Umnumzaan vs SnG

somniloquist

somniloquist

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
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Hi guys,

I know much ink (electrons?) has been spilled over the Sebenza v. Strider debate but I'm really curious to hear people's opinions of how these two knives compare. I'm come to the realization that one excellent knife is probably better than several good ones for my needs and I'm looking for a bomb-proof, low maintenance (aside from sharpening) folder for EDC. I don't live anywhere near a knife shop where I can handle either one of these knives, so I'm relying on other people's as well as my own impressions. I'm slowly selling off much of my collection to pick on of these up. Here are a few thoughts I have had, please let me know what you think. I'd love to hear people's opinions and for the record, I'm not here to troll or flame, but rather, to formulate a more informed opinion before I drop a very large amount of cash on something I hope will last for the rest of my life.

Blade: same material (S30V) and same thickness as far as I can tell. Shape and grind seem different. Any comparisons on cutting ability or durability? How do the heat treats compare?

Scales: I like the thought of dual titanium slabs better but the SnG seems to have a bigger choil, which is a major plus for me. How does the grip compare between the two models? I'm sure both are very solidly built, but if you had to pick the more solid over the other, which would it be?

Durability: Which one is more likely to give me trouble free service? I have heard of some complaints about the complexity of the Sebenza pivots when one is taken apart for service. Is there any merit to these complaints?

Overall experience: I own both a mini-Manix and a CF Caly 3 which I consider to be a bomb-proof production folder and wicked slicer, respectively. I'm I going to be much more impressed by the Reeve or Strider than I already am with these? I have a feeling the answer is no but I guess what I'm really asking is whether it is worth investing at this point or just enjoying what I've got?

Anyway, I appreciate any guidance all you wise knifeknuts may be able to give me on this topic and look forward to reading your answers. Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Save yourself the money and dont buy either...
Get a ZT or Alias.. or not....
I dont even know if I awnswered your question...
 
I am not sure if the comparison between an Umnumzaan and SNG is a fair one. In my perception SNG is much more suited for tactical purposes and Umnumzaan is more of an all-round knife. So it depends on what your requirements are. If you want a bomb-proof knife, I would not choose a folder in the first place and if I would, I learned that Hinderer knives are excellent alternatives. If you want good all-round cutters, any CR folder will serve you well, but as you might know, you can't go wrong with a Bradley Alias either if you're tight on budget.
 
I’ve had several Sebs and like the thinner blade geometry of CRKs for slicing, but was always concerned about breaking the tip when applying side load to the blade. I now carry either an SNG or XM-18 as I never worry about the blade when doing the hardest tasks. Only you can answer the last few of your questions as they are personal preferences…
 
i dont want a 5 oz 3.5 in tactical folder for daily stuff. a slipjoint or a small bm/spydie is practical, high quality, and really fulfilling. to me, a small sib or custom knife is really cool, if you have half a grand in your budget dedicated to owning a functional piece of art.

however, an sng isnt practical. anything that weighs more than 4-5 ounces and has a 4in plus blade is fulfilled more effectively by a fixed blade. something like a la griffe or a street beat will fulfill your day to day tactical or really-really-heavy-use roles (personally i dont have any), and a 9in ka bar or ontario or something like a bark river or rat 7 will fulfill any shelter or fire making needs i have. an sng simply isnt suited for day to day carry. if i wanted a heavy use knife id wear a street beat on my belt. one should be just as reluctant to carry a 3.5 in fixed blade as a 3.5 in folder

imo the caly3 cant be trumped as a quality, heavy duty locking folder, and its certainly the best bang for your buck, but i prefer a bm 770 cf osborne or a case john deere muskrat in yellow to anything decked out in camo. a 940ti is also a -really- sweet choice, but if you want my advice stick with the caly3, its a superb knife
 
I have owned both the Sng and Sebenza, at present only Sebenzas.
I acknowledge the Sng is probably bullet proof, but I did not like the size nor weight for carrying.
I find the Sebenza to be more "presentable", no worries from the sheeple when using, just admiration from those who know a good knife when they see it.

I have not heard of any "problems" because of the pivot bearing on the Sebenza, mostly have just heard questions of why other builders don't use it, as it is a positive addition.

Again, it would be a question of what you expect of a knife and how you will use it. IMHO they are both "lifetime" knives.

Finger choils might be needed on large bladed knives for control, but I have never needed or felt the need for one on a Sebenza.
 
Striders are amazingly ergonomic. They seem to want to open fast and the grip is phenomenal. The Sebenza is going to be more people friendly for sure. I have taken to carrying a Swiss army knife or leatherman style multi tool along with my one handed opening folders. It's really nice to have the right tool for the job.

You just shouldn't pry with a knife.
 
walleyeguy7 said:
anything that weighs more than 4-5 ounces and has a 4in plus blade is fulfilled more effectively by a fixed blade.
Click to expand...

I disagree.
I remember when quality knives actually weighed something.
NOW, people whine like 6 ounces will throw their back out.:rolleyes:
 
I have and carry both SMF and SnG Striders. The SnG is about perfect for me. The size is good for most day to day cutting chores. I like knowing that I can use my knife without worry of damage. If it is somehow damaged the Strider guys will make right or replace it at no charge. As for weight I barley know I have it until I need it.
 
