Umnumzaan vs Strider SMF?

I've had maybe six SMF's and they are fine heavy-duty knives. The blade-steel is 0.190" thick, IIRC. A Strider SMF is an excellent choice; primarily developed for military and law-enforcement. It was the first official folding knife of the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003.
The Chris Reeve Umnumzaan (African word for "boss"), with blade-steel thickness 0.140", is the more "tactical" version of the much more numerous Sebenza series. The Umnumzaan model is very similar, in size and design, to the "large" model of the Sebenza series. The word Sebenza is the African word meaning "work." Tolerances are extremely tight on all CRK products and Chris Reeve Knives commonly is awarded the Manufacturers' Award for Excellence...each year at Blade in Atlanta.
I've had two Umnumzaans...and many Sebenzas. My EDC has been an Umnumzaan for an extended period of time, although I have carried the SMF folder on occasion.
Both companies have excellent Customer Service and Repair available to the owner. Prices are approximately the same.
The Strider is generally thought to be more "tactical" in design and function, and perhaps intended for more heavy-duty uses as well...considering its much thicker blade-steel. The Umnumzaan has a more "gentlemanly" appearance, while not lacking in performance.
Blade-steels are similar, in that both companies have favored S30V and S35VN in the past, although Strider seems now to produce the SMF in quite a wide variety of excellent blade-steels.
You would do well to handle both folders and then to decide which is best for your purposes. I cannot fault either knife.
Sonnydaze
 
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^ agree. ..

If you feel like you want a posh, very highly machined knife, go with the zaan. If you feel like a hitech "bad ass" knife, go strider. Both outstanding. I do find myself carrying the zaan more often too.
 
I haven't handled either, I'll probably buy the Zaan first, if I don't like it, I'll return it and buy a SMF
 
I researched both quite a bit. Impressions. Experiences. I went with the umnumzaan because I wanted it to stand up to daily use without being worried about it developing problems. I'm not saying that the Strider will. I'm only commenting on the slightly different philosophies of use I've learned about between the two. The Strider you can apparently break off into a 2x4, send in the pieces, and they send it back fixed. The umnumzaan has the tight tolerances, ease of disassembly, and spa treatment option. Plus I liked the swedge on the blade. Plus I like Chris Reeve. It really came down to nothing more than the fact that I have fixed blades for abusing, batoning, what not. I wanted a pocket pal to ogle and be proud of.
 
JasonG said:
If you feel like you want a . . . If you feel like a . . . .
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Jason, you hit a home run with that one. Both these knives are all about making you feel good. Pick the one that makes you feel the best. That's why you are dropping $450 on one of these puppies, after all.
 
I don't have a SMF, but I can say that my SnG is pretty awesome. When it locked up, it's honestly as close to a fixed blade as it gets. It locked up better than my Hinderer. I did some things to my SnG that I wouldn't dare do to my other folders. It's that tough. Umnumzaan is my favorite CRK. It's the only CRK that I still own after trying out half of dozen different offering from CRK. Fit and finish, tight tolerances and all other wonderful things that CRK has been famous for is all there, but when you're using a knife I don't think it'll really matter. They will both last, but I would dare say that SnG will last longer if you use and sharpen a lot. One huge thing that you should keep in mind is ergos. Striders have a very unique feel that's like no other folder.
 
I say the Umnumzaan is a better built knife, but its hard for us to know for sure which you would like the best.

Many don't like the ergos of a Strider, including myself, but many do.
You seldom hear of anyone that really dislikes the ergos on any CRK, so I think that may be your best bet since you can't handle both before you buy.
 
This question in my opinion boils down to the ergos, which is a personal thing.

I prefer the smf's feel in hand compared to the zaan personally.

If possible I'd recommend handling both before committing to purchase one or the other.
 
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