Back from the Spa & New Washer Intel

JNewell

JNewell

Joined
Nov 18, 2005
Messages
7,425
I got the word from Heather today that my two small Sebs are on the way back - so, first thanks to all those at CRK for their prompt and friendly help. The two knives were a 2006 Classic inlay that really only went in for double lugs and a 1998 BG-42 Regular that needed a fair bit of work. Among other things, the Regular had developed a verrrrry deep lockup and lateral blade play. So, all of the tune/repair/sharpen was done for nothing - yikes, and thanks.

I did have both blades double-lugged, and had an interesting conversation (with Ann, I think) about the probable reason for a few cracked blades a few years ago and why that was very, very unlikely now. That was a concern with the irreplaceable BG-42 blade, but all went perfectly.

Here's what I think I learned about the new washers, and I don't recall reading anything about this before. There have been a few comments and questions about why CRK wouldn't just put the new perf'd washers in the mail and let owners install them. Well, I think the answer is (looking over the invoice) that the new washers (at least for Regulars and Classics) require installation of a new pivot bushing - which is pretty clearly not a part you'd mail to owners, given the dimensions that CRK knives are held to.

All in all, yet another great CRK experience. Thanks to all up in ID! :thumbup:
 
Iv been doing some testing and have drilled holes in some old ones and polished them. Iv had good luck with it. Glad to see you get your stuff all fixed up and sent back to you.
 
Please be sure to post some pics when they get back :). I think I may want to send one of my Sebs in for the double-lug treatment.
 
safetyman said:
Please be sure to post some pics when they get back :). I think I may want to send one of my Sebs in for the double-lug treatment.
Click to expand...

Will do. May take a few days - this weekend is a huge deal in our family - three of the four of us are rowing in the Head of the Charles regatta, so spare time is going to be uber-minimal. :D
 
Yeah I called them about buying some perforated washers a few months ago and they said that I need to send in the Sebenza to get a new pivot fitted. The cost was $6 for the new pivot and I think $1 or $2 for the washers.
 
mongomondo said:
Yeah I called them about buying some perforated washers a few months ago and they said that I need to send in the Sebenza to get a new pivot fitted. The cost was $6 for the new pivot and I think $1 or $2 for the washers.
Click to expand...

I was quoted $0.75 for them, not any major cost.
 
Josh K said:
I was quoted $0.75 for them, not any major cost.
Click to expand...

No, but it does need the new pivot as well, which is a whopping $6. :D

I got the knives back in hand today - beautiful work. I'll pass on some interesting (maybe, to us at least) details when I get a little more time.

Until then, a bit thanks and thumbs-up to the CRK team for fast, friendly and beautifully-done work. :thumbup:
 
Sorry if I didn't read your first post right, but did they take care of the lock up issue on the Regular?
 
Yes. No pics yet but here's what they did.

Small Classic XX inlay - was basically like new, but I wanted double lugs and new perf'd washers:
- tune & sharpen (n/c)
- install double lug ($35)
- replace washers, pivot, stop sleeve ($7.50)

Small Regular (1997 prod.) - had ~95% lockup, lateral blade play; also wanted double lugs and new washers:
- tune & sharpen (n/c)
- reheat-treated lock (n/c)
- replaced SS detent ball with ceramic (n/c)
- replace washers/pivot/stop sleeve ($13.50)
- install double lugs ($35), which required relieving some metal on the off-side handle so they resurfaced the handles (bead or A/O blasted, not 100% sure which)

The knives came back in gorgeous shape. The small inlay didn't need much but the 1997 regular did. If I hadn't wanted both double-lugged, the work obviously would have been a lot cheaper. That was optional, but as a confusidextrous, cross-dominant lefty/righty, I really wanted the other side lug. :) Both now lock up nicely at 50%. The funny thing is that the Classic inlay was at only about 20%, and I kinda/sorta knew that it would come back deeper, and didn't say anything ahead of time (no request to not adjust/tune the lockup). The reason I didn't make any request about that was because I trusted them to do the right thing, and I think the service they provided on the 1997 regular more than justifies my hunch. Down the road, if/when there's excess wear, I know how they'll take care of it. :thumbup:

I knew CRK knives were something special. After this, it's even more obvious. It's like a SureFire flashlight. You buy it once, period. In this case, it seems like you're practically "buying" a relationship with the Reeves and their excellent crew. Hard to say enough nice and good things! :thumbup:
 
JNewell - Do you know why replacing the washers/pivot/stop sleeve cost more on the small regular?

I'm thinking about sending in my large 21 for the double silver thumb lugs, backspacer, and the new washers, but I also don't want to be without my Sebenza. I might have to wait until it needs some kind of repair first.
 
Not a clue - frankly, I didn't notice until I was tapping out the list from the invoice, and I had the same question. It's only a $6 difference, but the same part was itemized for each knife, with different charges. 'tis a puzzle. :D

IMO, the double lugs are really an improvement, so I'd go ahead and do it. For me, it's one of those things that kind of nags you in the back of the mind. Just do it. You'll quickly forget that you didn't have the knife for a couple of weeks. And, if you wait until it actually needs repairs, it be ten or fifteen years, easily! :D

mongomondo said:
JNewell - Do you know why replacing the washers/pivot/stop sleeve cost more on the small regular?

I'm thinking about sending in my large 21 for the double silver thumb lugs, backspacer, and the new washers, but I also don't want to be without my Sebenza. I might have to wait until it needs some kind of repair first.
Click to expand...
 
JNewell said:
I knew CRK knives were something special. After this, it's even more obvious. It's like a SureFire flashlight. You buy it once, period. In this case, it seems like you're practically "buying" a relationship with the Reeves and their excellent crew. Hard to say enough nice and good things! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Good analogy, however I doubt you can stand to "buy it once." :) Although I did slow down a bit after three or four.
 
Josh K said:
Good analogy, however I doubt you can stand to "buy it once." :) Although I did slow down a bit after three or four.
Click to expand...

Yeah. CRK, SureFire, same same. I think I have only four CRK folders and four CRK FBs now...SureFire, OTOH, I can't easily count. Way too many...oops...heresy... ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top