Chris Reeve "Nyala" - my thoughts & pics

[PiterM]

Nyala - my thoughts & pics

Nyala is simply awesome. I like EVERYTHING about it. Shape, size, handle, steel, sheath. It's probably the ultimate "fixed EDC", at least for me. Some would say that it's "fixed Sebenza", but it's MUCH more than that. Nyala's blade is slightly bigger, grind is higher. And it's CONSIDERABLY thicker & stronger. But still the blade tappers to a very fine point... I really dig the design! Handle is very comfortable and secure in any hold. Well done Chris!

And let's compare it to Sebenza. Sebenza's blade is smaller. Not just shorter (slightly, but still) - Sebenza is overall smaller / thinner / more delicate knife. Compared to Prof. Soldier it's again bigger than PS, thicker, stronger. But the very tip of PS seems to be not as precise instrument as Nyala's point. For tactical knife (prying) I'd prefer PS. But for my EDC & outdoor needs - of course Nyala wins in every aspect here. And the last picture shows clearly that the blade of Nyala is much thicker & stronger than Seb or PS.

And last comparison... what about Green Beret 5.5"? Could Nyala be a substitute for a bigger field knife? I'd be glad to say "yes" but I really can't say that... NO, Nyala is nowhere as big, strong, solid, heavy duty or combat oriented as Green Beret 5.5", let alone 7" version. Nyala is a personal cutting tool. GB is a field machine!

My final conclusion: Nyala is something new in CRK line. Not only new design, but also new class of a fixed blade. It sits nicely between Inyoni / Prof Soldier ultralite fixeds and much stronger Green Beret (and other Bill's field & combat designs). I'm sooooo glad Chris introduced this knife. Nice!

Time for some pics now...

[Bill Harsey]

I wish Chris would start naming stuff I can pronounce.

[PiterM]

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

I wish Chris would start naming stuff I can pronounce.

Well... you mean like Umnumzaan?

BTW, they should make a Tactical Trout as the next fixed. When they discontinued one-piece line they need some new fixedblades!

[orion5]

Piter, great pics by the way...you and TR really bring those knives to life with your arrangements/lighting. (ok, and Chuck Pittman too...)

Bill, wouldn't that be too limiting for Chris if he could only choose from the words you could pronounce? Give a South African a chance to make a living!

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

I wish Chris would start naming stuff I can pronounce.

It's an acronym, Bill

NYALA : New York Association of Lumberjack Apprentices




And I like that knife...

[mcarey]

Chris, Anne and all the great folks at CRK have done it again. Can't wait to see it in person at Blade. Thanks Piter for the pics and your thoughts. Mark

[PiterM]

Today I made it even more EDC oriented... made kydex sheath for my Nyala. Matching color & screws. Now it rides under my T-shirt totally invisible. And access is quicker too.

[Bill Harsey]

Very nice looking work Piter!

[Penn]

That second career as a photographer and Photo stylist is assured. Great sets and photographs of the elements as a whole scene.

[DJ Urbanovsky]

I like that. It's simple, clean, and classic.