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

I prefer a 21 with micarta inlays over a plain Jane 21; and I prefer a micarta 25 over a micarta 21 (because it feels better in hand). I prefer the insingo blade, though; so I don't have a 25.
Never had an opportunity to handle a 'zaan.
Best of luck on finding the right one for you.
 
Blues Bender said:
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
Click to expand...

I can imagine you have :D I was in the same boat as op a little over a month ago. Trying to decide between the Infamous 21 and the new Inkosi. (Personally not a fan of the aesthetics of the zaan ((was originally drawn to CRK by the simplistic/minimalist appeal of the 21)) Spent a few months going back and forth. Ultimately KAs release of the Lg Inkosi CF made me jump on the Inkosi the day after it was released.

Ultimately, OP, I think you be very satisfied with whatever CRK you decide on. I was a 940 fanboy before getting my Inkosi and now I don't see any knife out there, in current production (or custom), that will replace it in my pocket. :D
 
Deer said:
Ultimately, OP, I think you be very satisfied with whatever CRK you decide on. I was a 940 fanboy before getting my Inkosi and now I don't see any knife out there, in current production (or custom), that will replace it in my pocket. :D
Click to expand...

Thats so funny... the 940 is what lead me to want a Chris Reeve too! I love the smooth, quality feel of it. A Chris Reeve in my eyes was everything I loved about the 940, but with extreme grace and luxury added. Cant wait!
 
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...

Love this. Thanks for your input! Very helpful and the pic is awesome!
 
I prefer my 25 way more than my Zaan. I just can't open it smoothly and I don't like the feeling of the grip. 21 is ok, but does not have the same robust feeling as the 25. I have a 21 Insingo, tho.
I really, really wanted to love the Zaan, but nah. 25 is every day in the pocket, Zaan sleeps in its box.
But it's a totally personal opinion.
 
Last edited:
My Umnumzaan(s) are by far my most carried and enjoyed CRKs to use. I really like its looks, the feel in hand and usefulness of the harpoon blade as scraper/ false edge.

I do enjoy the 21's, especially the Insingo blade shape for the simplistic yet functional working design. Get a micarta inlayed one for a excellent user!

Had a 25 but just never warmed up to it. Great knife but just not for me.


Good news is your going to have an awesome knife no matter which you choose. :thumbup:
 
I just bought a 21 after researching the 21, 25 and Inkosi. I haven't received it yet. I like that the 21 has a thinner grind, uses a bushing pivot for easy assembly and I like the clean lines. It's not clear to me that the 25 and Inkosi are upgrades over the 21. They remind me more of other brands. I figured I'd go tried and true with a model that has early origins.
 
Looks like you're leaning towards the Umnumzaan, the cut outs on the handle does give it a little more grip. The o-rings make it quiet when it locks up. You're not gonna get that "Thwak" sound when it locks in. There is a different method to open the blade compared to the 21/25. But, it does come with the recommended instructions.
IMO, the lock bar seems a little stiffer. I find it more difficult to close one handed than the 21/25.

The Umnumzaan is a great knife, I've got several of them. They're just a little different from the 21/25
 
Im not 100% sure, but I would guess it has something to do with the discontinued "regular" Sebenza. At some point, Chris Reeve made the transition from selling both the regular Sebenza AND the 21, to just offering the 21. The higher priced older Sebenzas ive seen have all been "regular" Sebenzas. Im sure there are other factors. Probably discontinued parts or blade/scale finishes or other discontinued scale materials. If someone else wanted to elaborate, id be interested to hear more.
 
I'm going to save you the trouble of trying to decide. Get a 21. I personally love the micarta one. I've had several 21's and the Umnumzaan. Just like the 21 more. Plus it's more of a classic, if they ever discontinue the 21's and only offer the 25 you'll have one!
 
I was in love with both of them, wanted the 21 because of its simplistic appeal and because it is supposed (I am sure it does) open easier/more quickly than the Inkosi, but at the same time I liked what the Inkosi brought to the table in terms of ergos and a tad bit beefier profile. It was very difficult to decide. One of the final deciding factors, and I might get flack for this, was the lanyard hole. If the 21 didn't have that little hole towards the back of the handle there is a good chance I would of ended up with the 21 :D :D

Get all 3 :D
 
Deer said:
I was in love with both of them, wanted the 21 because of its simplistic appeal and because it is supposed (I am sure it does) open easier/more quickly than the Inkosi, but at the same time I liked what the Inkosi brought to the table in terms of ergos and a tad bit beefier profile. It was very difficult to decide. One of the final deciding factors, and I might get flack for this, was the lanyard hole. If the 21 didn't have that little hole towards the back of the handle there is a good chance I would of ended up with the 21 :D :D

Get all 3 :D
Click to expand...

That little hole is exactly what's holding me back from the 21. Not sure why I dont like it. Seems aesthetically disruptive to the scale I guess.
 
Dantone05 said:
My Umnumzaan(s) are by far my most carried and enjoyed CRKs to use. I really like its looks, the feel in hand and usefulness of the harpoon blade as scraper/ false edge.

I do enjoy the 21's, especially the Insingo blade shape for the simplistic yet functional working design. Get a micarta inlayed one for a excellent user!

Had a 25 but just never warmed up to it. Great knife but just not for me.


Good news is your going to have an awesome knife no matter which you choose. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Agree, I have had large and small 21's, a 25, and my fav is my old Zaan...I have been though quite a few CRK's and the only one that I kept was the Zaan. If you can find Wilson Combat Zaan, much the better.
 
I'd go Umnumzaan, and have done so multiple times (have owned well over a dozen CRK's).

Also tried the 25 three or four times - never could get over the pocket clip vs finger grooves issue (the up-turned end of the pocketclip is forced into your finger by the placement of the finger grooves). The newer Large Inkosi actually rotates the pocket clip upward a bit to get that up-turned tip away from your finger, but it is still in the "wrong" spot. Shortening the pocket clip by 5/16" or so would fix it - don't understand why CRK doesn't just do that.

A first CRK however, should always be a bushing pivot Sebenza, such as the 21. If kitchen prep is at all a likely endeavor, an Insingo blade is tremendous. Otherwise, there is not much sexier a blade profile than a hollow ground Sebenza 21 blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top