Sebenza vs. Umnumzaan: which should I buy for EDC?

G

Gearguy

Joined
Feb 12, 2012
Messages
10
Okay,

In my previous post I asked for advice regarding which blade I shroud buy for an EDC. I have a Paramilitary 2 which I love but the scales are G-10 and tend to destroy my clothes. In any event, I thought I was going to buy a BM 943, 585, or 470 but before I knew it everyone here had somehow convinced me to get a CRK!

So, know that you have all brainwashed me into the CRK cult (on Valentine's Day no less), please help me decide which to get for EDC.

The choices are:
- Large Sebenza 21,
- Small Sebenza 21,
- Umnumzaan.

I will be using the knife for a variety of general utility tasks in varied environments from the office to the field. Also, the ability to use the blade for last ditch SD is always a bonus.

So, which do I buy?

PS: any comparative pics of the models would be appreciated as I will have to buy on spec. Aslso, any pics in relation to the Paramilitary 2 would also be great as I own that blade and can use it as a size reference.
 
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I am going to suggest that if you go with the Sebenza, go with the one that has micarta inserts, or even wood inserts. This gives it a hair more width, but it does feel better in the hand, at least for me. If you are not going to be using it in dirty, destructive situations, then the wood looks very nice, and is pretty tough as it has been stabilized which involves pressure, heat, and epoxy. It will cost a little more, but it does give that slight increase in width, and it has a good feel to it.

The Umnumzaan is a knife's knife (really good).

Did anyone mention the Lion Steel SR-1? It has a monoblock titanium handle, a Rotoblock that can be used to lock the blade down, and a nice blade steel that comes with a convex grind. You might want to check it out just so you can say you did!
 
A few pic's of the ones I went with. I had a chance to pick up a small, but it was just too small. It felt like a church knife.
I'd say go with the Zann or the large Seb for now. Then later when you want get a small.
zansebsar1.jpg

zansebsar.jpg

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I've just never "gotten" the wonky blade design on the 'Zaan. Large Sebenza has become my go to knife when I'm not carrying a slipjoint.
 
Having handled/owned all three, if I could keep just one, it would be the Large Sebenza 21.
 
Remembering when i went to buy my first Sebenza, I held both the large and the small... I remember originally wanting the Lg but i went with the Sm for some reason...I think i thought that the Lg was too big. I eventually traded the small for a Lg Tanto and never looked back. Go with your gut man! I liked it so much (size wise) that soon after i traded my SNG for an Umnumzaan. I personally love both of these blades and couldn't pick one over the other.

If you like the Para 2, I think you're going to like the Lg Sebenza a bit more than the Umnumzaan... The Umnum has a very textured feel to it whereas the Para 2 and the Sebbie feel somewhat similar but in the end like I said, go with your gut.

The Sebenza comes apart with an supplied allen wrench and the Umnum requires a kit ($12) no biggie

Best of luck brutha!

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Gearguy said:
Okay,

In my previous post I asked for advice regarding which blade I shroud buy for an EDC. I have a Paramilitary 2 which I love but the scales are G-10 and tend to destroy my clothes. In any event, I thought I was going to buy a BM 943, 585, or 470 but before I knew it everyone here had somehow convinced me to get a CRK!

So, know that you have all brainwashed me into the CRK cult (on Valentine's Day no less), please help me decide which to get for EDC.

The choices are:
- Large Sebenza 21,
- Small Sebenza 21,
- Umnumzaan.

I will be using the knife for a variety of general utility tasks in varied environments from the office to the field. Also, the ability to use the blade for last ditch SD is always a bonus.

So, which do I buy?

PS: any comparative pics of the models would be appreciated as I will have to buy on spec. Aslso, any pics in relation to the Paramilitary 2 would also be great as I own that blade and can use it as a size reference.
Click to expand...

Get the one that you like the best.
 
The small just feels like miniaturized large Sebenza. I sold the small and kept the large. I've been curious about the umnumzaan but I can't get over my impression that is an over-designed Sebenza. I tend towards minimal designs; the plain jane large 21 is a near perfect knife.
 
I have both the Large Sebenza and the Umnumzaan..

