Ok, I have been playing with my new Um-nun for the past three hours and I think that that is enough time to give it a true, honest, fair review. In my opinion as the owner of multiple Sebenzas, it feels to me that this is a Sebenza that has been taken to the next level. First off...lets start with the blade shape that everyone has been talking about, its not just for looks, it actually serves a purpose. The unusual blade shapes purpose, I have noticed upon closing that your thumb actually rides in the smooth curve on the top side of the blade.
Now lets talk about the rubber O-ring washers around the thumb stud. They are not there only for their good looks, they actually serve a purpose...the puprose is ultra soft cushion upon opening and a silky soft stop upon closing which I have found not be be a gimmick but an actual technological advancement. Lets for a moment talk about the glass breaker. It in and of itself can break glass, yes-but after looking it over for some time in my opnion, it can make a handy self defense tool. Also in the closed position, it is so slight that it is bearly noticable.
Now for the lockbar, on a typical sebenza the actual titanium rides on the tang of the blade. On this knife it is not the case, yes it still has the titanium lockbar, but now the lockface has an actual ceramic detent ball imbedded so IT is the only thing that makes contact with the blade tang thus reducing any possible wear to the lockface. Another amazing innovation by Chris Reeve while we are the subject of lockbar... the titanium frame has another imbedded ceramic detent ball underneath the actual lockbar in case of accidental downward pressure the lockbar rides smoothly to its full open position which is another great feature.
On to the checkered handle, the handle is not only just for a pretty design it actually serves as a unique feature for a tenacious grip in ones hand. Next, lets review the oversized pivot, as with most things in life, bigger is better and this is certainly the case on the Um-Nun! Upon inital opening it is actually the smoothest knife I have ever felt even above and beyong my sebenzas. Overall I am extrmely happy with all the wonderful features the Um-Nun has. Pictures truely cannot do this beauty justice. Especially to understand the extremely well balanced feel of the UM-NUN!
In my personal opinion Chris Reeve has now just raised the bar even higher in the knife world. There is a definate reason why the Um-Nun has won the prestigious knife of the year award. Hats off to Chris Reeve and everyone at the Chris Reeves shop for yet another great work of art and one hell of a knife! -