Recommendation? Blasphemer?

stjones

stjones

Platinum Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
3,549
Just curious about the general consensus here.
I have a black canvas micarta 21 with ladder Damascus. Cool.
I have a PJ with stone washed blade. Sweet.
I could have a PJ with ladder Damascus.
Both of these knifes are used and neither came as a “full kit” with cert/cloth/etc.
They swapped out fine and both blades are centered with smooth actions solid lock up.

Would you swap blades to build a “perfect” knife?
 
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stjones said:
Just curious about the general consensus here.
I have a black canvas micarta 21 with ladder Damascus. Cool.
I have a PJ with stone washed blade. Sweet.
Both of these knifes are used and neither came as a “full kit” with cert/cloth/etc.
They swapped out fine with both blades being centered with smooth action.

Would you swap blades to build a “perfect” knife?
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Lots of members like to take apart and fiddle with brand new knives. I'm not one. It's not blasphemy IMO but modified knives tend to be harder to sell when the time comes.
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
Lots of members like to take apart and fiddle with brand new knives. I'm not one. It's not blasphemy IMO but modified knives tend to be harder to sell when the time comes.
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A later sale is probably one of the largest concerns because many potential buyers are going to question fitment. I would consider asking CRK if they would do a swap to ensure everything's good - they may or may not. But you've done it successfully! So show us some before and after pix...
 
I’m not worried about taking a loss. I got the micarta/Damascus at a decent price from the secondary market and the PJ was an AMAZING deal.
The micarta with stone wash is basically the left overs so no pics of that one. I wanted the PJ with the DT ladder Damascus. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
ECD35C34-9E06-4F01-AB27-2FD5A096D5CE.jpeg
 
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Maybe a little blasphemous, but with out paperwork on either knife, Id be tempted to do the same. I've always wanted a PJ damascus though.
 
stjones said:
I’m not worried about taking a loss. I got the micarta/Damascus at a decent price from the secondary market and the PJ was an AMAZING deal.
The micarta with stone wash is basically the left overs so no pics of that one. I wanted the PJ with the DT ladder Damascus. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
View attachment 2023287
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That's a beautiful looking knife! Great job!!
 
XL883N said:
I'd do the same if neither had paperwork.

How is fitment an issue if you move everything over? Blade, bushing and washers.
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While components may nominally fit between two of the same knives, they're hand fit to account for the very small variations that can occur possibly affecting pivot bushing (blade play), centering and lockup from different pairs of scales. Seems like his fit perfectly, which is great, but such a swap over isn't guaranteed. Congrats to stjones' success that created a beautiful combination!
 
Since they’re 21’s, the only issue I’d be concerned about is the wear over time. If it doesn’t have lock stick, earlier than normal lock up, why not give it a try.
It looks gorgeous, I’ve always liked the look of a plain with Damascus. Only time will tell if the fit is correct.
I’ve read here that it’s been done before successfully without any issues with the 21.
 
I’d leave them stock and hold out for the configuration you want. When you go to sell, people will want parts that match the box label.
 
ADBrown said:
While components may nominally fit between two of the same knives, they're hand fit to account for the very small variations that can occur possibly affecting pivot bushing (blade play), centering and lockup from different pairs of scales.
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Are you basing this last sentence on anything factual or is it opinion based? Sebenza fitment (as far as I know) is just about fitting the blade to the bushing to washers only. I've never in my years heard anything about fitting the scales. That's why CRK won't sell Sebenza washers but have no problem selling you Inkosi and Umnumzaan washers. Having a bushing in there is what needs fine measurements. Lockup isn't as precise that's why you get lockup all over the place.

If you Frankenstein 2 Sebenzas I don't see how there could be a fitment problem if you keep the blade and bushing and washers together. If there was then why do CRK sell separate damascus blades that come with their own bushing and washers? I sent my 31 in for spa treatment and new damascus blade. Explain to me how they hand fit my original Ti scales to 2 blades.
 
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It's based on my understanding of the interrelationship among the blade, pivot bushing, washers and scales. I've heard of problems with interchangeability of blades to different scales for exactly that reason. I will happily stand corrected if CRK blades/pivots/washers - as a unit - may be freely moved to any scales of the same model. That's not my understanding, but again I've never personally tried it. I've heard of CRK fitting two type blades to one knife, but I've not heard of CRK determining that a 31 blade with attendant hardware is capable of being user installed into another set of scales. Easiest way to determine is to call CRK and just ask their guidance.
 
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XL883N said:
Are you basing this last sentence on anything factual or is it opinion based? Sebenza fitment (as far as I know) is just about fitting the blade to the bushing to washers only. I've never in my years heard anything about fitting the scales. That's why CRK won't sell Sebenza washers but have no problem selling you Inkosi and Umnumzaan washers. Having a bushing in there is what needs fine measurements. Lockup isn't as precise that's why you get lockup all over the place.

If you Frankenstein 2 Sebenzas I don't see how there could be a fitment problem if you keep the blade and bushing and washers together. If there was then why do CRK sell separate damascus blades that come with their own bushing and washers? I sent my 31 in for spa treatment and new damascus blade. Explain to me how they hand fit my original Ti scales to 2 blades.
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If I worked there I'd be happy to. I'm sure the process has to do with tweaks to the pivot bushing and washers of each blade to make them fit one set of scales; not to mention the standoffs, etc. They 'fit' new blades to old knifes as part of warranty repair. If interchangeability were so simple CRK would just send you the blade pivot bushing and washers and they'd fall right into the scales with nary a concern. Give them a call and find out. I strip 'em, clean 'em and put them back together the way they come; never had the inclination to mix-match critical parts; and I know they excel at precision individual fitment which is why their knives are built to such high tolerances. Good luck and tell us what they say. Thanks.
 
For what it's worth, I have asked CRK about blade swaps and how that would affect the warranty. If I swap a blade, I will swap everything that contacts the blade except for the scales and hardware. That is washers, bushing, and stop sleeves. I've had no issues with several swaps on small Sebenza 21s and 31s. Of course it is possible that centering/lockup would be affected by a swap but I think those chances are fairly low, and you can always swap them back. I will say that I think my Paisley with a Ladder Damascus blade looks pretty awesome...

Here is the response from CRK:
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(I'm not great at taking photos indoors)

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bovice786 said:
For what it's worth, I have asked CRK about blade swaps and how that would affect the warranty. If I swap a blade, I will swap everything that contacts the blade except for the scales and hardware. That is washers, bushing, and stop sleeves. I've had no issues with several swaps on small Sebenza 21s and 31s. Of course it is possible that centering/lockup would be affected by a swap but I think those chances are fairly low, and you can always swap them back. I will say that I think my Paisley with a Ladder Damascus blade looks pretty awesome...

Here is the response from CRK:
View attachment 2023973
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(I'm not great at taking photos indoors)

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This is COOL!!!
I am now not only satisfied with the end result but assured that if any issues arise, CRK will look after me.
Thank you bovice786 bovice786
 
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