Crk insingo thumb stud question

jackal_727

jackal_727

Joined
Aug 25, 2010
Messages
977
Well I recently bought my first Crk. A like new large insingo, and I'm very pleased with it. Fit and finish is just how I've heard it described, and I'm glad I held out for an insingo over the 21, as I feel the blade shape is more to my liking. The one issue I would like to get addressed, if possible, is the thumb stud. It's too smooth in my opinion, and my thumb slides of quite easy. I work with my hands and more often than not my hands are sweaty. Are there any remedies anyone knows of, that would make the thumb stub a bit more aggressive?
 
Hmmm. I know a lot of people who are coming from other brands struggle with the opening of sebenzas. I'm not exactly sure how to describe but it does take some time to get used to.


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jackal_727 said:
Well I recently bought my first Crk. A like new large insingo, and I'm very pleased with it. Fit and finish is just how I've heard it described, and I'm glad I held out for an insingo over the 21, as I feel the blade shape is more to my liking. The one issue I would like to get addressed, if possible, is the thumb stud. It's too smooth in my opinion, and my thumb slides of quite easy. I work with my hands and more often than not my hands are sweaty. Are there any remedies anyone knows of, that would make the thumb stub a bit more aggressive?
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"...insingo over the 21..." do you mean inkosi over the 21? insingo refers to a certain a blade shape, like drop point and tanto... both the large inkosi and large 21 are very easy to open using one hand using the thumb stud...
....one hand opening the small 21 can be more challenging to open for some, in comparison, the small inkosi is easier to open with one hand
 
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No sorry I meant to say normal 21, aka clip point. And yes I've tried searching for a solution but everything I pull up is people on the opposite side of my problem, complaining that the thumb stud is too aggressive. I definitely don't feel the same. Even if the texture was a bit rougher it would help.
 
On the model you have there is a fairly generous amount of room between the stud and scale in the closed position. I'd suggest pushing more "behind" the stud rather than "on" the stud. May need a little break in too. Have you had it apart?
 
No I haven't taken it apart. It's in great condition, but it is used, so I guess it would be smart to pull it apart and make sure it's not gummed up. I'll try that and see.
 
I have calloused thumbs & it took a while to get used to the thumbstuds on my 25. I don't know if it was the size of my hands, the shape of the stud, or it's location; but eventually opening it became second nature after a few days of playing with it.
 
The way one grips the folder does effect how easy or hard to get past the detent. if the grip is firmly on the lock bar, it does need extra push to open the blade. It just needs some getting used to. BTW congrats on your first CRK jackal_77.
 
your knife must be gummed up to hell and back if you are having that much of a problem... take it apart clean it up and apply some fluorinated grease to it... there are youtube videos on this process... i like - finish line extreme - brand of that grease... you can find it on amazon

either that or your knife has been compromised or its a fake...
 
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I agree on the finish line grease. The tube it comes in is also nice. I'd like to see pictures of said knife and maybe of the washers too.


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Lay your closed sebenza on its back so the spine is facing the ceiling. Viewed from this position you have to push behind the thumb stud towards the ceiling as opposed to horizontaly towards the pivot. You should manipulate the stud out and in an arc around the pivot as opposed to most knives where you flick diagonally forwards towards the pivot.

This took me a while to get used to and my sebenza used to hurt my thumb before i figured this out.
 
I'm not sure where I implied it was THAT hard to open. It is in fact, not difficult to get the blade to open, I just simply find the thumb stud too smooth, and would be better suited with I more aggressive texture. As to my grip on the knife, I'm familiar with the frame lock and how putting pressure on the lock bar will make opening the knife more difficult. I took it apart and cleaned it out. Not really that bad but some minor buildup. I guess this is just more of a personal preference. I can use the tip of my thumb under the stud to flick it open, but I prefer not deploying my knives this way. I'll just have to keep searching. I'm sure there's a fix out there somewhere.
 
Lapedog said:
Lay your closed sebenza on its back so the spine is facing the ceiling. Viewed from this position you have to push behind the thumb stud towards the ceiling as opposed to horizontaly towards the pivot. You should manipulate the stud out and in an arc around the pivot as opposed to most knives where you flick diagonally forwards towards the pivot.

This took me a while to get used to and my sebenza used to hurt my thumb before i figured this out.
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That's how I've been opening it. It works, I just have to use a much slower, more methodical motion than I'd expected. I searched quite a bit and everything I find is people complaining about how the stud is too aggressive and hurts there thumb. Guess I'm just the odd man out.
 
While it takes some practise Sebenzas can be flicked, but Chris himself says they are meant to be opened slowly and methodically. I think most people complaining about the stud being too "aggressive" are actually experiencing a sore thumb from trying to open it the wrong way.
 
on my personal carry large seb 21 when opened the blade will easily drop from the force of gravity when i pull back that the frame lock...

I can easily open and close it with one hand
 
I don't recall ever seeing someone who altered a CRK thumb stud to be more aggressive. However, a lot of new users do get on here complaining about stiff blades, sore thumbs, and getting used to the different opening action. My advise is to give yourself about two weeks of daily carry and use before doing anything. Then, come back and tell us how it worked out or sale it in the forums for something that better suits. My guess is the blade will loosen and/or you'll get used to the action.


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I actually would welcome the availability of optional thumb studs being offered by CRK as a service. I'm fine with the stock one, but choices are nice too. I think a smooth domed one like the Umnumzaan (sans o-ring and groove) would be something I'd consider giving a try.
 
ti lock said:
on my personal carry large seb 21 when opened the blade will easily drop from the force of gravity when i pull back that the frame lock...

I can easily open and close it with one hand
Click to expand...

Mine will definitely not do this. I'll have to invest in the finish line you suggested and see if that works. If the blade opens that easily it certainly wouldn't be a problem anymore.
 
jackal_727 said:
Mine will definitely not do this. I'll have to invest in the finish line you suggested and see if that works. If the blade opens that easily it certainly wouldn't be a problem anymore.
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If his is used and cycled a fair amount, then this would be the result. New Sebenzas don't typically fall open. It takes a little time to break them in. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule..but mostly true.
 
jackal_727 said:
Mine will definitely not do this. I'll have to invest in the finish line you suggested and see if that works. If the blade opens that easily it certainly wouldn't be a problem anymore.
Click to expand...

Yes mine opens and closes easily and locks up like a bank vault. It should NOT take hours of break-in time to get your CRK knife to function as it should, provided your knife hasn't been compromised. Take it apart and clean it and lube it... open and close the blade a few dozen times and it should perform as intended
 
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