*UPDATE* Having A LOT of trouble deciding between a Sebenza 21, 25, or Umnumzaan

Heartland_edc

Heartland_edc

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May 4, 2015
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I have literally spent 3 weeks trying to figure out which of these I want. Ive done so much research on them, I feel like my head might explode. Is there ANY realistic disadvantage to any of them? They seem nearly identical when all pros and cons are averaged. I know that this is a "dead horse" subject... but would anyone care to beat on it a tad more for me? Im not concerned with whether or not I'll be happy with my choice. That seems to be a given. I just want to make sure i choose the one that makes me the happiest. I love the LOOK of the Zaan, but I like the idea of the "hydraulic" smoothness of the 21, and I also like the idea of getting a sort of inbetween package with the 25. The TNK silver lug 21 and 25 are BEAUTIFUL. But then again... the Zaan... ugh. Help.

UPDATE

I have decided to go with the standard Umnumzaan. It is on its way to my house as we speak. The Sebenza 21 was in a VERY close second place. I really wanted to pull the trigger on it, but the hole in the scale really bugged me. Stupid reason, I know. Im sure I'll end up owning it at some point. Thanks for all the help! I appreciate the feedback.
 
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The 21 slices best, and I think looks the best.

The 25 is a bit more ergonomic in my hand and is theoretically more durable than the 21 with the shallower hollow grind.

The Zaan is a beast. A refined and understated beast, but a beast nonetheless.

I'd get the 21, since it showcases an edge better, but would be happy to have any of them.
 
If you're buying used there's a factory worth of Seb's in the classifieds, you don't see that many Zaan's though.
 
21.

The pivot bushing. It makes life easy....everything that's supposed to stay tight does, and everything that should be loose is....
I hate loctite. I hate adjusting pivots, because it always seems like they need it when you have nothing to do it with.
 
I had this very dilemma, it is also next to impossible to get one's hands on each model here to try side by side soooo....



...took that pic in my yard yesterday afternoon.... :D

All are used from the exchange here. For me the Zann and 21 are very different knives and are a tie for my favourite, the 25 is second, close, but second. If I could have only one.... I would agonise over that decision but I think my penchant for overbuilt would win and I would "settle" for the Zann. The 21 though is just so very practical and minimalist in approach it is hard not to love !!
 
If you've never owned a CRK, get the 21.
If you've owned a 21, get the 'Zaan.
If you're in a pickle between the 21 and 'Zaan, get the 25.
 
I have owned all 3. I prefer the Zaan both for aesthetics and ergonomics. I also love the ceramic detent/lock interface and the fact that the thumb studs are the blade stops in the open and closed position. The machining on the handles also provides a grippier surface than the other two designs. It's such a simple and well thought out design. I carry mine everyday.
 
I really liked my 21, probably the smoothest knife I've ever owned after being opened thousands of times. They get better with age. That said I traded it to a dear friend and don't miss it a bit. I say get the zaan.
 
I'm in the same boat as you are except I own a 25 and an xm-18 has my attention instead of the 25.

I plan on continuing to browse the exchange and which ever one I can find the cheapest is probably the one I'll get.

Whatever CRK you get, you will not be disappointed and it will just lead to you wanting more.
 
Zaan.......to my eyes it has the most personality! Love it in a tanto blade.
Good luck with whichever you choose!
Joe
 
I would go with the 25! I love mine and it has the same thickness, 3.56mm, as the Umnumzaan, which I like a lot. Whatever you get though it will definitely be worth it, those are 3 awesome knives!
 
Andy the Aussie said:
I had this very dilemma, it is also next to impossible to get one's hands on each model here to try side by side soooo....



...took that pic in my yard yesterday afternoon.... :D

All are used from the exchange here. For me the Zann and 21 are very different knives and are a tie for my favourite, the 25 is second, close, but second. If I could have only one.... I would agonise over that decision but I think my penchant for overbuilt would win and I would "settle" for the Zann. The 21 though is just so very practical and minimalist in approach it is hard not to love !!
Click to expand...

Pictures like this are poison :) Now I know by this time next year I will have all three of them...maybe sooner.
 
Ive owned all of them. 21 / 25 / Umnumzaan. Had micarta inlays / carbon fiber/ insingo blade ect. I like the 21 over the 25. Insingo blade shape is my favorite. Ive now moved onto higher end customs and also love les george knives. The talos and Vecp are just amazing. Anyways CR knives are perfection of course but ive sold all but my Umnumzaan if that tells you which i prefer.
 
21 for a general EDC, Lg Inkosi if you're a bit harder on your blade than the average person. Lg Inkosi gets my vote.

 
Oh man... im leaning towards the zaan... this is the most difficult decision ive ever made in terms of a folder. LOVE all the input guys. Thanks so much!
 
Deer said:
I have not owned a 21. I'm not saying the 21 isn't capable, but the Inkosi has a beefier blade/pivot.
Click to expand...

It definitely does, but I will say that I've done some unspeakable things with my Insingo 21. I have a 'Zaan too, and both hold up perfectly fine. I actually favor the 21 for thinner geometry, but damn do I love that harpoon blade:D
 
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