Change blade out on a Sebenza?

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Is it possible to change the blade on a Sebenza from a regular one to one with serrations or are the tolerances too close to allow one to do that?

Thank you.
 
You can’t swap blades from knife to knife and expect a custom/factory/perfect fit. Plus, I wouldn’t recommend using a blade that has not been fitted for the simple reason of damaging your handle and hardware. You can, however, have additional blades fitted to your Sebenza from the factory.
 
They are production knives, they aren't hand fitted, the bronze washers are the same, and so are the blades. I wouldn't mix regular and classic blades, as they are different shapes.

You can adjust the pivot tension if it's too tight or loose as well.
 
They are production knives, they aren't hand fitted, the bronze washers are the same, and so are the blades. I wouldn't mix regular and classic blades, as they are different shapes.

You can adjust the pivot tension if it's too tight or loose as well.
They are production, but they ARE hand-fitted. This is why they are more expensive, because more hand finishing goes into the Sebenza than many other productions. CRK is not the only manufacturer to do this. Spyderco also does some hand-fitting on knives for lockup and Sal has recommended that IF a user is to swap blades between knives of the same model to also swap the lockbar as well to ensure proper match up.

Xcel said what I would have said with regards to getting a second blade for the Sebenza.

You should not adjust the pivot on the Sebenza. It should be "finger tight" with the included allen wrench and it is unnecessary to adjust the pivot due to the Sebenza's unique pivot bushing that ensures a perfect fit every time. In fact, I would go so far as to say you should NEVER carry the Sebenza with the pivot loosened as it is only begging for a lost screw and potentially disasterous results.
 
I have measured the thickness of the bushing and compared it to the blade and washers and they are within .5 one thousandths of an inch (.0005"). So if you swap blades and the replacement blade is just .001 or .002 off you are going to have fit problems. Plus, as I stated above if you can fit the other blade to the knife I feel you would have handle/lockbar and hardware problems.

That being said. If you can get a regular blade (small or large) fitted to a classic handle post some pictures!:thumbup:
 
I have measured the thickness of the bushing and compared it to the blade and washers and they are within .5 one thousandths of an inch (.0005"). So if you swap blades and the replacement blade is just .001 or .002 off you are going to have fit problems. Plus, as I stated above if you can fit the other blade to the knife I feel you would have handle/lockbar and hardware problems.

That being said. If you can get a regular blade (small or large) fitted to a classic handle post some pictures!:thumbup:

Given how tight the tolerances are with CRK's CNC machining, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the blades are interchangeable.

However, I would not put a Regular Sebenza blade into a Classic because it's slightly wider and would run the risk of getting cut when closed, which has happened to a few people with the Classic by itself.
 
I have measured the thickness of the bushing... and they are within .5 one thousandths of an inch (.0005")

5/1,000th's is written this way as a decimal: .005"

5/10,000th's is written the way you did: .0005"


Which did you really mean ?

.
 
I've swapped blades/handles between the three classics I have, and they all fit just as perfect as from the factory...
 
5/1,000th's is written this way as a decimal: .005"

5/10,000th's is written the way you did: .0005"


Which did you really mean ?

.

Yes, half of one thousandth! Not bigger then a hair at .005" but half of .001". .001/2=.0005".

So that would be ten-thousandths. To get an exact measurement I would have to use a micrometer, which I don't have access to. This is just splitting the difference of the needle on the caliper.

If I ever get around to taking some real accurate measures I'll let you guys know.
 
Given how tight the tolerances are with CRK's CNC machining, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the blades are interchangeable.

However, I would not put a Regular Sebenza blade into a Classic because it's slightly wider and would run the risk of getting cut when closed, which has happened to a few people with the Classic by itself.

I don't know if the fitting is in relation with the thickness of the blade but the face of the lock-bar to the surface of the blade. I thick the only difference in fit with the blade would be the washers. Basically, one would machine all the blades, handles and bushings measure and screw it all together. Then figure out how much space needs to be taken up with the washers. Polish washers, test for fit, polish, test for fit, etc. Then fit/file/polish lock surface on blade.

Just a guess.
 
I don't know if the fitting is in relation with the thickness of the blade but the face of the lock-bar to the surface of the blade. I thick the only difference in fit with the blade would be the washers. Basically, one would machine all the blades, handles and bushings measure and screw it all together. Then figure out how much space needs to be taken up with the washers. Polish washers, test for fit, polish, test for fit, etc. Then fit/file/polish lock surface on blade.

Just a guess.

If it's just the thickness that's an issue, then tightening or loosening the blade pivot will take care of the fit. Only issue I see is wear and tear effecting fit, but that would have nothing to do with how they knives are produced.
 
If it's just the thickness that's an issue, then tightening or loosening the blade pivot will take care of the fit. Only issue I see is wear and tear effecting fit, but that would have nothing to do with how they knives are produced.

Tightening or loosening the pivot on a Sebenza is NOT the way to adjust tension. The Sebenza is designed to have the pivot snugged down at all times. The bushing in the blade is waht sets the Sebenza apart from all other folders - YOU NEVER HAVE TO ADJUST PIVOT TENSION, EVER.
 
Tightening or loosening the pivot on a Sebenza is NOT the way to adjust tension. The Sebenza is designed to have the pivot snugged down at all times. The bushing in the blade is waht sets the Sebenza apart from all other folders - YOU NEVER HAVE TO ADJUST PIVOT TENSION, EVER.

Agreed completely!

Edw00d.... Do some research please before answering questions. Because "I think" and " it seems like" doesn't cut it here. Know your tools before attempting any modifications. Yes some Sebenza blades can be swapped; Reg for Reg and Classic for Classic. But if the fit is not as it should be, either send it in to the factory for proper fit or get a new blade all together. Each Sebenza blade is hand fitted and finished at the factory!
 
I bought a small sebenza handle(complete with screws,etc..no blade) and bought a damascus blade from another forumite(made by CRK) and fits perfectly !I think the only problem might be how much blade lockup would be, 50% or more. CRK states 75 % lockup is fine!!
 
I bought a small sebenza handle(complete with screws,etc..no blade) and bought a damascus blade from another forumite(made by CRK) and fits perfectly !I think the only problem might be how much blade lockup would be, 50% or more. CRK states 75 % lockup is fine!!

This is the proof of CRK consistence. Also another lead in why the Sebenza is a semi-production knife. Production in the way the parts are made and custom with the quality and the hand checking and fitting if necessary. This also gives insight into my statement above with polishing the washers for fit. It seems that they may do that at times but for the most part they rely on their CNC mill for consistency of fit.

In answer to the OP I would say give it a shot with a new blade from another knife. The worst that can happen is that you find out that the fit is not right and you send it to CRK for some hand filling/polishing. If you can take measurements, do so. Compare bushing thickness to each other and then add blade and washer thickness up and compare them to the bushings. You should get an end result of the bushings being the same or bigger then the blade/washer combo. If you don’t the blade will not fit. Remember you need space for lube, do some research or maybe someone knows, it probably about .001” or less. I feel lube doesn’t take up much space. Depending on viscosity. If everything checks out put it in and inspect the lockup. Everything is square, not spaces, etc. and the lock-bar doesn’t cover more then is should, which I think is not more then 75%. You should be good to go. But…..

Remember the best is for one to send it in! Then, I assume, if something happens it would be under warranty.
 
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