Is The Chris Reeve Umnumzaan Still A Great Knife? - 2022
Vložit
- čas přidán 18. 06. 2022
- A "Re-Review" of the iconic Chris Reeve Umnumzaan.
Shop ALL Chris Reeve knives - dlt.link/2FqhofC
Chris Reeve Umnumzaan - dlt.link/3sKw3p3
DLT Trading New Arrivals - dlt.link/2OOHSc9
Blade HQ New Arrivals - shrsl.com/36fac
Crane's Cutlery New Arrivals - cranescutlery.com/shop/?ref=1072
GP Knives New Arrivals - shrsl.com/3bzf4
River's Edge Cutlery New Arrivals - riversedgecutlery.com/shop-al...
Shop Flytanium! Custom parts for your favorite knives! - shrsl.com/333ql
Check out these other GREAT retailers! - linktr.ee/MCalt
--------‐----------------------------------------------------------
My MOST RECOMMENDED KNIVES all in one place! - linktr.ee/MetalComplex
--------‐----------------------------------------------------------
Metal Complex stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/meta...
--------‐----------------------------------------------------------
The tools, lubricants, flashlights, sharpening equipment, and knife storage I use right here on my channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
--------‐----------------------------------------------------------
SUBSCRIBE TO KNP! - / @knifenutspodcast
My Patreon - / metalcomplex
Follow me on Instagram @metal_complex
Become a Member of my channel! - / @metal_complex
--------‐----------------------------------------------------------
#METALCOMPLEX #chrisreeveknives #knifereview
**DISCLAIMER** This channel's content is meant for educational purposes only, and encourages the proper/safe use, handling, and understanding of tools. - Jak na to + styl
My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex
Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex
MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u
Just a quick tip about your speech: try not to say "right?" so often.
@@dylanbond1627quick info for you, I grew to be one of the largest knife channels in the history of youtube and said "right?" Over the course of 4300 uploads. That's just not something I'm willing to change and it clearly doesn't matter. Thanks though 👍
@@metal_complex lol okay sorry i didn't realize you know everything and feedback is of no value
@dylanbond1627 this particular feedback is of no value*
✌️
I freaking love my ZAAN!! Bought it brand-new stiff as hell and overtime with cleaning and use I've turned that action into butter. People give up on the knife too quick...but stick with it and your patience will be well rewarded. Great review MC!!!
I feel that, but most people when spending that much on a knife, it's an investment and they want it to be smooth right out the box without having to do a bunch of stuff and use it a bunch to get it to be smooth. That being said, they should just get a different knife if that's how they feel about it witch is why I don't get why people whine about it when they can easily just not buy one lol. Hell I won't complain if less people bought them and saved some for the rest of us who do like them lol
@@josephlilley9249 I agree. CRKs are meant to be slow rolled. Everyone who knows anything about high end knives knows that.
@@markp4401 amen to that!! Every time I slow roll her it gives me goosebumps...lol. And to be honest it's my favorite deployment method.
Just got a brand new Spyderco Pm2...And funny thing is I spent 200 hundred dollars!...And there was nothing I had to do to it!...I did not have to take it all apart and do this and that and wait a year for it to break the F..K in so to speak!...Matter as fack I ended up purchasing three knives for the price of one CKR knife and all three blow any CRK knife out of the 💧 water!
@@MyRaven7 sounds like you're just not far enough along on your knife Journey yet.. I'm 100% confident in the fact that you've never owned a CRK- if you say you have I'm not going to believe you. And that's okay man.
All good, I was at the point you are now several years ago...
Just so you know, Chris Reeve Knives are probably the main knife out there that you don't have to do anything to, so that point is null & void... you rarely see any modded crk- Thank God
Also, it takes about a week or two to break in...not that long..
And every crk I've ever bought brand new I've been able to thumb flick within 2 days on the Inkosi and right out of the box on the sebenzas...never owned an Umnumzaan.
I don't know if you made this point, but if you did I'm with you on the fact that it's just ridiculous on how hard the Umnumzaan's are to get. It's absolutely ridiculous for production knife that's been around a decade to be that hard to get...
