New Knifeart carbon fiber Sebenza, possible washer issue.

[JediKnight86]

This new carbon fiber version is my first Sebenza in over a year. I've noticed subtle changes like the stop pin was changed, and some models (that I saw at the California Custom knife show) went back to the old style, wider thumb jimping, but mine is still the new style. Anyway, this is also my first Sebenza with the new perforated washers. I know they've been around for awhile now, but I'm just wondering if anyone has issues with stuff getting into the partially exposed perforations on the larger washer and fouling the action?

Also, as the carbon fiber is so slick I've noticed the washer slides on the surface of the carbon fiber scale. With the titanium scale, as it has more friction, the washer seems to stay in place and the blade moves on it, rather than the washer move with the blade. Problem? I just wonder about the washer wearing at the scale?

 

[Ken44]

I don't see you having a problem with that.

If you did they would take care of it for free, but I'm pretty sure you'll never have a problem.

 

[RevDevil]

It's my experience that "stuff" will always manage to get into all the nooks and crannys on a folder. It's the way it goes with those things. The good thing is that you have an Allen wrench with which to take the knife apart, allowing you to clean it. I'd say turn off panic mode and enjoy your knife. It's a bit too early to be freaking out.

 

[JediKnight86]

Panic mode... right. Yes I'm totally panicing thinking my new Seb is totally ruined and horrible and I must immediately trade it because it's obviously all hype with these Sebs and CRK service is horrible because they wouldn't give me a different washers and a titanium scale to replace this nasty carbon fiber one for free and in fact what I really need is an SnG because even though they're not as nice on fit and finish Strider will let me fick open my knife and use my knife as a screwdriver then give me a new one for free! Or... let's have an intelligent discussion because that's what I prompted in the first place.

I've taken Sebenzas apart cleaned and lubed many times. My curiosity is towards the perforations not fully sealed under the tang (I think they are on the Umnumzaan). If they were I'd totally understand having them since they hold more lube, but when they're partially exposed I see them as being worse than a non-perforated washer. I'm sure something like this has been discussed before but I've been away from this forum and not had any new Sebs, so flame me if you must.

As far as the washer moving on the carbon fiber, the whole point of these washers is to bolster the movement of the blade and stay in place themselves right? Maybe I'm wrong and they're supposed to be able to move? I've just always seen them stay in place on all my other CRK's. Something that I just thought of is that with a regular CRK washer I usually only put lube on the side that touches the blade as the washer doesn't need to be lubricated against the titanium scale since it's not moving. Can't do that with washers that have holes in them. Therefore it's more than likely to move more freely, especially on a slick surface like carbon fiber. Still though, even a perforated washer I don't think will move much against titanium given the friction of the bead blasted surface vs the slick surface of the blade tang, and the tight tolerances between the three surfaces.

It's just my mind being anal retentive, again, go ahead, flame, but I'm not criticizing and saying "CRK did it wrong!" I'm just asking for rational opinions. Thanks.

 

[RevDevil]

Relax yourself Mr. JediKnight. No need to get so emotional here. Gad Zooks!

 

[Esav Benyamin]

The perforations are meant to hold lubricant longer, requiring less frequent lubrication, and movement in this case is a good thing, rather than having friction between blade and frame. The perforated washers first came out on the Umnumzaan, I think.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I've been carrying my stock Sebbie 21 in a leather pocket case and find that it stays much cleaner that way -- no grit/pocket fuzz finds its way into the works. Less cleaning and lubing is necessary, and the sheath also masks its silhouette in my pocket.

 

[Cynic2701]

I haven't had any sand/dirt/gunk get into the perforations on my Sebenza. Although the tiny little cutouts seem like they would allow it, in my experience they really serve to keep the optimal amount of lubricant in the washers.

 

[JediKnight86]

Relax yourself Mr. JediKnight. No need to get so emotional here. Gad Zooks!

I'm totally relaxed, just messin' with you, and mocking all the CRK haters that have been on this forum and others

And I appreciate the other responses so far. I really hope that overall these perforated washers allow longer and "dirtier" use between cleaning intervals. I'm not afraid of them as I just ordered an Insingo since I decided I can't just have ONLY the carbon fiber version, and while it's very cool I prefer the heft of the full titanium version. If only I had kept SOME of the Sebs I used to have, and Umnumzaans, and Mnandis... Never had an Insingo before and I'm excited to use it, looks like a awesome kitchen blade! Which reminds me I should order a Sikayo if they're still making them. Tough choice between a hand forged Japanese kitchen blade and the gorgeousness of CRK's first kitchen knife.

