Umfaan vs Mnandi

C

ccdog

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
88
Hello, I'm looking for a small, sturdy knife for my wife. She's not a knife person so it has to be small and socially acceptable.

I love my Sebenza and since the Umfaan is the same basic design scaled down, I'm drawn to it. I understand the Umfaan isn't in production right now and it might be hard to track one down.

Does the Mnandi use the same locking mechanism? Is it as strong? What are the relative sizes of these two knives? Could someone post a picture with these two, side by side?

Any other thoughts about this? It does seem the Mnandi would have more spousal acceptance factor, but I don't wan t to give up getting her the toughest little guy I can.

Thanks!

-john
 
John,

I own the Mnandi and picked it over the Umfaan because it seemed more elegant and functional to me. Plus the clip is something else. The warmth of the wood inlays in the handle is great. I'm guessing the lock is of the same strength as the Umfaan. All CRK knives are well made.

A call to the CRK shop to see what the ladies prefer might be informative for you.
 
I have all 4 sizes (not these) and they are all very strong frame locks.

I am sure your wife would love a Mnandi.

The Mnandi is much more elegant and the wood feels great.

She might like the idea of picking out which inlay she likes best (bark ivory :eek: ) .

It would be nice if she got to handle both first.

Here are the inlays and my LH Dark Bocote Mnandi.

http://www.chrisreeve.com/mnandiinlays.htm
 
I would pick the Mnandi over the Umfaan. I've got one of each and IMHO I think that the Mnandi is a better EDC due to it's larger size, beefier blade and better ergonomics. BTW RGRAY, thanks for the pic. For some reason I've never seen an Mnandi with Walnut inlays. I've got to get one, it is absolutely beautiful. ;) ;)
 
The Mnandi is easier (for me) to open both one and two handed. Either is a fine choice.

Paul
 
Both are great knives. I know the Mnandi is more popular, but I wish they would come back out with the Umfaan in S30V.
 
I'll echo the voices in my head.... errrrr... the other posts.... :rolleyes:

I had the Umfaan and sold it because it wasn't the right size/blade shape combination. Great knife but I found it small for that shape of blade... :confused: The Mnandi makes a great EDC for me! Apples? no problem! Letters? Ditto... etc. ad nauseum... plus, as stated the wood inlay makes it look warmer (and fuzzier ;) )...
 
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