Factory titanium stonewash option

U

uofaengr

Joined
Jan 9, 2014
Messages
2,485
I've seen a few threads with pics of people who have stonewashed their Sebenza scales, some better than others. There is an ad up right now in the exchange for a large Insingo that has a beautiful stonewash done to it. Another I can think of is LonnyRS's recent thread with his 25. As we all know, there's a lot of nice factory stonewash out there on titanium such as the Spyderco Southard and the Hinderer stonewash Ti scales.

I was wondering who else would like to see scale stonewashing as an option from CRK, whether from factory or sent in for spa treatment? They have the means obviously since they tumble the blades already. Maybe it could save them money in the long run. There may be some CRK owners out there that are constantly sending in their Sebs and Umnums for reblasting because they can't handle a few scratches. A well done stonewash hides wear so it could result in less spa trips for reblasting, saving CRK man hours on spa treatments (besides sharpening, warranty work). On the other hand, I could see tons of people sending theirs in to have this done. I'd pay a few bucks for them to do it. I don't mind wear on my Sebs, and the bead blasting scratches almost by looking at it, but few things beat nicely stonewashed titanium IMO. I know some folks like to do "home jobs" on their knives, but I don't mind having these things done at the factory where I don't have to worry about voiding a warranty or anything.

I've never thought to ask CRK if they'd actually do this, but who knows...they might. Maybe if enough ask for it they will. :)
 
I tell you what, the finish I put on it is still holding up nicely. I mentioned the same thing in that thread you mentioned, why CRK doesn't offer this as an option. I would have them do it to the ones I wanted done, rather than do it myself for just like you said - warranty issues. My 25 hasn't changed whatsoever as far as action, smoothness, lock up, any of that. THe only thing that changed is that it looks SO much better! And hides scratches and dings to where you really don't notice them. So, I'm with you on this..
 
LonnyRS said:
I tell you what, the finish I put on it is still holding up nicely. I mentioned the same thing in that thread you mentioned, why CRK doesn't offer this as an option. I would have them do it to the ones I wanted done, rather than do it myself for just like you said - warranty issues. My 25 hasn't changed whatsoever as far as action, smoothness, lock up, any of that. THe only thing that changed is that it looks SO much better! And hides scratches and dings to where you really don't notice them. So, I'm with you on this..
Click to expand...

This calls for updated pics!
 
I don't like it. It makes the knife slippery in hand and I have been cut more than once in the past because of this. Not CRK obviously. I even bought a scotch bright finish once and it was the same.
One of the things I like most with CRK Ti is the grippyness of it. Even snail trails look attractive to me....!!!!
 
uofaengr said:
This calls for updated pics!
Click to expand...

Alright, deal. I will tomorrow when the sun is out for better quality pics, and more detail. I will be honest, I haven't carried it for a solid week, ever since my Curtiss F3 came in from Dave. I had him round the spine like a Sebenza has, just to make it different from all the rest..
 
A tumbled finish can look pretty cool on the right knife, certainly smaller knives. There is also no arguing that it lasts for pretty much ever but on larger knife handles it can be a bit slick. As Nyefmaker points out the difference in traction between a blasted and tumbled or satin finish handle is actually very obvious. If you have a handle material like g-10, micarta, wood etc. on the non-lock side as an inlay or scale that helps a lot. The knife will of course still be perfectly useable but there will no doubt be a few more "moments of excitement" as I have had with satin finish Ti handles. :p I see a lot of "dirty tumbled" finish knives that have been tumbled with the blasted finish, that can look pretty good too and gives you at least a bit of both worlds.

As always with CRK "they don't do cocktails, only beer from the tap". They are not keen to start doing cutomised knives and you can't fault them for that.
 
I don't think CRK would ever do that.
I've been wrong before though.
 
I don't see them doing it, but if they decided to I would get it done on at least a couple of my sebenzas just for variety sake. A well done stonewash is my favorite finish!
 
kidcongo said:
Is the Ti-Lock not stonewashed? What do they call that finish?
Click to expand...

Yes, the Ti-Lock is stonewashed. The originals were blasted like a sebenza. About 50 of those were made. Then they switched to the stonewashed finish.
 
To anyone who has done this or in general, would you bolt both scales together and wash both at the same time? I don't know if it matters whether the inside gets hit by the ball bearings or whichever media you choose, and I mean specifically the area where the washers contact the titanium. As long as it's just scratching and not denting I'd think it'd be ok. What about the lock face? Just looking for different opinions here.
 
kidcongo said:
Is the Ti-Lock not stonewashed? What do they call that finish?
Click to expand...


Yes, the Ti-Lock is not only stonewashed but BEAUTIFULLY STONEWASHED! :D The look is fabulous and hides scratches like a charm. Hope CRK will one day change their mind on stone washing Sebs.
 
I could see CRK stone washing handles as a "Dealer Exclusive" type thing. They basically do every option under the sun for all their major distributors.
It could come about. We never thought we'd see "carbon fiber" inlays, or whole slabs of CF for that matter, so I guess its possible.
 
PAZach said:
If a factory SW Sebenza existed I'd buy it in a second!
Click to expand...

I feel the exact same way. I've passed up some amazing deals on some small and large 21's because I don't want to become a collector so I can't currently justify having more than one of either. If they offered this option, it'd be plenty to justify it to me. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top