Sebenza 31 Lock Rock?!

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kidcongo said:
Strangely, my Ti-Lock was the only CRK knife whose lock I wore out, and it became actually “jiggly”, with major up/down lock-rock.

CRK replaced the spring and bronze dumbbell free of charge. Be aware that if you daily carry a Ti-lock, this may happen. In my case, the bronze dumbbell became worn and no longer sat firmly in the lock cavity.

I gave up on the idea of daily carrying a Ti-Lock after this, but still have the knife and carry it occasionally.
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Thanks for the heads up. Mine is doing pretty good.
 
brownshoe said:
Thanks for the heads up. Mine is doing pretty good.
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Mine was a 1st generation Ti-Lock with the blasted slabs. Maybe they changed the metallurgy of the bronze dumbbell? I don’t know, but there is a chance my knife was among the guinea pigs before they perfected the design. They might not have expected anyone to carry the knife as much as I did for a while.
 
Ok, sooo... finally got my own production S31 (the numbered one is a safe queen, of course) so I qualify to contribute to this tread.

Do I experience that phenomenon in my Large 31? Yes I so! Does it bother me? Not at all actually. When the knife is locked and I put considerable closing force on a blade I can feel slight springy action in the lock in the vertical axis. But the lock is not slipping to the side, not trying to disengage. It springs a tiny bit to the point, where it stiffens and the locking action gets to the max.

I’ve used knives with ‚stiff’ (non-springy) action and also knives with some springy vertical action in the lock (that includes all backlocks too, which Blade HQ prooved to be super strong lock type btw). To me (to me!) such a lock action is just fine. At least I know that it won’t slip off the tang easily as that minimal springy action could somewhat ‚damper’ an accidental whack on a hard surface (branch or something) and prevent lock slippage.

I’ve been using Inkosin for last year a lot, and I’ve been using it hard. There’s the same springy effect (just requires a bit more force). No lock issue of any kind so far. Also... who puts so much pressure on a blade in closing direction? This kind of minimal springy action can actually make the opening & closing smoother as there’s no excessive power on the lock bar untill there’s a need for that (existance of closing force) and only then it loads fully the lock. I’ll surely give it a chance. To me (and my own fingers!) S31 lock seems to do the job just fine. Time will tell and I’ll keep you notified. Stay safe!

And remember, that was just my own $0.02 so ymmv.
 
PiterM said:
Ok, sooo... finally got my own production S31 (the numbered one is a safe queen, of course) so I qualify to contribute to this tread.

Do I experience that phenomenon in my Large 31? Yes I so! Does it bother me? Not at all actually. When the knife is locked and I put considerable closing force on a blade I can feel slight springy action in the lock in the vertical axis. But the lock is not slipping to the side, not trying to disengage. It springs a tiny bit to the point, where it stiffens and the locking action gets to the max.

I’ve used knives with ‚stiff’ (non-springy) action and also knives with some springy vertical action in the lock (that includes all backlocks too, which Blade HQ prooved to be super strong lock type btw). To me (to me!) such a lock action is just fine. At least I know that it won’t slip off the tang easily as that minimal springy action could somewhat ‚damper’ an accidental whack on a hard surface (branch or something) and prevent lock slippage.

I’ve been using Inkosin for last year a lot, and I’ve been using it hard. There’s the same springy effect (just requires a bit more force). No lock issue of any kind so far. Also... who puts so much pressure on a blade in closing direction? This kind of minimal springy action can actually make the opening & closing smoother as there’s no excessive power on the lock bar untill there’s a need for that (existance of closing force) and only then it loads fully the lock. I’ll surely give it a chance. To me (and my own fingers!) S31 lock seems to do the job just fine. Time will tell and I’ll keep you notified. Stay safe!

And remember, that was just my own $0.02 so ymmv.
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This was very well written, and much more thought went into it than “it’s normal.” Excellent contribution to the thread...its got me thinking...
 
I received the email saying that my 31 will be going into production soon and do I have any questions. I mentioned the issues discussed here and referred them to this thread.
Here is their reply.

"We have not changed the design of the Sebenza 31. Lock rock, or vertical blade play, is when a lock begins to move vertically. Unsafe vertical play happens when a lockbar isn't fully engaging and there's a little space between the end of the lockbar and the tang of the blade. This isn't the case with the Sebenza 31.


