Treating my EDC Mnandi like a SAK

[lisantica]

Quick background.
I used to carry a SAK and once the scales became scratched up, I didn't mind sliding it over a table or similar platform to someone who needed it.
I mainly used the blades on the knife, so buying a Mnandi seemed logical to me, besides I love all the configurations of the Mnandi (scales/blade material).

The one thing missing was a USER Mnandi that I could use and not worry about sliding it over to someone, etc.
I have been using my Cocobolo Mnandi for such purposes without fear of scratching it or having it lose its value, it's priceless to me anyway and I don't plan on selling it.

After using it for a while, (sheathess I might add), I decided I should rotate the clip back and forth to help wear the scales evenly. So right now you'll see the clip on the front side.

I do need to clean the blade as seen in photo #3, but I thought I'd show you the use it's been through.
I hope to update this thread periodically as I put it through years, (God willing), of service.

 

[Fooj]

Very cool, Lisa. I have the same attitude with my small Cocobolo Classic. IMHO, cocobolo and LV are the two best user wood inlays. The reason I chose cocobolo is because I prefer the appearance over LV. I've noticed that the cocobolo gets progressively darker as I EDC it. Initially, the wood looked similar to your Mnandi's. This photo was taken almost a year ago (after a couple years of carry), and as of this posting the inlays are starting to resemble African Blackwood.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Love it.

I'm sure you're aware that Cocobolo is one of the harder woods available. I think it would make for the perfect Mnandi edc, as you've shown.

Looking forward to seeing your pics as time goes by.

 

[Ed G]

Very cool. I am a "user" as well, but generally like to have a back up for the knives I use … I fear I will not have that luxury with my CRKs (at least not at first), so I will definitely look forward to your picture diary …

~ Edge

 

[lisantica]

Very cool, Lisa. I have the same attitude with my small Cocobolo Classic. IMHO, cocobolo and LV are the two best user wood inlays.

Nice Classic there Fooj. I do like Lignum too, but I opted to carry this Cocobolo and I love it.

Looking forward to seeing your pics as time goes by.

Thank you. I'm adding another photo below, an after cleaning photo. I was amazed at how well it looks.

Very cool. I am a "user" as well, but generally like to have a back up for the knives I use … I fear I will not have that luxury with my CRKs (at least not at first), so I will definitely look forward to your picture diary …
~ Edge

Thank you. I had no idea how much I'd enjoy carrying and using the Mnandi, for far too long I just admired them.

 

[kwazyjuice]

Good choice with the cocobolo inlay! It is definitely more resilient to the any abuse. As for it also produces its own oils making it good for wet/dry enviroments

 

[lisantica]

Good choice with the cocobolo inlay! It is definitely more resilient to the any abuse. As for it also produces its own oils making it good for wet/dry enviroments

I agree, it has a smooth, oily feel, but without being oily if that makes sense

 

[Toyz]

Nice to see it gets used. I'm not a collector - but I am careful about who I lend my knives too.

 

[lisantica]

Nice to see it gets used.

It's amazing just how many times I can find uses for it, even when a knife is more than the job requires. Case in point, the dental floss cutter wasn't working today, too dull I guess, so I cut the floss with my Mnandi.

 

[Mad_Maxx]

nice mnandi, looks like it's holding extremely well

I'm thinking to insert a user-mnandi in the sak rotation too, I usually carry a 85mm recruit or 93mm soldier as a 2nd blade-backup together with the sebbie, sebbie and mnandi would make a great pair IMO

 

[lisantica]

I'm thinking to insert a user-mnandi in the sak rotation too, I usually carry a 85mm recruit or 93mm soldier as a 2nd blade-backup together with the sebbie, sebbie and mnandi would make a great pair IMO

I think Mnandi and SAKs and/or other multi-tools play very well together. I like the locking blade of the Mnandi and the multi-tool set of the SAK.
At the moment I'm using the Mnandi and a Leatherman Squirt S2 on the keychain.

 

[Ernie1980]

The wood looks to be wearing nicely! Keep up updated, I am interested to see what you scales look like after some mo months of use. Thanks for being a tester for us

 

[lisantica]

Thanks for being a tester for us

It's my pleasure.

 

[HwangJino]

I find it easier to use my mnandi in 'rough' situations over the sebs.

I take it fishing and get it really dirty with guts and bait, cutting line on cement etc.
in my kitchen it opens all sorts of packaging and whatnot.

its bloodwood inlay, beautiful color and holds up very well.

 

[lisantica]

Thanks for the contribution HwangJino. Love the pic!

 

[HwangJino]

No thank you for starting this thread!

I will steal your advice about switching the clip to other side for even wear, brilliant.

 

[lisantica]

I was thinking that by switching the clip, both sides would have exposure to hand oils, dirt, etc. and that way one side wouldn't become darker than the other.
That's the luxury of having the clip capable of being on either side, I love that feature. :thumbup:

 

[bradtown]

Awesome! Recently purchased a Cocobolo Mnandi from a forum member. Sadly the box was opened while en-route, knife was taken.
Man that hurt as I was really looking forward the combo.

Haven t seen an affordable (for me) Mnandi since.

 

[lisantica]

That's a bummer bradtown, hopefully another one will show up for you.

 

[HwangJino]

Ive had bad luck with my mnandi as well, while not as bad.

the seller did not tell me the blade was abused, there was a deep gash near the mid heel, and took roughly 5 hours to smooth out and not entirely fixed.

still I love this knife, I will avoid used crk for now unless I can inspect manually before sale.