Machine mark on new Sebenza 21 -thoughts?

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Phil03449

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
36
Hi folks,

Long time lurker here; I recently purchased a small Sebenza 21 tanto w/ micarta inlays -my first CRK. In short, I love it. However, after a few days of enjoying it, I opened it up and discovered a fairly deep cut in the titanium that's not supposed to be there. It almost extends into the pivot hole. I called and spoke with their customer service (super nice, of course). After sending them the photo below, they said it's a machine-mark that wouldn't effect performance but was within their parameters of manufacturing -and I guess that's my dilemma. It certainly not small and its not intended to be there. If it was on the outside, I think they'd agree it wasn't acceptable. But I feel like it's not right on the inside either... It bums me out a little that my knife isn't near-perfect as I expected. I doubt it would effect performance.. but I'm also thinking if I ever had to sell it, a potential buyer might balk at what's clearly a defect.

So, I'm curious. What do you think? What would you do in my situation?
11h9urq.jpg
[/IMG]

Thanks for your thoughts.

Phil
 
Unfortunately.... Quite a few sebenzas I have owned have had this issue. Does not affect performance and is hidden when the knife is assembled... So I just live with it. If you get another sebenza, chances are you will run into the same issue.

I've had a few that have machine marks both upwards (like yours) and sideways, parallel to the lock face. At least you only have marks one way!
 
Well you did spend $485 + S&H, I understand why you would be mad/bummed. I agree that the machining mark should not be there, but for CRK to replace it is debatable (I lean more towards replacement). HOWEVER, that mark is TINY and is behind the washers! You would never see it, I wouldn't think about it, forget about this post and enjoy the knife. NO knife is perfect. EVERY knife is FULL of defects when you zoom in on it, a knife is only as good quality as the man and tools who made it. ALL knives have tolerances, the knife makers job is to make the knife defectless to the human eye (which CRK SOMEWHAT failed at). Because that mark is unseen and hidden, the knife maker did its job by hiding the imperfections all knives have. So enjoy your knife, and know the chair you sit on and the desk you use has the same problems.
 
Gentleman, Thanks. I appreciate the context. Its a user -so in short-order it will have all manner of wear marks lovingly added to the outside! Its helpful to know these marks do occur and mine isn't necessarily an outlier. If anyone asks, I'll tell them that's the extra grease reservoir for the lock. -I'll tell them it cost extra.
 
Phil03449 said:
Hi folks,

Long time lurker here; I recently purchased a small Sebenza 21 tanto w/ micarta inlays -my first CRK. In short, I love it. However, after a few days of enjoying it, I opened it up and discovered a fairly deep cut in the titanium that's not supposed to be there. It almost extends into the pivot hole. I called and spoke with their customer service (super nice, of course). After sending them the photo below, they said it's a machine-mark that wouldn't effect performance but was within their parameters of manufacturing -and I guess that's my dilemma. It certainly not small and its not intended to be there. If it was on the outside, I think they'd agree it wasn't acceptable. But I feel like it's not right on the inside either... It bums me out a little that my knife isn't near-perfect as I expected. I doubt it would effect performance.. but I'm also thinking if I ever had to sell it, a potential buyer might balk at what's clearly a defect.

I like the idea that it is a reservoir for extra lube! :D

So, I'm curious. What do you think? What would you do in my situation?
11h9urq.jpg
[/IMG]

Thanks for your thoughts.

Phil
Click to expand...

All of my Sebenza (5 total) have this exact mark. It is because the slot for the lockbar is cut with a circular sawblade, not a waterjet (from what I have been told). The kerf of the saw, being round, has to overlap on one side. The only way they could prevent this is to use a much larger saw, but that doesn't work because the tail-end of the lockbar is closed. My guess is the blade plunges in at the pivot end, and then saws towards the butt-end of the slab while increases in depth (so where you see it. I.E. not covered by the pivot assembly and washers, there is no kerf mark). It is "the lesser of two evils".
 
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Cody/dtmbinb -again, thanks for the context. The knife's a gift from my wife for my 50th b-day. I can go back to feeling great about it...
 
Whoever told you "it's not supposed to be there" is wrong. It's not a "mark", it's how CRK cuts the lockbar. They use a disc saw blade, so it has to cut past the short-cut in order to go all the way through. All Sebenzas have it. It is supposed to be there, at least as long as CRK uses this method to cut the lockbar.
 
This is normal, no worries. It's just from cutting the frame lock. Some are deeper than others. Does not affect function in any way.
 
Muaddib1116 said:
Whoever told you "it's not supposed to be there" is wrong. It's not a "mark", it's how CRK cuts the lockbar. They use a disc saw blade, so it has to cut past the short-cut in order to go all the way through. All Sebenzas have it. It is supposed to be there, at least as long as CRK uses this method to cut the lockbar.
Click to expand...

Thinking more about how they might saw this, I think you are right. I guess they drill the hole that is at the end of the lockbar slot first, which is why you don't have a saw-mark on both ends. I wish there was a video that showed 100% of the manufacture process, but I know some steps are guarded as secret by the company as can be witnessed in both the Blade HQ and the Legendary Blade series of vids. Wish they had a "how it's made" episode on Sebenza's with each step detailed.
 
Phil03449 said:
What would you do in my situation?
Click to expand...

I was in this exact situation about a month ago. I put the knife back together and have enjoyed it daily since. :D

I know it's already been answered, but I could not resist. Enjoy that knife;)
 
Muaddib1116 said:
Whoever told you "it's not supposed to be there" is wrong. It's not a "mark", it's how CRK cuts the lockbar. They use a disc saw blade, so it has to cut past the short-cut in order to go all the way through. All Sebenzas have it. It is supposed to be there, at least as long as CRK uses this method to cut the lockbar.
Click to expand...

If that's the case-The same mark would be at the other end also.
LG
 
D.C.Johnson said:
I havent seen this on any of my 4 sebenzas
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Are you saying you have not seen it or it is not on your 4 Sebenzas? Consensus in this thread seems to be that the mark is part of the manufacturing process.
Just trying to understand how if that is the case yours do not have the mark.

I am not so motivated to go to the trouble to disassemble mine but from doing so in the past I can't recall seeing anything similar. Could it be a something new?
 
Thomason said:
Are you saying you have not seen it or it is not on your 4 Sebenzas? Consensus in this thread seems to be that the mark is part of the manufacturing process.
Just trying to understand how if that is the case yours do not have the mark.

I am not so motivated to go to the trouble to disassemble mine but from doing so in the past I can't recall seeing anything similar. Could it be a something new?
Click to expand...

My 14yo reg. lg. BG42 blade'd, Seby has this relief cut.
LG
 
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