Damascus - is this normal?

J

jvo300

Joined
Feb 19, 2014
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9
Just got my first CR damascus mnandi new from an authorized dealer. I noticed right away that a very visible section where the blade pivots was worn away. Is this normal?

 
Are you sure that's not grease on it. Just got my micarta small sebenza today and it is perfect
 
If it's worn away I'd definitely send it back.

Could it dried grease?

When I purchased from knife art, my blade was covered in grease and fingerprints, they will not be seeing my business again.
 
I have read that CRK stopped etching the pivot area because it tended to make the opening/closing action less smooth from the surface irregularities.
 
It's not grease. The damascus pattern is completely worn away. Just heard from CRK rep via email that this is normal. WTF? I've responded that I don't find it acceptable. So far, very underwhelmed with the product and customer service response.
 
Ouch, that would bother me greatly.

Another reason for me to avoid chris reeve ' damacus.
 
CRK service reiterates that this is normal. Upon closer inspection of knives online it appears that this is somewhat normal. They don't etch the part around the pivot. Unfortunately, it appears on some knives that it's much more obvious and/or cleanly done than others. This is not what I expect in a premium item either in terms of product build or service. Spent over 500 clams and the blade isn't even centered. Thus ends my interest in CRK.
 
I have 10 damascus mnandis. the new ones have the etching worn off or removed to make them open/close smoother. The old ones have a sortof grating feel when opening/closing that the new ones don't. CR said they changed the new ones cause some folks complained about the grating feel. Doesnt' both me either way, i like them both. Can't keep everybody happy I guess.
 
Couldn't they polish the blade where washer sits so it looks more round and not look like wear? I mean this is a premium priced knife.
 
rodblder said:
I have 10 damascus mnandis. the new ones have the etching worn off or removed to make them open/close smoother. The old ones have a sortof grating feel when opening/closing that the new ones don't. CR said they changed the new ones cause some folks complained about the grating feel. Doesnt' both me either way, i like them both. Can't keep everybody happy I guess.
Click to expand...

You're right about not being able to make everyone happy. I guess I'm peeved because I wasn't aware of the change and have seen many examples without this non-etched section. You can guess my preference. I'll end my b*tch session now. Hopefully, this thread serves to highlight the differences in the damascus for future buyers.
 
jvo300 said:
You're right about not being able to make everyone happy. I guess I'm peeved because I wasn't aware of the change and have seen many examples without this non-etched section. You can guess my preference. I'll end my b*tch session now. Hopefully, this thread serves to highlight the differences in the damascus for future buyers.
Click to expand...

Looks a little budget for a pricey knife, I agree. If the edge of the polished area were more cleanly defined, it wouldn't bug.
 
When you etch damascus you have to mask off the pivot area and where the detent ball rides or it will have a dragging or grating feel. Looks like they masked off a little too much.
 
Sorry to hear you are not happy with your Mnandi.
The reason for this has been stated above.
This is a cosmetic matter, so it should not be impossible to restore.
The area on the blade that bothers you was masked before it was etched - so it should be possible to etch this area now.
If you know the process you could even do it yourself.
I'd recommend you find a knifemaker (craftsman, service provider) in your area and let him do it.
Hope this helps.

red mag
 
I tried to stay out of this ..... but unfortunately, I can't. This has been the subject of many discussions since CRK made the decision to go this route last year. I have been vocal in my displeasure with the decision. What red mag stated above is correct. You can always, after the fact, etch or have some etch the area around the pivot. The problem for me is that when I think CRK, I think production knife perfection. Sorry, this ain't it .... especially when it is so visible. I have written CRK to express my dissatisfaction. More importantly, I have written every major dealer from whom I have purchased a Damascus Mnandi telling them that I will not buy another Damascus Mnandi as long as the current practice continues. It just looks sloppy .... even if not everyone will notice it .... I do. What strikes me as strange is that there are certain things that, regardless of how much people might complain, CRK will not change (like blade steel, the standard blue thumb studs, and the unwillingness to alter (in any way) a CGG model (like swapping thumb studs or, like in a suggestion I made ... not anodizing a CGG Gold Leaf model, essentially making it a Silver Leaf). Frankly, I have never heard someone say that they would not buy a Damascus Mnandi because it made a gritty noise (due the the etching) when opening and closing (as most did prior to last year). However, I know others, like myself, who will not buy another (newer) Damascus Mnandi that looks sloppy like this with the non-etched portion around the pivot shining brightly. I may be in the minority here. But that's okay. I normally buy a Mnandi due to the inlays. Damascus is a plus ..... but over time, one can appreciate only so many of the limited patterns available anyway.
 
How about Manandi models with and without "grating" that way you could chooseLOL . Bottom line , you're not happy, so I'll bet CRK is not happy. Either get the dealer to exchange it for a suitable one, or contact CRK direct to have it either etched or replaced. I doubt they don't care that you're not happy….
 
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