Umnumzaan or Sebenza

[Dagon]

Tangential to this discussion, I would be interested in a small Umnumzaan. I rarely carry big folders.

Also investigate the "Insingo" variant of the Sebenza. I have the small one. I like the blade style more:

 

[Shadow213]

I have both and I love them both however, IMO, my Large Regular Sebenza edges out my Zaan(no pun intended). Although lately, my Zaan has been my EDC.

 

[kreole]

The pivot bushing alone makes the Sebenza superior for me. No loctite is another plus. If I had to pick on it would be the Sebenza but it really would be like picking a favorite child.

You don't actually have to locktite the Um, or at least mine doesn't tighten/loosen without it. The Seb's simplicity is nice, not having to play with the tightness to get the action as you want it, but on the other hand, the Um has a wide range it can be in without there being any side-to-side play, so you get to make the action as fast or slow as you'd like; it's the simplicity of not having a choice versus the added complexity of having the power to decide, and both have their advantages.


I really really really like the Insingo's blade and have one in each size, but the Umnumzaan has been carried more then both combined since receiving it. The smooth and silent action has made it hard for me to go back to the Sebs. My dream knife is an Insingo with the Um's ceramic ball and thumb studs.

 

[tomsch]

I have large and small classic Sebenzas plus a small Insingo. I also have a Zaan. Of all them my ideal version will be the large Insingo that I'm ordering soon.

 

[peichor]

Well I was gonna ask the same question as the OP. Really leaning towards the ummn. Where do I buy? What venders online do you guys trust?

 

[mongomondo]

I've purchased CRK Knives from Knifeworks, 1sks, Knifecenter, GPKnives, Newgraham and I trust them all.

 

[evert67]

I think the umnum is a little easier to open and close than the sebenza, that's kind of the opposite of what some people think lol, the sebenza is not hard to open or close either though.

Can anyone say a bit more on this? Are these knives harder to open than, say, a Benchmade with Axis lock (which open very easily)? Even on Chris Reeves' website he writes that some people find these knives hard to open and gives advice on how to open them.

 

[unit]

So I have finally decided to order a CRK but now the next dilemma is
which one???

I like larger sized "tactical knives" I also like jimping.

But since im paying so much money I just want to get the right knife. Does the Sebenza lock into your hand at all?

What do you guys think?

I REALLY feel for you man. I was in that situation about a year and a half ago. I opted for the Umnumzaan for similar reasons to yours. I have not carried it or used it in well over a year. I contemplated the Sebenza a few times, but I doubt I will buy another CRK.

CRKs are very well made, and the facts are facts...they just do not give *me* the level of appreciation I expect for the price (this is where the facts stop and opinions start)

 

[law1173]

Although I have not bought or held a zaan, I have had large and small regluar Seb's and 2 large annual inlays. I am down to just my '09 large box elder and I find it is the perfect knife for me. I prefer the shape of the regular vs. the 21 and the inlay makes it that much better.

After my replacement XM-18 comes tomorrow, I am going to ask santa for a large Damascus Sebenza and I should be good to go. As others have said, if you don't like it, sell it.

 

[stillsurfing05]

Definately the "Zaan".