Mnandi = Sebenza smooth?

Geode

Geode

Joined
May 12, 2001
Messages
2,946
Hello fellow CRK fans,

I just picked up a Mnandi, and am seriously impressed with this knife. CRK all the way in fit, finish, balance, etc. Nice and sharp too.

However, the pivot seems pretty tight and not as smooth as my small seb. Took it apart, cleaned and re-lubed all parts related to the pivot and it is still fairly stiff. If I ease up the tension on the pivot, the lockbar pushes the blade off-center and there will be a bit of play between the blade and handle.

Would some of you Mnandi owners tell me whether you have similar or different experiences with your knives? Is there a breaking-in process where the pivot tension relaxes after use?

Any insights would be appreciated - thanks.
 
Mine has always been smooth. Tightening the pivot shouldn't be an issue. It was meant to be tight. The action of most knives can be adjusted by tightening the pivot but this is not the case with the Mnandi or the Sebenza. Maybe you need to send it in. I know that CRK knives are meant to be taken apart by the owners but I don't bother anymore. I know that it is important to put all the pieces back exactly or the knife won't be smooth. You may want to be sure that the washers are cleaned well. Also using the wrong lubrication may be the culprit. Clean everything up well and use just a bit of CRK flourinated grease. If all else fails, send it in. You may have to wait a bit, but the results will be worth it.
 
I've yet to take my Mnandi down for a clean and lube. . .and it's as smooth as a babies butt !

Like Scott Dog said, the pivot is supposed to be tight. One thing that you definitely don't want is a loose blade !

It's hard to say what the problem is without having the knife in front of me. I'd give CRK a yell and run it pass them.

Rest assured. . .CRK will make it right. You may have to send it back to them. . .but they'll make it right ! :)
 
I have a brand new in box Small Sebenza, and it is not nearly as smooth as my Mnandi. I like my Mnandi so much, that I just bought another one with redwood burl.
 
dig the mnandi. Mine was a *little* less smooth than my sebs... but still smooth enough. I took it apart and used Miltec1 to lube and it made QUITE a difference. I just ordered some CRK grease to try out. It seems to me that the sebenza is not meant to be such a slippery opener. On my newest sebenza, I learned to enjoy the feeling of resistance which the flourinated grease offers.

I can't say enough good about my Mnandi. GREAT little knife! Now if I could just talk myself into carrying it. I feel like if the end of the world came, I could fight off the living dead with my sebenza better than with the Mnandi. Then again, if the end does not come, I dont want to carry TWO knives, risking a loss totaling to $600! I usually end up carrying the sm.seb solo. Once in a blue moon, I'll take the Mnandi to work (office).
 
Guys,

thanks for getting back to me - I went back and forth about sending it in because I did not want to be without the little rascal for too long.

However, you are right - the expense and wait are probably worth it. Therefore, back to the shop it goes.
 
That's probably a good decision. Let the pros handle it I say. I just ordered a left hand Mnandi with blue mammoth ivory inlays. This baby is gonna cost but it will be awesome!:D :cool: :eek: ;)
 
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