zaan thumb and comments

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
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6,504
I received my new Umnumzaan on Friday, which is my second CRK knife; my first is a lg. reg Seb bought back in '02.

I really love the Zaan! And the one I received is pretty much perfect. At first I thought the lock bar moved over a bit too far, but on close examination, I could see that the ceramic ball locks up right in the center of the blade tang. The edge is razor-sharp. It has all the potential to be my main EDC knife, but...

My one issue is in disengaging the lock. I don't know if all Zaans are the same (mine is dated 9/29/11), but the part of the lock bar you press to disengage it is ground narrow and sticks up, so that it's a thumb killer. The first two times I didn't notice too much, but after cycling it about a dozen times, my thumb has a sore spot on it. And my thumb is used to operating liner/frame locks. Does one's thumb eventually become conditioned to unlock it without pain, or how have others dealt with it? I believe the lock bar is ground thin to allow more space if someone wanted to access the stud left-handed, but it creates a very harsh surface to press into. I've had to start closing it two-handed by using my left thumb which, for some reason due to the different angle, doesn't experience pain. I've decided to give my Zaan and thumb a rest, then maybe cycle it a couple times a day if possible to condition my thumb for it.

On the bright side, I don't ever see this lock failing with knife-related use. It certainly takes a purposeful effort to unlock it.

Jim
 
I'm on my second Umnumzaan, and the pain does go away and the knife breaks in with each cycle.

Over time your thumb will get conditioned and the amount of force needed to unlock the knife will lessen.

At least thats what my experience has been.
 
Toyz said:
I'm on my second Umnumzaan, and the pain does go away and the knife breaks in with each cycle.

Over time your thumb will get conditioned and the amount of force needed to unlock the knife will lessen.

At least thats what my experience has been.
Click to expand...

Having strong fingers and A decent callus helps a lot with any sort of thumbstud, hole, or lockbar. To unlock the blade, press the lockbar towqrds the spine of the knife and then to the appropriate side to unlock. that is my technique anyways.
 
Thanks for the replies.
I will try pushing the lock toward the spine then back out when unlocking. I had been considering asking CRK if they could/would make that part of the lock bar a bit smoother surface to press on, but I think I'll wait and allow time for my thumb to condition into it. I have pretty strong hands, but I'm still going to give my thumb and Zaan a rest on it for a few days. :) I'll try to let the thumb callus develop *slowly*.

Oh, and I was surprised that the blade steel on mine is S35VN. I had been expecting the Zaan to still be S30V. I've had good experiences with S30V, but had been secretly hoping for S35VN to try it out.

Jim
 
Your thumb will get used to it, Just like it did disengaging the large regular. Every frame lock has a different feel and your thumb will take some time to get used to it. The zaan is an awesome knife and I KNOW you will love it. I have EDC'ed mine quite extensively, its a true workhorse. I have given it a break and have been EDCing other CRK folders for awhile, they felt lonely.....lol.
 
I had the same problems as you, gave my thumb a rest(5 days) and all was good.
 
I actually open my Umnum with the meat of my thumb. Like the underside of the joint and have no problems. Any way you do it you will get used to it.
 
Thanks, guys.
I actually find opening the Zaan fairly easy...not as easy as the Seb, but I push the Zaan's blade open by pushing up instead of out and up. I'm just wondering why they made the lock bar sharp at the point where you push to unlock it.

I really like this knife, though. I'm looking forward to the time when I can use it and unlock it with impunity.

Jim
 
if you have the 2011 version, i believe those had the extra purchase on the lock. Have you played with an older one? There's barely anything to grab onto, i think that would have murdered your thumb, if you're having problems with the newer one :p
 
김원진;10145107 said:
if you have the 2011 version, i believe those had the extra purchase on the lock. Have you played with an older one? There's barely anything to grab onto, i think that would have murdered your thumb, if you're having problems with the newer one :p
Click to expand...


Yep, New vers older....

DSC_3146.JPG


DSC_3145.JPG
 
김원진;10145107 said:
if you have the 2011 version, i believe those had the extra purchase on the lock. Have you played with an older one? There's barely anything to grab onto, i think that would have murdered your thumb, if you're having problems with the newer one :p
Click to expand...

That was my biggest complaint about the Umnum. Looks like the fixed it. Guess I'll add it back to my list of stuff to buy.
 
I had an older one, and it was a HUGE pain(literally) to unlock the bar...sold it, and bought a newer one...couldn't be happier:)
 
I have only owned newer Zaans. 2011's

I use the meat on my thumb to open and I push forward rather than out

To close I put the outside meat of my thumb against that tab and push with downward and out pressure.

The Zaan can me stiff when new but eases up over time.

I consider the Umnumzaan one the best EDC folders I have ever carried.
 
Man you guys need to reach down and see if you got a pair! :D The Umnum is one of the greatest things since sliced bread! CR recommends disengaging the lock by pushing up and in at the same time. Sore thumbs? Seriously!? I gotta laugh at that one!!
 
Yea it does hurt when u knifesterbate too much. I mentioned some of your points on my YouTube video username socomelite1. It is a great knife and keep in mind it's made to be taken out the pocket, used and put back into the pocket. Not really meant to be opened over and over.
 
Hmmm....Wonder if I can still get the 2011 Umnum with the larger purchase BUT without the new disc? If OP got one dated 9/29/11 I'd think it might be possible there are some floating around.

OP...if you decide you cantlive with that Zaan, I'll be happy to send you a LNIB, broken-in Startac sans disc if you like.

Anyone wanna trade a newer Umnum for a original gangsta Startac, give me a shout.
 
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Only the Wilson Combat versions have the disc right now. They said they'll eventually put it on all of them but current ones don't have it.
 
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