Umnum just has spoken!

Joined
Oct 3, 2012
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272
So I've been reading the history of the Umnumzaan on various threads here in the CRK forum. And it seems, from what I've read, that the old style, 4 pin pivot is sorely missed. So is Chris thinking of making a retro Umnumzaan?

In the 80's Coke tried a new version, and it was a fail (not that it was bad, but different from what consumers expected) prompting a new (sic: old) version, aptly named "Coke Classic"

Am I alone in calling for a "Umnumzaan Classic"?? Could work in two ways for Chris. His new pivot knives become instant collectors item, and more sales for the new (old?) "Umnumzaan Classic"

What do y'all think??
 
I actually like the new pivot more than the old one. I am less favorable towards the other changes that were made over time though, so over all I prefer the earlier Umnumzaans.

CRK are not interested in pumping out lots of new knives just for the sake of it or to cater to the flavour of the month, if a change is made there will be a solid reason for it. There already is a classic Umnumzaan in that there was an original design that was tweaked into the knife we see today. They will not regress back from what they see as progress, whether one agrees with that or not is there problem to deal with, I happen to agree with CRK on their stance.
 
Addressing your posts title, I will only say shhh and tuck it back into my pajama pocket.
 
I like the older pivot, maybe b/c I have the tools for it. I will say I don't mind the new style, it wouldn't stop me from having a Boss:D
 
Given that the change has only happened in the last few months, I don't think there's really much call for a 'retro' Umnumzaan.
 
I do like the look of the old pivot. It gives the design a much more aggressive appeal, much like the blade design. That said, on the practical side, the new pivot was one that I could dismantle easily with tools all ready in my possession. I don't see why CRK would go back to the old design and would most likely put this into a collector's status in years to come.
 
As far as I'm concerned, the new pivot and LBS are both mechanical improvements for the user.

Constant improvement is a business model you will see in most major manufacturing. (automobile, electronics, etc)
 
I'm one of the ones who is disappointed with the change. I was shocked when I first saw a pic of the new pivot. I think the "old" pivot was one of the most predominant features of the knife, and was the first thing many talked about when the umnum was mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the new pivot works just fine, but I'm not too big on the "looks".

Also, I don't see why the "LBS" has to be a "disc". IMO, it messes up the handle profile. There's only a small percentage of that "disk" that actually stops the lock bar from over traveling. The other 95% of it serves no other purpose. I'm amazed that there wasn't a better design option for the "LBS". ...all my opinion of course:D
 
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I absolutely disliked the new pivot and the new jimping when they were first introduced.
I had a hard time getting use to the new look.
But after a while I can say that the changes have grown on me. I don't find it as bad as I initially thought it was.

I'd still take the older pivot with the square jimping if given the option, but I wouldn't be terribly upset if I had to go with the new one.
 
I'm one of the ones who is disappointed with the change. I was shocked when I first saw a pic of the new pivot. I think the "old" pivot was one of the most predominant features of the knife, and was the first thing many talked about when the umnum was mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the new pivot works just fine, but I'm not too big on the "looks".

Also, I don't see why the "LBS" has to be a "disc". IMO, it messes up the handle profile. There's only a small percentage of that "disk" that actually stops the lock bar from over traveling. The other 95% of it serves no other purpose. I'm amazed that there wasn't a better design option for the "LBS". ...all my opinion of course:D

I completely agree with this statement:)
I absolutely love my "old" Umnumzaan and would never trade it for a "new" one.

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Funny how we all have different tastes. I always thought that the big disk on the pivot of the previous Umnum was an eyesore and ruined the look of the handle. I much prefer the super clean look of the new pivot.
 
Funny how we all have different tastes. I always thought that the big disk on the pivot of the previous Umnum was an eyesore and ruined the look of the handle. I much prefer the super clean look of the new pivot.

I too prefer the cleaner look of the new pivot. I just need to get one on an old frame with out all the other changes. Project Umnumzaan here we come. :p
 
When I bought mine, the dealer had both old and new models in stock. I chose the new model because of the easy take down pivot and LBS. More bang for the buck, and I didn't have to make or buy a special pivot tool.

I've never owned an older one so I can't compare the two performance wise. But I'll tell you, this knife really grew on me and it's seeing lots of use. It's getting that worn look. :thumbup:

ETA: Haze, you had a part in my decision to get a Zaan. I saw how much you praised this model. Thanks for the push, brother.

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When I bought mine, the dealer had both old and new models in stock. I chose the new model because of the easy take down pivot and LBS. More bang for the buck, and I didn't have to make or buy a special pivot tool.

I've never owned an older one so I can't compare the two performance wise. But I'll tell you, this knife really grew on me and it's seeing lots of use. It's getting that worn look. :thumbup:

ETA: Haze, you had a part in my decision to get a Zaan. I saw how much you praised this model. Thanks for the push, brother.

It is a great knife and I have got some good use out this one so far and a long way to go yet. :):thumbup:

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Exceptional folder. The stylish bull-strong blade is TOO LONG by 0.175" for my sons in Colorado. Even the lge Sebbie is illegal there..by 1/8".
SonnyDaze
 
So long as the Zaan maintains that striking blade profile, I'll always consider it the Badass of CRK folders. However, when that blade profile is coupled with the older-bolder pivot, I will always view that Zaan as MR. or SIR Badass. Obviously I'm bias towards the older pivot; but, having said all that, I could indeed see myself owning a StarZaan with the new pivot. For whatever reason, I seem to be at peace with the look of the new pivot on the StarZaan.
 
I don't have one (yet!), but I do like the aesthetics of the old pivot. Just hunting for the right deal now....
 
I don't own either............. Yet!!

But I have one of each on the way (Startac new pivot and an old pivot tanto). Maybe when they arrive I'll find a love for one or the other, or both, but visually, I love the old pivot, looks muscular and badass!
 
I've had both and probably will again. I use to have a stance on it, but they both work the same. Just ascetics.

If they changed the blade profile or took it down to a single thumbstud or something ...then I'd probably clamor for the old design.
 
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