Small Sebenza Insingo or Mnandi

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Oct 18, 2008
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I need some help. I posted last night that I have a regular small Sebenza. I was looking here online and I saw the Small Sebenza Insingo. Then I thought I already have a Sebenza, why not a Mnandi.

Can anyone tell me why I should or should't get the Mnandi. I am only using it for very light work, office, home, not cutting a tree down...
 
Your small regular will pretty much cover your small sebenza needs. The Insingo blade shape isn't so drastically different that there is a lot that one can do that the other can't. If you were to get another small sebenza, you might check out a damascus blade, inlay, or graphic to mix up your collection.

But I say go for the Mnandi. For a while I thought it was too small, then one day it clicked for me and now I love it. I went through the same progression with the small sebenza actually. The Mnandi might be my favorite knife design. It is simple, beautiful, and elegant, and can handle most EDC tasks. The more CRKs I collect, the more I realize that all I need is one large Sebenza, one small Sebenza, and one Mnandi. Those three can cover pretty much any situation I can come up with. And the Mnandi is especially perfect for the situation you described (office, light EDC).

If you find yourself in the market, just know that the older Mnandis have a different nail nick, pivot, and pocket clip. I've seen preferences both ways, but I greatly prefer the older nail nick for both form and function. I am unable to open the newer Mnandis with just my thumb (have to pinch it open). The older Mnandis open easier then any Sebenza I've owned. Some prefer the new pocket clip because it is sleeker and looks better in the pocket, but just know that If you want to take the clip off, the new style requires you get an extra screw from CRK. The old style can be removed without any extra hardware.
 
Thank you so much for the response. I found a NEW 2012 Gabon Ebony Mnandi I like. Is it possible to find that in the older model that is easier to open?
 
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If you found one you really like, I wouldn't let the nail nick stop you. It's not that drastically different. It is possible to find the old style though if you are intent on it. I know there are some available now if you check around all the usual CRK dealers and aftermarket sites. It's easy enough to spot the difference from the photo. Here is an example of the two styles (new on top):

photo5-1.jpg
 
I just purchased from a local AD a 2012 Mnandi w/ Gabon Ebony inlay. I will take the chance with the thumb nick and see how it is. Dealer said you get use to it or I can send it back. I am sure it will be great. I will have it tomorrow in the mail. Will post pics. Thank for ALL the help!!

Howard
 
I had a small insingo, then umnum, and mnandi. The mnandi was too small for me, I could open and close it with one hand, but I had to crunch my fingers together to do it (i wear size medium gloves). It just wasnt a comfortable knife IMO, so i sold it, and bought a small micarta insingo. I also sold my umnum, because I just carried the small insingo more, and with the funds, I picked up another small micarta insingo (I like to have back ups of the knives I really like). I guess you know which one gets my vote...
 
If you could look past the small Sebenza, the large Sebenza Insingo is one fantastic combo. I have all the blade combinations of the small and large Sebenza knives, and the Insingo blade design has won me over. If it were my choice, I'd say you would be doing yourself a favor by purchasing the small Sebenza Insingo over the Mnandi. The small Sebenza with the Insingo blade might just be the perfect small EDC, although the large version is my favorite. My EDC, however, is the Umnumzaan.
 
^ post number 6. He has already bought the Mnandi.



hodo615, since you already had a small sebenza I think you made a good choice. Look foward to the pics.
 
Great thread. Go for it and count me among the people who will also be buying a Mnandi in the next few months. They are beautiful and a good augmentation to my workhorse small plain Sebenza. Sometimes a guy just has to "dress up" a bit.

Right now I am still trying to figure out which wood I want for the scales.
 
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