Sebenza 21 - Weak Detent and Lockbar?

codesters

codesters

Joined
Feb 6, 2016
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I just picked up a well used and worn, but in great shape large 21, manufactured in 2012.

When I got it, it probably had never been cleaned, so I took it apart, cleaned out all the old dried grease and dirt, applied fresh grease and reassembled - everything went back together perfectly (no pinched washers or loose screws).

The action is incredibly smooth and glassy, however the detent is very light compared to my other 21s and Inkosi, and lockup is around 30%. I can’t shake the blade open, and I confirmed the detent ball does drop into the tang when locked and open. Also, the lockbar doesn’t reach all the way to the other scale with the blade assembly and pivot taken out (noticed during disassembly) and is much easier to disengage compared to my newer 21s.

Is this normal for well worn and used 21s, or should I send it in to CRK to get the detent and lockbar retuned/adjusted? I don’t think the previous owner messed with the lockbar intentionally, maybe thousands of open and close cycles over 9 years caused it to lose tension.

I would also like to note there is zero blade play when open.
 
Yes, I’ve got a couple of regulars like that. Hardly no effort to to open.
If it bugs you, then yes send it in. I don’t know if it’ll feel like some of the later 21’s even if you send it in. The light detent has never bothered me nor have I had any issues, so I’ve never sent one in for a light detent.
What is the bday of the knife?
 
Ajack60 said:
Yes, I’ve got a couple of regulars like that. Hardly no effort to to open.
If it bugs you, then yes send it in. I don’t know if it’ll feel like some of the later 21’s even if you send it in. The light detent has never bothered me nor have I had any issues, so I’ve never sent one in for a light detent.
What is the bday of the knife?
Click to expand...
March 8, 2012. Code stamp is A 12, which matches accordingly (first quarter of 2012)
 
I literally just sent a 21 in for a similar reason, no issue until I took apart the knife and reassembled, once I did i can disengage the lockbar by simply pressing on the spine of the blade. Will see what happens once it gets back to CRK!
 
One of mine had a pretty light detent. I just 'adjusted' it a bit, not too hard, just take your time. Mark the original position of the lock bar at rest then tweak it until you can see that it's position has changed (+ or - depending on what your trying to do). Reassemble and check, repeat as necessary. I do it to a lot of knives as I like my detents just so.

Sometimes if there's a touch of rock, stiffening the detent will increase the lock-up and eliminate it.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I took out the blade assembly yesterday and cleaned out some excess grease from the detent ball and hole, which helped a little bit.

Honestly, I feel a little silly bringing this up since some would consider this the "perfect" Sebenza action - effortless deployment, incredibly smooth action, and rock solid lockup
with no blade play and perfect blade centering. I might still send it in for a double thumb lug in the future, but for now I'll keep carrying and using it.
 
As you mentioned, if its smooth, and rock solid lockup use it in good health. If its time to send it into the SPA for some TLC and updates, they will check into it for you.
 
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