Issue with Inlay

A

anodizedtitanium

Joined
May 14, 2013
Messages
12
Hey guys, I have recently bought a Small Sebenza 21 with Snakewood inlays from Edgeworks, an authorized Chris Reeve dealer and was very happy with it, until today when I was taking in the beauty of the snakewood and noticed a rather noticeable gap between the snakewood and the machined titanium. The inlay actually has a space between the wood and the machined titanium and I can clearly see the metal in the recessed part of the handle scale. Is this a normal situation to be in with a sebenza that is only 2 1/2 weeks old? I am kind of disappointed, since I know Chris Reeve works to such great tolerances. I am hoping there is a way to fix this issue, I really like Chris Reeve knives but I did not expect an issue with the tolerances of the inlay.
 
The inlays are usually a pretty good fit so it's not the norm but not impossible either, I have seen one or two with "smaller" inlays than others. Pics would help us see exactly what you have.
 
I have had tons of CRK, but am newer to the inlays. I am an accomplished woodworker though. Even though CRK uses stabilized/cured exotic woods of the highest quality for their knives, nature will still bend or shrink it slightly. I have a couple 21's with inlays and you can see the very narrow groove around it, I find this to be normal. On my new to me Large Annual sebenza, there is NO gap. I almost thought the wood was Overlaid instead of Inlaid because of the lack of space. I have since gotten a magnifying glass and see that they are indeed INLAID like ALL the other sebenzas. Its just that the fit on the annual is as perfect as you can get.
 
i think it really is a problem with the machining because i have kept the knife indoors, with no highs or lows in temperature and i can see the metal in the bottom of the recessed area of titanium where the snakewood was inlaid. Do you guys think Chris Reeve will be able to help me out or is it my fault for not noticing it when i purchased the knife?
 
anodizedtitanium said:
i think it really is a problem with the machining because i have kept the knife indoors, with no highs or lows in temperature and i can see the metal in the bottom of the recessed area of titanium where the snakewood was inlaid. Do you guys think Chris Reeve will be able to help me out or is it my fault for not noticing it when i purchased the knife?
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No, its not your fault. They will take care of you. Will more than likely result in new inlay, so wood grain may not be to your liking. Send them a email with pics, they will take care of you.
 
Id say this is not normal at all. Pics would help forsure. Either way if your not happy with it send it in and CRK will make it right.
 
Off topic, but Edgeworks in Frederick, MD? I'm on the northern edge of Carroll County and I'm glad to have that much distance between me and that store for my wallet's sake. Anyone who ever visits the DC or northern VA area, it's worth checking out.
Back on topic, I had an issue with a Sebenza and sent it to the factory earlier this year, came back as good as new. Give CRK a call, they're super friendly and will take good care of you.
 
The wood inlays, IIRC, are just set in the "hollow" and secured with a 3M special bonding tape. Not glued in any way. I'd send it back in a hurry. I doubt that Chris would want something like that out "in public."
Their Customer Service is beyond reproach, IMO.
 
Anytime I have spoken to Chris Reeve, he has stated time and again that if a customer has an issue with one of his knives to come to CRK First before posting on the forums about it. Just as they have great customer service and will take care of you, its good customer practice to call them and let them try to fix any issues before posting about them.......!!!
 
Posting about a shrunken inlay or another minor issue is informative, I think. Folks here know that Chris's knives are not made in Heaven, and that they may develop small problems occasionally. (although mine haven't)
The only thing that might cause unwanted concern is if/when a user posts that CRK Customer Service did NOT take care of his situation appropriately.
I view the posting of knife problems as a positive for owners. I seem to be unable to CLOSE a Zaan one-handed. And, getting past the detent to open the new model 25 (one-handed) is a real BEAR for me. My fifteen or so previously-owned Sebbies were easy to open. Perhaps the 25 will "loosen" with use.
After some SEARCH and my posting, I was able to see that perhaps 15-20% of Zaan owners, like myself, cannot close a Zaan one-handed. That information made me feel better, although not any stronger. Still working on solving the strong detent on the 25.
CRK Customer Service is #1. We already know that. Chris is the MAN. He has little to fear from our posting. His reputation is SOLID with the family.
 
A tiny gap might be normal (not the rule though). For whatever reason, I noticed that it MIGHT be more common on snakewood (it was visible (again, barely as I am talking a very small gap) on both a Mnandi and a Sebenza I had) ... maybe it shrinks more ... who knows. I could not notice gaps on some other inlays I had (bocote for example).

They will sort you out either way, no worries.
 
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I have a mnandi in the shop right now with an inlay that was peeling off, they said it was probably due to warping (does happen with wood inlays) and that they would try to fix it and if they couldn't they would just replace the inlays with new ones. Also offered to refund my initial shipping cost... I'm pretty sure their CS is the best. If you have any concerns just shoot them an email or give them a call.
 
i have sent out my knife and the customer service was excellent, no questions asked, just said send it too us and we will fix it. I am confident it will be taken care of and am pleased that they said they will take care of shipping costs, both to them and back to me.
 
nyefmaker said:
Anytime I have spoken to Chris Reeve, he has stated time and again that if a customer has an issue with one of his knives to come to CRK First before posting on the forums about it. Just as they have great customer service and will take care of you, its good customer practice to call them and let them try to fix any issues before posting about them.......!!!
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Totally agree. Go directly to the source that has the responsibility/accountability for resolution, and feel free to report back your experiences if you're so motivated, good or bad. To do otherwise is like talking behind someone's back w/o first giving feedback the the person directly.

On a different but related note, I see a fair number of posts in this forum that inquire about CRK company policy -- questions that should be directed to CRK, and not forum members. Why ask a question here like, "Will CRK do custom work like <x>?", or "Will CRK warranty cover <y>?" It's just as quick to give CRK a call or drop them an email, and you'll get the right answer, as opposed to conjecture . . . and BTW, where policy is concerned, polling on what folks have experienced with policy in the past may or may not be accurate for today. CRK is a living organization like any other company, and policies evolve.

Okay, rant mode = off. :)
 
I am curious how this turns out. Please keep us posted.
Isn't "Blade Forums" a place where fellow knife enthusiasts can get together in cyber-space and ask questions, discuss topics and share their experience -whatever it may be?
Shouldn't it be easy to ask a simple question here?
At least as simple as writing a company?
Maybe the poster is not yet ready to send an email or simply want's to find out if he has an issue.
Maybe he doesn't want to be a pain and waste someones time.
It might also be possible, that sending the knife back is not so easy for him (postage, customs, risk of loss).
a.t. is a new member here, so i give the benefit of the doubt.

Please don't get me wrong: I do not think talking behind one's back is good.
I think the forum here should be a place where the fellow knife fans and CRK should get an advantage.
i.e.: questions haven't to be asked xx-times via mail; news can easily spread and feedback.

Greetings,
red mag
 
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