Thanks for all the replies so far. I'm not a tactical operator by any means, but I do admit that I like the "tactical" styling of the Striders a bit more. As far as fixed blades are concerned, I readily admit they are a far more durable option than a folder, but my current situation does not allow me to carry one. There have been a number of first hand impressions of Sebenzas but I'm wondering if anyone has any direct experience with an Umnumzaan? Just curious. Thanks for all of your help.
 
I ran a quick test recently of a few of my favorites EDC's, a Sebbie and a Caly were included. If you want a slicer, it's terrible difficult to beat the Caly.
The two knives mentioned are very, very different, especially in blade geometry. That being said though, I have faith that my Sebenza will take anything I need to throw at it and I know people with Striders feel the same.
As much as I hate to say it, I think the best way for you to decide is to buy the one that pleases you aesthetically!
 
For an EDC utility knife, I like the Sebenza better than the SnG, and the SnG better than the Umnum.

The Sebenza is a better general cutting tool than the SnG. The SnG is the most robust of the three. The SnG has the best white-knuckle ergonomics of the three. Basically, the SnG is best for doing things that you don't really want to do with a folder to begin with.

I have a little more faith in Q/A-Q/C with the Reeves than I do with the Striders. It is true that Strider "will take care of you", but who wants to have to send their brand new knife to the shop?

So... if you honestly favor robustness over cutting geometery, and you can personally (or by proxy) inspect the knife you are buying, then I'd go with the SnG. If what you really want is a high quality pocket knife that cuts pretty well stock, very well modified and will last a lifetime of reasonable use, I'd get a Sebenza.
 
That is a tough comparison. I don't really think that they are comparable, but what the heck do I know?

Both good knives, though.
 
Daniel said:
That is a tough comparison. I don't really think that they are comparable, but what the heck do I know?

Both good knives, though.
Click to expand...

Oh, I think they are. The thing about all these knives though, is that they have intangible attractions that are highly personal. Of course they also have individual practical advantages, but those are not the only characteristics that will determine a person's choice.

As far as cost goes, you might as well just get a good, solid $150 or $200 knife and be done with it. But some people want something more. My Sebenzas are not 2.6 times "as good" as a $150 BM or Spyderco, but I like them a heluva lot more, and that's why I own and carry them.

A ZT300 is stouter and less expensive than the Sebenza. So if those are your only criteria, the choice is pretty clear. But the ZT has a completely different character. It cuts like a lightly sharpened spade, and it's going to scare the isht out of people who will only blink at a Large 'Benza.

Then there's the XM-18 (and 24). They are more refined than the Striders and ZT's, still don't cut as well as the CRK's, and are more machine-intensive.

Point is, for most people, the thing that's going to sell you on an Umnum, SnG, Sebenza, XM-18 or similar knife, is its ambiance. They are all durable. They all cut. None of them are anywhere near as cost-effective as some knives half their price. The individual has to decide for himself which knife speaks to him.

Partly to reinforce my point, and partly as a word of warning... many of us who own one of these knives own some or all of the others as well. And duplicates... lol. You are not likely to buy only one and not want the others.
 
Havent used either but I have heard good things with both:)

Personally Id go with the Um because I find striders are a little less friendly:)
 
I think this decision is highly personal as others stated. The SnG is a great knife. Probably back a truck over it and not do it any perceivable (highly subjective depending on the knut that has it) The Umnum...Well, it might survive the experience but with tight tolerance comes some trade offs- Functionality would probably be lost. I don't carry an SnG....I carry an Umnumzaan....I believe it is more people friendly, but still has some fear factor built into it. The raw fact of the matter is, you will find what suits you...You will probably sell off what doesn't like we all have and will continue to do. I think with both knives and the economy, now is a great time to buy one, in the forums anyway.


Bill
 
stabman said:
I disagree.
I remember when quality knives actually weighed something.
NOW, people whine like 6 ounces will throw their back out.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

i didnt complain about weight. i was asking why one would carry around a spyderco military for mundane daily chores, and if they had a good reason, why not carry a fixed blade. its up to you if you prefer a millie over a street beat for cutting rope or whatever justifies carrying it but as far as tactical goes, a fixed will always trump a folder
 
I had both at the same time, I sold the SnG and kept the Um and now I want the SnG back but don't want to give up the Um and won't. The pivot is no problem at all, I've taken it apart a couple of times, it's really, really smooth and no play in the blade. If you have the proper tools neither will be a problem. Totally different knives. I had a SnG GG and a plain G10 and preferred the plain, just a little wider, smoother grip. I have a SmF and a PT so the Um took the place of the SnG but I'll get another someday. The Um is longer but slimmer in the pocket, the SnG is definitely more grip able with the choil but I feel safe with the Um's grip also. I also like the longer blade on the Um for slicing food, both are nice, just different. The Um just feels more refined, the SnG is a knife that seems as if it wants to get beat up and used hard but it can take it. I would say get whatever appeals to you the most. If I had to choose one I'd get the Um, (I guess I did choose just one, duh!) just my personal preference. I was impressed with both but more impressed with the Um's fit, finish and smoothness. The SnG's finish wasn't bad, just seemed more like a heavy duty tool. Both have good warranties and will outlast me. Good luck. Get both.:D
 
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