New to CRK, I've got a quick question...

Undertow82 · Apr 25, 2011

I tried to search back for any info on this but could seem to find anything pertaining to my particular question so I apologize if this has been covered a million times...

I just received my first CRK. I got a NIB L Seb 21 and everything is perfect as far as lock up and there isn't any blade play. When I grabbed the blade the first time to gently check for any blade wiggle, I didn't feel any wiggle but I can here a faint little click coming from somewhere. I'm not torquing hard or anything and the click is pretty quiet. I'm just curious if this is indicative of any problems or is it nothing to worry about.

It's not even something I'm really worried about but I figured that since it's quite the investment, I'd ask all the CRK experts to find out for sure.

I'm still unable to explain my feelings about this knife with words but I also just got it about an hour ago so I'll get back to you all, for sure.

Cynic2701 · Apr 25, 2011

I'd venture to guess it's probably the lanyard pin wiggling in the handle. The lanyard pin is only held in place by the paracord lanyard, and rotates/moves about freely.

ForestRoamer · Apr 25, 2011

It could also be the pocket clip hitting the lock bar when it is open. It's hard to say without actually feeling the knife in person.

Haze · Apr 26, 2011

Is this when the blade is locked open or half way open ?

When the blade is half way open you should be able to detect the small amount of travel the blade has around the pivot (up and down not side to side). That could easily make a small clicking sound and it does on my Umnumzaans and Sebenzas. This is typical of folding knives and is not a problem in any way.
In the locked open position this should not be able to be felt and the clicking sound would probably one of the other options already posted. Also make sure it's not your wrist or knee or something.

:thumbup:

Undertow82 · Apr 26, 2011

Haze said:
Is this when the blade is locked open or half way open ?

When the blade is half way open you should be able to detect the small amount of travel the blade has around the pivot (up and down not side to side). That could easily make a small clicking sound and it does on my Umnumzaans and Sebenzas. This is typical of folding knives and is not a problem in any way.
In the locked open position this should not be able to be felt and the clicking sound would probably one of the other options already posted. Also make sure it's not your wrist or knee or something. :thumbup:

It happens when it's locked open. I noticed it the first time I checked for any sideways play and it's a very faint little click.

It's not the lanyard pin because that's removed and it's not the pocket clip because I can press my finger against it while I'm creating this sound. It sounds like it's coming from the pivot area.

To be honest, I'm not too worried about it. There isn't any blade play and everything else is in perfect order. I just wanted to post and ask to see if it was a known detail. No worries.

Thanks guys

kaosu04 · Apr 26, 2011

I think this is impossible if it only happens when locked open. If you have no blade play, nothing else could move. The pivot bushing is held tight by the screw and thread insert. The washers are held tight by the scales. The stop pin is obviously secure if there is no vertical blade play. I suppose theres a possibility the pivot bushing is not as wide (from scale to scale) as it's supposed to be. The handles put pressure on the washers and the blade. This could possibly allow an extremely minimal amount of room for the pivot bushing to move side to side, but I really doubt it could ever be enough to be audible. This would explain why it only happens when locked open, as when it's closed there would be slight pressure on the pivot bushing. When open the tension is on the lock bar and stop pin. I am not sure how much if any tension is applied to the pivot bushing when locked open.

Undertow82 · Apr 28, 2011

...It's definitely not impossible because I'm telling you about it with this thread.

I can't explain it either and it doesn't effect anything else. I was just wondering if anyone else had heard it. If it ever gets worse or develops some type of wiggle I'll contact CRK and I'm sure they'll help me.

For now, I intend on carrying and using this beautiful piece of cutlery engineering.

BBQ BOY · Apr 29, 2011

Hmmmm. That's interesting. I have several CRK's of all sorts and have never experienced what you are. However, there have been only one or two times j may have had a minor issue. It always seemed that if I took the knife apart, cleaned it well and lined it the issue was immedietly fixed. I don't know why.
My suggestion is to give that a shot but just remember to put the washers back on EXACTLY how you took them off. That includes what side the washer is on the blade side.