Trying to Decide Which Chris Reeve Knife To Start With

cigarrodog

cigarrodog

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May 18, 2014
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Hello everyone. I'm struggling to figure out which CRK to start with. It will serve primarily as an EDC, with SD possibilities. There are no CRK Dealers around. If there were, then my choice would be simpler. Every time I think I've decided, I see yet another that I want(this seems to be a common problem). But I must start with one. The last piece of context is that although I'm a lefty, my thumb, because of an injury, doesn't have the dexterity of my right thumb, which makes opening with a non dominant thumb a must.

Having said that, I like the Large 21, Insingo Blade with Black Micarta inlay. This seems to be a great cutter, slicer, whittler. Probably not the best tactical, but I'm way more likely to cut cardboard and food. What would make someone chose a large or a small Insingo?

Last question(I apologize for this posts' length). Which is easier to open: Sebenza 21, 25, or an Umnumzaan. Thank you for your patience and responses.
 
Welcome to the CRK forum and congratulations on deciding to purchase one of the finest folding knives made!

"To start with" is a good observation on your part--your first CRK will likely not be your last.

I am sorry to hear that your dominant thumb is jacked my friend. The good news is that many CRK's come with double thumb lugs and can be opened by either hand.

99% of it boils down to personal preference, but for me I would start with a "plain Jane" version, that is, one without inlays or graphics. For me, my favorite CRK of the many that I have had is the Small 21 Insingo--plain Jane flavor. It is a wonderful all-around EDC blade and I use it for anything and everything.
 
MMAR is right about double lugs availability, but I have trouble with the lock side lugs on smalls. There's not enough space between the lug & lockbar for me. Not a prob on the large ones.

I also agree on the plain for a starter. That's my fav of 3 smalls.
 
I agree with a plain jane. I'd also say a large one. Double thumb studs are available for all mentiones folders. Blade shape is your personal preference.
 
If you're a jeans VS suit guy, large for sure! If you must wear suits , the Small or Manandi may be a good choice... I have large hands and prefer the large... reasonably priced,a plain Jane does everything a Fancy Grail will, of course more than one solves all issues!
 
I'm grateful for the responses. I'm semi-retired and definitely a jeans guy. this is helping me hone in(ok...a little pun) on thinkling small(I was originally thinking large)and simple. I do like the Insingo for EDC. The only thing is what would be the reason for not getting the inlay. It's not just looks(although that is part of it), but to help with purchase and make it more efficient. I say this knowing that I might not be right. All your comments are much appreciated and helpful.
 
The micarta is a little more hand filling. Some people prefer the more filling "warmer" feel of the micarta to the slimmer, cooler feel of the plain Ti. I've not held a micarta in a small, but have in a large and it felt nice though I can't say I really preferred it to my personal favorite, the plain jane large 21. If the aesthetics of the micarta are also pleasing to you over the plain Ti, the micarta will serve you just fine. Small micarta Insingoes tend to be fairly plentiful on the exchange if you want to give one a test drive. Micarta never really spoke to me before as I love plain Ti, but I find myself more and more wanting a small micarta 21...the silver accents are nice too.
 
I have both micarta and plain small 21s. The micartas are just gorgeous to look at. But I've discovered that in a handle that small, the inlaid scales are a bit too... round... to be really secure in my grip. They roll too easily if I'm doing something a little off-centered. I find that I get better control of a Sebenza, large or small, with flat sided scales, much like the ergos of a Spyderco. They tend to be thinner and flat-sided and they work very well for me that way. So do the CRKs.
 
In the end, this will be a user and not a safe queen. So for this purpose, function trumps form. It's all coming into focus. Thank you all.
 
My go-to jeans knife is a double-lug large plain 21. She's at the spa right now and I miss her. Thin enough to slide easily in my pocket and almost disappear, but with enough handle substance for a firm cutting grasp. Plus I don't have to worry wear and tear.

Now for your SECOND CRK ;), I'd probably recommend a model that is a bit more upscale, such as a small inlay Seb or Mnandi. Those are both sweet little knives that are appropriate just about anywhere. The truth is my smaller CRK's get about 10X the pocket time as my large ones for that reason.
 
Being a lefty myself, CRK does make LH models, they're a little more scarce, but they're out there. I think TNK has a LH micarta 21 with double lugs. I have several 25's and one has a stronger detent, so it is harder to open left handed. The micarta 25 I just got, is so smooth, it opens easily with either hand, same goes for the large Insigno I have. Both are RH. All the RH 21's I have are smooth with either hand. I had to sell my RH zaan and get a LH one in order to love it like the rest, and it is the only CRK that made that big of a difference. I am also a fan of the double lugs.
 
Cigarrodog,

As a newcomer to CRKs, your question of where to start is fresh in my mind. I started (very hesitantly) with one, now a month later I have 4 and am contemplating a 5th. Gah!

The larger models (large 21, 25, umnum) are quite large. For jeans/cargo shorts/etc, no problem. But if you wear khakis or anything dressier, the large ones might be a problem.

On the other hand, if you want a knife that disappears in your pocket, definitely go for a small 21.

I love my umnum but the small sebenzas get way more carry time. The true gem in the bunch I have is a small plain Insingo. Unobtrusive EDC perfection!
 
Find a plain Jane because when it ages or, squires scratches, it looks great imho… if you like Insingo, then go with the small… it becomes one of those knives that you have no excuse not to carry. I just got my Umnum in today so will be seeing lots of action.
 
Thank you all for taking the time to share your wisdom. I no longer feel lost. Ask me today, I'm heading toward a plain jane Insingo. I have no problem with Large knives. This won't be my last CRK. Man, this is so much fun.
 
I've had a few dozen pass through my hands, and have 15 or so now. My first was a large 21 with a graphic (which was sold off a few years back). If I knew then what I know now, my first would have been a large 21 W/ micarta inlays and double lugs. It is by far the most practical, ergonomic and pleasing for ME to use. I still have a few small 21's (& regulars), but I only carry those when I wear dress pants away from the office - the large is my preferred size. Unlike others, I actually think the large is a little small - half an inch longer would be perfect (I know, that's what she said...)... That's why I sold off the Umnum - it was too small for what it's supposed to be. I also sold off the 25 - great knife, but a step backward in (ergonomic) design from the 21.

Of the 3 blade shapes, I've found the standard issue to be the most practical (at pretty much everything), followed by the insingo (awesome at food prep!) and then the tanto (sucks at everything, but neat looking). For random whittling especially, the standard is awesome, while the other shapes are a little less useful.

FWIW, my usual work-week EDC is a large 21 micarta W/ ladder damascus & double lugs (with a slip joint in the bottom of the pocket). On the weekends, it's a large 21 micarta along with some kind of whittler pattern.

Good luck with your decision - just get the one that speaks to you (and then get another.....)!
 
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