Large Sebenza Geared Backspacers?

Made out of Aluminum? With visible grind marks? Seems expensive for what you get, and not something I'd want to put on a CRK.

C71F716D-0E1F-40E7-BB11-47CCD9B2E34E.jpeg
 
CRK Small Sebenza 21/31 Geared Back Spacer in T-6061 Aluminum with captured Lanyard pin.
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Oh dear, they aren't even using the good Aluminum. They are using the meh Aluminum. I can't tell if this picture makes the machining marks look worse or not. d303c7_5370508e682a4f81be064ea1a60f0861~mv2.jpg
 
Josh K said:
Oh dear, they aren't even using the good Aluminum. They are using the meh Aluminum. I can't tell if this picture makes the machining marks look worse or not. View attachment 1450456
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Since when is 6061 "meh" aluminum? It's still aircraft grade material, and in this application would seem to be a highly appropriate.

To the OP, I've got a few of those back spacers, and a flush screw set. They definitely help to stiffen the frame, as well as give you an extra bit of traction in your palm when closing the knife. Also, as with most things, it's a double edged sword in that it keeps things in your pocket from getting stuck in the knife and possibly dinging the edge, the opposite of that is that if you were to get something stuck in there then you'd have to clear it and possibly take the knife apart. I don't really view that as a negative since it's unlikely to happen, and sebenzas are pretty darn easy to break down and clean.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you've got about them or my experiences.
 
mtbaddict said:
Since when is 6061 "meh" aluminum? It's still aircraft grade material, and in this application would seem to be a highly appropriate.
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Since forever. 7075 is almost universally better except it’s a bit more work. This is like using Grade 2 titanium instead of Grade 5.
 
Thanks! Looks like that is the only maker out there. Do you think it is worth the cost? Would like one in carbon fiber.

mtbaddict said:
Since when is 6061 "meh" aluminum? It's still aircraft grade material, and in this application would seem to be a highly appropriate.

To the OP, I've got a few of those back spacers, and a flush screw set. They definitely help to stiffen the frame, as well as give you an extra bit of traction in your palm when closing the knife. Also, as with most things, it's a double edged sword in that it keeps things in your pocket from getting stuck in the knife and possibly dinging the edge, the opposite of that is that if you were to get something stuck in there then you'd have to clear it and possibly take the knife apart. I don't really view that as a negative since it's unlikely to happen, and sebenzas are pretty darn easy to break down and clean.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you've got about them or my experiences.
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Shurock said:
Thanks! Looks like that is the only maker out there. Do you think it is worth the cost? Would like one in carbon fiber.
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There are a few other guys out there making something similar, or a different solution for a different problem. I think if you want to make your knife feel that extra little bit more solid, and make it a bit more unique then definitely go for it. I've measured the competitors with a micrometer and go/no go gauges, and I can say the Spartan Bladez spacers are by far the closest tolerance. They're within .00003 +/- of an inch, for reference CRK themselves measures to .00005 +/-, so on those grounds I do think the price is warranted.

Josh K said:
Since forever. 7075 is almost universally better except it’s a bit more work. This is like using Grade 2 titanium instead of Grade 5.
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Maybe I should let everyone in the aerospace, cycling, automotive, knife manufacturing and pretty much any other parts manufacturing industries know that what they're using is crap. Or perhaps I'll just start demanding that CRK make their folders from inconel since it's much higher performance and they should strive for the best, and while I'm at it we'll demand that they use higher end steel because s35vn isn't cutting it, and s45vn isn't going to be enough of performance increase.

Clearly sarcasm, but my point is in any manufacturing materials are picked for a reason, and as long as they meet the performance criteria then there's no need for a cost increase in both machine time and material cost. I can't see why a backspacer would need a 5% increase in any performance metric, except for machinability, over what 6061 already does. It's a part that requires high machinable tolerances, and not an extreme amount of toughness.
 
I know the gentleman that makes these and have talked to him in-depth about his items. Great guy. I personally like the Sebenza 21 and earlier they way they are, but there are Many that like aftermarket stuff and this is where he excels. He also has other CRK items on his site as well.
 
mtbaddict said:
Maybe I should let everyone in the aerospace, cycling, automotive, knife manufacturing and pretty much any other parts manufacturing industries know that what they're using is crap. Or perhaps I'll just start demanding that CRK make their folders from inconel since it's much higher performance and they should strive for the best, and while I'm at it we'll demand that they use higher end steel because s35vn isn't cutting it, and s45vn isn't going to be enough of performance increase.
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Sure. I can agree this part doesn't require anything special and I'm being a snob about materials.

Let's talk about the those machining marks now.
 
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