Lock bar face flaking on small Sebenza

R

rusty427

Joined
Nov 28, 2005
Messages
18
Hi all,
I was looking for some opinions on my small Wilson combat Sebenza.
I bought it about a year ago, not new but like new.
I have only used it lightly over the year.
I pulled it apart to day to give it a clean and noticed the heat treated surface on lock bar was flaking off in parts.
Interesting it's not in the contact area but more towards the outside of the face.
I have not miss used it, or flicked it over and over. I have thumbed it a few times but not hard or regularly.
I have a large 21 and it's perfect.
What do you guys think?
I live in Australia, so sending it back to CR is awkward due to silly Australian knife restrictions.
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Two questions to ask:

1. Is there blade play?
2. Is the lock sticking?

If yes to one of those questions then there is a problem and you should send it to them. If no to both questions use it and enjoy it. There is some were and tear that happens to a lock face over time but if there is no issue with lockup do not worry about it.

Here is a picture of my old sebenza lock (had no issues)

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This is my Insingo Lock that is 4 years old now with no issues. Picture was taken in 2011 after I had it for a year.

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Thanks Marthinus ^^^
Maybe it's a little sticky, not much though.
It has a very nice action, with a nice thunk when it locks up.
My concern is it's actually flaking off pieces, I removed a loose piece with my thumb nail. At first I thought it was just a build up of gunk.
I am not sure how thick the flame hardening is, could it just be an oxide layer and not the case hardening?
 
The flame hardening process they use creates a very thin layer of titanium carbides. The process is a type of carburization. Case hardening is also carburization. They all create a thin layer. It just diffuses carbon into the surface of the titanium and forms nice hard carbides. The surface is very hard and wont wear much so it doesn't need to be thick and you don't want it too thick or it can be brittle.

The process can get goofed up if the temperature or gas mixture in the torch isn't quite right. Or if it is done too long or to short...or if the surface isn't clean....and so on.

It is possible that yours isn't exactly right. If there are no symptoms like stick or play, I'd just keep using the knife. You may eventually need to send it for repair.
 
rishma said:
The flame hardening process they use creates a very thin layer of titanium carbides. The process is a type of carburization. Case hardening is also carburization. They all create a thin layer. It just diffuses carbon into the surface of the titanium and forms nice hard carbides. The surface is very hard and wont wear much so it doesn't need to be thick and you don't want it too thick or it can be brittle.

The process can get goofed up if the temperature or gas mixture in the torch isn't quite right. Or if it is done too long or to short...or if the surface isn't clean....and so on.

It is possible that yours isn't exactly right. If there are no symptoms like stick or play, I'd just keep using the knife. You may eventually need to send it for repair.
Click to expand...

Cheers mate.
The surface flaking off only looks like 1/10'S of a thousands thick.
I have not seen anything like this on Google, has anyone else?
I might send a pic to CR and see what the recon.
 
If you can call CRK, ask to talk to Chris. I think he's the only 1 who might be able to answer your question...

and really know what he's talking about. He's a really nice guy. I've talked to him on the phone a couple of times.

Or you could send an email to Chris Reeve not CRK.
 
Thanks guys ^^
I will try an email first, I only have there customer service email, hopefully they can forward it to Chris. I could pm him, but I don't want to be rude.
I will see how a email goes and keep you updated.
I am just a bit hesitant to send whole knife as I run the risk of Australian customs seizing it on return. The knife is not illegal here but individual custom's officers have been know to make individual interpretations on the law of what can and can't be flicked.
 
There is possibly new import laws coming into play in the future, check out Australian Blade Forums for more info and updates. At the moment the lock bar doesn't sound like it is causing any real issues and I'm pretty sure CRK will want you to send it in so try waiting out the new laws. In saying that, the Small Sebbie isn't a restricted import (but the large is...:confused:) so it should be safe to send to CRK, in theory...
 
Thanks Jimbo,
Interesting read, it's about time some reason was applied to knife imports into Oz.
I didn't know the large was restricted, lucky I got mine when I did.
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Update, I emailed customer service, addressed to Mr Reeve. I received a nice response from Alycia.
Basically as expected, send the knife in and they will repair it at a cost if it's deemed normal wear and tear or free of charge if it's a warranty issue. It will also receive a spa type treatment at no cost.
Fair enough I suppose. I am a little disappointed that my new Sebenza lasted only a year of normal use, more looking than cutting and now needs to be returned for repair. I have to risk shipping and the cost of a repair if considered normal wear and tear. I personally think it's a defect in the case hardening as it is too thin and brittle, lacking the toughness required to withstand normal use, I am confident CRK will acknowledge this.
CRK are doing all of what could be reasonable expected, now I need to make a decision.
It would have been nice to have a more detailed dialogue with Chris, but I understand is a normal customer service response.
Being an engineer myself, I would like to know more details, though my wife tells me that this is not normal human behaviour and engineers are not normal humans ;)
Thanks for all your input guys.
Rusty
 
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