Which one first?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,256
It's been a while since I've owned a Sebenza of either size, and I've never owned the Mnandi. I plan on purchasing one of each over the next year, starting with the first one next week. :)

By way of background, I'm an office worker in a federal building. I carry a SAK every day as a crowd pleaser, and a locking folder that is used less often. At home, I switch to a larger folder. I bought a house less than a year ago, and this spring and summer will see me doing plenty of outdoor landscaping tasks for which a knife will come in handy.

So, given all that -- which would you start with? A large Sebbie, a small Sebbie, or a Mnandi?

Thanks for your help,

Matthew
 
I'd have to say that a small Sebbie would probably fit your stated parameters. But you have got to get an Mnandi at some point, it is the quintessential Gent/office knife. ;)
 
Mnandi would be my recommendation. While it is billed as a gent's knife, it is really pretty sturdy and can do some fair sized cutting chores. Carries and works fine out of the office too.
 
Geode said:
Carries and works fine out of the office too.
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Absolutely true, the Mnandi has become my exclusive EDC. Like I've said before "It looks like a gent and cuts like a mutha......". ;)
 
Well, not to be contrary, but I work in an office environment and EDC a large sebenza. Granted, it is a LE redwood, but it has never alarmed anyone.

I say go with what fits your hands.

Chris
 
Great advice so far. Some additional info:

1) The Mnandi I am looking at has Box Elder inlays...I dunno if I could use that much harder than light carry!

2) As mentioned, I work in a federal installation. A large Sebenza is definitely pushing the boundaries of what I would feel comfortable carrying to work, decorated, wooded, or plain! :)

3) I've handled both the large and the small - both fit my hands fine. Have not handled the Mnandi yet, but if it is more substantial than the Umfaan, it should be OK.

Here's some of my thoughts ~

a) The Mnandi would be a great first choice since I've not owned one before, it would potentially see the most carry time (since I'm in the office at least 8 hours of the day, plus commuting), and would tie in nicely with my interest in "traditional folders" (despite the non-traditional framelock).

b) The large Sebenza would be a great first choice since it would come in very handy during the outside landscaping. Opening bags, cutting edging, etc. etc. It could also see plenty of carry during the weekend and after hours.

c) The small Sebenza would be the great compromise choice - carryable in the office, rugged enough for the outdoor work. Could be carried during every waking hour.

I don't think I've helped myself out much here... :rolleyes:

Matthew
 
The Mnandi would suit you well , very strong, cuts well and classy as hell . The clip is superb , and carries well in a dress shirt pocket siding your pens . This is usually how I carry mine , this is a very Sheeple friendly carry , noone ever picks up on it . The handle inlays are well supported , and I'd feel comfortable EDC'ing even with exotic materials . Mine is a plain jane African Blackwood version , but I'm sure it wont be the last .
 
Starfish , when you get the small and large Sebbies , go with the Ti double thumbstuds .
 
cdf said:
Starfish , when you get the small and large Sebbies , go with the Ti double thumbstuds .
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Why?

(Not being a smart aleck, just curious as to the benefits)

Thanks,

Matthew
 
Starfish said:
Why?

(Not being a smart aleck, just curious as to the benefits)

Thanks,

Matthew
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I'm not trying to read cdf's mind but I'll give you the two most common reasons. First is that the double lugs help to make the Sebenza somewhat ambidextrous. Secondly, some folks feel that the double lugs give the Sebbie a more symmetrical appearance therefore making it more ascetically pleasing. ;)
 
I say skip the doublle thumb lugs, it tends to increased the liekly hood of it opening on hanging up when you pull it out of the pocket.

Also, just FYI, Starfish you are not allowed to buy the Boxelder Mnandi on True North Knives. It's mine, I jsut haven't sved up the money yet. :p
 
DaveH said:
Also, just FYI, Starfish you are not allowed to buy the Boxelder Mnandi on True North Knives. It's mine, I jsut haven't sved up the money yet. :p
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LOL, I have a line on another Box Elder Mnandi, so the one on TNK is still safe for now! I have been looking at that one though, just to see what the Box Elder looks like. I asked the dealer (and I'm not telling!) to send me a picture - I'll probably get a chance to see what it looks like tomorrow :)

Matthew
 
For a choice, go with the Mnandi for this reason: Mnandi is unusually sheeple friendly, especially if you carry it in the included nice CRK leather slipcase. Your carry in the office will be every working day, whereby the home stuff is the occasional weekend or seasonally. Even if you encounter the sporadic large cutting chore at home, you can alway use a boxcutter or kitchen knife. (until which time you score that second knife, a large Seb). So I sum up saying the Mnandi will serve you the best as the first one to get.

fwiw - as to the Seb I always get double lugs due to wanting to use whatever hand I need to. I'm left handed, but also can handle a knife righty.
 
well let's see I get $200 a month in allowance, I've used up may already. sooo it will be first of August until it's a possibility.
 
DaveH said:
well let's see I get $200 a month in allowance, I've used up may already. sooo it will be first of August until it's a possibility.
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$200 a month :eek: :eek: :eek: ????? Geez, your Wife is a hell of a lot more generous than mine. :mad: :grumpy: :(
 
Given all that, I'd go with the Mnandi. I really like the small and large Sebenzas but, my Mnandi is the knife that gets the most real life usage. :cool:
 
As far as real, day to day use goes, the Mnandi would cover pretty much all my needs. However, I am a knifeknut, so I carry a Mnandi, plus something bigger. If you want something that's more robust than a Mnandi, but is still office friendly, I would recommend a small, wood inlay classic Sebenza.
 
Well, today's the day to send off a MO for a Chris Reeve knife. I'm about 95% sure that I will pick up the box elder Mnandi, since I've not owned one before and because it has the most potential for EDC.

Will post back here with the final decision...to be made by noonish :)

Matthew
 
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