Umnumzaan Sharpening Choil?

Modernflame

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Jun 12, 2021
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I don't own an Umnumzaan, but I'm considering a purchase in the near future. One YouTuber complained that the sharpening choil does not clear the plunge grind, which seems odd for a CRK. Looking at pictures on the internet, it's hard for me to tell. Some photos look good, while others indeed look as if the choil climbs up onto the plunge grind, like a Benchmade 940 or the like. Maybe some are different than others? I'd be grateful if the experts would chime in. Thanks!
 
No issues sharpening an umnunzaan via traditional means in my experience. A great knife very much worth owning.
 
Please have a look at this video. He starts talking about the choil at about 3:47. This is what's giving me cold feet about the Zaan. Some pictures don't show this, but his looks bad. Has the execution changed over time?

 
What he is talking about is the difference between the plunge grind on the Sebenza vs that of the Umnumzaan, when sharpened you can develop a "smile." You can see a little one in Kris' picture above. I don't really see that as a negative, but it is a subtle difference between the two models.

This is mine -

 
This is mine
Great photo, man. Thank you for taking the time. I know the Zaan is a first rate knife, but you guys have helped me find the answer I was seeking. For me, one benefit of the sebenza and the inkosi is the generous, unobstructed sharpening choil. Just a personal preference. Perhaps I will look for another Sebbie variant instead.
 
No problem. My theory is if you need to be "talked into" a knife than you can easily be talked out of it as well. IMO the Umnumzaan isn't probably for everyone; it isn't as neutral as a Sebenza for sure, or even the Inkosi with the finger grooves that seem to work for most. CRK's do tend to hold their value better than a lot of other brands fortunately; so if you were to find one for what you consider a decent price, you probably wouldn't lose to much on moving it. But that is your decision to make based on your budget and needs/wants.
 
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