Cleaning up the pivot area

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
7,353
Hi,

I just bought a slightly used small Seb'. Sometimes, the blade seems to "lock" in the closed pocition. I have a feeling there might be some lint or something caught in the pivot area. Is it OK to unscrew the pivot and take the knife apart? Or is it a big non-no?

Thanks,

JD
 
I guess you didn't get the 5/64ths hex wrench that comes with the knife just so you can take it apart and clean it.
 
give it a shot of Rem-oil or WD-40...hell, take a pipe cleaner to it. :) If it's getting hard to open, maybe it needs more grease...
 
Originally posted by stjames
I guess you didn't get the 5/64ths hex wrench that comes with the knife just so you can take it apart and clean it.
Click to expand...

No - but if it's a fairly standard size, I should be able to find one somewhere.

JD
 
There are a few reasons why the pivot area might become sticky but to begin the elimitation process, I would suggest that you dis-assemble the knife and clean all the parts. We can send a replacement allen wrench (please email direct with your address to crkinfo@chrisreeve.com.

There has been quite a bit of discussion on this forum about re-assembly techniques and you will be able to find information if you go through a search, but here is a part of the FAQ's that stjames compiled:

SOME ADVICE ON CLEANING AND ASSEMBLY OF SEBENZAS.

After taking the knife apart, clean all parts with a paper towel or soft cloth.
When you assemble the handle, tighten all screws firmly.

(Do not over tighten! DO NOT USE LOCTITE! The knife is not designed for that and if you have used Loctite, the screws will need to be drilled out if the knife needs to be disassembled at some time in the future. This will require new screws and pins and can end up an expensive exercise.)

Clean the sides of the blade and the pivot hole, removing any lint or grease. Put just a drop of lubricant into the hole, then slip in the bearing. Seat the thrust washers on either side of the bearing, with just a touch of lube underneath them. Make sure the bearing and the washers are flush. Lightly lubricate the lock ramp and the ball race (the mark that is made by the ceramic ball on the blade).

Slip the blade into the handle, and insert the screw and pivot pin, tightening the screw firmly (but not too tight!). If the blade assembly does not go into the handle, DO NOT force it or loosen the stop pin screw – check the blade assembly.
If you have trouble putting it back together, start the procedure again. Check that the washers to do not get crimped – this is a common reason why the blade feels stiff.

- Anne Reeve, 07/21/99

There are a variety of lubricants on the market - we suggest the fluorinated grease that is available on our website. Just a little will do the trick. If you run into trouble, put everything into a baggie and send it back to us - we will be glad to put it back into 100% condition again!

Anne
 
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