Opening tension, normal?

RobertK

RobertK

post tenebras lux
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I've been searching on the forums and it's hard to tell (for me) what is normative and not normal by text.

I bought a sm sebenza 21 from the marketplace and I really like it. It does seem that it doesn't open very smoothly but I've never held another so I don't know if it's me or not. I've taken it apart and cleaned it a few times and the result is always identical.

Here is a video. Could someone weigh in please?

http://cl.ly/1V2t1i0h0o2u1M2U1Z3D
 
By smooth you mean free-swinging or close to it, yes? If so, then yep, yours is normal. Sebenzas don't have the frictionless feel of some knives. They're often described as a hydraulic feel.
 
Thank you. I've watched videos with guys flicking them open really easily (not with their wrists) and I can't duplicate it. I assumed it was me but I wasn't sure. It still opens nicely.

Thanks for the reassurance!
 
The ones that can be thumb flicked are either really old and worn in or the washers have been sanded down to relieve the tight tolerance between them and the blade.

I have owned a few sebenzas and received a few that I could thumb flick and when I tore them down you could see that the washers had been sanded too much which allowed them to thumb flick open with ease, but then they had some very small side to side play.

I MUCH prefer the solid smooth opening of the Sebenza the way it was intended to be, rather then be able to flick it open.

*Edit* I just watched your video and that is spot on for a new Sebenza.
 
I love that hydraulic feel and the reason some other knives are so smooth is b/c they don't have such a tight relationship with the bushing and washers, and tight tolerances are a good thing I thought my seb was a little stiff at first and it was, after I ordered some flouroinated CRK grease it smoothed out. If u hold the knife upside down and start to reless tension on the lock will the blade start to close or do u have to initiate the close? I'd recommend the CRK grease definately
 
Robert-
As a new Senenza owner as well I also expected a much easier opening knife. Easier is different then smoother. It surely isn't fast to open. All last night mine made my thumb sore when I tried to open it. This afternoon it has already broke in enough that my thumb doesn't hurt anymore. Just use it, use it a lot!
 
Yeah it's not bad to open. Its easy enough, it's just different. I figured it was normal but wanted to ask. ;)
 
I felt the same way at first i think u have to get used to way they open also, def not the same as most knives but in a good way. The grease really made a big dif as well maybe its in need of a little, either way I'm sure your fine but the good thing is u can always send her in and have her good as new should any problems ever arise:thumbup:
 
Brandonsc said:
Robert-
As a new Senenza owner as well I also expected a much easier opening knife. Easier is different then smoother. It surely isn't fast to open. All last night mine made my thumb sore when I tried to open it. This afternoon it has already broke in enough that my thumb doesn't hurt anymore. Just use it, use it a lot!
Click to expand...

Exactly.
Do not confuse smooth and fast/easy opening.
I went through the exact same thing including thumb sore but after 2 months of regular use I can flick open (if I need to) with some effort.
Enjoy the distinct hydraulic feeling of Sebenza.
 
I was thinking about using mineral oil on my pivot, of my seb, dont have any crk grease, its why i use on my other knives. What you guys think?
 
Last night I sprayed a little CLP on some 2000 grit sandpaper and ran both washers across the paper a few times. Then I re-assembled the knife and it's even more buttery smooth.
 
Tim616 said:
I was thinking about using mineral oil on my pivot, of my seb, dont have any crk grease, its why i use on my other knives. What you guys think?
Click to expand...

No problems, I used MO for a few weeks while I was waiting for something else. Works just fine on the seb.
 
Brandonsc said:
Which is the case for you?
Click to expand...
If I start to release lockbar tension it will start to move but not in a super fast drop like a Para2 or somthing. Its kinda hard to explain but sometimes u might have to give it a little wiggle or something to initiate the movement and other times it will start to fall on its own but that could be from not moving the lockbar enough off of the detent ball. If your wondering wether it will close if no tension is taken off the lockbar then the answer is no
 
I have two smalls.

One opens much easier than the other, even though it is unused.

I wish my stiff one felt like my smooth one.

The one that is stiffer to open has a lot of lock bar tension.
I'm guessing this effects the ease of opening?
 
It's possible that there are differences between the older steel-ball detents and the newer ceramic version.
 
JNewell said:
It's possible that there are differences between the older steel-ball detents and the newer ceramic version.
Click to expand...

The ceramic ball is in the Umnumzaan. All the Sebenzas still use steel detent balls. I would bet the minor opening differences have to do with the width of the bronze washers.
 
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