What else can be done to the Umnumzaan?

Sufler

Sufler

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Oct 15, 2005
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Is it safe to say the Umnumzaan is the one CRK model that has seen the most changes in the shortest period of time? And, people complain that CRK doesn't listen to its customer base - all that we see new in the current production Umnumzaan came as feedback from customers. Albeit, some may feel unnecessarily. So, for the fun of a discussion, what other things would you "modify" on the current production of the Umnumzaan?

I'd say, from the aesthetic point of view, maybe a modified pattern of the standard engraving more accommodating to the new pivot size. I'd think that it'd be neat to have a new pattern release every so often. Get rid of the LBS. And, come up with a thumb-log/stop-pin that doesn't require the o-rings.

:D
 
I think the new pivot ruined the aesthetics of the knife so if it were me I'd try to fix that.
 
The zaan I have is still the original design. The only change I personally liked was that the thumb release height was increased to make unlocking it easier...........The LBS is not going anywhere because it was put on there for people not knowing how the zaan worked in relation to a sebenza ( ceramic ball lock-up ). I did not like the original LBS, but the one with the CRK logo on looks pretty sweet........... I personally liked the look of the old pivot design, but I can see why CRK went to the same one used on the sebenza 25. Two Birds, One Stone.............

As for different patterns, that would be cool. I would have liked to see the handle design go all the way down to the end. I personally liked the first few Zaans that were made that actually said " Umnumzaan ". To me, even though subtle, added to it.
 
nyefmaker said:
I personally liked the look of the old pivot design, but I can see why CRK went to the same one used on the sebenza 25. Two Birds, One Stone.............
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+1 on the raised thumb ramp. But, I can't say that I couldn't live with the original height one either - just gotta take your time with it and realize it's not a Spyderco Military action.

I prefer the new pivot for ease of disassembly. Simply put - if CRK is about simplicity... it was the right move to put a pivot with a head for which you can easily find the tool for and you already probably have. Now, an old pivot style/size to be used with an allen wrench and not CRK's proprietory tool - that's a solution.
 
Sufler said:
+1 on the raised thumb ramp. But, I can't say that I couldn't live with the original height one either - just gotta take your time with it and realize it's not a Spyderco Military action.

I prefer the new pivot for ease of disassembly. Simply put - if CRK is about simplicity... it was the right move to put a pivot with a head for which you can easily find the tool for and you already probably have. Now, an old pivot style/size to be used with an allen wrench and not CRK's proprietory tool - that's a solution.
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I never minded the original thumb release design, I just think raising it helped add to it and make it easier to unlock.
 
Probably a stupid question, but what besides the extra amount of scale removed from the front face to make unlocking easier was the result of customer feedback?
 
kreole said:
Probably a stupid question, but what besides the extra amount of scale removed from the front face to make unlocking easier was the result of customer feedback?
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The thumb release raised may have been from customer feedback. The LBS was a result of customer Misuse ( not ALL customers, just a few ), not customer feedback. The rest like the pivot were probably more for CRK themselves to be able to kill two birds with one stone like I said above.

Without a doubt, the umnumzaan has undergone the most changes of any CRK. I don't count a regular to classic/21 design a change really as its just a new design.
 
Sufler said:
Is it safe to say the Umnumzaan is the one CRK model that has seen the most changes in the shortest period of time? And, people complain that CRK doesn't listen to its customer base - all that we see new in the current production Umnumzaan came as feedback from customers. Albeit, some may feel unnecessarily. So, for the fun of a discussion, what other things would you "modify" on the current production of the Umnumzaan?

I'd say, from the aesthetic point of view, maybe a modified pattern of the standard engraving more accommodating to the new pivot size. I'd think that it'd be neat to have a new pattern release every so often. Get rid of the LBS. And, come up with a thumb-log/stop-pin that doesn't require the o-rings.

:D
Click to expand...

I have an old school one from 2009, and I quite like it. The o-rings aren't necessary, they just soften and quiet the opening action. You can take them off and it won't affect lock up.
 
Cynic2701 said:
I have an old school one from 2009, and I quite like it. The o-rings aren't necessary, they just soften and quiet the opening action. You can take them off and it won't affect lock up.
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Yes. But then the blade would be sort of naked without them. So, I'd rather have a design that doesn't require them... rather than just taking them off and pretending. This is CRK after all... we shouldn't franken things up here for the sake of it. ;)
 
This wont happen of course but it would be great if the Umnumzaan became a flipper.. not like in Flipper the aquatic mammal from motion pictures and television.. you know a flipper style knife. :D.. But I too love the Original Style Umnumzaan.. it has become a classic IMHO.
 
kidcongo said:
Make a small version! That's what is left to be done.
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I'm not sure that's possible. Imagine having to open your small Sebenza like you would an Umnumzaan. It'd be unbearable - not enough blade surface for good thumb placement, lugs would be too small, etc.
 
Change everything back to the original design and smooth out the handle. :):thumbup:
 
Just like it is but with an Allen-headed old-pivot-sized shoulder design. Large ceramic ball interface like the 25.

I found an old-pivot without the "Made in Idaho" and LBS from 2010 a couple of weeks ago. I'm sending it in this week to have CRK polish the S30V blade with the newer S35V process (to make the blade grain look "finer" to match the pivot finish) then resharpen and spa treat it for $45.00.

Should have the best of both worlds then! Will be exactly what I want in an Umnumzaan.

And I LIKE the hump, blade shape and o-ring cushioning. Makes it what it is!
 
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