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A Venerated Chris Reeve EDC Knife Gets Even More Mythic with an Exclusive Reissue

One of the Sebenza’s underrated siblings gets elevated to new levels courtesy of Prometheus Design Werx.

Close-up of a folding knife with a stonewashed blade and a handle engraved with wave patterns.Prometheus Design Werx

By Sean Tirman

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Chris Reeve (the South African, not the Superman) is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest knife designers in the world, living or deceased. However, that doesn’t mean his designs are incapable of being improved, as Prometheus Design Werx is here to illustrate.

While the PDW SPD x CRK Umnumzaan Wave maintains the esteemed (yet underrated) knife’s overall suite of features and specs, it adds some extra styling and functionality that elevates the already beloved knife to even greater heights.

Two silver folding knives with engraved handles and blue accents on gray and red fabric straps.
This special edition of the Umnumzaan is available with your choice of a drop point or tanto blade shape.
Prometheus Design Werx

Ride the wave

This isn’t the first time that PDW and Chris Reeve have teamed up. Most recently, the two brands collaborated on a similar release earlier this year, the Prometheus Design Werx SPD x CRK Sebenza 31 Blue Wave.

While this new take shares some elements in common with the previous launch, it’s also distinct in some crucial ways. Most notably, the base knife is a different offering altogether.

(For reference, this is the first time the two brands have strayed from using the Sebenza as the basis for their collaboration.)

Two silver folding knives with engraved octopus and wave patterns on the handles, featuring blue and silver screws.
The titanium handle scales get an etched “Kraken Trident Wave graphic,” which also adds some much-needed grip.
Prometheus Design Werx

This latest collaboration begins with the Chris Reeve Umnumzaan (Zulu for “The Boss”.) While similar in construction, the Umnumzaan is slightly thicker and chunkier than its sleek Sebenza siblings.

That said, it does still have titanium handle scales, complete with the iconic RIL (Reeve Integral Lock.) And like the previous version, this one has the SPD Kraken Trident Wave graphic etched into its presentation scale, although it’s not highlighted in blue this go-around.

And that’s only the beginning…

Closed gray folding knife with a textured handle, blue screw, and gray paracord lanyard on a blue background.
The knife sports Chris Reeve’s iconic, legendary RIL (Reeve Integral Lock.)
Prometheus Design Werx

Who’s the boss?

Like the Sebenza before it, this knife also gets a MagnaCut super steel blade. That said, it’s a different blade shape. While the Sebenza’s 3.61-inch drop point was made to be sleek and minimalist, the Umnumzaan’s is slightly bigger, at 3.68 inches, and boasts more aggressive styling.

Most notably, the blade’s spine is more multifaceted than the Sebenza, featuring jimping and more of a curvature (which doubles as a thumb ramp users can apply pressure to for tougher cuts.)

Like the Sebenzas before it, the Umnumzaan is available in a drop point or tanto shape.

Close-up of a gray folding knife handle with a clip and "IDAHO MADE" engraved near a screw.
This knife boasts thumb studs for ambidextrous deployment, as well as Chris Reeve’s signature offset pocket clip.
Prometheus Design Werx

The handle shape used is also different — some might call it more “tactical.” Ultimately, the Sebenza’s handle shape is more straightforward and minimalist, while the Umnumzaan’s has a more ergonomic curvature, which is ultimately better for a tighter grip and tougher cuts.

While the Umnumzaan retains the blue lanyard attachment point on the end of the handle, it swaps the blue thumb studs for silver ones. All told, this knife is somewhat more beefy and intimidating than its cousins, which will surely be a boon for many.

Close-up of a gray paracord lanyard attached to a gray metal tool with screws and a blue accent.
The knife also includes a lanyard, which feeds through a pin behind the bottom spacer, instead of a hole in the scales.
Prometheus Design Werx

Pricing and availability

Unfortunately, it looks like the first run of the PDW SPD x CRK Umnumzaan Wave is already sold out (as should be expected from such a team-up.) However, like the former Sebenza collaboration, it should return at some point. You can sign up for restock notifications on PDW’s site.

Folding knife with a stonewashed blade and a silver handle engraved with wave patterns and an octopus, featuring a gray paracord lanyard.Prometheus Design Werx

Prometheus Design Werx SPD x CRK Umnumzaan Wave

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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