When applying force to the spine of the Sebenza 31's blade, you will feel some vertical movement. Rest assured, your lock-up is secure. This movement is the lockbar flexing in response to pressure, though the ceramic ball, acting as a fulcrum, will maintain its position against the blade tang. It is very much a sound lock and when put to the test, proves stronger than the heat treated lock on the Sebenza 21. All of our models with ceramic ball interfaces have varying degrees of lock flex so this is not abnormal, though the Sebenza 31 seems to be under extra scrutiny as it is the newest.


All that being said, we do take customer feedback seriously and appreciate you relaying your concerns. If you feel comfortable giving the knife a try, we would be happy to continue with your order. We do have a return policy, as long as you do not use the knife and contact us about a return within 2 weeks. If you would like to cancel the order, please let me know."
 
streak said:
I received the email saying that my 31 will be going into production soon and do I have any questions. I mentioned the issues discussed here and referred them to this thread.
Here is their reply.

"We have not changed the design of the Sebenza 31. Lock rock, or vertical blade play, is when a lock begins to move vertically. Unsafe vertical play happens when a lockbar isn't fully engaging and there's a little space between the end of the lockbar and the tang of the blade. This isn't the case with the Sebenza 31.


When applying force to the spine of the Sebenza 31's blade, you will feel some vertical movement. Rest assured, your lock-up is secure. This movement is the lockbar flexing in response to pressure, though the ceramic ball, acting as a fulcrum, will maintain its position against the blade tang. It is very much a sound lock and when put to the test, proves stronger than the heat treated lock on the Sebenza 21. All of our models with ceramic ball interfaces have varying degrees of lock flex so this is not abnormal, though the Sebenza 31 seems to be under extra scrutiny as it is the newest.


All that being said, we do take customer feedback seriously and appreciate you relaying your concerns. If you feel comfortable giving the knife a try, we would be happy to continue with your order. We do have a return policy, as long as you do not use the knife and contact us about a return within 2 weeks. If you would like to cancel the order, please let me know."
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The lockup is secure. Its only a slight diff from the other sebs
 
I would not be ok with lockbar flex on any knife at any price. It is not common. I've encountered it on narrow knives with less meat to the lockbar.
 
AF said:
No they don't. I'm picky and when I test a knife I use a lot of pressure.
If you think it's common, name other knives.
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All of my CRKs, which are many, including all of my 21s, exhibit this flex. They all do it (at least the CRKs in my collection). The only thing that is a topic of discussion is whether the 31 exhibits this flex too easily for some people’s taste. The flex is not a new issue.
 
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streak said:
I received the email saying that my 31 will be going into production soon and do I have any questions. I mentioned the issues discussed here and referred them to this thread.
Here is their reply.

"We have not changed the design of the Sebenza 31. Lock rock, or vertical blade play, is when a lock begins to move vertically. Unsafe vertical play happens when a lockbar isn't fully engaging and there's a little space between the end of the lockbar and the tang of the blade. This isn't the case with the Sebenza 31.


When applying force to the spine of the Sebenza 31's blade, you will feel some vertical movement. Rest assured, your lock-up is secure. This movement is the lockbar flexing in response to pressure, though the ceramic ball, acting as a fulcrum, will maintain its position against the blade tang. It is very much a sound lock and when put to the test, proves stronger than the heat treated lock on the Sebenza 21. All of our models with ceramic ball interfaces have varying degrees of lock flex so this is not abnormal, though the Sebenza 31 seems to be under extra scrutiny as it is the newest.


All that being said, we do take customer feedback seriously and appreciate you relaying your concerns. If you feel comfortable giving the knife a try, we would be happy to continue with your order. We do have a return policy, as long as you do not use the knife and contact us about a return within 2 weeks. If you would like to cancel the order, please let me know."
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting. The corporate line is belied by their failure to respond in this thread. If they "take customer feedback seriously" why not respond here?
 
kidcongo said:
All of my CRKs, which are many, including all of my 21s, exhibit this flex. They all do it (at least the CRKs in my collection). The only thing that is a topic of discussion is whether the 31 exhibits this flex too easily for some people’s taste. The flex is not a new issue.
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this is not true...or you have some seriously sloppy 21’s. Different kinda flex. Do you have a 31 yet?
 
kidcongo said:
All mine must be defective. They all flex with pressure on the spine. Can’t fathom how I got a rotten dozen defective CRKs with Chris at the helm. I’m going to call the UN.
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So in all your 21’s you can create lockflex with just your hand on the scales and two fingers on the blade?

