Question regarding my new sebenza

staysharp^ · Aug 24, 2015

Anybody ever consider this is a cost effective change? Think about it. Less brass (material) = larger holes. We all like to think positive that's for sure. This is a distasteful change in my opinion.

Nrthfce · Aug 24, 2015

staysharp^ said:
Anybody ever consider this is a cost effective change? Think about it. Less brass (material) = larger holes. We all like to think positive that's for sure. This is a distasteful change in my opinion.

Could be ....

Alternative thought... Assuming the washer starts whole, more machining = more cost
Less surface area = less drag

Btw... I have that washer on my 2015 sebenza 21... Not on the 25 or the smalls. Never noticed any issue or difference in feel. Also, if you carry/use your knife, it gets dirty. Never noticed any exceptional or unexpected grime on any different type washer.

knolan · Aug 24, 2015

I think saw the new Inkosi (and a few other CRKs) uses this new type of washer as well...with the idea being that the holes serve to capture the grease, resulting in longer service intervals.

Ajack60 · Aug 24, 2015

staysharp^ said:
Anybody ever consider this is a cost effective change? Think about it. Less brass (material) = larger holes. We all like to think positive that's for sure. This is a distasteful change in my opinion.

It could be that the vendor that supplies washers has changed the type of washers they offer.

staysharp^ · Aug 24, 2015

Nrthfce said:
Could be ....

Alternative thought... Assuming the washer starts whole, more machining = more cost
Less surface area = less drag

Btw... I have that washer on my 2015 sebenza 21... Not on the 25 or the smalls. Never noticed any issue or difference in feel. Also, if you carry/use your knife, it gets dirty. Never noticed any exceptional or unexpected grime on any different type washer.

You have good points with that alternative thinking approach. You opened up my mind a bit. :thumbup: I am still not a fan of that style washer.

staysharp^ · Aug 24, 2015

Ajack60 said:
It could be that the vendor that supplies washers has changed the type of washers they offer.

Another good point. Does CRK machine the washers or are they outsourced? I am curious.

Peter Hartwig · Aug 25, 2015

My best guess is that this is something Chris doodled up and that he believe is a better washer in some respect(certainly more grease to the center and maybe the outside is intended to catch some junk-just thoughts). My only concern would be that it might be a bit fragile and prone to damage during knife assembly(but that is based solely on looking at a photo).
I highly doubt it was a cost based decision. They just don't do the volume to benefit from making a cheap item cheaper. Off hand I would think this would cost more anyway do to the detail.

Nrthfce · Aug 25, 2015

staysharp^ said:
You have good points with that alternative thinking approach. You opened up my mind a bit. :thumbup: I am still not a fan of that style washer.

Yeah agreed, looks a little flimsy, but I try to be super careful during reassembly regardless. Haven't had an issue yet. Can you order parts or is that something that necessitates a spa treatment as most parts seem unique/married to the particular knife?

Peter Hartwig · Aug 25, 2015

"Can you order parts or is that something that necessitates a spa treatment as most parts seem unique/married to the particular knife? "
my price chart states that they do not send out washers

JNewell · Aug 25, 2015

Nrthfce said:
Yeah agreed, looks a little flimsy, but I try to be super careful during reassembly regardless. Haven't had an issue yet. Can you order parts or is that something that necessitates a spa treatment as most parts seem unique/married to the particular knife?

When evaluating "flimsy," consider that it's fully supported on both sides. There is no risk while the knife is properly assembled. BTW, I'd bet that your guess above about this washer being a good deal more expensive than the flat washer (at least on a % basis) is probably correct.

My Sebenzas are about half/half perforated washer and solid washer. I don't see any differences in normal use and I have a caveman's preference for the traditional washers.

Nrthfce · Aug 25, 2015

JNewell said:
When evaluating "flimsy," consider that it's fully supported on both sides. There is no risk while the knife is properly assembled. BTW, I'd bet that your guess above about this washer being a good deal more expensive than the flat washer (at least on a % basis) is probably correct.

My Sebenzas are about half/half perforated washer and solid washer. I don't see any differences in normal use and I have a caveman's preference for the traditional washers.

Agree with what you stated. That why when I used the word "flimsy" I was really only referencing it to my worry during the reassembly process and not during operation. I have no concerns with its strength or rather purpose when together.