My Sebenza and CRK = wow

UnixDork · Dec 30, 2004

So I got this small classic Sebenza in trade. I already own a fixed blade CRK but this is my first experience with folder from them. It had one plastic washer in it, I imagine some previous owner had lost a bronze washer and replaced it. So I called CRK and asked them what they wanted for another washer. The person I spoke to was happy to mail me both washers for free, and answered a lot of questions about the Sebenza for me. Knowledgeable, pleasant and courteous service. I know that's how it's supposed to be but it sure is getting rare.

So today I get my washers in the mail, and take my knife apart and put the washer in. It's really hard to open, and really sloppy if I hold the lock bar out. Lock bar sticks. I fiddled with it a little while but I was at work so I put it away. I got home tonight and dig into it and realize the blade isn't centered, either. After getting disgusted with it, it occurs to me that the knife was obviously apart before I got it, so I take it apart again. This whole time I'm thinking, these things are supposed to be built to friggin crazy tolerances, what's the deal? And then it hits me, I take the little bushing on the pivot out and turn it over and put it back in. Everything now lines up, blade perfectly centered and opens and closes smoothly. I had heard about the very close tolerances these knives were built to, but I never expected this. I'm honestly amazed. I now understand why this little knife costs what it does.

cognitivefun · Dec 30, 2004

I showed my Sebbie to my brother-in-law, a professor of physics and electrical engineering. He asked what it cost and when I told him, he nodded and indicated he could understand the price for such an obviously precision-made instrument. I agree.

DaveH · Dec 30, 2004

Interesting I didn't think bushing end swapping would make a difference.

The other things that happens, and I do this most everytime I take one apart and reassemble is I get one of the washers off center. Then I have to take it apart and do it again.

Larry S. · Dec 30, 2004

I, too, am puzzled over the described resolution of the off-center condition and would suspect the washers were switched and then inadvertently corrected during the bushing flip.

Just my $0.02 worth!

Larry S.

UnixDork · Dec 31, 2004

Maybe that was it, maybe I had the washers off center. I had it apart 4 times with the same result, though. Oh well, as long as it works I don't care!

TedV · Dec 31, 2004

Odd, I never pay attention to how I put back the bushing or the washers, and always get the same action and lock-up.
Maybe your bushing has been 'damaged' by the previous owner?
Just out of curiosity, do you use the sandwich method or the CRK method to put it back together?

Ted

Larry S. · Dec 31, 2004

Ahhh....the mysteries of life!

Larry S.

agreatscot · Jan 2, 2005

Ted Voorde said:
Odd, I never pay attention to how I put back the bushing or the washers, and always get the same action and lock-up.
Maybe your bushing has been 'damaged' by the previous owner?
Just out of curiosity, do you use the sandwich method or the CRK method to put it back together?

Ted

Can you explain the Sandwich vs the CRK methods. I haven't taken apart either of my Sibbies. Thanks!

TedV · Jan 2, 2005

greatscot, the sandwich method is where you start with one scale, insert the pins, then stack the backspacer, washer and stop-ping and blade on it, then the final washer and then the final scale.
The problem I had with this method, is that the lock bar keeps pressing on the blade, and when screwing everything together, a washer might slide a bit and that can result in a crimped washer.
But, several people reported here that they still prefer this method.
The CRK method (as on the CRK site and in my signature) doesn't have this problem. (as long as you don't un-tighten the stop-pin-screw when inserting the blade between the handles).
When you use the CRK method the first time, don't get frustrated when you can't align the blade-pivot-hole with the scales-pivot-holes. That part sometimes still takes me also a couple of minutes. Just make sure not to force anything.
There's also a video available of the procedure made by a fellow-forumity. Don't know if the link somewhere in this forums still exists or works. Mail if you want a copy.

Good luck,
Ted

agreatscot · Jan 3, 2005

Thanks, Ted, that really makes it clear. I will see how it goes when I take one apart. FYI if anyone has a Victorinox Cybertool, the smallest allen for the hex-driver is the right size for the Sibbies.