Regular Sebenza Thumb

Sketch32

Sketch32

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2007
Messages
1,904
I was wondering if I could get some opinions on this. I'm new this year to the Chris Reeve line, but it didn't take long for me to sell off my collection of Spyderco's and Benchmades and accumulate a small Chris Reeve collection. I started with a Large Regular Micarta and have since added a few more. I have been wanting to get a Large regular for some time now and finally was able to buy one. The knife is outstanding, but my thumb has been in pain from disengaging the lock. I have never had this problem with my Classic. The lock is engaged at about 75%, and does not seem to be sticking. I have a feeling it's the scallops and the smaller cutout on the lockbar. I rested my thumb for a day and it seems to be getting easier. Does my thumb just need to toughen up a bit or is this unusual. I don't want to give up on the regular, it's too nice of a knife to not use. Any input is appreciated.

Sketch
 
I have never had a large 21, so I do not know how it handles, though I have had a couple of 21 small. I dislike the 21 only because of the blade shape. Give me a 21 handle with regular blade and I would love it.......................Its just going to take some getting used to as far as closing the large regular goes. I EDC a large regular and if I open and close it over and over in a row, even my thumb will get a little sore. I would say its due to the scallops cut out. But I like the extra grip they add when your using it, so its a trade off. It will just take some getting used too is all. When I close my large regular, I place my thumb between the slabs and kinda push down slightly, then to the left unlocking the blade. My trigger finger is on the spine if the blade, pushing the blade into the closed position when the lock is disengaged using one hand only. I am sure most people close the sebbie this way, but since you asked about closing the regular, I thought I would share how I close mine. I took some pics of my hand position. Maybe it will help explain it better. Enjoy !!

IMG_2949.jpg

IMG_2950.jpg

IMG_2952.jpg
 
Was you large regular micarta a aftermarket mod? I'm pretty sure CRK has never made a regular Micarta....




Even know, I wish they would :D
 
i have owned a few regulars and they did hurt my thumb more than the classic or 21 sebbies. the soreness went away with use though.

with that said, i like the blade of the regular, but the ergonomics of the classsic/21.
 
Thanks for the input. Nyefmaker, I appreciate you taking the time to take some photos. I'm already feeling like my thumb is toughening up. It's just nice to know that I'm not the only one that has had the issue. I'm going to stick with the regular. I agree, I also like the blade shape.

So-Lo, Sorry, that was a typo. My Micarta is indeed a Classic.

Thanks,

Sketch
 
The only framelocks that have ever hurt my thumb are the ones that had sticking issues with the lockbar. I once had a small Seb that needed some work because the bar stuck to the tang of the blade. Also had this issue with a couple of custom knives as well. If it's not sticking I'd say give it time for your thumbs to toughen up some. I found the Sebenza 21/Classic to be easier on the thumbs than the Regular design. I find the thumbstuds of the Sebenza's to be more uncomfortable than most other knife brands. Any chance it's the thumb studs giving you discomfort as opposed to the lockbar?
 
Sketch32 said:
Thanks for the input. Nyefmaker, I appreciate you taking the time to take some photos. I'm already feeling like my thumb is toughening up. It's just nice to know that I'm not the only one that has had the issue. I'm going to stick with the regular. I agree, I also like the blade shape.

So-Lo, Sorry, that was a typo. My Micarta is indeed a Classic.

Thanks,

Sketch
Click to expand...

Glad to help anytime !!!

This is where I would Love to see a CRK Regular in Ti of course with the Barry H style "regular/classic'21" opening. To me, its the best of both worlds. I have an orange one from Barry H and its awsome. But I think one in Ti would make the knife more balanced. Its would be an easy mod, but I dont have a sandblaster to blast it when done. And I doubt Chris would blast it if sent in because it is modded.

IMG_2063.jpg
 
In a couple weeks your thumb will toughen up and
it will be as natural as opening a pop-top can..
No worries, everyone goes through this with their EDC Seb..

-Ron

( Frame one is also my thumb position closing knife one-handed )
sebflick2.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have a 2006 Large CG in Websight which requires some force to unlock. My sebenza small is a piece of cake compare to the large. Since I am ordering a damascus blade for my large, I was going to ask the folks at CRK to look at it when it's there. That will be at least 6-9 months from now.

Interested to see other opinions about this issue as well.
 
I just wanted to give a follow up on my original post. After a few weeks of opening and closing my regular sebenza, my thumb has toughened up and it now causes no pain. I really believe it was the scallops on the lockbar that was causing the pain. My micarta classic and Umnumzaan did not have the same effect on my thumb. I'm glad I gave it a chance and am happy to put the Regular Sebenza into the rotation.

Thanks for everyones encouragement,

Sketch
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top