Could double thumb studs be removed with basic tools?

J

Jeeeen!

Joined
Aug 10, 2022
Messages
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I have a large 31 coming tomorrow but wanted to change the double thumbstuds, as I don't like them.
I saw some that I liked on a website that makes thumbstuds.

Is there an easy way to remove them without large tools?

At most, I have a vice and some hammers and other basic tools.
 
Without knowing your skill level it’s hard to say. The studs are pressed in at the factory under very tight tolerances, so any lateral movement (wiggling) risks cracking (or otherwise damaging) the blade thus voiding the warranty. Your best bet is to leave it alone or sell it and get what you really want. You could also ship it to CRK and for a minimal charge have them change it to a single stud. If it’s a second hand knife they’ll also clean and sharpen at no charge. They’ll even reblast the plain and micarta inlay knives at no charge — all for the cost of shipping there and back. A much better solution than taking matters into your own hands. Just my 2 cents. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Allan
 
ADBrown said:
Without knowing your skill level it’s hard to say. The studs are pressed in at the factory under very tight tolerances, so any lateral movement (wiggling) risks cracking (or otherwise damaging) the blade thus voiding the warranty. Your best bet is to leave it alone or sell it and get what you really want. You could also ship it to CRK and for a minimal charge have them change it to a single stud. If it’s a second hand knife they’ll also clean and sharpen at no charge. They’ll even reblast the plain and micarta inlay knives at no charge — all for the cost of shipping there and back. A much better solution than taking matters into your own hands. Just my 2 cents. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Allan
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I wanted to replace the double thumbstuds with aftermarket ones, I doubt they will do that for me.
My bog oak is polished, and they said they can't refinish those, only the polished blade for $80.

I just dislike crk thumbstuds and wanted to add benchmade thumbstuds.
 
Jeeeen! said:
I wanted to replace the double thumbstuds with aftermarket ones, I doubt they will do that for me.
My bog oak is polished, and they said they can't refinish those, only the polished blade for $80.

I just dislike crk thumbstuds and wanted to add benchmade thumbstuds.
Click to expand...
I am sure one of the forum knifemakers/craftman can help you. I suggest putting a want ad in their section of the exchange. It will void the warranty
 
At the very least, you would need a dremel tool and a very steady hand. Double studs are press fit together so you need to grind down one of the studs far enough to expose and press out the opposite. Do a YouTube search for "changing Sebenza thumb studs" and you'll find a few videos showing the process.

If you send it in to CRK to change to a single stud, you can just use a bit or punch to push out the stud. I've heard of guys punching it out with a hammer but that sounds very risky in my opinion. Best bet would be using an arbor press so that you can ensure the blade is kept flat and the punch/press stays perfectly vertical.
 
Jeeeen! said:
I have a large 31 coming tomorrow but wanted to change the double thumbstuds, as I don't like them.
I saw some that I liked on a website that makes thumbstuds.

Is there an easy way to remove them without large tools?

At most, I have a vice and some hammers and other basic tools.
Click to expand...
Just curious how your thumbstud replacement worked out? I hope successfully! Maybe you could share some photos?
Allan
 
Well you ended up with a great knife (studs and all) and you won’t have to worry about a cracked blade. Enjoy it!
 
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