For example, I got an email recently from a company that had just gotten a restock listed. 12 Umnumzaans.
My email was open and I was in my inbox when the email came through. Went to purchase, successfully added it to the cart, and before I could enter my credit card information they were already sold out... happens like that every. single. time.
I visited CRK HQ a few weeks ago. They took me on a full tour. It was fantastic. Excellent company. Love my Zaan!
I was considering selling my umnumzaan 10 minutes after opening the box because of the issue with disengaging the lock. But once I figured out to use the side of my thumb versus the middle of the pad, like with every other frame lock, it wasn't so bad. Now I love it and it's one of my most carried knives.
Mad i got a crk now im thinking ab a sebenza 31 in micarta or bog wood
Had three Chris Reeve knives over the years: Wilson Combat Star-Tac Umnumzaan, Prometheus Design Werx Small Sebenza 21, and a Small Inkosi with micarta inlays. The only remaining CRK knife in my collection is the Star-Tac Umnumzaan. Had it for years, bought it lightly used with box and papers for around $430 at the time, I think. I also used the CRK warranty once for sharpening- great experience. Absolutely one of my favorite knives of all time. It’s no surprise that CRK is one of the original “trifecta” of production knives (Hinderer, Strider, Chris Reeve). Just recently added a “Jekyll to Hyde” V3 backspacer and I like it even more. Well made for sure. Cheers!
Yes, I'd like seeing the classics re-reviewed. It's interesting to look at something again when you've moved deeper into the subject.
After a decade of geeking out about it then finally trying one out in person, I was completely shocked! To your point, times have changed, and we are all better off. Love these candid retrospectives!
Dude your sense of humor and honesty was on point in this video 🤣 great vid MC glad to be a subscriber
The blade is just so perfect looking. Thanks MC!
Thanks MC for this video. I have an Umnumzaan and a Large Sebenza 31, both 2021 builds and both I love... for different reasons. My Umnumzaan is all you said it is, it's quirky lock bar disengagement tab is not the most comfortable, but the rest of lock bar design and functionality is amazing. The knife functions correctly and identically 100% of the time. It never fails. In contrast my Sebenza 31's lock bar disengagement couldn't be more comfortable. It too functions correctly and identically 100% of the time! These things are amazing and both are keepers.
Yep, lefty checking in. I love how easy it is to grab left handed hinderers and crks 🥳
Very solid take! I view my Sebenza in a similar light. The thing about the lockbar falls into the same category as other gripes I have at this price range: On it’s own it’s not a big deal, but there’s no excuse for it to be that way when far less expensive knives can do it better with similar reliability.
The Zaan is such a divisive design. People seem to either love it or hate it. I agree with you about the lockbar shape and I replaced my lanyard pin with another standoff backspacer. CRK sells them. They are transitioning from S45VN to MagnaCut and bumping up the hardness even more, so I see little to no reason to complain about steel choice going forward.
Yes I agree on it being divisive. Im def a hater, I just really dont like the way it looks. But to each their own
I disliked it since it came out. With all the recent hype I decided to pick one up to see if I was wrong. Nope. I hate it. lol
@@JAREDGRAF8181 what do you dislike about it, I just got one and I love it
I only hate the fact that I will never own one.
Not because I cannot afford it mind you, but because so many people are vying for it that the Umnumzaan literally disappears within minutes of it dropping.
And I’m on several mailing lists, so don’t think that I’m not doing what I can to obtain one. 🤷♂️
Thanks for another excellent review of a classic. I love how you take the air out of the hater's balloons before they can ever start blowing hard. I ordered one of these 6 months ago. The wait time is still another 12 months away! So much for poor CRK not being able to design a knife that people want!
The wait times for some CRK models ordered directly are exceeding 2 years!
Kept on cracking up along the vid. Good job buddy. I simply love mine, a keeper definitely.😁🤜🤛⚔️
Hands down-top 10 knives.
