Possibly a Silly Question (Please Don't Stone Me!):

Quiet

Quiet

"That Guy"
Platinum Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2013
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Hey gang, I just received a new-to-me Insingo 21 from another forum member here. It's the carbon fiber scaled edition, and it is absolutely the nicest knife I own (and I own a few nice ones!). Now, I don't know much about CRK knives, other than that they're top-shelf premium knives and should be perfect.

Well, this one seems to be very difficult to open. I've read up on the proper way to open a CRK knife (the push with the side of the thumb) but frankly, it's almost like it's sticking when it's in the closed position. The initial push of the thumbstud needs to take actual effort in order to begin the blade-swings-open process. Do these knives need to be oiled? The member I got this from says this knife is new and unused, and by absolutely every appearance it is. It is gorgeous and pristine. It just appears to have something going on with the pivot. Maybe it's too tight? Disclosure: I have never disassembled a knife, and only have a rudimentary understanding of its workings. My knife comes with a small hex-key, but I didn't want to just start undoing screws without knowing what I was supposed to be doing. There's also a tube of ...something in a white tube. Also, when the knife is open, and you disengage the lockbar with your thumb, the knife blade stays in place. Only after slight jiggling does the blade begin to swing closed.

Sorry for not doing a more extensive search, just hoping someone can give me an idea.
 
Just saw another thread with someone who described a similar issue. I think my new knife just needs some proper lubrication. Good deal.
 
Hey brother... Let us know if the lube works and eases up the opening. It can also be caused by exerting pressure on the lockbar when opening.
 
They just need to break in a bit too. In addition to mastering the movement. At least it seemed that way to me. Put it to good use and you'll grow to love it more each day. And don't worry about getting grief in here. We are always willing to help when we can.
 
Thank you gentlemen, I definitely will. I just tried to consciously refrain from touching the lockbar, and that helped a small bit, so it may be partly needing lubrication, and partly adjustment of technique! I can tell you that this will not be my last CRK, I'm 100% on how fantastic these products are.
 
When I got my 21 a few years ago it was a little harder to open than it is now, but not like what you are describing.

Your knife is definitely not TOO tight. These knives have pivot bushings so it's not really subject to "overtightening". Knives without a bushing allow you to adjust ease of opening by loosening the pivot. Can't do this with a 21.

My guess is it's either needs some lube, some break in or a combo of both. If that doesn't do it something else is going on (pinched washer, improper assembly, missing/swapped parts, etc.)
 
I just got my first as well the other day. After cleaning and lubing, and about 300 or so cycles open and close, I assume the knife is breaking in a bit, now opens buttery smooth, could even flick it open if I wanted to ,which when I first got it was not an option without losing your thumb in the process. Congratulations on your new CRK.
 
Make sure you are not squeezing the pocket clip. This puts pressure on the lockbar which then holds the detent ball into the detent hole. This will also make the blade difficukt to open.
 
Quiet said:
Thank you gentlemen, I definitely will. I just tried to consciously refrain from touching the lockbar, and that helped a small bit, so it may be partly needing lubrication, and partly adjustment of technique! I can tell you that this will not be my last CRK, I'm 100% on how fantastic these products are.
Click to expand...

pvicenzi said:
Make sure you are not squeezing the pocket clip. This puts pressure on the lockbar which then holds the detent ball into the detent hole. This will also make the blade difficukt to open.
Click to expand...

I have not had this problem (these problems) with the Sebenza, but I have with a couple of other framelocks. Perhaps that's part of the problem. Also, CRK knives, more than most others in my experience, seem to benefit from a consciously forward, rather than upward, thumb motion on the lug.
 
I don't know a fraction of what others know here. They were helping me. So taking what I've learned with a grain of salt... Trust me... If I can assemble/disassemble, you will too. I listened to what others suggested, watched a slew of videos, and talked to Angela at CRK. I asked her about the intermittent opening difficulty and she said that this will usually work itself out, so for new knives, it's not unheard of. When I cleaned, lubed, and reassembled the knife, it was much smoother, albeit it will still stick once in awhile. Last thing. If the members here didn't stone me, they won't stone you.:) I'm on several different forums and hands down, the nicest, kindest, most helpful members are right here.
 
pvicenzi said:
Make sure you are not squeezing the pocket clip. This puts pressure on the lockbar which then holds the detent ball into the detent hole. This will also make the blade difficukt to open.
Click to expand...

Lube will help but the key is how you hold the knife while opening as pvicenzi noted. I try and keep my fingers on the edge of the clip while opening to avoid putting pressure on the lock bar and ceramic ball.
 
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