The Umnumzann is the only one I carry.. It just feels more solid to me.. I love the blade and overall design.. The Large is nice, but I feel the Zann is better.. I only keep the large in case something happens to the Zaan and it needs to go back for a spa.. If I LOST it, I would get another one rolling my way as soon as I could get to a computer..

The small is just too small for me..
 
The Umnum is my EDC favorite. If you do chose the large sebenza, I recommend getting two thumb studs if you want to be able to open it with either hand.

 
You're going to end up with both anyway...but my vote goes Umnumzaan just because I can flick it with 0 sound so no one knows I'm playing with my knife.
 
I cant comment on the sebenza, but I have been edcing the umnumzaan for almost a year I think, and I absolutely love it. You will definitely not be dissapointed with it.

As far as aesthetics go, pics of the umnumzaan just dont do it justice. IMO, You wont get how awesome it looks until you have one in your hand.
 
Just got me a new lg seb with the bead blasted/slightly textured carbon fiber scale. One reason I chose this one is that it's the same weight as the PM2, which I love for edc. The regular titanium scale adds 1 oz. You will probably be happy with any of them, but also include the CF in ur research. It carries better than the PM 2 in my opinion because of the narrower profile and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. It's a dealer exclusive, so if you don't know where to find it (and see nice accurate pics), PM me. Good luck with ur decision.
 
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Umnumzaan Hands down. overall an even more robust, beautiful, interesting design. moreso than the Sebenza. more comfortable thumbstud, easier to flick open, etc. I EDC one regularly, its one of the best knives I've ever used.


umnum.jpg
 
The small Sebbie is very compact, but should be large enough for most of the things you'd need it to do. Personally, I like larger knives just cause. In that case, the large has the advantage of the large cutout for disengaging the lock. Also, the Umnumzaan doesn't make that authoritative clack when you open it (which is the point, but if you like that clack, look elsewhere). It is easier to open, though, has better ergos, and will do everything a Sebenza will and then some. My personal preference is the Umnum, but you'll be happy with any of them.
 
Tsujigiri said:
The small Sebbie is very compact, but should be large enough for most of the things you'd need it to do. Personally, I like larger knives just cause. In that case, the large has the advantage of the large cutout for disengaging the lock. Also, the Umnumzaan doesn't make that authoritative clack when you open it (which is the point, but if you like that clack, look elsewhere). It is easier to open, though, has better ergos, and will do everything a Sebenza will and then some. My personal preference is the Umnum, but you'll be happy with any of them.
Click to expand...

the umnumzaan will clack if you choose to remove the the washers on the studs, that's how mine is. I think the little machined groove on the lockbar (umnumzaan) is better than the cutout to disengage (sebenza). grabs your thumb for easy close.

The small sebenza is a pretty small knife, almost annoyingly small, imo. the large is the way to go if you want a seb.
 
I vote large Sebenza.

Pictures are always fun. Here are some left handed CRK's getting my gin and tonics ready:

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People who I have the utmost regard and respect for their opinions and judgement say the Sebenza is hands down their favorite EDC's.
I just got two Umnumzaans (Today) why two? One has the LBS and one does not.
I will say as a LOVER of knives - these are LoveAble.
Graet knives. Really amazing. I will get a Star-Benza next (Wilson version of a Sebenza) kind of a Umnumzaanized Sebenza if you will.
I am sure I will not be disappointed.
You will end up with both so it doesn't matter in the end.
 
Large Sebbie. Its a beautiful classic design. Go with micarta scales and double thumb studs and you'll add great functionality to it.
 
Thanks for all the great advice guys, the comparative pics from dcmartin were especially usefull and have convinced me that either a large sebenza or the Umnumzaan is the way to go. Only problem is, from your posts it seems that people are almost equally divided between the two! I'm having the worst problems deciding between the clean, classic lines of the sebenza vs the super modern, more purposeful design of the Umnumzaan. At this point I am leaning ever so slightly toward the zaan but the misses thinks I should go for the sebenza (and she is kind of the boss).

Help push me toward one or the other!

Also, what do you recommend, should I buy direct from CRK or just purchase from an authorized online retailer. Problem is, it seems like most online retailers are always sold out!
 
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