Umnumzaan vs. Sebenza

H

HoneDog

Joined
Jan 12, 2010
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I am looking to get either a Umnumzaan or a Sebenza (large). After studying the CRK website I am leaning towards the Umnumzaan as it seems to be a newer and maybe more "high tech" design.
But the question I have is about the o-rings on the thumb-studs. Will the polyurethane o-rings degrade over time and compress? And if that happens, will it cause the lock-up to loosen? Or will the locking bar shift farther over along the base of the blade to keep wiggle or play out of the lock-up?
Will this be an issue? I might not be understanding how the mechanism works as I have not handled one, only viewed many pictures. I use polyurethane o-rings on scuba equipment and although they last much longer then the black rubber kind, they do degrade eventually.
Any insights would be appreciated.
 
the o-rings aren't what make contact with the frame for lock up. you can take the o-rings off and it'll still lock up perfectly. the o-rings just reduce noise and wear.
 
I prefer the Umnumzaan to the Seb. It's a great choice, I doubt you will find a more dependable knife!
 
Im having the same dillema, I wish there was a place (or someone) near me that had both, I could fondle..
 
The bushinigs in my Jeep are poly. This stuff is very resistant to light, chemicals, wear, etc. Don't confuse them with rubber or neoprene, and don't replace them with rubber or neoprene.

I actually prefer the Classic or 21, which have a large cutout on the solid side, to the Regular Sebenza and the Umnumzaan, which have much generous access. However, you might not agee, and/or you might like the fuller handles better. Your call. There is no "wrong" choice, and you can resell either for a very high percentage of your purchase price if you change your mind down the road.
 
I think both are a great choice. The rings should not be a problem though and do not affect lockup as was already posted. Both knives function very well but more of a choice of what more suits your taste. Personally, I went for the sebenza, but that does not mean that the Zaan isnt in my future. Let us know what you choose:)
 
Biginboca said:
I prefer the Umnumzaan to the Seb. It's a great choice, I doubt you will find a more dependable knife!
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You're not really saying the Umnumzaan is more dependable knife than the Sebenza are you?

I'm not sure how one goes about measuring a knife's dependabilty, but the Sebenza's design has more than 20 years of proven performance. The Umnumzaan's design is going to need a few more years in the wild before I'd be willing compare it's longevity or "reliabilty" to the Sebenza.
 
BobP63 said:
You're not really saying the Umnumzaan is more dependable knife than the Sebenza are you?

I'm not sure how one goes about measuring a knife's dependabilty, but the Sebenza's design has more than 20 years of proven performance. The Umnumzaan's design is going to need a few more years in the wild before I'd be willing compare it's longevity or "reliabilty" to the Sebenza.
Click to expand...

I hardly doubt that Biginboca meant that the Umnumzaan is a more dependable knife than the Sebenza. In fact, I think that both knives are equally dependable. Both are great for a first CRK and I did like the Umnum initially, but found myself carrying my Sebbies a lot more. I would recommend the Sebenza to a person wanting to buy a CRK for the first time. It was Chris' first design and still the best to date in my opinion. With that said, you really can't go wrong with either knife though. I just like being able to choose from the multitude of designs that are out there on the Sebs...
 
I think both knives are going to be as good a choice as each other. The Sebenza has decades of use and production
behind it. The Umnumzaan is made with all that was discovered over those years and some new innovations.

I will contine to use and enjoy both but I have been carrying the Umnunzaan a lot more that the Seb of late. :):thumbup:
 
Hey, I started off with an umnumzaan and I love it. It feels like it's some sort of hydraulic machine ;)
But, once I had the umnum I really became curious about the seb.
Curious, mmmhh, need to try it out...mmmh, gotta get me one of those...mmhhh buy buy BUY!!!! (you know how it goes, just ask your girlfriend how she feels about shoes :D)

So, couple of days ago my Sebenza limited 2009 with thuya burl inlay arrive at my doorstep. YESSSS. B-e-a-utiful!!! and even though everybody says the umnumzaan is a sebenza's upgrade, I was really amazed at how good it is. In my opinion it's absolutely not a lesser knife.

They're both great and enjoyable. Different, that's all, and then even not too much.

The umnum looks more agressive to me but I also find the blade much more captivating.

Either way, you can't go wrong I think.
 
It doesn't matter which one will buy as first - after some time you'll buy another.
Because these are both great knives and as far I know owners of Umnumzaan or Sebenza, most of them have Sebenza as first CRK knife but bought Umnumzaan later - for example me.
 
They are both great knives and you cannot go wrong with either one of them. There are features I like on both of them, too point them out, I would be writing all morning....lol. If you werechoosing between the umnumzaan and a 21 sebenza, I would take the umnumzaan all the way. If it was between the umnumzaan and a large regular sebenza, I would be torn between the two. Then I might have to go with my large regular sebenza. If just feel it blows the 21 out of the water in design and function.......Thats why many days, I carry the large regular sebbie and the umnumzaan.
 
If you buy one...there is a reasonable chance it will not be your last...I am speaking from experience and I bet there are lots here who will agree...
 
the only reason i haven't picked up an umnuum is i prefer the blade and handle shapes on the sebenzas.
 
I think that in the interest of diplomacy, CRK should an Umbenza or Sebzaan
 
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