horror!! who has CRK service("spa") experience?

[chadridv]

Here's the deal...

I just acquired my second Sebenza in 2 weeks. I know... it's like like crack.

This one is a Large Micarta that's only 2-3 years old, but aged... and not very well. Don't get me wrong it's a user, and i'm totally cool with that, in fact i kind of see the scratches on the clip and handles as part of the character of this knife. Most importantly the blade is in great condition. No scratches at all and a decent edge.

Here's where the sh** hit the fan...

I looked forward all day to getting home, taking it down for a full cleaning and lube. However... a previous owner locktight the screws and pins. Once i broke the lock tight the screws started coming out slowly but then, only about an 8th of the way out... they just kept spinning. All the pins and screws have to be replaced.

I actually managed to clean the whole knife and get it back together, but it pisses me off that the pins are all stripped and are likely unreliable in holding the knife together. anyway, im gonna send it in to CRK.

Of course i will call them first thing tomorrow, but does anyone have advice on how to handle this. I realize i could always just order new screws and pins but being this knife has a seemingly tainted history i feel compelled to to have a full service.

Will this be covered under warranty... i'm assuming not. If not what will the whole service cost? I've heard someone say, "if you ever have a problem with your CRK just send it in for 25 bucks."

Is that an accurate number? if so, does it apply to my situation?

Sorry for the ramblings and thanks for the help!

 

[safetyman]

It sounds like you've got a reasonable estimate there, but you might want to check their website (calling them is better) for prices and quotes. A spa treatment usually costs araound $27.50. I think a new set of screws/hardware costs $6.00. Here's a link to their prices website:

http://chrisreeve.com/pricelist.htm

 

[nyefmaker]

I would highly recommend calling CRK. They will take care of you. I have had to call them a couple of times and they took care of me with NO Problems and in my experience, they have the greatest customer service ever. That is why I sold nearly all my knives and went almost exclusively CRK. Ask for Heather, she is the best.

 

[chadridv]

I would highly recommend calling CRK. They will take care of you. I have had to call them a couple of times and they took care of me with NO Problems and in my experience, they have the greatest customer service ever. That is why I sold nearly all my knives and went almost exclusively CRK. Ask for Heather, she is the best.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

 

[dalefuller]

I deal a lot in "pre-owned" Sebs also, and a lot of my adoptions have had to go in for tune-ups. Most likely, they'll charge you for the screws & pins and their normal service charge, but Heather will give you a full accounting before they do anything.

It's a nice feeling to be able to score a user and get her reconditioned and working like new, though.

 

[DallasSTB]

Without contradicting anyone above with different information, I thought I would just fill in some information that I've collected in my correspondence with CR. I highly recommend the full spa treatment. The knife will look better and be sharper than when new.

Refurbish the blade (retumble or repolish to original appearance) = $27.50
Refinish the handle (resandblast or repolish as originally produced) = $27.50
New Screws = $1.00 / Ea. (perhaps this is per side, so maybe $2 / set)
New back spacer = $6.00 / Ea.
Add double thumb lugs = $35.00
Change to damascus blade = $270 - 295 (depending on pattern)
Resharpening, cleaning and lubbing the pivot = free
Shipping = $13.00

They can do some special "modifications" to the knife if you want on a case by case basis, like engraving. You have to communicate with them directly thought to determine what they can or will do and the costs.

Hope this helps. I think the costs are very reasonable considering the quality of the work they perform.

 

[bigmark408]

Male & female screws are bout 7 bucks each (x3) plus the cost of referb.

 

[DallasSTB]

Male & female screws are bout 7 bucks each (x3) plus the cost of referb.

I was told by Charmaine they were $1 each, but there may have been a miscommunication. The quote I was getting was for several items done at the same time.

 

[JNewell]

The he77 of it is that if the former owner had told you about the Loctite, it would have been easy to use a hair dryer or solvent to weaken/break the bond, and none of this would be required. Grrr.

