Sebenza 31 question

Chris Bruce said:
Hey guys, so I am currently debating on ordering a Chris Reeves Knives small sebenza 31 and was curious if the lock rock issues is still a problem. I have knives that are liner locks that have no play and would see this as a major issue considering it is a 375+ dollar knife. Has this issue been fixed or is it still prevalent in the knife today with the later runs?
Thanks, Chris
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The "lock rock" on the 31 is actually lockbar flex from the nature of the ceramic ball interface, not lock rock. They still lock up stong as can be and if you're not chopping with the spine you have nothing to worry about. Mine is a more recently built one but someone else on here had stated their new one flexes considerably less than the one they had from the early run.
 
My large 31 was born on August 25, 2020. I've had it for almost 3 weeks and absolutely love it, no play at all. I've watched all of the YouTube videos and read every forum I can find on lock rock, it has to be one of the most overblown issues ever. By far the most expensive knife I've ever bought and I have no regrets.
 
The 31s are safe and CREWK will stand behind them if you somehow get a lemon, but having handled both IMO it's not even close, 21 > 31.
 
I did not know this! This may affect my desire to get one.

I want the sebenza to be as solid as my large 21.
 
Watch Eugene Kwon’s video review on YouTube. Most prefer the 21 because they’re purists. CRK make great designs that people don’t want changed, making any change is frowned upon. If you’re new to CRK, you’ll like the changes. I do.

the ceramic ball interface has been used for over ten years. It’s used in the Umnumzaan and Inkosi with no issues. The lockbar flex is present on my 31, but insignificant as it requires pushing down in the spine of the blade in the locked position - the lockbar slightly flexes, but returns to normal as soon as the pressure is relieved. This is also present in the Umnumzaan and it is not lock-rock.
 
I have to say, it doesn't bother me in the least on my Inkosi. It is a complete non-issue for my needs.

I will say it has never failed or even given me a moment's pause. I've had way more issues with my ZTs than my CRK.

Would I like to have a PJ 21? Of course. It's an iconic folder and has over 2 decades of a fine track record. Am I going to wail and gnash my teeth because the 31 has taken its place? Nope. Im hoping to pick one up from Spark's shop first part of the year as they start showing up in greater numbers.
 
A large micarta Inkosi is hands down my favorite work knife. I don’t use any caution while using them with the ceramic ball lockup. I do think the 21 is the iconic CRK tho
 
Chris Bruce said:
They redesigned the lock to use a ball instead of a flat surface and it has been a consistent problem throughout their production. A cylindrical surface is not designed to mesh correctly with a flat surface which creates the issue of lock bar issues and lock rock. It has been an issue on other models such as the Inkosi that Chris Reeve makes. Instead of using the detent ball they could have put a ceramic insert that was flat or used a steel lock bar insert to solve the issue of titanium on steel. Personally I love the company and the design but I am so wary of buying on at all now.
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I think what XL883N was getting at was most, if not all, CRK's flex at least a little when pressure is applied to the spine. I know my three 21's and both Inkosi's flex a little when set on a table and pressure is applied to the spine.
 
ruddyduck said:
I think what XL883N was getting at was most, if not all, CRK's flex at least a little when pressure is applied to the spine. I know my three 21's and both Inkosi's flex a little when set on a table and pressure is applied to the spine.
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Why would anyone do this and what is the purpose? It does not affect the normal, day-to-day functionality of the knife in any way. It's nitpicking for nitpicking's sake.
 
Alsharif said:
Why would anyone do this and what is the purpose? It does not affect the normal, day-to-day functionality of the knife in any way. It's nitpicking for nitpicking's sake.
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I just got curious when the whole Sebenza 31 lock rock debate started, so decided to check my 21s and Inkosis to see if they had any flex. They do flex a little, as do most of my other folders. It doesn't bother me since I'm not afraid of lock failure on any of my knives.
 
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