But I digress, I trust Chris' design changes as I know he is a bit anal and stubborn to change anything about his knives and rightfully so. He only makes changes to something if he know's it's an improvement. The washers I'm sure he saw a huge advantage in maintaining longer lubrication which means ultimately less wear over time. And I'm shocked to see the carbon fiber models at all! I figured he'd never admit the knife doesn't have to be ALL titanium to be a Sebenza. Kudos to Chris and Larry at Knifeart for convincing him to do it!

 

[nyefmaker]

I'm totally relaxed, just messin' with you, and mocking all the CRK haters that have been on this forum and others

And I appreciate the other responses so far. I really hope that overall these perforated washers allow longer and "dirtier" use between cleaning intervals. I'm not afraid of them as I just ordered an Insingo since I decided I can't just have ONLY the carbon fiber version, and while it's very cool I prefer the heft of the full titanium version. If only I had kept SOME of the Sebs I used to have, and Umnumzaans, and Mnandis... Never had an Insingo before and I'm excited to use it, looks like a awesome kitchen blade! Which reminds me I should order a Sikayo if they're still making them. Tough choice between a hand forged Japanese kitchen blade and the gorgeousness of CRK's first kitchen knife.

But I digress, I trust Chris' design changes as I know he is a bit anal and stubborn to change anything about his knives and rightfully so. He only makes changes to something if he know's it's an improvement. The washers I'm sure he saw a huge advantage in maintaining longer lubrication which means ultimately less wear over time. And I'm shocked to see the carbon fiber models at all! I figured he'd never admit the knife doesn't have to be ALL titanium to be a Sebenza. Kudos to Chris and Larry at Knifeart for convincing him to do it!

Thanks for the replies.......Funny !!! Some posts are getting Deep...LOL.

In all seriousness, with all the CRK folders I have ever had, the bronze bushings kinda grip the blasted Ti slabs and while the smooth blade tang swivels on the other side of the bronze bushings. I have seen this on umnumzaan, sebenzas, mnandi. I haven't taken my Ti-Lock apart ( no need too ) but I am assuming its the same. The perforated bronze bushings were designed to help reduce the frequency of taking down the knife for cleaning as most of us know. Personally I have not noticed any difference performance-wise between the regular and perforated washers. Sebenzas/umnumzaan/mnandi always have that hydraulic feel when opening. The only thing that I have ever noticed that can speed the time of cleaning and lube is by submerging the knife in water. I have used sebbies for food prep, etc. and after washing it, you will notice it gets stiffer. The tolerances are super sight, but nothing is tight enough to keep water out unless its solid, water will find ANY Gap..........Now....would the bronze bushings swivel on slippery Carbon Fiber.....quite possibly. Its supposed to be very smooth and with not having a CRK sebenza with one, I cannot be sure. What I DO KNOW is when Chris tries out a new model or a new design change, he EDC's the knife in question daily for year/years constantly tweaking it to perfection before putting it into production. How many other knife makers do this ???.....NONE that I know of. So we can all rest assured that if CRK markets it for mass production, wether it be a full production run, or limited to a certain knife company ( knifeart for example ), its proven to be fully functional. I personally like the balanced feel of the Ti slabs on both sides. I have had G10 scales and even though they are made of the highest quality by some of the best scale makers in the world, the knife to me personally feels out of balance due to the weight reduction. It also gives it a " hollow" feeling when handling it. Would be interested to know your opinions on the feel of the Carbon Fiber in comparison to a G10 scale if you have had them ??

Thanks !

 

[JNewell]

I think the text in bold red below is really the nub of the issue. :thumbup:

I'm totally relaxed, just messin' with you, and mocking all the CRK haters that have been on this forum and others

And I appreciate the other responses so far. I really hope that overall these perforated washers allow longer and "dirtier" use between cleaning intervals. I'm not afraid of them as I just ordered an Insingo since I decided I can't just have ONLY the carbon fiber version, and while it's very cool I prefer the heft of the full titanium version. If only I had kept SOME of the Sebs I used to have, and Umnumzaans, and Mnandis... Never had an Insingo before and I'm excited to use it, looks like a awesome kitchen blade! Which reminds me I should order a Sikayo if they're still making them. Tough choice between a hand forged Japanese kitchen blade and the gorgeousness of CRK's first kitchen knife.

But I digress, I trust Chris' design changes as I know he is a bit anal and stubborn to change anything about his knives and rightfully so. He only makes changes to something if he know's it's an improvement. The washers I'm sure he saw a huge advantage in maintaining longer lubrication which means ultimately less wear over time. And I'm shocked to see the carbon fiber models at all! I figured he'd never admit the knife doesn't have to be ALL titanium to be a Sebenza. Kudos to Chris and Larry at Knifeart for convincing him to do it!

 

[marthinus]

Well a few here know I use my knives for everything, garden work, working on the car, hunting, bushcraft and my new work in the field in remote areas and office. Never had an issue with the perferated washers in the Sebenza or Gareth Bull custom.