I have been in the knife collecting community for almost a year now. I have watched your reviews and have become a collector of the more 'higher end' knives just recently. I just got a hold of my first Chris Reeve knife yesterday and the one that I have been after for a while, which is really the only version that I wanted, the Umnumzaan Tanto. And I am very pleased. Everything about the knife I love. True the lock disengage is hard, but like said in another comment, I have learned to use the side of my thumbpad vs the top of my thumbpad and it is much easier in my opinion. This knife I was chasing for a while and now that I have it, it will be in my lineup for daily users.
Has it broken in anymore yet?
Recently in the last couple years have gotten into knife collecting. Love the channel and have put this on my wishlist 🔥🔥
I have one and have the exact same complaints as you list, but still one of my favorites. I’m currently waiting for it to come back from the shop. I got one of the rarities that no matter what I couldn’t get it centered, it was just slightly off but it drove me crazy. I figured while I was at it I might as well get them to glass blast it and send a spacer to replace that damn lanyard.
I will say I found the way to disengage with a little less discomfort, push downward with the outside of your thumb. It’s not really intuitive, but once you get it figured out it helps.
Please keep doing the classics like this!
Re: the disengage, to anyone who says you just need to get tougher thumbs or get used to it…sure.
But.
The 21 came out around the same time as the Umnum and the disengage is luxurious. Generous cutout, comfortable and consistent. We know they can do it!
Then they may only sell one knife to someone rather than 2. Like myself, I will end up owning both at some point.
I waited 2 years to get a Brand New Umnumzaan, and when I got it I was so disappointed. It thrashed my thumb, destroyed my hopes and dreams, I could not believe I waited so long for such a crappy deploying knife. Now I understood why all my buddies that had one, sold them within the month. Well I waited one month and one day, I didn’t strengthen my thumb and I was just coming out of 5 surgeries on both hands. Today, and 7 months later, my Umnumzaan is the ONLY knife I carry, and has pretty much “un-pocketed” everything else I own. I carry it to work, and I carry it off duty. It’s not a knife you get used to, it gets used to you. I think people don’t give it a chance, and if it’s uncomfortable, get rid of it now. MC you know your thumb won’t be thrashed like that in a couple more weeks. Your body will evolve to opening and closing the blade. And once you get past the “newness” of it all, you too will fall in love.
Had a Zaan and an XM-24 in my hands at a show a few months ago, should have bought both...wasn't in love with the Zaan. Couple weeks later found a large Inkosi Tanto and it spoke to me a bit better, so it became my first CRK. Glad I waited. I would be interested in seeing you re-review the SHF - I bought a Royal Flush at Blade Show, and I like the action after break-in better than the Inkosi...and I haven't had to disassemble the SHF twice to get great action. Keep bringing great content! You da best!!
I continue to struggle using high end knives due to the price, but the zaan is one I had no issue using from day one. Love the content! Keep up the great work.
CRKs are the only high end knives I don't struggle using at all - I have several. With their free Spa treatment you send in your heavily used and beat-up knife and they make it look and perform brand new again (I've done this to two of them - they come back pristine). And people continue to complain about the prices. I would too if I bought an expensive knife and put it in a drawer. Nothing is worth it then.
Can’t believe it!!! I light at the end of the search tunnel has come! My local dealer has a Tanto Zaan, 1 of 3 coming in next week, reserved for me. Came out of the blue but it’s freaking awesome
Yup I just got lucky too my local dealer just got 3 Zans in and I instantly went in there and picked it up
Inkosi is far superior in my opinion. Had one of these for a while because of the hype and quickly decided I didn't want to keep a knife that I have to position my hand in an exactly perfect position to just be able to open it. Not only is the thumb stud/stop pin placed in an extremely awkward position, if you so much as breathe on the lock bar while trying to do so, not going to happen. Forget middle finger flick. Then there is the lock bar... Inkosi has none of these issues and the same level of function. Really don't get the hype.
Great review. 👊😎
Thanks for the awesome review! I personally love the CR clips.
😂 love the Hank Hill voice!
“I sell Chris Reeve knives and Chris Reeve knife accessories!”
“I tell ya hwat, that action is hydraulic!”
Great video! The umnumzaan is so good, for me it totally supersedes the Sebenza. I have both, a 31 large and an umnum, to me they improved upon everything so much that the Seb is redundant…except the sharp lockbar edge.
