Started with an Insingo, now I'm here. What's next?

buy any deal you find, if its a "deal" you'll easily get your money back out (cash or trade) and this will give you trade fodder for something you may see and want to try down the road.

Trade up, trade down, you'll eventually have the rotation you dream of with plenty of experience under your belt :)

My problem now is that i've used up most all my "fodder" and have a tough time when it comes to moving a piece out to make room for another.
 
wisemenofgotham said:
I've already accepted defeat. While this thread is asking about what's next, I'm already plotting how to swing 3-5 CRKs. That way, it's a "rotation" and not a "collection" haha. Just a matter of what to buy.
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Then you'll need a couple more for a special occasion, then a couple more 'just in case', then a couple more 'just because'..... Next thing you know you'll be.

CRKsAllNov4_zpshpne0g1m.jpg



:D :D :D
 
Wow. No other words. Being that I just got the large Sebenza today, is there an unofficial number of days I should wait before purchasing another CRK? :)
 
DGI said:
buy any deal you find, if its a "deal" you'll easily get your money back out (cash or trade) and this will give you trade fodder for something you may see and want to try down the road.

Trade up, trade down, you'll eventually have the rotation you dream of with plenty of experience under your belt :)

My problem now is that i've used up most all my "fodder" and have a tough time when it comes to moving a piece out to make room for another.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I sold my Sebenza this morning, now I'm going to try out :

- Umnumzaan
- Large Sebenza 21 Insingo, Micarta Inlays
- Mnandi

Then perhaps an Inkosi, then small CRKs haha.
 
wisemenofgotham said:
Thanks for the advice. I sold my Sebenza this morning, now I'm going to try out :

- Umnumzaan
- Large Sebenza 21 Insingo, Micarta Inlays
- Mnandi

Then perhaps an Inkosi, then small CRKs haha.
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Helps me to have a purpose for the knife in mind, built around my uses. That's why I sold my Small 21. I loved it; it was (and I'm sure, wherever it is, still is) perfect, and it was fun, and the size was great. But an Mnandi actually suits my activities and my environment better. I may or may not use a knife for utility work day-to-day, but something that I do just about every day is slice an apple. And the Mnandi blade is much better at doing that than the Sebenza blade. Plus, where I work, the small 21 approaches the limits of everyone's comfort, while the Mnandi is well within the safe zone, but because of how it looks, and the smaller handle, it's the obvious choice because cutting edge is pretty darn close to a 21.

Can you say what made you let go of the Large 21 so quickly? What made you know that knife issn't "the one"?
 
I decided on the Sebenza 21 as my first CRK because I wanted to go with a classic. Large was a size preference for me because I EDC my Leatherman Skeletool CX (2.6" 154cm blade) and use the tools quite frequently, therefore my EDC won't change for now. I went with the large Insingo design for use at home/outdoors mostly. The design/size was perfect, exactly what I imagined as I prefer the Insingo style blade. I only sold it because I want to replace it with an identical Large Sebenza Insingo with Micarta inlays and double thumb stubs. I figured it would be an easier sale in mint like-new condition versus used.

I want an Umnumzaan because it will have a different style action, as well as serve as my heavy duty user. I like the tactical nature of it. The new Sebenza with Micarta inlays will serve as the classic CRK. As you mentioned above, the idea of a Mnandi sounds great for my work environment, as well as adds some "bling" in the rotation haha. After trying these out, I'm sure I will have a better understanding of what I want and keep those three, or just keep going and add an Inkosi and then small sizes.

I'm trying really hard to stay focused on a 3-5 knife rotation, but the more time I spend here, the more I just want to buy everything.
 
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UPDATE: I couldn't find a doubled thumb stud Large Sebenza 21 Insingo with Micarta inlays, but I just paid for this beauty!

UMNUMZAAN :thumbup: (seller pics)

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I was able to pick up a Small Sebenza 21 locally:

IMG_20170208_1855254_zpsmif3zsrg.jpg~original


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It was a great experience to handle a smaller Sebenza and appreciate the classic blade shape, but it confirmed for me that I prefer a larger knife, as well as the Insingo blade. I sold my Large Sebenza 21 Insingo and I was able to pick up the Umnumzaan. The small Sebenza 21 is traded and for my fourth CRK experience, I have a Mnandi Macasser Ebony knife incoming.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and for encouraging me to accept the "sickness" :thumbup:
 
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I'm starting to think that with my incoming Umnumzaan (potential user), I want to get a CRK that's more of a fancy piece. I have a Mnandi Macasser Ebony incoming which definitely fits, but I doubt I will carry it in my pocket because of my EDC multitool. My recent experience with the small Sebenza 21 also confirmed my preference towards a larger knife. My initial idea was to add a Large Sebenza 21 Insingo with Micarta inlays, but realized that it likely will not become a user.

