I finally get the "buttery smoothness"

jackthedog

jackthedog

Joined
Dec 21, 2009
Messages
873
I've had my Large Sebenza 21 for just about 6 months now and I finally get the buttery smoothness that people talk about.

When I first got it, the action wasn't exactly stiff but not as glass smooth as many people talk about and certainly not as smooth as my Spyderco Gayle Bradley, which was my main basis for comparison. Even now, the Bradley opens more quickly and doesn't take as much "force" to open (this last part is likely the SpyderHole vs. Thumb Stud).

However, after about 6 months of constant opening and closing the Sebenza now has a nice, even, and smooth opening motion the whole way through the opening process. Even though other knives open smoothly and easily, they seem to lack that substantial feel that the Sebenza has while opening and don't seem to "glide" open through the whole opening process.

Anyway, I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but just wanted to share my experience. The workmanship makes me want another Sebenza ASAP. A Micarta Insingo would be great...

Below is the obligatory picture:

img2624ck.jpg
 
Ones the stone washed finish is smoothed out under the ceramic ball and washers the action starts to improve considerably.
 
I think the tight tolerances, pivot bushing, and constant pressure by the hefty lock bar gives the very even, buttery smooth action. Downside, is that it's not a flipper, but you'll lose that "buttery" smooth action that way.

I have other broken in frame locks and the action is not nearly as consistent as my Sebenza from beginning to end. The smooth action is very consistent from start to end, unlike my other frame locks where the action can kind of "skip" a bit here and there. The Pivot bushing system is fantastic, no need to adjust the tension here and there unlike other framelocks.

-Ed
 
Edw00d said:
The smooth action is very consistent from start to end, unlike my other frame locks where the action can kind of "skip" a bit here and there.
-Ed
Click to expand...

That is essentially what I was trying to get at, I just didn't phrase as succinctly. From beginning to end, the entire action is smooth. There is some resistance but the blade moves smoothly while opening the whole way.
 
The two large 21's that I have purchased recently both had great action out the box.
It was made even better after breaking it down and applying new grease to the pivot
since the grease already in it was dried out a little. I can see that if the knife is
assembled with the slightest imperfection then the action will suffer. But I definitley
dont experience the 'breaking in' stage like I do with Emersons or Striders.
 
All my Sebenzas are smooth out of the box but one bloodwood inlay that I received today cannot be opened one handed at all. Looks like I need to do some work on it.
 
wings said:
All my Sebenzas are smooth out of the box but one bloodwood inlay that I received today cannot be opened one handed at all. Looks like I need to do some work on it.
Click to expand...

I hope by do some work on it you mean opening and closing?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top