If they smoothed out that lockbar edge somehow…perfection
I think with the edge they designed it with ergos in hand in mind, at the cost of it being slightly uncomfortable to close. It doesn’t have a releif around the thumb stud like a sebenza (which gives you access to the lock bar) the zan doesn’t require the that releif because you push the stud straight up and also because the stud needs to rest on the scales when its closed
I love Chris Reeves Knifes!
Especially the Sabenza..
Love CRK’s stamped clip. IMO, it’s as good as it gets.
I only successfully thumb flick the Umnumzaan about once every three times. You ARE a technical ninja. Also, after disengaging an XM-18 a dozen times, the Umnumzaan feels like pillows. And it's not like Hinderer doesn't know how to make it lock disengagement easy - see the Half Track. Anyway... I rarely carry my Zaan, but when I want a framelock that won't fail, the Umnunzaan it is. And again, congratulations on the success of the channel.
Been carrying and using my tanto zaan literally everyday since I got it in September of 2019. Drove over to Monkey Edge and picked it up cause I used to live like 15 minutes from monkey edge haha. I threw an A. Purvis v1 timascus clip and j2h dragon skin v3 backspacer. She’s perfect!
I feel like the lock bar cutout was a decision between comfort and lock interface surface area. I'm glad they chose what would make a more substantial lock bar
So I found out some interesting info when I was inquiring with CRK about getting a new blade for my Umnumzaan… They are planning to convert to Magnacut as their standard steel by the end of the year.
Funny, my Umnumzaan is my primary carry for over two years. I don't baby it, except I do draw the line on pry barring with it. Love it.
I bought one in Feb 22. At sept 22 I have carried nothing else. I just haven’t wanted to put anything else in my pocket……. My first CRK. I was concerned about not wanting to use (like I use ) knives but I have used it like a rented mule. AND it does take 5-6 months to really break in under use for me. Give it time folks!
The Fox Revolver was my first DECENT knife... Oh boy!! Never got to appreciate enough what a freat action is until i got the next.... And could not hold a candle against it, it was then when I realised that not every knife has a mind-blowing fall-shut action
The compliment: I just watched you opine for 34 minutes on a knife I own. Getting into TNP territory 🤣
This is my "If I only had one" knife. I love the quirks & the lockbar got better after I pulled the pocket clip off it a little.
Here's the thing about the Umnumzaan: I'm not a spiritual guy. I don't imbue inanimate objects with human characteristics or spirits. This knife is different. I call it "both tool & talisman". Something about it changes my mood & attitude when it's in the pocket. It has an air of invincibility that (literally lol) carries over. More so that any other knife I've experienced. Call me kooky. You've called me worse 🤣
I completely agree. These knives (knifes' for MC 😉) seem to have a "bearing" about them that you just don't get with almost all other knives.
Such a great and articulate comment. Talisman and tool, well said.
I feel the same way but could never describe it as well.
Sebenza, xm-18, nothing holds a candle to “the boss”.
I got mine new 3weeks ago and it’s “my one”. I never experience honeymoon period love for knives so its not that, its the knife. It’s it!
I've had a Umnumzaan on order from CRK since 3/30/21. I've asked for an update in February this year and was told "14-20 months from order..." I am going to patiently wait for perfection.
Bruh
Yeah, you can find it from authorized dealers much sooner, which CRK support 100%! I did that.
@@Robs_Nerdy_Knives Yes. These just dont seem to come up that often on dealer sites lately
Did you finally get it?
How do you like it?
I love your channel, but anytime I’m looking for a quick answer I end up listening to your videos and thinking of myself. Oh my I need more time in my life.
I’d be curious to see where the strider sng stacks up for you these days. But I have a tanto zaan in the original s35vn and absolutely love it. I’ve had it for 5 years now and it’s broken in amazingly well, never sent back to CRK for anything and gets at least 4 days in my pocket every week for work. This knife absolutely loves to be used hard. The tolerances on this thing are insanely tight, which adds to the solid feel. Well worth the money.
