Sebenza 31 Lock Rock?!

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Anyone who has been following this thread should do an internet search and watch Eugene Kwon’s video review on the Sebenza 31. Just search for Dashboard Review Sebenza 31.

Toward the end of the video, he discusses the lock flex issue and gives his take on it.

The 31 is simply a new knife that some will like and some will not. Tim Reeve made a bold business decision to change an icon. The market will decide if it was the right decision or not. As you can see from my photos, I have already voted and decided to stick with the 21.
To me, it is just about perfect as is. It also means a lot to me that the 21 will probably be the last
knife that is 100% the product of Chris Reeve’s imagination and creativity. Some of us might be disappointed with the 31, but at least our 21’s should be worth more now that they are no longer being produced. I even bought a couple extra 21’s, just in case. I should be set for the next few decades at least!

I might try a 31 after the dust settles and CRK has an opportunity to tweak the design if they choose to do so. Until then, I am keeping an open mind until I get my hands on one.
 
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At 24:28 you can actually see how easy the blade moves, doesn't look like the dashbordguy is using much force at all.

And at 28:00 when he goes on about how normal this is and all that, and takes out the umnum to show you that this is a normal feature of all "CBBLIs"(ceramic ball bearing lock interface) you can also see that the zaan doesn't move much at all compared to the 31, even if he REALLY tries his best.

Almost makes me question this guys integrity..

You can call this "normal" or "natural" or whatever all you want, I'm not just not a fan of this new "feature".

IMO, as I stated in a previous post, the move to a CBBLI in the 31 is a business decision, not an attempt of improvement on the knife and the experience of the end user.
 
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Has anyone been able to make the lock fail?

Reasonably of course. Like ZT vs a roll of masking tape.
 
353 said:
Haven't heard of that myself, personally I'm just not very keen on spending 600$ on a knife with a rubbery, or springy if that sounds better for you, lock up.
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I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with mine. As it's been stated in this thread, if you're going to list one for sale honestly, it's not going to sell. Mine doesn't have any clicking or side to side, but I can get it off the stop pin just barely. I recently paired down the folder collection so all I have to compare it to at home are M.Strider SNG, SMF, a Small 21 Insingo and a Socom Elite. You guys can imagine how it fares in lock-up wiggle comparisons against that group.
 
kylemiller said:
I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with mine. As it's been stated in this thread, if you're going to list one for sale honestly, it's not going to sell. Mine doesn't have any clicking or side to side, but I can get it off the stop pin just barely. I recently paired down the folder collection so all I have to compare it to at home are M.Strider SNG, SMF, a Small 21 Insingo and a Socom Elite. You guys can imagine how it fares in lock-up wiggle comparisons against that group.
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If you push down on the spine, how does it compare to your small 21 in all honesty?
 
353 said:
If you push down on the spine, how does it compare to your small 21 in all honesty?
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Night and day. I'm not even sure I can get the 21 to move using the table method. Not getting the audible sound of it leaving the stop pin like the 31 which I can do with my hand. It is a small insingo though, so the lever point is different.
 
kylemiller said:
Night and day. I'm not even sure I can get the 21 to move using the table method. Not getting the audible sound of it leaving the stop pin like the 31 which I can do with my hand. It is a small insingo though, so the lever point is different.
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If it's possible I would return it for a refund ASAP. You, I and all other knife guys out there know that this is gone drive you crazy if you don't.
 
Seeing the video review and just seeing the “springy” lock just is not CRK Quality, sorry. Certainly Not the CRK Quality they were known for when Chris was there. Such a shame as the 31 showed so much promise with the one piece inlays. This issue is just unacceptable. Wether perceived or not, damage has been done. Just as another major maker is frowned upon for lock rock, CRK is now up there with them. They worst thing they could have done is call it “normal”. It’s a shame. But CRK will do what they want, regardless of lost sales or whatever any of us think on this forum. Good Thing there are
Literally THOUSANDS of 21’s out there
to buy should one want a Real Sebenza.
 