Cause I have construction hands and I cannot.

ETA: Again...do you own a 31 yet?
 
The expectation from the customer now has to change, which I think is the frustration felt by those who loved the previous iterations of the Sebenza. I think we were expecting a Sebenza in the feel. Will the 31 be an outstanding and reliable knife? Most likely. Will it carry the same vibe of exceptional lock-up feel? No. That’s something that some will get use to, I suppose.

Placing a knife on a table and pushing on the blade does nothing for me. However, holding a knife in my hand and feeling for blade play is a metric that any knife I carry must pass.

Side note: I’ve been following this thread closely. It has been mentioned a couple of times that some owners have been slightly loosening pivot or stop pin screws on the 31 to get the right action. I hope this is very few and far between. That would be 100% unacceptable to me. The pivot bushing system is supposed to take out variability in adjusting. Tighten it up, and go. For now, I feel relieved that I have two Seb 21’s to provide me with decades of reliable “Sebenza” feel.
 
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streak said:
I received the email saying that my 31 will be going into production soon and do I have any questions. I mentioned the issues discussed here and referred them to this thread.
Here is their reply.

"We have not changed the design of the Sebenza 31. Lock rock, or vertical blade play, is when a lock begins to move vertically. Unsafe vertical play happens when a lockbar isn't fully engaging and there's a little space between the end of the lockbar and the tang of the blade. This isn't the case with the Sebenza 31.


When applying force to the spine of the Sebenza 31's blade, you will feel some vertical movement. Rest assured, your lock-up is secure. This movement is the lockbar flexing in response to pressure, though the ceramic ball, acting as a fulcrum, will maintain its position against the blade tang. It is very much a sound lock and when put to the test, proves stronger than the heat treated lock on the Sebenza 21. All of our models with ceramic ball interfaces have varying degrees of lock flex so this is not abnormal, though the Sebenza 31 seems to be under extra scrutiny as it is the newest.


All that being said, we do take customer feedback seriously and appreciate you relaying your concerns. If you feel comfortable giving the knife a try, we would be happy to continue with your order. We do have a return policy, as long as you do not use the knife and contact us about a return within 2 weeks. If you would like to cancel the order, please let me know."
Click to expand...

Simply PR is all. What would expect them to say...? Buy or not to buy is the question and up to the individual, and CRK simply doesn’t care who doesn’t as they sell plenty to those who will buy.
 
I just heard about this for the first time so I pulled out the only crk I have left, an old pivot zaan to check. I was not able to induce it by hand but when I did it on the table it flexed a lot. I’ve put mine to good hard use and never had a single issue so this new revelation doesn’t mean much to me.
 
P2P said:
The expectation from the customer now has to change, which I think is the frustration felt by those who loved the previous iterations of the Sebenza. I think we were expecting a Sebenza in the feel. Will the 31 be an outstanding and reliable knife? Most likely. Will it carry the same vibe of exceptional lock-up feel? No. That’s something that some will get use to, I suppose.

Placing a knife on a table and pushing on the blade does nothing for me. However, holding a knife in my hand and feeling for blade play is a metric that any knife I carry must pass.

Side note: I’ve been following this thread closely. It has been mentioned a couple of times that some owners have been slightly loosening pivot or stop pin screws on the 31 to get the right action. I hope this is very few and far between. That would be 100% unacceptable to me. The pivot bushing system is supposed to take out variability in adjusting. Tighten it up, and go. For now, I feel relieved that I have two Seb 21’s to provide me with decades of reliable “Sebenza” feel.
Click to expand...

Bingo! I think you nailed it.
I've completely lost interest in the 31. Glad my other CRK folders do not have this issue regardless of what CRK may say (they seem to be rewriting history now). I wish CRK luck with the new direction they are taking the company but I will not be with them for the ride.
I appreciated everyone's comments. They were a huge help.
 
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