Umnumzaan or Large Sebenza

M

merlinus

Joined
Apr 24, 2011
Messages
70
I am wondering about the pros and cons of each for hiking and outdoor activities and general use.

I have had a small Sebenza since 2003, but am wanting something a bit larger for these purposes.
 
This is a frequent and popular topic, and searching through the forum will probably help some (no offense intended).

I think part of the problem is they're so similar that there isn't one blatant choice. They're pretty similar. Blade and overall lengths are close, and the Um weighs just .3 oz more.

Also, their differences are polarizing. Some people love the smoothness of the Um, while others think the Seb is smooth already. Some don't like that the pivot of the Um needs a special tool, while others like that it is oversized or that its design requires one less part. The Um has the thicker blade that can be one's preference, but there aren't many stories of the Seb's blade breaking. The Seb's blade looks less menacing, which, according to opinion, can be a good or bad thing. Some people hate the swedge on the Um, while others find it useful for scraping. The glassbreaker on the Um is a nice feature, but few have use for it.

One of the nice things about CRK knives is they hold their value, even when well used, so if you decide your first choice is wrong, you'll be able to sell it near purchase price and get the other.

BTW, I found these pictures by l2lku helpful in showing them in comparison http://jerzeedevil.com/forums/showpost.php?p=814022&postcount=97
 
Thats what I did. Lol. I really like both knives. They both perform well at any task you would use a knife for, the Seb is s35v and seems to take a slightly sharper edge. Really I like them both alot. With a slight edge to the Umnumzaan because I like the blade shape.

take it easy
cricket
 
I have and have carried both for some time. I carried a large regular sebenza, once I got the umnumzaan, I havent carried the sebenza since. The regular sebenza and umnumzaan are very similar in my opinion. The umnumzaan is more of a workhorse and I have used mine for everything you could think of, its scuffed and the blade is scratched, but every blemish tells of an adventure with it. I still love my large regular sebenza and would carry it anytime I dont have my zaan. I just recently picked up a tanto umnumzaan from a fellow member and have been carrying that now. I have tried the 21 sebenza several times, just "hate" the blade profile. I have had several small and just got a large 21, same thought. Think I am just a regular sebenza lover through and through.

So if its between a 21 sebenza and umnumzaan, no question go with the umnumzaan. I would recommend the regular blade. I like my new tanto zaan, but the regular blade of the zaan is more useful.

If its between the regular sebenza and umnumzaan, thats a tough call. Pretty much comes down to your preference. Though the zaan is the tougher of the two, the regular sebenza is a better slicer. Both would serve you well.
 
nyefmaker said:
I have and have carried both for some time. I carried a large regular sebenza, once I got the umnumzaan, I havent carried the sebenza since. The regular sebenza and umnumzaan are very similar in my opinion. The umnumzaan is more of a workhorse and I have used mine for everything you could think of, its scuffed and the blade is scratched, but every blemish tells of an adventure with it. I still love my large regular sebenza and would carry it anytime I dont have my zaan. I just recently picked up a tanto umnumzaan from a fellow member and have been carrying that now. I have tried the 21 sebenza several times, just "hate" the blade profile. I have had several small and just got a large 21, same thought. Think I am just a regular sebenza lover through and through.

So if its between a 21 sebenza and umnumzaan, no question go with the umnumzaan. I would recommend the regular blade. I like my new tanto zaan, but the regular blade of the zaan is more useful.

If its between the regular sebenza and umnumzaan, thats a tough call. Pretty much comes down to your preference. Though the zaan is the tougher of the two, the regular sebenza is a better slicer. Both would serve you well.
Click to expand...

One can't really argue with any of that and I found my Sebenza/Umnumzaan experiences to be much the same. :thumbup:

This is a link to a short review I did of the Umnumzaan a while back. It might help as I use my knife for a fair bit of hiking and bushcraft sort of stuff.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/711803-The-Umnumzaan-with-words-and-pictures
 
Thanks to everyone for the useful feedback and advice. I just placed my order for the Umnumzaan in S35VN.

@Haze: your pix and review were what pushed me over the edge, so to speak. Excellent work! And I am wondering where I might get one of those nylon sheaths, for my small Sebenza as well?
 
merlinus said:
Thanks to everyone for the useful feedback and advice. I just placed my order for the Umnumzaan in S35VN.

@Haze: your pix and review were what pushed me over the edge, so to speak. Excellent work! And I am wondering where I might get one of those nylon sheaths, for my small Sebenza as well?
Click to expand...

Those nylon sheaths are the ones from TADgear.

..... but, I would avoid them TBH as they have the worst customer service I have ever encountered, lies, prevarication, goose chase and ridiculous are just some of the words I could use.....:thumbdn:
 
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