353 said:
If it's possible I would return it for a refund ASAP. You, I and all other knife guys out there know that this is gone drive you crazy if you don't.
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I've owned it for a couple months already. Mine is such that I really had to go looking for it. It passed all the light testing out of the box. I've already sharpened it. It wasn't until a week or two ago I read this thread again and decide to really try to push on it, and now I can't get it out of my head.

I probably would have never gone hard enough without hearing about it on the internet to find it myself, but now that I know it's there it bothers me. I know this is irrational, but I don't look at the knife the same way unfortunately.
 
On
kylemiller said:
Mine is such that I really had to go looking for it. It passed all the light testing out of the box. I've already sharpened it. It wasn't until a week or two ago I read this thread again and decide to really try to push on it, and now I can't get it out of my head.

I probably would have never gone hard enough without hearing about it on the internet to find it myself, but now that I know it's there it bothers me. I know this is irrational, but I don't look at the knife the same way unfortunately.
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Once you get that “gut” feeling, it never goes away. It’s like that with anything. If you know there is a flaw, wether perceived or not, it will bother you. A $100 knife, people can live with it, a $600+ knife, Oh Hell No....!
 
kylemiller said:
I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with mine. As it's been stated in this thread, if you're going to list one for sale honestly, it's not going to sell. Mine doesn't have any clicking or side to side, but I can get it off the stop pin just barely. I recently paired down the folder collection so all I have to compare it to at home are M.Strider SNG, SMF, a Small 21 Insingo and a Socom Elite. You guys can imagine how it fares in lock-up wiggle comparisons against that group.
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I'm right there too now. I kinda want just offload it and move on... But just seems like they won't sell if we are honest... Really crummy situation to be in right now.
 
Sharp & Fiery said:
No one here is saying that lock flex isnt normal.
What is exhibited on the 31 is not normal...if this is normal...im out.

Just like you, I have an extensive collection, and all of the knives I own lock up solid. No side/side or rock, if they have it, it goes right back to the store or sold. Its not rocket science to make a folder properly. And when they are made properly, they are a dream to use. 21’s are excecuted perfectly.

kidcongo kidcongo got me into CRK’s a long time ago with his posts...he doesnt even know it.
I have a lot of respect for you both.

You however stated that “it seem like a small group of folks are upset about this.” On the flipside, there are a couple of you who dont even own a 31 who come in here telling people they are wrong. This bugs me.
Put your money where your mouth is and fork out the benjamins to buy a 31, test it yourself, and then come tell this group that it is normal.

We have seen an ownership change at CRK and it may not be for the best. No one wants to see CRK go down...especially not me. Thats what bugs me the most...if this isn’t rectified, CRK WILL lose business.

This is typed with all due respect to you loon#r loon#r , I just have to disagree.
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I gotta admit, the shout-out made me feel a bit sorry about this whole thing. I appreciate the sentiment and am glad I helped stoke your fire for CRKs. Sorry if I seemed to be singling you out. My mistake.

At the end of the day.......let’s face it......we are all suffering with the fall-out of the pandemic, whether we are directly affected or not. The mood of the world, in general, is at an all time low. It’s almost impossible to avoid.

One small hope I had, in the midst of this shit-show of our “new normal”, is that CRK would launch a rad new Sebenza for us all to drool over. I had actually told myself I would buy this knife as reward for working my way through the restrictions and taking the required risks to stay off the government dole.

If that knife also is a fail, life gets just that tiny little bit bleaker than it need be.

I was hoping I could provide some space for someone here to step in and say “hey......the knife is great.....I love it”. Seems like that is not happening.

