- Joined
- May 16, 2006
- Messages
- 2,724
Why is Chris Reeve such an unimpeachable darling here? For the life of me I can't figure it out. As far as I can tell the only real earth-shattering innovation he has come up with is the framelock, which is basically just an improvement on the liner lock. Other than that, what am I missing?
The pivot bushing, nice idea in theory, but a nightmare if off by even millionths of an inch. The lack of it on the Umnum seems to be an admission that it was a less than stellar idea.
S30V steel, an increase in edge retention over something like 154CM or VG-10 but with a noticeable loss in toughness, that depending on the heat treatment varies from acceptable to chipping while slicing a banana. Not exactly a major step forward.
Above industry standard tolerances for production of folders? Once again in theory it sounds nice, but in actuality seems to create an open-to-the elements mechanical device that requires plenty of maintenance to perform smoothly. Just look at the countless threads on BF about people's problems with the Sebenza, such as smoothness of opening and over and under engaging of lock bars. The recommended solution in most cases - send it back to CRK. Sure it's probably very unlikely to fail in rough conditions but in normal day to day use it appears to require a good deal of maintenance to perform flawlessly.
Flawless design? Well ask those who have sliced their fingers running them up the back of a closed Sebenza because the blade edge isn't set back far enough. Or those who have been cut when their Sebenza opened in their pocket. The solution often recommended - get a pocket sheath.
Then there's the "issue" with Sebenzas just not being very efficient cutters. The solution often heard is to send it to Tom Krein for a regrind.
Whatever your take on the recent destruction tests, the advertised "superb toughness" of the one piece line seems pretty questionable. Seriously when was the last time these knives got a steel upgrade or a change in heat treatment protocol? A2 steel at 55-57 RC seems pretty behind the times for a $200 - $400 knife.
BF seems to serve as a relentless promoter of CRK knives while CRK barely participates in the forum. Compared to so many other makers/manufacturers that solicit opinions and answer questions from members here, CRK maintains a noticeably aloof presence.
Honestly, what am I missing?
The pivot bushing, nice idea in theory, but a nightmare if off by even millionths of an inch. The lack of it on the Umnum seems to be an admission that it was a less than stellar idea.
S30V steel, an increase in edge retention over something like 154CM or VG-10 but with a noticeable loss in toughness, that depending on the heat treatment varies from acceptable to chipping while slicing a banana. Not exactly a major step forward.
Above industry standard tolerances for production of folders? Once again in theory it sounds nice, but in actuality seems to create an open-to-the elements mechanical device that requires plenty of maintenance to perform smoothly. Just look at the countless threads on BF about people's problems with the Sebenza, such as smoothness of opening and over and under engaging of lock bars. The recommended solution in most cases - send it back to CRK. Sure it's probably very unlikely to fail in rough conditions but in normal day to day use it appears to require a good deal of maintenance to perform flawlessly.
Flawless design? Well ask those who have sliced their fingers running them up the back of a closed Sebenza because the blade edge isn't set back far enough. Or those who have been cut when their Sebenza opened in their pocket. The solution often recommended - get a pocket sheath.
Then there's the "issue" with Sebenzas just not being very efficient cutters. The solution often heard is to send it to Tom Krein for a regrind.
Whatever your take on the recent destruction tests, the advertised "superb toughness" of the one piece line seems pretty questionable. Seriously when was the last time these knives got a steel upgrade or a change in heat treatment protocol? A2 steel at 55-57 RC seems pretty behind the times for a $200 - $400 knife.
BF seems to serve as a relentless promoter of CRK knives while CRK barely participates in the forum. Compared to so many other makers/manufacturers that solicit opinions and answer questions from members here, CRK maintains a noticeably aloof presence.
Honestly, what am I missing?