What are your thoughts for a light user/home knife? Mnandi Macasser Ebony, Large Sebenza with Wood inlays, Large Sebenza 21 Insingo with Micarta inlays or Large Carbon Fiber Inkosi/Sebenza 21? Thanks again.

Screenshot_20170208-200817_zpsiyg89zom.png~original


Large Sebenza with Wood inlay

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On the subject of the Mnandi, when I do carry mine it's not clipped, but in my pocket in its CRK sleeve. It doesn't get beat up at all that way. I keep all my higher-end pieces in the knife drawers in leather slips of one sort or another anyway. CRKs in CRK sleeves. My 4 Shiros are in two double-backed leather eyeglass cases, my Hinderers in a small leather 3 pocket clutch, Wilson Combats and others in single eyeglass cases.

You may be a bit surprised when you see how small the Mnandi is in hand. I know I was. It's really more of a gentleman's (or lady's, L_W) carry than a user of any sort. For a light home user I'd vote for a large 21 with wood inlays, but I bought one for that and can't bear to use it at all. The best way I've found to make a knife a user is to buy a user.
 
I have the same plain jane insigno and many recommendations but I for a first timer if I were you I would see if I can get my hands on the Inkosi or Umnumzaan cause their action feels very different from the 21.

21 vs. Inkosi is same method of opening just a little hard with the Inkosi because of the detent.
21 vs. Umnumzaan opening method is very different for a first time make sure you look at the paperwork how to open.

I have had all 3 well to be specific, 21, 25, Umnum and the 25/Umnum were not to my liking because of pocket clip. However now the Inkosi pocket clip is moved so haven't tried that version yet. Might in the future

I would definitely recommend a Micarta version for sure though. Try the 21 with micarta drop point blade and size preference is yours.
 
wisemenofgotham said:
I'm starting to think that with my incoming Umnumzaan (potential user), I want to get a CRK that's more of a fancy piece. I have a Mnandi Macasser Ebony incoming which definitely fits, but I doubt I will carry it in my pocket because of my EDC multitool. My recent experience with the small Sebenza 21 also confirmed my preference towards a larger knife. My initial idea was to add a Large Sebenza 21 Insingo with Micarta inlays, but realized that it likely will not become a user.

What are your thoughts for a light user/home knife? Mnandi Macasser Ebony, Large Sebenza with Wood inlays, Large Sebenza 21 Insingo with Micarta inlays or Large Carbon Fiber Inkosi/Sebenza 21? Thanks again.
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I started with a large and a small 21, and thought the small was about ideal EDC sized for me, but sold both. Now I have two Mnandis. ChazzyP is right, the Mnandi is small, and photo comparisons to the 21 don't really do it justice, BUT, in terms of functional blade, it's not that much smaller, and I've read reviews in which folks write things akin to "the Mnandi can do everything the small 21 can do, it just looks better doing it." Thinner blade stock, but that makes the knife better in my mind and use.

The handle width (height?) is what I would say is it's most limiting factor when it comes to hard work, but I've gripped it all sorts of ways to varying pressures, and I don't think it wouldn't do anything I would ask of it. So I have one for regular carry and one for special occasions, because my mind thinks I need to have one set aside for special occasions.

As for a "home knife" - I don't really know what to think about that. The knife I use at home is the knife that's in my pocket for the day. I, personally, want as little pocket bulk as I can manage.
 
My bog oak mnandi just came yesterday. First day and first impressions is it is shockingly light. It's is beautiful but small. I have been use to bigger heavy 3" blades. Not certain what to think. Is it perfect for the office? Yes a 10. Is it a little too refined. Yes. The fact is a bigger knife like the small seb is just a little too big for dress pants. You can clip it on your pocket but then you start to get a reputation for the being the knife-guy. That is fine for weekends but little odd on Wednesday at 11:00 when there is nothing that needs skinned. In the end over months the heavy knife sits at home or in the briefcase. Both are useless.


I had an inkosi for a day and sizewise and weightwise it's a small seb as it fits into pants. It is much more exciting than the mnandi and I like the reserve robustness. I feel like you could knock on it and sleep at night. ONE BIG problem for me is the grip. That damn point hits my index finger pad. But for that I would love it and deal with the knifeguy thing.

Tell me am I nuts. Did i rush it.

Looking forward to your mnandi impression.
 
Thin-Slice said:
Too late, CRK is infectious once you get one in your hands they keep on multiplying.
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Another "Roger that" for you, too, T-S. The whole knife thing is infectious and I have several makers that are favorites and fill my knife drawers. Something pure about CRKs, though, that keeps me coming back for more.

I sold a Hinderer yesterday and in less than 24 pulled the trigger on this beauty brand new on the Exchange. I posted it over on L_W's Anticipation Thread, but can't contain myself, so here she is again. Monday can't come soon enough!

deFLVer.jpg
 
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