SNG Tanto or Umnumzaan Tanto..?

Blowpop

Blowpop

Joined
Dec 21, 2014
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398
Looking to get either a CRK Umnumzaan with the tanto blade or a Strider SNG tanto with a 3/4 grind.

Anybody who has handled and used both of them your feedback would be awesome.

This will be an edc for deployment as well as when I am home.

What I am looking for out of these two is:

-Thick tip for stabbing through material without chipping
-Durability of the blade overall (I don't want it to chip easily, and it needs to cut through nylon, and other materials fairly well)
-Handle ergonomics (I'll be using it with and without gloves so I want it to be comfortable both ways)
-Longevity of the lock (I don't want to have to worry about getting another folding knife for many many years)
-Occasional light prying if I have too
-Overall longevity of the knife as a whole (I need it to be able to get muddy, wet, dirty, sandy etc. and keep asking for more)

Thoughts and opinions would be much appreciated.
Thank you
 
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Blowpop said:
Looking to get either a CRK Umnumzaan with the tanto blade or a Strider SNG tanto with a 3/4 grind.

Anybody who has handled and used both of them your feedback would be awesome.

This will be an edc for deployment as well as when I am home.

What I am looking for out of these two is:

-Thick tip for stabbing through material without chipping
-Durability of the blade overall (I don't want it to chip easily)
-Handle ergonomics (I'll be using it with and without gloves so I want it to be comfortable both ways)
-Longevity of the lock (I don't want to have to worry about getting another folding knife for many many years)
-Occasional light prying if I have too
-Overall longevity of the knife as a whole (I need it to be able to get muddy, wet, dirty, sandy etc. and keep asking for more)

Thoughts and opinions would be much appreciated.
Thank you
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The SnG Tanto is outrageously thick. If you want to stab stuff, go for that one. If you want to cut things, get the Umnumzaan. I have a Sebenza 21 tanto and used to own an SnG tanto and I sold the latter because I was so frustrated by how poorly it performed for cutting tasks.
 
I have used several SnG and SMF Tanto's and they are exceptional for prying, stabbing through dense materials, scrapping, etc.
I also found them to be decent cutters, but that's subjective.
In terms of slicing up a Pizza box Sunday morning, not an issue....

Maybe the best all around utility knife/crow bars that fit in your pocket on the market, if that's what you are looking for.
I am a huge fan of the utility a Strider offers...(great choppers too)

As far as the Zaan, it's the next knife on my list, and preferably the Tanto version.
 
I think you will be most satisfied with an Umnumzaan. Better cutter and probably a better knife.
 
stonproject said:
Chris is a much better candidate for your cash :)
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Ten. Four.

If you want to get treated like a real person once warranty needs arise, there simply is no competition between these two manufacturers (at least in my experience); CRK is on a whole different level. I couldn't get an email from Strider to save my soul but CRK on the other hand replied to my emails in a matter of hours. Plus, they treat issues instead of putting bigger bandages on them. (I'm looking at you lock rock thumb studs ;) )

Also, talking field work, an SnG typically has a solid G10 backspacer, aka, a dirt haven. The 'Zaan uses standoffs and will clean easily. When it comes time to tear either down, grab a Allen bit that costs $.99 to disassemble the 'Zaan, or reach for the $75 "bit" to take down the SnG.

'Zaan all day man.
 
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I've got a SMF tanto and a tanto Umnumzaan. My SMF is a flat grind, I prefer the flat grind over 3/4 grind.
Depending on the amount of abuse you'll put it through, will depend which one to get. I don't consider myself a hard user. I've done some prying with both. For longevity, dependability, and customer service, I'd have to give the edge to the Umnumzaan.
I've read about less issues with CRK's than Striders.
 
Well I have the regular version of the Unumzaan, so I'm sure the tanto version is just as solid at cutting. I wasn't too keen on the Strider SMF that I tried,I so sold it.
 
Thanks for all the advise so far, sounds like the tanto umnumzaan is more of the way to go.
 
Chris Reeve hands down.

I'ts actually a worthy folding knife and works as one.

If you want a super tough tanto dont get a heavy folder. Get a fixed blade.

Busse has just released an EDC tanto and you can't get tougher than that.
 
Either one should make a great EDC. If one design appeals more to you -pick that. I love SnG's so that would be the way I would lean, but I like CRK's a very very much. With the SnG you also have to decide your scale style-it will make a lot of difference to your liking or not liking the knife (different to each person) On warranty CRK gets the edge. Both will fix your knife just fine, but CRK will communicate much better. CRK has staff dedicated to doing just that. If you aren't totally a tanto guy, you might look at the Hinderer XM-18 spanto also-strong tip, but more tradition edge. I am sure you will enjoy whatever you get
 
I own both the sng tanto and a zaan(not the tanto though). For your intended use I would pick the strider. I have many higher end knives from strider, CRK, hinderer, Emerson, benchmade, ZT, Jim Burke, Chavez, etc.. I can honestly say my most carried knife is my sng 3/4 grind tanto with Lego handles. I just love having a knife that is that thick and strong. It cuts surprisingly well too. Mine came razor sharp and I haven't had to touch it up yet. Yes the zaan would probably out cut/slice the sng. But thats due to the much thinner blade stock. I definately wouldn't be prying a lot with the zaan. Keep in mind you might have to deal with some lock stick on the sng, but nothing a little sharpie won't help. I have 3 sngs, and the tanto is the only one that had lock stick as an FYI. But then again the sound it makes when it locks is like no other knife I've handled. It is super loud and let's you know it's locked and not going anywhere. It practically has a small kick when it engages, my cc models not so much probably because of the thinner ti slab.

With that being said, the next knife on my list is the TNK exclusive zaan tanto. I love the look of the tanto and the zaan frame. But I won't abuse it like my sng. Oh yeah, the sng will be much better with or without gloves. Just my 2 cents


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Thanks for all the advise! Please keep the opinions coming. Which lock face will most likely last the longest through extended use? This knife may also have to do the deed at some point if I have no other option which makes me lean towards the zaan, however I feel that the blade of the strider seems stronger than that if the zaan.
 
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Blowpop said:
Thanks for all the advise! Please keep the opinions coming. Which lock face will most likely last the longest through extended use? This knife may also have to do the deed at some point if I have no other option which makes me lean towards the zaan, however I feel that the blade of the strider seems stronger than that if the zaan.
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I think the lock face worries are unfounded. Many times you see people worrying about that and they have never even cut a single item with the knife. I have like a 7 year old SMF-GG with old style lock face and it's my EDC, never any issues.

I think the Strider is less fit and finish and I'd be more inclined to use hard as a tool. The CRK would be better cutter as an EDC and the fit and finish will be nicer. I have thinned down the edge on my SnG to 20 degrees per side and it slices well enough for my uses.

If I were choosing on a better person's company to give money to it would be CRK with out any question. I own and carry a Strider but money is not leaping from my hand to support him any longer.
Best of luck, and let us know what you choose!
 
As someone who has been there and done that, I'd choose the CRK hands down if I ever had to go back. I wouldn't want the bulk of the strider anywhere on my kit, and especially in my pocket. Additionally, there are just way too many issues with striders to take them seriously.
 
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