Strider does NOT. Its
More pricey than hinderer and CRK, and while hinderer/crk have competition at their price, they hold their own. Strider simply doesnt. strider looks cool and thats it
Does the over travel stop come out? like say if I wanted to anodize it
good timing, i literally just got mine yesterday
Thanks for your videos: entertaining, educational, and an expression of good common sense. Q: What is the purpose of the design of the spine. Esthetics only or does it have a utilitarian value? Thanks again!
I spoke this re-review into existence with my question on the shorts from a few days ago. Guilty on saying Chris Reeves haha
When I get one some day. I'm gonna mod the hell of it. Remove and chamfer down the lock bar, remove the bill near the tang, so I can choke up to the blade really close, make some jimping on the blade where the glasbreaker is so I can front flip it
my large 31 was so uncomfortable i had to smooth out the hard edges on the fore lock side on a leather belt with compound. then all the screws fell out.... can't use this knife without loctite thats for sure. however it is buttery smooth and cuts like a scalpel. mixed feelings - though i have several now
I would love to get my hands on one, ordered a large Sebenza in February 2021
I will get a umnumzaan at some point. I can see why it’s so highly regarded. I have a macassar ebony large sebenza 31 in s45 and love it though.
Damn that engraving is beautiful. You have some good friends
And I saw one guy cut his lanyard right as he received it!! I know I hated it, too, but I figured I’d disassemble to remove it.
I enjoyed this rereveiw, do shaman next please.
I've been wanting a left handed tanto for years now.
I’ve never cut the lanyard off I always untie them when I take them off of my CRKs.
Def prefer the inkosi over this knife. Part of the CRK experience is the extremely satisfying sound of the opening and closing!
I think we have to test if that glass breaker actually works on automotive glass. That glass is way tougher than we think
Normally it requires tungsten or a very sharp metal tip
Nice review and the zaan is the best knife under $500, no contest imo.
You have my permission to remove the lanyard. MXG Gear has replacement pins that won't fall out.
Totally off subject but can you check your Microtech socom bravo. The detent on opening mine seems to be way too soft. If I hold it shut blade down and shake the knife downward the blade will come open. I bought it brand new direct from Microtech and I’m curious If it’s on all of them if the blade is too heavy or if it’s just mine.
Detent is light on all of them.
However, my Shiro F95 has the heaviest detent of any knife I've ever felt, and I can still shake that one open if I really force it. Not that big of a deal.
My OP from ‘09 was 395.00. I think that was the price when they dropped in ‘08.
Also- I beg to differ about them being fidget toys. I fidget with mine all the time.
Rad looking blade on that bad boi
Love mine, I have an s45 and it's been fantastic (yes, I've used it lol)
Only really have two complaints, one is brand new it was TIGHT. Like, legitimately hurt my thumb to open it a single time kinda tight. Like, barely could open it at all. If I wasn't so stubborn I'd probably have sold it. But, after a bunch of opening and closing and a few cleanings, it's gotten way, way, waaaay better.
Second is the lock bar shape. Lol it definitely could be a little rounder or something. You do get used to it, but it does take a little time and some stubbornness lol
So I finally sprang for Umnum..mine has the Magnacut Tanto blade..took a while to get the opening compared to my Sebenza..
Love❤️the blade shape 👍👌
I would be sold on a mini version of this for every day carry 👍🏼
Hi @grandprixgtpjy , but have you actually tried carrying an umnumzaan in your pocket. I’m 165 pounds and i enjoy a lightweight, compact knife too.
The umnumzaan carries so much smaller and lighter than you expect. It feels about as small and light as a Spyderco para 3.
Also carries surprisingly smaller/lighter than a large Sebenza 31
Don’t dismiss it because it looks big in videos, try get one in your pocket.
Best edc knife ever made…
(I love a para 3 too btw but the zaan feels very special)
I’d too!
Cool idea for a new series!
I've been wanting one of these for so long but they're never in-stock when I have the money for it
10:05 nice MC, I remember when you tried to guess the weight of a knife (cold steel voyager XL) and I believe you guessed 5.5-6.5oz it ended up being 8oz… that was one of the funnier moments, good times
I have one of the original pivot models, still one of my favs. I will say though the best thing CR did was the recent intro of magnacut.
