Recommendation? Small Sebenza 21 or Umnumzan

Volkodav36

Volkodav36

Joined
Feb 21, 2020
Messages
36
Hello everyone.

New to Chris Reeve knives, recently acquired two small Inkosi, plain and insingo. Also waiting for an Umnumzan to be build but who knows how long that will take. After reading many different posts and watching videos about Sebenza 21 and Umnumzan feel like I’m torn between the two. Any recommendations which one I should pick next?
Complicated question I know.
Don’t want to buy both. Primary area of use would be standard EDC tasks in suburban area.
Thank you in advance.
 
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I think/feel the 21 has more CRK DNA. Plus, it is a better slicer of the two and the handle is less blocky compared to the Zaan.

I own an Inkosingo, a PJ 21 and a small PJ 21, but no Umnumzaans - I might be biased.
As they say, it is hard to go wrong.
 
The Umnumzaan is going to feel like the Inkosi, more of a heavy duty knife that you’re not afraid to put it through the ringer. If you can get your hands on a 21, then do so. The 21 is becoming harder to find. The 21 can do anything an Umnumzaan can do, but it has a more elegant feel to it.
 
Ajack60 said:
The Umnumzaan is going to feel like the Inkosi, more of a heavy duty knife that you’re not afraid to put it through the ringer. If you can get your hands on a 21, then do so. The 21 is becoming harder to find. The 21 can do anything an Umnumzaan can do, but it has a more elegant feel to it.
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Initially picked Umnumzan over Sabenza because of bushing pivot concerns and many reviews mentioning issues with blade movement, pinched washers, lock stick and the fact 21 is now discontinued. But do like that it’s a better slicer.
 
I would get the 21 if possible
1. because I like the Sm. 21 :)
2. They will be extremely hard to get in the future(not that easy now), so get it while you can
3. They are not a very intimidating knife, but can handle most needs, so it should work well in an urban setting
good news is that you should be happy regardless of which you pick. Both are fine knives.
 
Volkodav36 said:
Initially picked Umnumzan over Sabenza because of bushing pivot concerns and many reviews mentioning issues with blade movement, pinched washers, lock stick and the fact 21 is now discontinued. But do like that it’s a better slicer.
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I am not sure what or where you read, But I have never had lock stick or blade movement problems with the 21. There has been some talk of flex/movement on the 31. As for pinched washers it also is not a real problem if you take care assembling(which is easy). I put the scales together 1st and slide the blade and washers in-never pinched a washer.
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Peter Hartwig said:
I would get the 21 if possible
1. because I like the Sm. 21 :)
2. They will be extremely hard to get in the future(not that easy now), so get it while you can
3. They are not a very intimidating knife, but can handle most needs, so it should work well in an urban setting
good news is that you should be happy regardless of which you pick. Both are fine knives.
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There is an authorized dealer with multiple small Sebenza 21 with inlays available right now. An idea that Umnumzan might not be ready for a year certainly doesn’t help :)
 
Apples and Oranges.... I like fruit!!!Get one of each, don't choose one... Small is "Small"! UM is "Large" I lean large regardless....
 
bart1 said:
Apples and Oranges.... I like fruit!!!Get one of each, don't choose one... Small is "Small"! UM is "Large" I lean large regardless....
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Should have never bought a CRK in first place. It is definitely like quick sand. You go in deep and quick. Already bought two just a week apart but plan to stay strong and get only one more. Just not sure which one.
 
Volkodav36 said:
There is an authorized dealer with multiple small Sebenza 21 with inlays available right now. An idea that Umnumzan might not be ready for a year certainly doesn’t help :)
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The inlays are very nice, and though not much thicker do fill the hand a bit better on the small. The small is small. If you like smaller knives it is great. If you like larger knives it could be too small.
 
Peter Hartwig said:
The inlays are very nice, and though not much thicker do fill the hand a bit better on the small. The small is small. If you like smaller knives it is great. If you like larger knives it could be too small.
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Both sizes appear to be equally comfortable. City limit on folders is under 3 inches. Then again not like I plan to run around waving the knife.
 
Toss a coin :) They are both fine knives. I personally like the Sebenza, and it is the knife the company was built on. Either will serve you well.
Be aware though that the 21 is a discontinued model and at some point parts may not be available. Once they run out, they may not make more. This would not dissuade me from buying , but you may have a different opinion.
 
Peter Hartwig said:
Toss a coin :) They are both fine knives. I personally like the Sebenza, and it is the knife the company was built on. Either will serve you well.
Be aware though that the 21 is a discontinued model and at some point parts may not be available. Once they run out, they may not make more. This would not dissuade me from buying , but you may have a different opinion.
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Your recommendation is spot on and I might just toss a coin. Since it appears no other logical way from which to tackle this dilemma. Both knives have their positives and negatives. Was hoping there would be more of you guys recommending Umnumzan over 21. But no easy way out I guess LOL
 
Small Sebenza without the clip and in the sheath, is pretty hard to beat.

I own both, I have owned my Umnumzaan longer than my smol 31 but yet the 31 has more pocket time hands down.

At the end of the day two very different knives.


Buy them both.
 
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