It would take little to no effort for CRK to simply cancel the model and ramp 21 production back up. Maybe that is what should happen if the knife sucks as bad as is claimed.
 
kylemiller said:
...but now that I know it's there it bothers me. I know this is irrational, but I don't look at the knife the same way unfortunately.
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Dude, we are on a forum dedicated to knives only, we love our knives and thus we are nitpicking everything about them, it's not a bit irrational for guys like us. Dispite all, this is our hobby.
 
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kidcongo said:
I gotta admit, the shout-out made me feel a bit sorry about this whole thing. I appreciate the sentiment and am glad I helped stoke your fire for CRKs. Sorry if I seemed to be singling you out. My mistake.

At the end of the day.......let’s face it......we are all suffering with the fall-out of the pandemic, whether we are directly affected or not. The mood of the world, in general, is at an all time low. It’s almost impossible to avoid.

One small hope I had, in the midst of this shit-show of our “new normal”, is that CRK would launch a rad new Sebenza for us all to drool over. I had actually told myself I would buy this knife as reward for working my way through the restrictions and taking the required risks to stay off the government dole.

If that knife also is a fail, life gets just that tiny little bit bleaker than it need be.

I was hoping I could provide some space for someone here to step in and say “hey......the knife is great.....I love it”. Seems like that is not happening.

It would take little to no effort for CRK to simply cancel the model and ramp 21 production back up. Maybe that is what should happen if the knife sucks as bad as is claimed.
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I have so much to do today, but I felt the need to come back and post.
Kidcongo, I dont take many things personally, and have not been offended by any of your posts. I enjoy the discussions. :)
When I posted in your other thread that I was glad to see you posting again, it was the truth. :) Back when I was considering if the 21 was as good as claimed, your posts pushed me to buy one. Havent looked back! I have an extensive CRK collection now, and couldnt be happier with them, so thank you.

And yes, this whole world situation with the world has people on edge. I cant say I wasnt annoyed with loon#r loon#r ‘s post, but I did wait to post a reply because I know that I was already upset about a totally different world subject. I wanted my reply to be respectful but honest. Loon#r and I have previously PM’d and he is a great guy. There are no hard feelings there on my side. After all, this is a knife forum for discussing and yes, disagreeing...I dont take it personally.

Also, I wasnt trying to be a jerk to you loon#r loon#r . As per my previous posts, I came into this thread exactly the same way...I told everyone that this was perfectly normal. (I didnt have a 31 yet). I feel I was particularity rough on one poster whether they knew it or not. (Have since apologized publicly)

I still have utmost respect for you both! I just wanted you to know that there are zero hard feeling on my end. Sometimes the internet and our mood can skew the tone of text.

And ya, kidcongo kidcongo , the inlays on the 31, dare I say, are so dang sexy!! There are a ton of new things on the 31 that I love, just not the BBLS. It could be perfectly safe...who knows yet? However, and I know that a fixed is the best lock, but since I’ve owned my 21’s, they have done a ton of work around my property. I have faith in the design. One thing I can’t get out of my head, is that if Im making a cut and the blade gets wedge, I dont want to hear that click when I try to wiggle the blade out. It doesn’t instil a lot of faith. The lock could be perfectly safe, but just not for me. Give me perceived solid lockup and I’m all in. :)

Everyone, it’s Saturday! Enjoy your day, and find something to put those CRK’s to use today!

Catch ya’ll in a while.
Keep ‘em Sharp
Stay safe and healthy.
Sharp & Fiery
 
Sharp & Fiery said:
I have so much to do today, but I felt the need to come back and post.
Kidcongo, I dont take many things personally, and have not been offended by any of your posts. I enjoy the discussions. :)
When I posted in your other thread that I was glad to see you posting again, it was the truth. :) Back when I was considering if the 21 was as good as claimed, your posts pushed me to buy one. Havent looked back! I have an extensive CRK collection now, and couldnt be happier with them, so thank you.

