Pivot Tension Question

[Rico801]

I recently purchased and received my first Sebenza. I found a used small Classic that was made around '03. I have primarily carried a small XM-18 flipper for the past couple of years.

My question is in regards to the opening action on the Sebenza. I'm used to having a pivot that is adjusted to allow for smooth opening on a knife that can easily be flipped open. I have heard many say that Sebenzas open like butter. I wouldn't describe the action on mine like that. I realize that the Seb uses a bushing and that will make a difference on the opening when compared to an XM. The detent holds nice, but the blade has resistance as it is opened. I can open the blade to 90 deg and hold the knife by the blade without the handle closing (if that makes sense?). I don't mind having a tighter action, but where this is my first and I bought used, I wanted to make sure that it is normal.

I took the knife apart and cleaned it as there was a dark gunk grease that was visible around the washers. The knife is smoother now than before. I followed the instruction on cleaning, but used Starett tool oil because I don't have CRK grease. I also don't believe I have pinched a washer as I have read in another thread. The tolerances are so tight I honestly don't see how you could pinch a washer and still get the knife back together.

I will have to say that I'm very impressed by the Sebenza design. I'm already wanting to pick up a couple more. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Toyz]

I've owned 4 Sebenzas - my first was a Classic and it didn't have the perforated washers. The next three were more recent and had the perforated washers.

I still have 2 of them - and I can say that all 4 offered a very consistent feel when opening.

I prefer my folders to have more detent, as I have had other brands of knives open in my pocket, with one leading to a very nasty cut.

I can also open both of my current Sebenzas to 90 degrees, hold the blade, and the knife will not close. Mine were purchased new.

I think yours is fine.

 

[Matthewd]

Remove the blade, clean and lube it. It will be the smoothest opening knife you own. You can improve it a small amount by polishing the washers on wet/dry paper starting at 600/800 grit, and go up to 2000. This is a very very minor improvement, but if you can do it, I personally recommend it. YMMV
The CRK grease is a good long term lubricant. Triflow is excellent, but it will only last a few weeks with regular use.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I lube my 21 with BreakFree occasionally, which seems to work fine (I use it on all my tools as lube and rust preventive).

 

[Rico801]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like the opening on this one is probably consistent with others. At some point, I'd like to send it in for a fresh edge. Maybe I'll upgrade the washers and get some lube at that point? Hopefully I can find another small Seb (21 model) for a fair price and have another one to compare with.

 

[Matthewd]

At some point, I'd like to send it in for a fresh edge. Maybe I'll upgrade the washers and get some lube at that point?

Cleaning and oiling/lubing is regular maintenance on your knife. Don't wait to send it in. Go get some oil, and clean it up. You need to learn how to do this, so you might as well do it now. The CRK grease is great - order some. Until then, any machine oil will help. 3in1 or triflow, breakfree, etc. Even a couple drops of WD40 will show you an immediate improvement, but WD-40 is not actually a lubricant, so do not rely on this regularly. It is very good, however at cleaning out any gunk and grime that are causing you some stickiness. You made a substantial investment in that knife. Get it working the way it should, and learn how to take care of it. You will be very pleased.

 

[tomsch]

I used to own a 3.5" XM-18 and it certainly had a different opening feel. Lightning fast compared to my 4 Sebenzas. I've heard the Sebenzas described as "hydraulic" when opening. Smooth but with a level of resistance and control.

 

[flipe8]

I used to own a 3.5" XM-18 and it certainly had a different opening feel. Lightning fast compared to my 4 Sebenzas. I've heard the Sebenzas described as "hydraulic" when opening. Smooth but with a level of resistance and control.

That has been my experience with the difference of pivots between the Hinderers and CRKs I've owned as well. I found other knives to perhaps be more "slick" or fast to open, but my CRKs were more "hydraulic" and I very much prefer the CRKs' controlled smoothness as result.
Both are good, just different.

 

[Rico801]

The XM comparison is really helpful. Smooth with a level or resistance and control describes it well.

 

[Rico801]

I found the reason why I was questioning the action on my Seb. There is a slight amount of blade play as the blade opens and closes. It's minimal and maybe it's normal with these knives? I'm guessing that the tolerances where the bushing fits into the blade has to allow for a little movement?

*Edit*

Well, I took the blade out, inspected it, added a little more oil, and now it doesn't have the blade play at first. Seems that after it starts to dry after multiple cycles it starts again?

 

[vwb563]

Well, I took the blade out, inspected it, added a little more oil, and now it doesn't have the blade play at first. Seems that after it starts to dry after multiple cycles it starts again?

Hence the very reason for using grease instead of oil. Oil tends to disappear after a sort time of use where the CRK grease stays for a long time.