who's wondering, that's fact not speculation, the umnum lock can hold more weight than the para 2. Not saying the para 2 isn't strong, it's just not as strong as the umnum.

 

[jill jackson]

I owned a folder by him and it was too small and didnt like the grind.

So traded for the Umnumzaam and its sitting in a drawer.

In its place in pocket now is a B/M Barrage and I am happier.

Too each their own.

I will sell the Um as its a blade that I will not carry unless its for a dress up event and I need a small blade.

The Umnum is bigger than the Barrage. What exactly are you talking about when you call it a small blade, it's a nearly 3.7'' long blade, compared to the B/M barrage at 3.6''

What are both of you talking about? bomber said, "I owned a folder by him and it was too small and didnt like the grind.

So traded for the Umnumzaam and its sitting in a drawer."

He didn't say the Umnum was too small, he said some unknown folder, made by "him" was and he traded it for the CRK. What the folder made by "him" has to do with it, is what I don't understand. (OK, I guess he was talking about the Lone Wolf Blackfoot, but he wasn't saying the Um was too small)

 

[DrivebyTrucker]

I want one. It's my grail knife. I've handled one and it felt perfect.

 

[Noctis3880]

It cuts fine:

The Zaan is a bit of a different animal when compared to other knives. The ceramic ball detent and O rings around the thumbstuds is certainly interesting and unique, but both rather gimmicky IMO given that it doesn't provide any obvious benefits. I really don't notice the knife being any quieter and the Sebenza will likely outlast me with its hardened lockface so the added lifetime from the ceramic ball is something you likely won't ever see in your lifetime. I do like the swedge and how it can be used as a scraper. It also makes the tip finer and penetrate easier.

Opening is a bit tricky at first given that a couple of my coworkers couldn't figure out how to open the thing. But once you get used to it it's not that difficult to pull off. I'm actually not even sure how to fail to open the thing as I attempted to open it with my hands wet and had no trouble. The action isn't quite as smooth without the pivot bushing on the Sebenza, but it's still a heck of a lot smoother than a lot of my knives.

I would still recommend keeping the Para2 however. It's a light use EDC and would pair nicely with the Umnumzaan. You might also feel underwhelmed once you realize that it doesn't cut 4 times better than the Para2. Takes a bit of time to appreciate the knife for what it is, but every other knife I've bought afterwards only served to confirm that CRK knives are among the best.