There are few names in the knife world that command the same reverence as Chris Reeve. The South African-born craftsman didn’t just revolutionize folding knife design when he introduced the Sebenza in the 1980s but fundamentally changed how we think about precision manufacturing in the blade space. After relocating his operation from Durban to Boise, Idaho in 1989, Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) became the gold standard for frame-lock folders. Now, decades after establishing that legacy, his designs continue to evolve through strategic partnerships that honor the original vision while pushing boundaries for a modern era.
When Titans Collaborate
The PDW SPD x CRK Umnumzaan Wave is the second collaboration between Prometheus Design Werx and Chris Reeve Knives, following their successful Sebenza 31 Blue Wave release earlier this year. But this time around, Patrick Ma and his California-based crew decided to tackle a different beast entirely: the Umnumzaan, Zulu for “The Boss.”
Where the Sebenza prioritizes sleek minimalism, the Umnumzaan embraces a more aggressive, tactical aesthetic. The collaboration takes Chris Reeve’s already robust 3.68-inch design and elevates it with PDW’s signature Kraken Trident Wave graphic etched directly into the titanium presentation scale. The etching provides enhanced grip texture where your thumb naturally falls during use.
Built for Business
The Umnumzaan Wave is exactly what you’d expect from two brands obsessed with functional excellence. The MagnaCut super steel blade brings serious cutting performance to the table, whether you opt for the drop-point or tanto configuration. Both versions maintain the signature multi-faceted spine with jimping that doubles as a thumb ramp for applying pressure during demanding cuts.
The frame construction stays true to Chris Reeve’s engineering philosophy. Titanium handle scales house the legendary RIL (Reeve Integral Lock) system that’s been copied countless times but never truly replicated. Silver thumb studs replace the blue accents found on previous collaborations, while the blue anodized lanyard attachment point provides the only splash of color. What sets this collaboration apart isn’t just the visual modifications. PDW’s involvement brings their adventure-focused ethos to an already exceptional platform.
Spec Sheet
Model: PDW SPD x CRK Umnumzaan Wave (Drop-Point & Tanto)
Blade Steel: MagnaCut
Blade Length: 3.68″
Handle Material: Titanium with etched Kraken Trident Wave graphic
Lock Type: RIL (Reeve Integral Lock)
Features: Thumb studs, pocket clip, lanyard attachment
Production: Made in Idaho, USA
Pricing & Availability
Like most Special Projects Division releases, the initial run of the SPD x CRK Umnumzaan Wave sold out faster than you could deploy the blade since PDW typically produces these collaborations in limited quantities.
Recap
Prometheus Design Werx SPD X CRK Umnumzaan Wave
Prometheus Design Werx and Chris Reeve Knives have teamed up again, this time reworking the iconic Umnumzaan folder with PDW’s adventurous design flair, MagnaCut steel, and titanium detailing.
