VERY very close to purchasing an Umnumzaan...

Heartland_edc

Heartland_edc

Joined
May 4, 2015
Messages
947
Ive been looking for a new EDC folder for a while. Definitely wanting full ti, some texture, 3.5 (ish) inch blade, and most importantly, something that cuts efficiently. I cant find anything else besides a sebenza 21/25 that comes as highly recommended as the Umnumzaan. Before I pull the trigger on this little beauty, is there ANY known issue or negative with this knife? It almost seems too good to be true. Ergos are definitely not the most important thing in the world to me. My hands have had to deal with all sorts of different tools, and I'm not horribly picky about how "comfortable" something is to hold. I suppose I'm more so looking for that last little nudge before I buy it. I really really want to fall in love with this thing!
 
Last edited:
Heartland_edc said:
[...] and most importantly, something that cuts efficiently.
Click to expand...

The stock on the 21 is thinner than the umnumzaan and 25, while still stout enough for everything I would use it for. If you're cutting through things that will bind on the flats of the grind, you may want to try a large 21 or 21/insingo.

Realistically, you're not going to be disappointed with any of them.
 
The deployment is a little different; you push the studs in the direction the tip of the blade will be when open. Practice it if you get one as its a thumbreaker if you do it wrong. I prefer the texture on the Wilson Combat version, but your mileage may vary. Enjoy!
 
I like it, but it is the knife I am having the most issues to open smoothly.
Great knife, but... I definitely prefer the Large Inko or the 25.
 
I've had numerous CRKs but always move them on for something else, LOL.

My advice would be to grab one of the Wilson Combat large 21s - a Starbenza - if you're looking for some texture. The 'Zaan and the 25 (due to the placement of the clip) were uncomfortable in my medium-sized hand/caused hot spots with prolonged cutting tasks.

Good luck with your choice!
 
I love mine, its a great knife, it inspires confidence for hard use, my favorite CRK (I own a 21, 25, micarta 25, Zaan)
 
CRK's are hard to beat. My smoothest is a large Regular Sebbie. My favorite was an old Classic that I carried for several yrs and then sold out of stupidity. I also carried several Zaans and the grip is very secure for my large hand.

I have been down this road and wanted you to be aware of several Zaan designs, and the problem that I had with the older non-LBS model. The newer model with the LBS took care of my problem with closing the blade.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-You-for-my-quot-new-quot-Zaan?highlight=zaan
 
Last edited:
The only down side to the Umnumzaan is how close the thumb studs are to the slabs. Unlike other knives and CRK's, the Umnumzaan requires a little different method of opening the blade. Instead of having a cut out or room between the thumb stud and slab, the Umnumzaan doesn't have that. You'll have to put your thumb behind the stud and push almost upward following the edge of the slab.
That's the only thing that comes to mind as far as a down side goes. Like everything else, you get used to it eventually.

 
The new generation Umnumzaan are great folders. With regards to opening just place the tip of your thumb at the 6 o'clock of them thumb stud and push straight up. The Fantoni Harsey folders have the same idiosyncrasy. Also, you can get the Umnumzaan with tanto blade. Mine is the Wilson Combat Star-Tac with the nice StarBurst pattern.

14um-003_1.jpg

Titanium-2.jpg
 
Thanks for all the awesome replies! I think I've got enough info to make my decision. Glad to hear the knife has made such a lasting impression. I hate to admit it, but sometimes its easier to enjoy a knife that you know has been thoroughly enjoyed by others. I suppose I should always make that judgement for myself. I also have to admit, I've always felt a little "out of the loop" having never owned a Chris Reeve masterpiece. Thanks again all!
 
Ajack60 said:
The only down side to the Umnumzaan is how close the thumb studs are to the slabs. Unlike other knives and CRK's, the Umnumzaan requires a little different method of opening the blade. Instead of having a cut out or room between the thumb stud and slab, the Umnumzaan doesn't have that. You'll have to put your thumb behind the stud and push almost upward following the edge of the slab.
Click to expand...

Glad you brought this up. I probably would have had a little difficulty with this. Had a similar issue with my Fantoni HB 01. I eventually figured it out though. Good to know!
 
I have one and the only minor concern is the weight and/or size in the pocket. If you wear jeans...no problem. Dress pants are another concern. A carbon fiber Large 21 fits my needs better with dress slacks and shorts.
 
I've been a big Zaan fan for a while. I've bought more of them than any other specific model. I currently only have this one:







 
It is a great all-round folder. I actually prefer it to Sebenza because of easier deployment (for me), the ceramic ball detent, and the stopper with rubber.

If you want a robust utility knife, you won’t regret buying Umnumzaan.

But if you want an efficient slicer, it may not be it. As already mentioned above, the blade is little thick. I think Insingo is a better slicer, although it is still not thin enough to be a great slicer.

Umnum_tomato.JPG




Miso
 
Push through the thumbstand, as if you're trying to press what's in back of it. Or like pushing a puck. Might also try pushing by placing the thumb on top of the stud, pushing it through (direction of tip). There's also pushing by nail.. when thumb is finally bloody sore.

QDp_Pg_Z2.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top