It’s still a great knife. I’ve had one since around the time they were released. It still hasn’t hurt my fingies or my little thumbsies.
Honestly, I want a series on best knives for infiltrating the structure? Can we do that, please?
I'd actually be happy if companies would use more S45 or other steels that are easier to get good heat treats on at the HRC that is usually reached and drop the price on their knives even just $20.
I wish magnacut, m4, 3v would be used in more of the tank knives. It would be wonderful. I like to match blade designs to steels that match. Seems like that notion is fairly rare even today.
check out the Magnacut Hogue Deka 2.0
Wow That is a Special Knife!! Congrats on 100K 113K Actually! How long did it take to get there?
A lot of companies don't make their knives well enough to easily assemble and disassemble them with everything going right back where it's supposed to be.
Best pocket clip ever
Nice knife. I have one with old big pivot s35VN
Bent spring clips for the win. CRK clips = ❤
Lanyards =🧡
I love my Zaan, it's a total work horse.
Best knife Chanel around 👊
11:08 The hard-won knife education I’m here for
Just ordered one today. Six (6) year wait period! Holy smokes! Hope it's worth it!
5 more years?
Handle IMO is just one big hot spot. Yes I actually own one and have used it
I got a Hoback kwaiback samurai mk5 abit ago and damn that lock bar is thick and heavy. My thumb was in so much pain the first couple days. Prob cause I flipped it too much also but still, was the first time I’ve had a knife that the lock bar is that tough and rough on the thumb. I imagine the CRK would be like that but I’ve never had one, would love to own one eventually.
ZAAN FOR THE WIN!! Carry and use mine daily.
FINALLY!!! I found one and bought it yesterday. Currently in route. S45vn Tanto
I love my Zaan!! Get rid of the pocket clip and carry it in a slip. Lockbar gets easier to disengage and it'll have zero hotsopts
I've got a few knives on my list, this is one of them
Hands down the best CRK. I got a zaan and sold my 31 within a couple weeks. I can flick it open every time (although I couldn't at first) and It is hands down the beefiest, sturdiest, most badass knife I own. I also had the s45 professionally sharpened by a local shop on a wicked edge and it got an edge that tested close to a new utility blade in sharpness. I can also really admire its simplicity. One body screw, big pivot, and no stop pin. I definitely do not use the tip of my thumb to disengage the lock bar. If you use the pad of your thumb close to the joint it's really a nonissue for me. Needless to say I'm a fan and I regularly carry it to work and use it.
Happy Fathers Day MC
Really like all of the crk knives. But how cool would it be to have cruwear on all there blades. I'd own more than I do if it was cruwear.
Arno Bernard makes some amazing folders as well, incidentally out of South Africa. Worth looking at his folders if you're a Reeves fan, lots of similarities both in tolerances and fit and finish.
+1 for Arno Bernard if you like CRK
Ooooh those are beautiful knives. Definitely some design cues from CRK. Cool!
Well he wasnt lying about how hard it is to get us made knives are already more expensive here and still paid a 100 euros extra on the second hand market to get one because the official seller had it sold out in one night but ik glad i finnaly got one
She’s a beaut! Congrats!
Zaan is the goat. If I were to be dropped in the middle of nowhere and told I could take only 1 knife it'd be the zaan. It reminds you what the purpose of a knife is when it's in your hand.
I 10/10 want one. Have a 21,31, inkosi, and think its the next go to
Edit. I have one now😂
I have a zaan. I carry it literally every day. Best folder I’ve ever had. I also beat the crap out of mine. It has so many war scratches.
maybe do a piece on the old school 'big three' (strider framelock (pt/sng/smf), chris reeve sebenza, hinderer cm 18)? is this trinity still relevant? what is a modern equivalent?
The sng would be awesome. He’s done TONS of hinderer reviews even recently. He’s a self admitted hinderer fanboy though lol. He also did the sebenza 31 fairly recently.
I also did a holy trinity video (discussion and controversy playlist"
i wish they would angle the clip like the seb 31 and remove that lip on the lock bar and this would be perfect
Have you reviewed any ganzo knives yet?
By the way, yes… more of these videos!!