Which model for me?

I know the inkosi cannot have its washers pinched unlike the 21. What about the umnumzaan?

Also nice picture rex^:thumbsup:
 
XtianAus said:
I know the inkosi cannot have its washers pinched unlike the 21. What about the umnumzaan?

Also nice picture rex^:thumbsup:
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In my opinion the concern about pinching a washer is no reason to avoid any CRK you may be interested in. It's just not that big of a risk. Being aware and careful will ensure you don't mess up what is undeniably the most serviceable folding knife in the history of... ever.
 
TRfromMT said:
In my opinion the concern about pinching a washer is no reason to avoid any CRK you may be interested in. It's just not that big of a risk. Being aware and careful will ensure you don't mess up what is undeniably the most serviceable folding knife in the history of... ever.
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Thanks for your input. Have you handled any other models of the umnumzaan? I know you're a big fan of it and it would be helpful if I knew what you liked about it above the other models (inkosi and sebenza 21)?

Also do you have a picture of the umnumzaan from a spine shot? Would love to see the tip profile.
 
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XtianAus said:
Thanks for your input. Have you handled any other models of the umnumzaan? I know you're a big fan of it and it would be helpful if I knew what you liked about it above the other models (inkosi and sebenza 21)?

Also do you have a picture of the umnumzaan from a spine shot? Would love to see the tip profile.
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I've owned a few umnumzaan, two inkosi, and a sebenza and have had all of them apart for cleaning on more than one occasion. I currently own an inkosi and a zaan, and wouldn't mind having a sebenza again.

I like the zaan just a bit more because it is the most 'flick-able' which I'll admit is an unusual reason to preferance one over the other. As far as all other aspects, I really like both knives.

I have had both the tanto and drop point 'zaan. The CRK tanto is the only tanto blade I have ever been drawn to. I don't usually care for them, but the tanto 'zaan is just so perfect.

I'm traveling this week. When I get home I can send some photos.
 
Thanks Tony, appreciate your perspective and looking forward to those pictures. Good luck with your work.
 
Aw beautiful photos!! Thanks so much. Do you have a tanto version also?
 
Ajack60 said:
Just because our Canadian friends can’t put a Umnumzaan back together, :D doesn’t mean it’s a difficult task. Trust me, you might be a little nervous at first, but as long as you take your time, they’re a breeze to tear apart and reassemble ;). BTW, I’ve never used the locktite on my umnumzaan’s, 25’s or Inkosi’s
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You've never used Loctite on your Inkosi? How come? So then it's not necessary to Loctite the Inkosi pivot? I'm still learning the difference between the Sebenza and Inkosi. I find it a little confusing.
 
Wolverine666 said:
You've never used Loctite on your Inkosi? How come? So then it's not necessary to Loctite the Inkosi pivot? I'm still learning the difference between the Sebenza and Inkosi. I find it a little confusing.
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I’ve got the Inkosi, 25, and Umnumzaan which have the same pivot system. I’ve never used the supplied Loctite that comes with the knife. I’ve taken the 25 and Umnumzaan down several times, haven’t had the need to take the Inkosi apart yet. I check the pivot screw, so far, there hasn’t been an issue with it backing out.
The first time I took the 25 apart, the pivot screw was the first one taken out. With the other screws still tight and the pivot screw out, it was still dead center and operated normal.
 
I've had the large Inkosi. Took it apart because the grease that's applied was a bit stickier than I liked. I polished the washers a bit & touched them off with some quality firearm grease. Slapped it back together & smooth as butta, no issues.
 
I don't have a lot of knives. My first CRK was the Tanto Umnumzaan. I love it. It is VERY substantial. Very flickable, as others mentioned. But it is a big knife, bigger than I was expecting. As such, it is not my EDC. My Micarta Insingo Inkosi is a very substantial short knife. To my knowledge the scales and blade are the same large thickness as the Large Inkosi, just the blade and scales are shorter. After weeks of opening I still am unable to flick it open... the shorter blade inhibits centripetal force vs. the Large one. Both are super smooth openers. I love my Inkosi as an EDC because of its small size. It is unbelievably solid. With these two I no longer find myself poking around considering another.

 
Large Sebenza in your choice of blade style, drop point, insingo or tanto. I have both the Umnumzaan and a L21. Love both of them, but the sebenza is precious.
 
I went on a binge and purchased an Umnumzaan, PJ large Inkosi Insingo, and large 21 micarta drop point over the past few weeks. I’ve had a small PJ 21 for a while now, but these full size CRK’s blew me away. Some observations: I love the Zaan, it’s robustness, and it’s ‘flickability’. It was also the smoothest out of the box. I haven’t had to take it apart yet. The only thing I don’t like is that the upper swedge is so sharp, I’ve already cut two shirts when wiping the blade off. Other than that, all positives.

The Inkosi is absolutely built like a tank. More so than my Hinderer XM-18 3.5” IMO. It is dead simple to take apart and to adjust the pivot. The Insingo blade has a very usable upper swedge and an overall very robust blade shape and the jimping is much more aggressive than the Zaan or the 21. This would absolutely be my choice if I needed a ‘hard use’ knife for whatever reasons.

The large 21 micarta... I love this knife so much I’m seriously considering selling all of my other knives just to buy more. I’ve already sold my Grimsmo; Hinderer up for sale, and my other CRK’s might have to go now too... I really like my small 21, though not nearly as much. The micarta gives it an extra something ‘special’. After taking it apart and greasing it up, it is now my smoothest CRK. The large drop point is the most beautiful blade shape in person IMO. The jimping is perfect. While the reassembly isn’t quite as idiot proof as the Inkosi, it is not difficult. Not enough of a reason to pass over the bushing pivot.

While I’m so enamored with the large 21 micarta I don’t think I could recommend anything else, I hope my observations might help make the right choice.
 
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Of the three I think the Inkosi is actually the toughest by a hair. The Umnumzaan looks more tactical but has a thinner blade and the smaller washers. Tim Reeve has said the strongest CRK folder blade is the Inkosi tanto. That said some guys have issues with the Inkosi in really messy environments because a portion of the washers is exposed when opening. But you can't go wrong with either. As far as loctite I rarely use it. It's there in case your Pivot backs out (and it can) but in my experience more often than not it's not needed.

Ive said enough negatives about the 21 that I don't need to say again but suffice to say there is nothing wrong with skipping it and moving to the other folders.
 
Im really leaning towards the 21 so far tbh. Its ease of disassemble really appeals to me.
 
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