Need help with my Sebenza 21! Driving me insane!

Update: called CRK yesterday and asked them about the CF scale causing the problems I had. They confirmed and proceeded to tell me that they can replace the CF scale with a plain Titanium scale and fix it for $150. So, I printed my form out, filled it out, packaged up the knife and sent her off to Boise. It will receive new screws, new scale, spa treatment and hopefully a centered blade that is easier to open.
 
THIS is what a pinched washer looks like. When assembled incorrectly, this is what WILL happen to the bronze washer. It will cause the blade to be off center, lockup issues, abnormal wear to the lockbar face, etc.

These washers are from a small sebenza I purchased "used". Upon disassembly and cleaning, I was shocked to see this. I cleaned it up and put it together correctly and it functions as new, but will have to be sent in someday for new ones. It's just a shame is all that this sebenza was subjected to such abuse.







 
nyefmaker said:
THIS is what a pinched washer looks like. When assembled incorrectly, this is what WILL happen to the bronze washer. It will cause the blade to be off center, lockup issues, abnormal wear to the lockbar face, etc.

These washers are from a small sebenza I purchased "used". Upon disassembly and cleaning, I was shocked to see this. I cleaned it up and put it together correctly and it functions as new, but will have to be sent in someday for new ones. It's just a shame is all that this sebenza was subjected to such abuse.







Click to expand...

Those deformations are nuts. What would they have down to change damage them so much?
 
Wrobelan said:
Those deformations are nuts. What would they have down to change damage them so much?
Click to expand...

It all comes to 100% improper assembly. Most times its because the sebenza was put together using the sandwich technique, which is incorrect. This 1st pic, shows what the blade and washers would look like between the scales. You can see the washers are not through the blade pivot bushing, but are riding on it. This will cause an uncentered blade and also pre-mature lockbar wear.


This second pic, shows the correct way of inserting the blade during assembly. You install the blade stop pin bushing and screws and also the screws at the end near the lanyard ( Do Not tighten fully ). THEN you slide the blade with both washers Centered around the blade bushing into the Ti slabs. Line up the blade pivot hole with the hole in the slabs and then insert the female screw. Affix the male screw and snug everything up and our good to go. You can see, even though these washers are badly damaged, they can still be installed Correctly with resulting perfect function. I was going to sell it, but with the washer damage, I cannot until I send it in. I just hate the 2 month turnaround.
 
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nyefmaker said:
It all comes to 100% improper assembly. Most times its because the sebenza was put together using the sandwich technique, which is incorrect. This 1st pic, shows what the blade and washers would look like between the scales. You can see the washers are not through the blade pivot bushing, but are riding on it. This will cause an uncentered blade and also pre-mature lockbar wear.


This second pic, shows the correct way of inserting the blade during assembly. You install the blade stop pin bushing and screws and also the screws at the end near the lanyard ( Do Not tighten fully ). THEN you slide the blade with both washers Centered around the blade bushing into the Ti slabs. Line up the blade pivot hole with the hole in the slabs and then insert the female screw. Affix the male screw and snug everything up and our good to go. You can see, even though these washers are badly damaged, they can still be installed Correctly with resulting perfect function. I was going to sell it, but with the washer damage, I cannot until I send it in. I just hate the 2 month turnaround.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the very informative explanation!
 
UPDATE::

I sent my CF small 21 to CRK just before the new year and got it back yesterday. So happens I piggy-backed my shipping with another customer with other warranty issues and avoided the $50+ USD shipping (which was my main concern for not sending the knife back). Took a little over 2 months but I have other knifes so I kinda forgotten about it.

Anyway, the knife came back like new new, lock up back to about 60-70%, sharp and centered. The lock side was reblasted (was not my request) , basically it'll pass as a new-in-box.
 
Glad to see that. I sent mine in as well to CRK. They sent it back with a Titanium scale dead centered. All new screws and a fresh Spa treatment. They also replaced the washers for the CF scale. Now, while the blade is still off center with the CF scale on it; it is butter smooth and easy to open. 100% satisfied with the work they performed.
 
The raised part on the stop pin goes towards the CF so as if the other side was place it is a bit sharper and mit cut the CF over time. Also most likely happened to me at first as well but the washers and the pivot bushing are not properly alligned. On my first CRK as is my curiosity i disassembled it and put it back together. Result was same as urs couldnt figure it put for the life of me then because had no experience with them. There are tons of resources here in writting step by step or if you prefer visual aid i highly recommend jdavis video where you dont have to take the knife appart (handles at least). Just the blade and washers/bushing. Try that and im sure it will be center after that
 
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