Of course the problem is that you can't go to a store and buy an old model (though retailers would start advertising used ones or new old stock if they were paying attention).  So this review is not exactly the kind of review I like to put out--it is a review of something that is not readily available.  That said you can find Mnandi's of the old style on forums, so look closely.  Perhaps if there is enough push back, Chris Reeve Knives will offer both versions or revert back to the old style nail knick.  As it was, the old model Mnandi just happens to be one of the best knives available.  Read on to find out why.

Here is the product page. The CRK Mnandi comes in a wide variety of handle materials and there are also damascus steel versions.  The base version costs $375. Here is a written review from the knife's owner. Here is a video review. Here is a link to Blade HQ, where you can find the Mnandi, and all proceeds benefit the site when you purchase things through this link:

Blade HQ

Here is my review sample (borrowed and returned to BladeReview's Dan): 

My video overview:

Twitter Review Summary: A combination of looks and performance that is stunning at the price point.

In many ways the Mnandi is the knife the Sebenza should be.  It is a more elegant and refined design.  Chris Reeve has talked about how he had conceived the Sebenza as a knife designed for inlays, but the Mnandi is the knife that carries that promise to its logical endpoint.  The Mnandi is to the Sebenza what the Wave is to the PST--a new generation of tool with all of the improvements in design and implementation that were not available when the first generation was made.  Instead of a stamped pocket clip (which is a very good design, BTW) you get an elegant 3D sculpted clip. Instead of strips of inlay/onlay material you get a handle that is almost entirely an inlay, but done in a way that is both beautiful and still quite useable. Then there is the opening method--instead of a boring thumb stud, you get an elegant and effective mega-sized nail knick.  The opening method is especially nice because, unlike the thumb stud, it is not a wart you have to ignore when evaluating the aesthetics of the knife, but something that is part of and complements the looks of the knife in general.  The Mnandi is, in many ways, the Sebenza evolved.  And the fact that Chris Reeve could iterate on one of the best knife designs in the world and both make it better and make it different, is a sign of just how incredible of a designer he is.  

The blade:weight is 1.83, which is VERY good. 

Fit and Finish: 2

I could simply say this is a CRK knife and move on, but that's not enough.  All of the normal nitpicky things knife knuts care about are dead on perfect.  Here is a rare shot of blade centering where I was able to get the camera almost perfectly head on:

If it appears even slighlty off, know it is my fault, not the knife's.  Everything is like this, of course, but the inlay deserves special mention.  Inlays are tricky business--too gaudy and the knife is done and they are a bitch to put on.  Here, leveraging CRK's machining prowess and 3M UHB industrial tape, CRK manages to make a classy inlay that is seamlessly integrated and beautifully implemented.  This is, simply put, the best inlay I have seen on anything short of a megabucks art knife.  Sure the Howard Hitchmough's of the world do this better, but those knives start well north of $5,000.  For us mere mortals, this is as good as it gets.  Additionally, unlike many knives, the insane level of fit and finish isn't just a machinist's masturbation, it serves the overall function of the knife--the inlays are great and they work.

Grip: 2

Its very surprising to find out you can get a full four finger grip on the Mnandi. A knife of this size is usually a three finger plus grip, but here you get all four fingers.  I am not exactly sure why that is, or more to the point why other knives of this size can't do the same thing.

The grip is also quite secure thanks to some real jimping on top and a nice curve for your two front fingers.  The inlay and clip are also nice, staying out of the way, and not causing hotspots.

Carry: 2

You know by now that I like options and the Mnandi gives you two.  Dan prefers the slip case carry and I don't blame him.  A knife this elegant deserves something a little better than banging around your pocket with some keys and a few dirty coins.

But if you are a true minimalist you also get a very nice pocket clip that both works well and looks nice.  Another area where the Mnandi is just awesome.

Steel: 2 

The old style Mnandi came with S30V, while the new version comes with S35VN.  We are right at the point where technology is pushing hard to make S30V a 1 instead of a 2 steel.  I have found that it is chippy and hard to sharpen.  But the Mnandi's S30V is a little different than the average because CRK heat treats it to a lower HRc, addressing both problems I have with the steel.  Honestly I am not sure how much longer "regular" S30V will get a 2, but here, you have something different than "regular" and it is better for it.

Blade Shape: 2

As with almost everything about this knife, the slender clip point is not just wonderfully effective it is also absolutely stunning.  This is a great cutter and a great looker.  Its pointy enough with out being unnecessarily frail or thin.  I could go on, but it would be pointless--this is a great blade shape, it fits the knife well, and looks amazing.

Grind: 2 

You can go watch the Blade HQ video on Chris's new grind for the 25 and it might get you thinking.  But really there is nothing wrong at all with the CRK high hollow grind you will find here and on the Sebenza.  This is simply one of the best grinds out there.  I loved cutting stuff with the Mnandi.  It was razor sharp, quick through material and steady on the line thanks to a superb grind.  If you watch Jacques Pepin's cooking videos (which, as a knife fan you should, dude has more knife skills than just about anyone on Planet Earth), you'll see the master chef slice and cut meat effortlessly (or debone a chicken in about 56 seconds).  The Mnandi worked the same.  Dan sent it razor sharp and the grind just made it all the better at cutting.  I actually prefer the Mnandi to the Sebenza when it came to cutting.  You just don't need all that thickness in an EDC knife.

Deployment Method: 2 

Flippers, holes, disks, and studs all, at best doesn't clash with a knife's style, but here we have something that actually accentuates it.  The minimalist look doesn't sacrifice ease of use, either.  The old style knick is a reliable and easy one hand opening knife.  Its just that good.  The new knick, is, however, something a botch job, like Tara Reid's...um...hair.  The new knick, just doesn't work.  Its too rounded over to get a purchase on and as a result it lessens the functionality of the knife.  I can't say that I am fan of this change.  Perhaps CRK can produce both--one for the US and other jurisdictions that allow for one handed opening knives and the other for more restrictive jurisdictions.

Retention Method: 2

The Sebenza clip is great. It really is.  But it is not a looker by any means.  The Mnandi's clip, like the rest of the knife is both great looking and highly functional. 

Its remarkable to find a fully 3D machined pocket clip on a knife this price.  Many customs don't offer such a feature and those that do are rarely this well executed.  The fact that the attachment point is both a stand off and a fastner is really a clean, clever touch.  

Lock: 2

I am not an adherent to the early lock up mentality.  To me, basic physics seems to favor a large surface area of contact to ensure firm lock up.  The Fellhoelter Dauntless has a lot of contact.  There is some worry, I suppose, about wearing out the lock, but if it is properly made that won't be a realistic concern, especially in an EDC knife.  Here, as you can see: