Does having CRK slabs anodized void the warranty? !Update with Info from CRK!

NJBillK

NJBillK

Custom Leather and Fixed Blade modifications.
Joined
Mar 27, 2014
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I am just curious if anyone here has had any ano work done on their CRK and sent it in for either a spa treatment or more accurately warranty or repair work, just to find that it is null and void due to the anodizing only (no other mods done).

The following was taken from the "Unofficial Sebenza FAQ" Sticky:
The color on the decorated Sebenzas is nothing more than light. When the handle face is anodized, an electrical current is passed through it and, according to the voltage, so the surface molecules are re-arranged to reflect back only one part of the light spectrum.

- Anne Reeve, 10/29/99

Since it is just how the light is reflected off of the surface and the face of the slab isn't physically altered in any way aside from its refraction of light, I don't see how it would void a warranty.

Any input is appreciated and first hand accounts are doubly so!

Thanks in advance.
 
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Someone in this extensive knowledge bank that is the CRK Subforum has to have some reliable information regarding this topic?

Is anyone willing to step forward and help me out before I get myself in a bind?
 
+1 on calling them. We are not trying to withhold information, but calling them will give you the most accurate answer:) I have done some mods on CRK knives, but have never had to send them in for warranty work. For me, the risk is worth it for a mod that you want.
Please let us know what they say, and post some pictures if you decide to get anything done!
 
Yes, please let us know what they say. I am wondering about this as well.
 
This really depends on the anodizing job. If the scales have been over sanded, or sanded on the inside of the scales, CRK may refuse to work on the knife. In most cases, they will treat an anodized knife the same as any other, provided that the alterations haven't blown the fit or otherwise damaged the scales.
 
I had an anodized Tanto Zaan that wouldn't center. I called and emailed and both times received the same answer. Send it in, it's still covered. I ended up selling it before I ever sent it in, but that's the answer I got from CRK.
 
Phone Call follow up:

I called CRK earlier in the week and I spoke with Alicia (?) and I was told that having aftermarket/custom anodizing "may or may not" void the warranty.
No specifics could be given regarding what exactly denotes a denial of coverage, aside from any material removal from the exterior or interior of the scales (that includes the Incredible engraving work that was recently brought up).

The reasoning behind the fact that no decision could be made prior to CRK having the knife in hand, post modification, is that they have no way to reliably discern what method/chemical was used for the anodization/acid/stone wash.

I also feel compelled to state that that I was told by Alicia (?) that having custom work was also Not cause a blanket denial of warranty service, but there is no way to know where the line in the sand is.

Also of note, I was told that the Blade would likely still be covered as long as that was not modified (I didn't inquire about polishing/acid/stone washing a blade).

They will do custom machining, anodizing, and a possibility of engraving, depending on the intricacy and scale. CRKs current wait time for machining and/or ano work is 4-6 months.
 
Good info thanks for sharing. While it isn't a absolute answer, at least it's something.
 
That's pretty much how I felt about it. Speaking of feelings, I did not get the feeling that this was an "it's pretty much ok, but I can't directly say so" vibe from Her.

I feel that this would be a case by case basis, with most of the work that was done out of house, not being generally accepted.

That being said, my large 21 will be going out for work. My daughters name leaves a lot of room for creativity due to her name being "Skye". Now to pick up a knife to replace this as my user and send this to someone, likely being CRK...
 
We have started doing anodizing with in the past few months and still have a lot to learn. We mostly have anodized Zero Tolerance knives because we can remove the lockbar interface before we anodize them. From my understanding, and very limited knowledge, anodizing is the same concept as rusting steel. It basically causes micro changes in the surface of the titanium. With that knowledge we have been afraid to anodize a Sebenza as a fear it could have some sort of effect on the lock up. I did anodize my personal small Sebenza and am carrying it for a while to see if I can see any differences in lock up. I took before pics and will wait a couple of months to see if I can tell a difference when taking after pics. Anyone else on here willing to chime in on this, I would love to know what you think?
 
Can't you put fingernail polish over parts such as the lockbar face to keep them from anodizing?
 
Another way to prevent any loss to the lock bar would be to add carbide to the lock face. Just food for though.
 
whitty said:
We have started doing anodizing with in the past few months and still have a lot to learn. We mostly have anodized Zero Tolerance knives because we can remove the lockbar interface before we anodize them. From my understanding, and very limited knowledge, anodizing is the same concept as rusting steel. It basically causes micro changes in the surface of the titanium. With that knowledge we have been afraid to anodize a Sebenza as a fear it could have some sort of effect on the lock up. I did anodize my personal small Sebenza and am carrying it for a while to see if I can see any differences in lock up. I took before pics and will wait a couple of months to see if I can tell a difference when taking after pics. Anyone else on here willing to chime in on this, I would love to know what you think?
Click to expand...
I have anodized several Sebenzas, and regardless of if I masked the lock face, the lock bar itself, or not, the lock up has not been affected at all. There have been zero ill effects on any of the CRK I've done. I am electro anodizing, heat ano might lead to different long term effects, but I doubt it
 
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Zeta33 said:
I have anodized several Sebenzas, and regardless of if I masked the lock face, the lock bar itself, or not, the lock up has not been affected at all. There have been zero ill effects on any of the CRK I've done. I am electro anodizing, heat ano might lead to different long term effects, but I doubt it
Click to expand...

We electro anodize as well! Thank you for the feedback, definitely good information to know!
 
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