Recommendation? CRK Inkosi arrived flawed what do you recommend?

[not2sharp]

I would consider returning it, and were that no longer possible sent into customer service for repair.

It is an expensive item and you shouldn’t have to deal with a shoddy product.
N2s

 

[ChazzyP]

I'm surprised by the response the OP got from CS that lock play is "normal" on ceramic ball interface knives. I'm sure that CRK would not knowingly continue to release folders with a known design flaw given their historically high standards for precision and quality. Perhaps the CS rep meant that a few knives slipping through QC with some lock rock, given the nature of the ceramic ball design, is not unexpected. You may recall that some of the early 31's were released with lock rock before they got things straightened out with the new model.

I have a number of Chris Reeve folders, but don't consider myself either a fanboy nor an apologist for CRK--I just like their knives. Among mine (all larges) are a StarTac, a 25 (I've had two), and 2 Inkosi's, having just picked up my second last week. All four ceramic ball knives are solid as a rock with no vertical or lateral play and are well-centered. I'm looking forward to a 31 when production picks back up and they are more readily available. BTW, I like and carry my 21's too.

It strikes me as a bit odd, given that he's unsure of how to proceed, that the OP's poll does not include "Return for replacement". If you like the Inkosi and the dealer will accept the knife for return, R RobertJS , that's what I would do. Just ask the dealer to check the replacement for centering and lock play and you should be good to go. If a return is not possible--like if you've disassembled--then sending in to CRK is the way to go to get your knife straightened out. It's too bad that QC missed the flaws in your knife, but mistakes happen which is why good companies have good warranties and service departments. That's part of what you're paying for.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

I'm surprised by the response the OP got from CS that lock play is "normal" on ceramic ball interface knives. I'm sure that CRK would not knowingly continue to release folders with a known design flaw given their historically high standards for precision and quality. Perhaps the CS rep meant that a few knives slipping through QC with some lock rock, given the nature of the ceramic ball design, is not unexpected. You may recall that some of the early 31's were released with lock rock before they got things straightened out with the new model.

I have a number of Chris Reeve folders, but don't consider myself either a fanboy nor an apologist for CRK--I just like their knives. Among mine (all larges) are a StarTac, a 25 (I've had two), and 2 Inkosi's, having just picked up my second last week. All four ceramic ball knives are solid as a rock with no vertical or lateral play and are well-centered. I'm looking forward to a 31 when production picks back up and they are more readily available. BTW, I like and carry my 21's too.

It strikes me as a bit odd, given that he's unsure of how to proceed, that the OP's poll does not include "Return for replacement". If you like the Inkosi and the dealer will accept the knife for return, R RobertJS , that's what I would do. Just ask the dealer to check the replacement for centering and lock play and you should be good to go. If a return is not possible--like if you've disassembled--then sending in to CRK is the way to go to get your knife straightened out. It's too bad that QC missed the flaws in your knife, but mistakes happen which is why good companies have good warranties and service departments. That's part of what you're paying for.

It is considered normal by them, but not all they sell to
https://bladeforums.com/threads/sebenza-31-lock-rock.1718273/

 

[ChazzyP]

Thanks for the link, P Peter Hartwig . I never looked at that thread before and just read a couple pages now. I'll go back a read some more lest I leap again before looking.

The OP did call CS about an Inkosi, though, and not the 31 (of which I will now look to become better informed).

 

[Peter Hartwig]

The OP did call CS about an Inkosi, though, and not the 31 .[/QUOTE

I think it may be their go to statement for movement now. They are likely getting extra calls on the subject. From what I understand there may be movement on some Inkosi, but it may be more on the 31. They both seem to vary knife to knife. People are looking for flex, so some are finding it. Maybe the 31's will settle in, but if not it might be a good item to buy off the exchange and find the one you want.

 

[ChazzyP]

I think it may be their go to statement for movement now. They are likely getting extra calls on the subject. From what I understand there may be movement on some Inkosi, but it may be more on the 31. They both seem to vary knife to knife. People are looking for flex, so some are finding it. Maybe the 31's will settle in, but if not it might be a good item to buy off the exchange and find the one you want.

I expect you're right about CRK's go to response and the volume of calls they're getting. I mentioned earlier here about my four c-ball knives being rock solid, but never thought to check them for rock/flex. In light of comments here and after starting to read the 31 thread, I thought briefly about trying the flex test but then thought "why bother?" as I'm perfectly happy with the knives and hadn't found any problems with them. I'm about a third of the way through the other thread and may or may not comment there when finished.

All of the 10 CRKs Ive purchased (still have 8) came off the Exchange and I'm sure any 31 I pick up will be similarly sourced. I have a standing first dibs with someone on a large 31 natural Micarta he recently bought here and expect I'll take advantage of that should it be offered unless I start to see pics in the other thread of cut and severed fingers. The vast majority of my too-many knives have been bought off the Exchange as appreciate both the cost-savings and the fact that most sellers here are honest about their offerings, making those effectively pre-screened for flaws.

 

[Evany]

I would return it to seller if possible, and if not send in to CRK for repair or replacement. It might just need adjustment, but they would probably replace the washers or other minor parts if they couldn't get it just right. My large Inkosi, a lefty Insingo Micarta from 2019, is absolutely perfect, opens effortlessly, locks up solid.

 

[marthinus]

I own an Insingo Inkosi bought the day of release in 2017. To date. No play. I would return it.

 

[RobertJS]

I de

I'm surprised by the response the OP got from CS that lock play is "normal" on ceramic ball interface knives. I'm sure that CRK would not knowingly continue to release folders with a known design flaw given their historically high standards for precision and quality. Perhaps the CS rep meant that a few knives slipping through QC with some lock rock, given the nature of the ceramic ball design, is not unexpected. You may recall that some of the early 31's were released with lock rock before they got things straightened out with the new model.

I have a number of Chris Reeve folders, but don't consider myself either a fanboy nor an apologist for CRK--I just like their knives. Among mine (all larges) are a StarTac, a 25 (I've had two), and 2 Inkosi's, having just picked up my second last week. All four ceramic ball knives are solid as a rock with no vertical or lateral play and are well-centered. I'm looking forward to a 31 when production picks back up and they are more readily available. BTW, I like and carry my 21's too.

It strikes me as a bit odd, given that he's unsure of how to proceed, that the OP's poll does not include "Return for replacement". If you like the Inkosi and the dealer will accept the knife for return, R RobertJS , that's what I would do. Just ask the dealer to check the replacement for centering and lock play and you should be good to go. If a return is not possible--like if you've disassembled--then sending in to CRK is the way to go to get your knife straightened out. It's too bad that QC missed the flaws in your knife, but mistakes happen which is why good companies have good warranties and service departments. That's part of what you're paying for.

I decided to return the Inkosi and ordered another one in the brown natural micarta and I’ll update the thread with my findings on it. Sorry for the late reply.