Perforated washers?????

Steelhog

Steelhog

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
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Kinda a stupid question, but what do the perforated washers do. I know they are in the umnumzaan and the new sebenzas, but what exactly do they do? Do they just improve smoothness, prolong the life of the washers? Just let me know.
 
Mainly, they help retain the lubricant inside the "vents" to keep the knife properly lubed for longer. They are especially helpful on the Umnumzaan which is a bit harder to disassemble and reassemble properly and quickly.
 
missin_hobo said:
Also, less mating surface area means less friction.
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Yes, good point. But that is assuming that the vents do not in any way add friction that would balance out or even trump the reduction in surface area.

I am sure CRK understands this concept, so even though I have not seen the perforated washers firsthand, I would assume that there is a net reduction in friction.
 
Does anyone know if the perf. washers can be purchased for older Sebenzas?
 
missin_hobo said:
Also, less mating surface area means less friction.
Click to expand...

I would say that, and a pooling area for lube are the main reasons for it. They should make for a smoother ride and a longer time between greasing up.
 
pvicenzi said:
Does anyone know if the perf. washers can be purchased for older Sebenzas?
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I was told that they are a "fitted part" and CRK does not sell fitted parts....however if the knife is sent in they will fit and install...not sure if they will do it as a single task or part of a refurb.
 
I just sent an email yesterday to CRK about getting new hardware for my small classic. Perf. washers, symetrical screws, lanyard pin, etc.
I haven't gotten an answer yet, but when I do I'll let you know what I find.
 
bigmark408 said:
I was told that they are a "fitted part" and CRK does not sell fitted parts....however if the knife is sent in they will fit and install...not sure if they will do it as a single task or part of a refurb.
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I called yesterday and asked the same question - and got the same answer. :D So the only current way to get the perforated washers is to send the knife to CRK so they can inspect, install and confirm proper fit & operation before returning the knife. It's not an unreasonable position.
 
C Ben Susrool said:
I doubt it.
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There are probably scenarios where the washer's fit could affect lockup. They may not literally be individually fitted to the knife, but they are a part whose dimension could affect safe operation of the knife.
 
The "fitted part".

How many different sized washers do you think they have on hand?

I've bought Sebenza washers for both the small and large from them before, now all of a sudden I can't buy a washer?
For years they trusted me to and encouraged me to disassemble and reassemble their great products, and now they think I am unqualified to replace washers?

Give me a break.

As a side note though, I intend to send a large in for double lugs, and will get washers for it "fitted" at that time.
 
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C Ben Susrool said:
The "fitted part".

How many different sized washers do you think they have on hand?

I've bought Sebenza washers for both the small and large from them before, now all of a sudden I can't buy a washer?
For years they trusted me to and encouraged me to disassemble and reassemble their great products, and now they think I am unqualified to replace washers?

Give me a break.

As a side note though, I intend to send a large in for double lugs, and will get washers for it "fitted" at that time.
Click to expand...

I believe you have mistaken, CRK is very high tolerance, and sometimes parts have to be thinned by changes smaller than a millimeter to give it the bankvault and smooth feeling.
 
What BlazenGem said. CRK's standards of fit and finish are higher than those of the companies who make their materials. There is a lot of fine-tuning involved; it's one of the reasons CRKs cost what they do.
 
Got a response last night.
They do want to fit the washers rather than send them out. As it stands now, they haven't run through their collection of regular washers for the small sebenza, so the perforated ones won't be available for some time. I guess the large sebenza washers are more popular :confused:

Price is $1.50 for a pair of small washers (large can't be much more)
So wait until you plan on sending your sebenza in for a refurb, and tack the extra couple bucks on for the washers.
 
BlazenGem said:
I believe you have mistaken, CRK is very high tolerance, and sometimes parts have to be thinned by changes smaller than a millimeter to give it the bankvault and smooth feeling.
Click to expand...

I sure hope so as 1mm = 0.0394 inches :)
 
The CRK video shows & is also explained by Lisa how if the action of the blade is not "just right" the washers are hand sanded and reinstalled to check the action again until it is correct.
 
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