Blade Play Question

[BD_01]

So I’ve read through a bunch of old threads about blade play on the sebenza and still have a question.

BLUF: With the lockbar completely disengaged, is a tiny amount of side to side play within spec if the knife is still solid when locked?

Some of the old posts say it’s fine, others disagree.

Long story is I dorked up some washers on one of my 21’s and was a bit too aggressive trying to smooth out a pinch. For comparison, I then went and checked my others for side-to-side with the lockbar open. It seems they all have a bit, hardly noticeable on some and slightly more on others.

Thanks!

 

[BellaBlades]

Simple answer. Buy an Inkosi. I polished the washers. Zero blade play side to side and it is glassy smooth. Since there is no bushing in the way.

If that does not help.

Crank down harder on the pivot and it should be perfect.

 

[BD_01]

The hardware is tight, etc. It started with a pinched washer on the knife mentioned above. D-oh! Moment of glory.

 

[STGS]

This is just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions. I think in general CRK would want them to not have any play in them. Do some leave the factory with a tiny bit, sure. I don't think it hurts anything if you can live with it. All it means is the bushing is a "C" hair wider than washers and blade. CRK would fix it if you sent it in. I know what I would probably do if it was mine and I may or may not have already done it on mine but CRK would frown upon it.

 

[WValtakis]

Remember, there is supposed to be a half a thousandth or so clearance for the oil/grease film. If I assembled mine dry there would be the tiniest amount of play.

~Chip

 

[Mick_1KRR]

I have had this micro play you speak of with many 21's, open blade fully>disengage lock bar = tiny amount of side to side, very tiny. I won't lie, it bugged me, because i feel the washers were sanded a little too much, i'd rather it be a little stiffer and hydraulic feeling to open than to come with the washers already at the point where they are the thinnest they can be within spec. I have since acquired an inkosi and umnumzaan and i could not be happier that i can now always dial out every spec of play. It wouldn't affect the use of the knife to have that micro play on the 21's, but my whole love of CRK comes from how tight and perfect everything is, knowing it's there just did my head in. Still love the 21 tho, but prefer the new pivot of the Inkosi/Zaan.

 

[Ajack60]

I would think a tiny bit of play when the blade is open and the lock bar disengaged is normal. It's never crossed my mind until I read this thread and checked the one I'm carrying for the week. Sure enough, there's a tiny bit of side to side play. But that really doesn't bother me. What would bother me is when it's closed and there is blade play in the closed position. Now, I can make it have play in the closed position, but my finger starts to lose color.