 

[chadridv]

The he77 of it is that if the former owner had told you about the Loctite, it would have been easy to use a hair dryer or solvent to weaken/break the bond, and none of this would be required. Grrr.

you're absolutely right. The problem is, it came to me third, maybe even fourth hand. Don't get me wrong, it's a great knife... i love it, but it is USED!!

Although there is fault down the line, i don't see in malicious activity. Someone definitely used loctite thinking it was the right way to assemble the knife. Why would you mention it?

Anyway $27.50 and it'll function like new. For another $27 i can have the whole knife blasted and get something back that looks new too!

Not sure whether to just order the pins and screws or get the full spa treatment.

Decisions!

 

[JNewell]

you're absolutely right. The problem is, it came to me third, maybe even fourth hand. Don't get me wrong, it's a great knife... i love it, but it is USED!!

Although there is fault down the line, i don't see in malicious activity. Someone definitely used loctite thinking it was the right way to assemble the knife. Why would you mention it?

Anyway $27.50 and it'll function like new. For another $27 i can have the whole knife blasted and get something back that looks new too!

Not sure whether to just order the pins and screws or get the full spa treatment.

Decisions!

I'm definitely not saying it was malicious. Bad things happen for random reasons. If it were my knife, I'd go whole hog. How often are you going to send it out? Get it made as like new as possible, then use the heck out of it! :thumbup:

 

[chadridv]

I'm definitely not saying it was malicious. Bad things happen for random reasons. If it were my knife, I'd go whole hog. How often are you going to send it out? Get it made as like new as possible, then use the heck out of it! :thumbup:

i know thats not what you were trying to say...

good idea, im gonna do the whole thing. I will make a before and after, photographic thread.

 

[bigmark408]

I was told by Charmaine they were $1 each, but there may have been a miscommunication. The quote I was getting was for several items done at the same time.

The male screws are a buck....the females are 6 or 7.

 

[bradtown]

send her in for the works then enjoy!

 

[nyefmaker]

The male screws are a buck....the females are 6 or 7.

I agree 100% Here is an excerpt of an email I received from CRK when I asked about it mid last year ( 2009 )............""We charge $1 per screw and $7.50 per pin. Each Sebenza takes 4 screws and 3 pins so a complete set would cost $26.50. When ordering be sure to specify what size and if you need bead blasted or polished hardware.""

 

[mongomondo]

i know thats not what you were trying to say...

good idea, im gonna do the whole thing. I will make a before and after, photographic thread.

I wouldn't bother with refurbishing the handle or the blade. The titanium handles get scratched if you look at it funny. Scratches make them happy and makes you more inclined to use them heavily. I just throw my sebenza in my pocket with keys and coins now, scratches just makes it cooler.

As for the blade, just tell them to sharpen it and it's fine. The blade also loves having scratches. I would have them replace the screws and clean/lube/tune the knife. It shouldn't cost more than $40 after shipping.

 

[safetyman]

I wouldn't bother with refurbishing the handle or the blade. The titanium handles get scratched if you look at it funny. Scratches make them happy and makes you more inclined to use them heavily. I just throw my sebenza in my pocket with keys and coins now, scratches just makes it cooler.

As for the blade, just tell them to sharpen it and it's fine. The blade also loves having scratches. I would have them replace the screws and clean/lube/tune the knife. It shouldn't cost more than $40 after shipping.

^^+1 There's no need to make a knife look new if you're just going to use it. Just have CRK tune it up and get it in like-new working condition and you'll definitely be satisfied :thumbup:.

 

[giant1]

Everybody / thing can do with a spruce up from time to time. If you are sending it in to CRK, you may as well do the whole spa thing and start fresh :thumbup:

 

[giant1]

PS.....

Cannot believe anyone would use loctite when putting a sebbie back together.

 

[JNewell]

PS.....

Cannot believe anyone would use loctite when putting a sebbie back together.

This s a good illustration of why the direction to use only purple #222 loctite on the Umnu should be followed, rather than using blue #224 or higher...