New Sebenza Received...Impressions and Questions...

E

Exeter354

Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
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Just got my first Sebenza (actually my first Chris Reeve knife altogether)! It's the small serrated Sebenza with micarta scales. I was a little surprised that it's as large as it is - which is cool, but I could never quite garner that from the photos - seemed smaller to me. Blade seems a little stiff, is it fair to assume that it will loosen up some or need I intervene with some grease? My big question is about the steel...the birth certificate says Oct., 2011 and yet it's S30V. I've seen quite a few posts where earlier ones (from Mar., 2011 for example) are S35VN. Are they still using S30V? Is it odd that some earlier Sebenzas are S35VN and later ones still S30V?? Does type of steel have anything to do with whether it's serrated or not? Is there really much of a detectable difference (i.e. - should I care or not care about it?).

Overall it's quite nice and I think it will be perfect for my needs. Been reading so much about them and watching so many videos over the past few weeks in anticipation of receiving it - trying to soak up as much info as I possibly could - and getting both excited and apprehensive about it at the same time (all those opposing viewpoints I guess!). It's funny - I had never been that into them, but then all of a sudden one day I felt like I absolutely had to have one! And while this is my first, I'm pretty certain it won't be my last!

Thanks and great to be a part of the Chris Reeve family at long last!
 
Congrats on the knife.

It will loosen up but a bit of CRK Grease or some fine machine oil used for sowing machine gears cant hurt. After some use the blade will become polished underneath the washers resulting in smoother action.

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Finally, not a lot of people buy the serrated version, so what could have happened is that your blade was made say 2010 and stayed in stock until there was demand for it and the knife was assembled in October 2011. No issue, the steels are very similar and no significant difference in use.
 
Wellcome!
Congrats to you new knife.
You will definitely love it.
Now I wonder how long it takes until your next purchase. :)

red mag
 
Hello sir,

I would agree that with significant use, the blade will loosen up. However, Sebenzas usually have tighter action in my experience. As long as its nice and smoother you're good to go.

As far as the blade steel goes, I think CRK stock piles certain items so it is very likely that your blade is indeed S30V. On the other hand I have received an incorrect birth card from CRK before so it could be that as well. If you are curious take the knife apart and see what type of stamp is present on the blade.

At the end of the day S30V are S35VN are very similar steel. Both are very good.
 
My most recent lefty born in 2012 has s30 steel and the birthcard said s35. Best bet is to check the blade around the washers. You should see either an S or a V. S stands for s30v.
 
...much appreciated! The stiffness in blade movement has already eased and is smooth as silk. I like this knife so much, I'm seriously considering 6 more...one for each day of the week! Is that obsessive? Not normal? That Insingo is calling my name...loudly!
 
I recently has isssue with several of my blades. One had a b day card with S35 on it and had an s on the blade, this was a s30 steel. I had another wiith a b day card and it said s35 and the blade had a c on it. Both were bought brand new from an authorized dealer. I contacted CRK and they said to send them in to them. Mrs Anne Reeve personally called me and asked what she could do to make it right. They swapped the blade on the one for me to match and be an S35v. The other I asked that they sharpen it and send it back asap, as I was suffering from Sebbie withdrawl, and just a new b day card.

They were so nice and SO EASY to deak with on this issue, made me a customer for life.

I don't notice the difference between the steels on every day normal use. Especially with the serrated blade.

This should answer any other questions with regards to the steel
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/957278-S35VN-vs-S30V

Enjoy btw it is a great knife.
 
Thank you for the info! It's also great to know that customer service is so highly valued by this company!
 
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