Which model is the best "first" CRK ?

E

exusarmyranger

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Aug 26, 2015
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I am just getting into buying high-end knives. I wanted a very nice knife that I could use for a variety of tasks.

I was actually looking at a Hinderer and CRK. What happened for me to settle for a CRK? The customer service. I am a police officer and would get 10% through Hinderer and allowed to order direct from them; however, they just aren't as responsive to e-mails like the people at CRK. I am getting lightning fast same-day responses from CRK as opposed to a three or four day turn-around from Hinderer.

So, which CRK would be a decent "first" in the CRK line? I do need to be able to open the knife with both hands. At work, I always carry my knife in my left pocket since I carry my firearm on my right.

I'm liking the main three (Umnum, Inkosi, and Sebenza). I really like the Umnum for work but can it be opened with both hands? I see it has two thumb-studs on it.

Thank you for any assistance.
 
I carry an umnumzaan everyday and it is difficult to open with your off hand, it can be done but I wouldn’t want to mess with it in a high stress situation. Not sure about the 21 or inkosi but I’m sure others will chime in. Honestly I would go with a more ambidextrous folder like a Spyderco maxix 2 or a Benchmade axis lock for duty. Save the CRK for everything else. As far as your first, well im a Zaan fan so I would vote for that one. I love the ergos and looks of it and it is a decent slicer.
 
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1st-CRK customer service is great, but I wouldn't upset over a 3-4 day response. You likely are not going to need much attention from either company.
2nd-do you do any prying? If so Hinderer may fit you better-spanto
Now with that out of the way, I think the Sebenza is the knife to purchase for your 1st. Some dealers will have the double lug. It can be added, but that will cost you shipping both ways plus the lug. Large opens left handed better than small. The Sebenza is the knife the company was built on, and is a good utility knife and easy to maintain.
Micarta Inlay will fill the hand a bit more and give you a solid grip
Plain scale has a slimmer profile
 
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I just got my first CRK last week and went with the classic Large Sebenza 21. I couldn’t be happier, but now I’m afraid I have fallen deep down the CRK rabbit hole.
 
The Inkosi is my first CRK and it’s easy to open with both hands compared to the Umnumzaan that I tried out. The Sebenza 25 should work easily also.
I’m a lefty that’ll only buy right-handed knives because I’m use to the framelock on that side.
+1 on CRK’s customer service!
 
After owning a few 21's and handling the Umnumzaan for a few weeks I have come to appreciate the Inkosi as my favorite for EDC.

I carry it on and off the job and it's the easiest of the bunch to open with either hand . All the old timers I know that compare the two would agree.

The handle is the most comfortable of the three.

I like drop point for piercing power and utility.
Just my opinion :)
 
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I know a couple of people that are right handed that carry a LH CRK for the same reason. I'm left handed, most of my collection is left handed, but I still have a few that are right handed and still carry them.
The Umnumzaan for me is the most difficult to open with my off hand or with both hands because the opposite side thumb lug is close to the frame lock side. The 21 is better, but the Inkosi is the best for me using either hand or both hands.
I'd say get a micarta inlay even though the plain is good. I like the micarta inlays better.
 
Sebenzas 21, 25, and the Inkosi with two studs should be fine. Seb 21 not usually doubles, but can be found used here on BF exchange. Other two come double studded. Good luck with your choice.
 
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I agree the Inkosi is probably the easiest to open left handed if you get a right handed version ... the 21 next ... the Umnumzaan is difficult ...

if you are only planning on carrying it left side you can just get a left handed model ...

and the Inkosi comes with dual thumb lugs no need to add one ...

if you do any prying or rougher use the Hinderer might be a better choice is made for that sort of thing ... to a point no knife is a prybar but over the CRK the Hinderer is a bit tougher.
 
if you are looking for your 10% off on any model you are better off buying one on the exchange here. Buy one thats a few years old and you will save a hell of a lot more than 10% on usually a just like new knife which the CRK warranty follows the knife no matter who owns it. you can ship it to CRK and the sharpen and adjust it for free when ever you want in the future. just open a free paypal account if u dont have one. decide which model you want and as soon as one pops up just type “ill take it”!
 
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I just ordered a large Sebenza 21 (with double lugs) directly from CRK. However, they are on a four month back-order.

Since I’m not able to hold an Inkosi, prior to purchasing it, I didn’t know how the finger groves/choils in the handle would fit my hand.

If I’m going to start getting CRK, minus well have a Sebenza in my line-up.
 
Grab an Inkosi while you wait. Should have risked the finger grooves. They were annoying for a day and now I would not trade it for 2 21's.
 
Have one of the above inbound. Will be my eighth, ninth, or eighty-ninth Sebenza. Lost count.
 
In the large size, I like the Inkosi. For small, I prefer the 21. It's weird.

Consider getting a large Inkosi with micarta inlays. I think having a little more grip might make it easier to open with your off-hand. The micarta models definitely improve the grip in my experience.

Good luck and have fun!
 
A plain 21. Small/Large depends on your hand size and also personal preference.
 
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