perforated washers or not

cofade2black

cofade2black

Joined
Dec 16, 2009
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Hey guys and girls, I just wanted to get your opinion. I have owned both new and old sebenzas, ones with the perforated washers and older models with the solid washers. I think that the older solid washers work better. The solid seem to be smoother. I Just bought a large sebenza 21 brand new that comes with the solid pins and the solid washers. It was a display but still in new condition. when it came out of the box it was smooth as butter. I like the older pins because the older solid pins make it easier to clean, and in my opinion are nicer than the new ones with the hex. this is just my tasted. I wanted to know what you guys think.
 
On the washer issue, i feel they are indifferent in terms of smoothness. I can't tell that the perforated washers retains lubricants better either, but i do like the idea.

On the pins, I love the newer style double drilled pins with deeper hex pocket. It looks fine and imho really enhances the durability of the pins (a lot more resistant to stripping)
 
pj551016 said:
On the washer issue, i feel they are indifferent in terms of smoothness. I can't tell that the perforated washers retains lubricants better either, but i do like the idea.

On the pins, I love the newer style double drilled pins with deeper hex pocket. It looks fine and imho really enhances the durability of the pins (a lot more resistant to stripping)
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I agree with all of this except the lubrication retention part. Whenever I take my 21 apart, there is always lube welled up in the perforations, so it works pretty well.
 
I hade 5 knives come back with the new washers, I can not tell a difference..But, they are there..JMO
 
No diference in washers IMO. I think the lock bar tension will be the biggest influnce on smoothness rather then the washers when new.

Pins: it use to be done for CRK. Thenewones are made in house at CRK and many people complained it would spin in place when trying to tighten. Therefore the change.
 
I prefer the earlier screws, but having had both washer styles I'm indifferent on those.
 
I prefer the perforated washers, myself. I recently upgraded the washers on my small Sebenza, and I find the knife holds lube longer than with the non-perforated washers.

I found with the regular washers after I rinsed the knife with water (when cleaning the blade), the knife would get a touch stiffer on opening. The perforated washers don't seem to be affected by rinsing the knife as much as the original washers.

When lubing the knife (every couple of weeks or so) I often see a bit of lube left on the perforated washers. The regular washers were usually completely dry with no trace of lube when I would take the knife apart.
 
I can't tell the difference when opening, so I'm changing washers
as I rotate my knives thru CRK.
I figure they know more about this than I do.
 
Do you guys know if it's possible to order replacement perf. washers for older Sebs?
 
mcmc said:
Do you guys know if it's possible to order replacement perf. washers for older Sebs?
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They can replace your solid washers with the new perforated ones, but you have to send your knife to them. To quote CRK, "A Sebenza with solid washers will need the pivot and
sometimes stop sleeve changed as well." They do not send the washers to you directly.

And I agree with what others have said, the perforated washers definitely retain lubrication longer, I have seen it myself when taking my Sebenza's apart for cleaning. I just sent a small classic and a small regular to have them upgraded. :thumbup:
 
I have not found a huge difference between the two, but I will say this. I have had both and after having used knives with the perforated washers and later taking them apart, there is still lube in them. On some sebenzas I have had with the flat washers, they work fine until you get it dirty and you have to wash it. Then it will get stiff as it seems like you "washed the lube out". I am not sure if this is the case or not, but has always seemed that way to me. Its an easy fix as it just needs re-lubed, but am not one to constantly take a sebenza apart. BUT, I will also say that its only certain sebenzas I have noticed that. I have had large regulars that I have washed and such and never had ti stiffen up after washing, but my small super user classic, after washing, its stiff. Just something I have noticed on certain sebenzas. I have had sebenzas that are super smooth, some are not as smooth, even when lubed. Every sebenza I have ever owned has had its own unique feel. In my experience though, the large regulars have always been the most consistent. Maybe thats why I have always liked them the best.
 
Also, I will add when I contacted CRK about sending a large sebenza in for engraving and spa, I asked if they recommended the perforated washers and I was told by Heather that its a personal preference, but its not really necessary as the flat ones are tried and true and work just fine.
 
Interesting, thanks for the info!

On your Sebs that get stiffer after washing, does it ease up at all after a little use (and perhaps as the lube gets re-distributed)?

That's good to know that the Lg. Sebs in your experience have had less of this issue. Perhaps the water penetrates/washes away less of the lube, since the washers are wider.
 
mcmc said:
Interesting, thanks for the info!

On your Sebs that get stiffer after washing, does it ease up at all after a little use (and perhaps as the lube gets re-distributed)?

That's good to know that the Lg. Sebs in your experience have had less of this issue. Perhaps the water penetrates/washes away less of the lube, since the washers are wider.
Click to expand...

I never had my large regulars stiffen up, even after washing.....My small classic though will be fine after lubing. It will go for months if I don't wash it, as soon as I do though, it seems to stiffen up as I just feel that for some reason the lube gets washed out. Its not like I soak it either, I just wash it like I would wash anything else. It does not lighten up either and will stay stiff until I lube it up again. I know I don't have to take the whole thing apart, but its just a pita sometimes. And yes, its assembled correctly...lol. Its possible since its well used, it could use new washers as perhaps one is worn slightly...? Not sure. Maybe the next time I send something to CRK, I will send it in and have them look at it........ As for the stiff feeling, its like over tightening an umnumzaan, hinderer xm, or strider.....that description should let you know what I mean by stiffening up a little. It opens and locks up perfectly, but is not smooth and you can feel the slight resistance.
 
I currently have both foavors & prefer the solid washers. Honestly the perforations seem to hold gunk more than the solid ones. There is no doubt in my mind that they hold more lube, but they also hold vastly more dirt.
 
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