umnumzaan vs large 21

kenthenoob

kenthenoob

Joined
Sep 27, 2008
Messages
317
i have an umnumzaan, but i'm considering trading it for a large 21, but i'm just wondering about the opening technique for the 21--is it easier?
 
Do you consider the Umnumzaan's opening hard?

Both openings are both very smooth. Both lockups are rock solid. I rather the muffeled sound of the Umnumzaan makes when it is locked open or closed.

I am not sure if that answers your question, but I hope it helps.

STICF
 
IMO going from U to S is a step backwards - albeit a minor step. CR says the U is the better knife but the S has such a following that he'd go bust if he stops making them. Individual CR folders have been reported as being a bit stiffer to open than expected when new so maybe you're experiencing that problem. It will get a lot easier over time
 
antonio_luiz said:
IMO going from U to S is a step backwards - albeit a minor step. CR says the U is the better knife but the S has such a following that he'd go bust if he stops making them. Individual CR folders have been reported as being a bit stiffer to open than expected when new so maybe you're experiencing that problem. It will get a lot easier over time
Click to expand...

It's all really a matter of opinion, and you what they say about opinions :D

But...

IMO the best knife to EVER roll off the CRK line was the large BG42 regular. ;)
 
sticf said:
Do you consider the Umnumzaan's opening hard?

Both openings are both very smooth. Both lockups are rock solid. I rather the muffeled sound of the Umnumzaan makes when it is locked open or closed.

I am not sure if that answers your question, but I hope it helps.

STICF
Click to expand...

not exactly "hard" just different. just wonder how it compares when opening in hand. not sure how to explain it, but when i'm opening the umnum, it's flatter against my palm--i guess because my hands are big and i have long thumbs?
i also like how the 21 has the cut-out for more thumb room.
 
kenthenoob said:
not exactly "hard" just different. just wonder how it compares when opening in hand. not sure how to explain it, but when i'm opening the umnum, it's flatter against my palm--i guess because my hands are big and i have long thumbs?
i also like how the 21 has the cut-out for more thumb room.
Click to expand...

There is a difference between the openings that is for sure. There is no room between the Umnum's thumb studs and the scales. Therefor to open it I basically just push "forward" on the studs while following frame's contour with my thumb.

With the cut out in the Large 21 you do have room to get "behind" the stud. However I usually use it in the same manner as the Umnum. (pushing forward)

I have small stubby fingers so I am not sure how these will work for you.

STICF
 
ugh. i was never very good with thumbstuds--guess that's why most of my knives have the spydie hole.
 
The scalloped handle on the Sebbie (as sticf said, the distance between the handle slab and the stud) makes it a lot easier to open with Gloves. The Umnum might have a bit of trouble there, but without having handled one (soon, though!!!) I can't say for sure.
 
Umnumzaan: The only problem I can see, at this point in time, is the small surface you have to put your thumb on when moving the lockbar. Yes, you can try and use your thumbnail but that seems not work for me.

Sebenza: How can you improve on perfection? The knife is close to perfect. I would say move the ceramic ball to the corner but then you couldn't have damascus. Add a custom pivot (simply for look) with a bushing with perforated washers.
 
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ceramic--yes.

Xcel said:
Umnumzaan: The only problem I can see, at this point in time, is the small surface you have to put your thumb on when moving the lockbar. Yes, you can use your thumbnail but that seems not work for me.

Sebenza: How can you improve on perfection? The knife is close to perfect. I would say add a ceramic ball but then you couldn't have damascus. All it needs is a custom pivot with a bushing and perforated washers.
Click to expand...

i like the sound of 'perfection' but that's a matter of opinion i guess :)
 
True, the Sebenza does have a ceramic ball. I was referring to the ball on the Umnumzaan that is positioned on the corner of the lockbar so it hits the detent and the tang.

Think of Perfection and the relation to simplicity and reliability of the design. It just works.
 
Xcel said:
Umnumzaan: The only problem I can see, at this point in time, is the small surface you have to put your thumb on when moving the lockbar. Yes, you can use your thumbnail but that seems not work for me.

Sebenza: How can you improve on perfection? The knife is close to perfect. I would say add a ceramic ball but then you couldn't have damascus. All it needs is a custom pivot with a bushing and perforated washers.
Click to expand...

I've never heard of perf'd washers. Why are they good or better? Do any production knives have them or just customs and mods?
 
KarlMaldensNose said:
I've never heard of perf'd washers. Why are they good or better? Do any production knives have them or just customs and mods?
Click to expand...

std. on the umnumzaan. They have the ability to hold more lube for a longer time and can hold a thicker or heavier lube w/o affecting the smoothness of the action.
 
Excel:

I've been having good luck closing my umnum by placing my thumb pad in the middle of the lockbar with the knife facing upward in the palm of my hand and pushing up and over as I push the blade closed.:cool:
 
closing it wasn't a problem for me, but opening it was the problem. if only it had a wider opening.
also, i'm not a fan of the thumbstud. are there modders who do custom thumbstuds? but i think the problem would be removing the thumbstud.
 
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