And yes, this whole world situation with the world has people on edge. I cant say I wasnt annoyed with loon#r loon#r ‘s post, but I did wait to post a reply because I know that I was already upset about a totally different world subject. I wanted my reply to be respectful but honest. Loon#r and I have previously PM’d and he is a great guy. There are no hard feelings there on my side. After all, this is a knife forum for discussing and yes, disagreeing...I dont take it personally.

Also, I wasnt trying to be a jerk to you loon#r loon#r . As per my previous posts, I came into this thread exactly the same way...I told everyone that this was perfectly normal. (I didnt have a 31 yet). I feel I was particularity rough on one poster whether they knew it or not. (Have since apologized publicly)

I still have utmost respect for you both! I just wanted you to know that there are zero hard feeling on my end. Sometimes the internet and our mood can skew the tone of text.

And ya, kidcongo kidcongo , the inlays on the 31, dare I say, are so dang sexy!! There are a ton of new things on the 31 that I love, just not the BBLS. It could be perfectly safe...who knows yet? However, and I know that a fixed is the best lock, but since I’ve owned my 21’s, they have done a ton of work around my property. I have faith in the design. One thing I can’t get out of my head, is that if Im making a cut and the blade gets wedge, I dont want to hear that click when I try to wiggle the blade out. It doesn’t instil a lot of faith. The lock could be perfectly safe, but just not for me. Give me perceived solid lockup and I’m all in. :)

Everyone, it’s Saturday! Enjoy your day, and find something to put those CRK’s to use today!

Catch ya’ll in a while.
Keep ‘em Sharp
Stay safe and healthy.
Sharp & Fiery
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Does that ST citizen have similar movement?;)

This is just another Saturday on bladeforums. No offense taken anywhere from anyone. I don’t have a 31 yet, so you’re right about that and those other points. Believe me, I have plenty of gripes about my most beloved brands and makers, CRK included.

IMO that was significant mvmt shown in PTMAN2000’s video and others have voiced having the same with the 31s they’ve purchased. That is unacceptable and tweaks should be made. And maybe I was wrong, but I believe that what CRK referenced in that email about being normal was the blade mvmt and arm flex that is present in many framelocks. Hopefully that’s the case. That has been my focus of this thread. Yet, there’s seemingly varying severity in the model’s initial release and I’d say that PTMAN’s blade mvmt was significant enough to send back. The audible clicks of the mvmt were disheartening, for sure.

I keep wanting to buy a 31, and still have two reserve ordered, but these days I’m more focused on scoring Regulars, P sebenzas, umfaans, or just customs - especially with the abundance of 31s that will be available for the foreseeable future.
 
loon#r said:
Does that ST citizen have similar movement?;)

This is just another Saturday on bladeforums. No offense taken anywhere from anyone. I don’t have a 31 yet, so you’re right about that and those other points. Believe me, I have plenty of gripes about my most beloved brands and makers, CRK included.

IMO that was significant mvmt shown in PTMAN2000’s video and others have voiced having the same with the 31s they’ve purchased. That is unacceptable and tweaks should be made. And maybe I was wrong, but I believe that what CRK referenced in that email about being normal was the blade mvmt and arm flex that is present in many framelocks. Hopefully that’s the case. That has been my focus of this thread. Yet, there’s seemingly varying severity in the model’s initial release and I’d say that PTMAN’s blade mvmt was significant enough to send back. The audible clicks of the mvmt were disheartening, for sure.

I keep wanting to buy a 31, and still have two reserve ordered, but these days I’m more focused on scoring Regulars, P sebenzas, umfaans, or just customs - especially with the abundance of 31s that will be available for the foreseeable future.
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ST Citizen?
 
loon#r said:
Doh! I’m thinking of Lapedog. I traded him a frame lock Sacha Thiel citizen a year ago.
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Speaking of @Lapedog...he has been MIA since his last visit on Sept 19, 2019...last I got any texts from him either. Hung out with him a week earlier. Anywho, this isnt the thread for this...Lapedog, if youre still out there, gimme a ring!
 
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