Ceramic ball vs traditional Lock face

zachG23

zachG23

Joined
Sep 12, 2012
Messages
290
What is all of yours opinion on the ceramic ball integrated into the lock bar? I personally think that it is definitely not necessary. And find that it actually wears out the blade tang faster than standard crk carbidized lock face. My Inkosi wore out fast than my 21. Made a deep track in the blade tang and moved all the way over to fast. What’s all of yours opinions on this matter ????
 
Could you post some pix that show what happened to your Inkosi? I’d like to see how the track in the blade tang starts up and how it progresses. Even if you don’t have “before” or “during” pix, I’d like to see an “after” shot or two so I know what to look out for. Also, what level of use and how long did it take for your Inkosi to develop that track in the blade tang? I was planning on diving headfirst into 31’s as soon as they become available but if the ceramic ball wears a groove into the blade tang from ordinary, moderate use, I may just stick with my trusty 21’s.
 
Stumpy72 said:
Could you post some pix that show what happened to your Inkosi? I’d like to see how the track in the blade tang starts up and how it progresses. Even if you don’t have “before” or “during” pix, I’d like to see an “after” shot or two so I know what to look out for. Also, what level of use and how long did it take for your Inkosi to develop that track in the blade tang? I was planning on diving headfirst into 31’s as soon as they become available but if the ceramic ball wears a groove into the blade tang from ordinary, moderate use, I may just stick with my trusty 21’s.
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I currently do not own my Inkosi any longer. I had it for a few months I was the second owner. And from when I received it. It had a slight track in the blade tang. And after my moderate usage it had moved quite a bit. Not sure what every ones else’s experience is on it but I’d like to hear. Also could be the previous own was doing something but not sure what that would be. Not sure the hardness of the ceramic ball but I’m sure it’s in the high 60’s low 70’s. Iv never had an issue with my 21
 
pxl said:
I cary and use one of my 21's daily since 2015. No problem at all with the lock face. The edge of the lockbar is a little bit rounded, but it will take multiple life times to have a problem with that.
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Agreed mine is doing great hasn’t moved at all. Just curious on others experiences with the Inkosi lock
 
Didn't the early inkosi have a groove machined in the tang to mate with the ball? Maybe that's what gave the impression of wear? I have a first gen Umnumzaan with a TON of use and no groove in the tang, just a light scratch.
 
The ceramic ball with polish a groove into the tang of the blade. Once it fully settles, it won't move anymore. Sounds like a warranty issue.
 
Here's my 25 I bought new. In 4 years, it's moved because I've checked it. It settled and hasn't moved for a while. I think the ceramic ball on the 31's will be fine. That's not to say if someone gets one with a strong cut out bar, it won't push over faster with normal use. But even if it does, it will settle with a later lock up and won't move once it settles.


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Nice thank you all for the new knowledge too me. What would be the thought process on having a ceramic ball other then traditional. I’m wondering of the benefits if any?
 
zachG23 said:
Nice thank you all for the new knowledge too me. What would be the thought process on having a ceramic ball other then traditional. I’m wondering of the benefits if any?
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The Umnumzaan was the first CRK to have the ceramic ball interface in 2008. I don't recall reading any issues with it other than the first models not having a lock bar over travel stop. People were doing their own lock bar adjustments and sending them in screwed up. CRK then started putting the stops on the Umnumzaan's. Then when the 25 came out, the ceramic ball was incorporated with features of the 21. With a short life span, the 25 was retired (most feel it shouldn't have had the Sebenza name) after 4 years and the Inkosi was born and has been going strong every since. One of the benefits of a ceramic ball is ( at least in my experience) the death of lock stick.
 
zachG23 said:
Nice thank you all for the new knowledge too me. What would be the thought process on having a ceramic ball other then traditional. I’m wondering of the benefits if any?
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In my thought you are replacing a (softer) but flat faced (surface hardened) titanium bar with a harder ceramic ball. In my mind the ball will create much higher point pressure on the blade, so it is the question what is gained in terms of durability. In the end something has to wear. I preferer a snug fit in titanium/steel since I do not have any problems with my 21’s. The light stick will even create a safer lock since it will not slip under pressure. Chris was right from the beginning; it is the geometry and the precise fit which matters most.
 
All I know for sure is, my 2009 Umnumzaan with a LOT of use has a shiny spot on the tang where the ball seats...but zero appreciable wear. I can't even catch a pin in the polished area.
 
Totally agree
pxl said:
In my thought you are replacing a (softer) but flat faced (surface hardened) titanium bar with a harder ceramic ball. In my mind the ball will create much higher point pressure on the blade, so it is the question what is gained in terms of durability. In the end something has to wear. I preferer a snug fit in titanium/steel since I do not have any problems with my 21’s. The light stick will even create a safer lock since it will not slip under pressure. Chris was right from the beginning; it is the geometry and the precise fit which matters most.
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I like the larger ball for its closed detent and I definitely prefer it to any other action as far as opening and closing. When the lock bar slides off the side of the tang and interfaces with the lock face it just arcs to a different place on the ball rather than slipping off of the detent ball, on to the titanium lock bar and then over the squared off lock face. I don’t really see a standard issue detent/titanium face as an issue but I certainly see the changes to the 31 as an improvement. If they really wanted to make the knives as good as they can be they really need to get rid of the perforations in the washers.
 
Change is not necessarily always better than the old.I don't mind my Inkosi and it will last forever for sure but simplicity and pivot bushing precision on my 21's are preferred by me by a wide margin.Cheers.
 
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