Is this not something CRK addresses through warranty? I've unfortunately had to use it one time, but came away extremely satisfied with their work.
It is something they will address, I’ve sent one of my knives in before and it came back with the same issues and I’m not willing to send the other one yet.
I think you need a fidget spinner so you can use your knives for cutting. Describing 30-60 minutes of fidgeting as minimal tells me you may be causing the screws to loosen.
Just send it back for the blade play.
30-60 minutes is the timeframe in which I would periodically pick it up and open and close it. I didn’t sit there for 30-60 minutes straight and open and close the knife like a lunatic lol. Even if I did do that the screws should not have loosened, none of my other CRK’s or knives for that matter do.
And thanks for your suggestion but I’m perfectly content fidgeting my knives and cutting with them when I need to.
@Hyesouljah,
i’m really bummed your beautiful 31’s are a bit jenky.
If there’s legitimate side to side play, IMO a trip to Boise is in order. Something between the bushing, washers, and stop pin is in need of tuning.
My S31 was a bit disappointing out of the box. As I said in a different thread, it was off center with washers of disparate thickness (I mic’d ‘em) with a horrible action. It was if someone got pulled away during final fitting, & the knife was boxed anyway. I elected to judiciously lap the washers down myself, with good results. (Still just a hair off center if I’m being anal about it). It’s not worth a CS trip at this point.
Prior to fixing the washers, the pivot wouldn’t stay tight. That problem is gone now that the washers fit better.
The S31 has a bit of lock bar flex IF I force it, but there’s no signs that it might slip or fail. It’s not an issue for me. There’s no lock stick.
I‘m very happy with my new L31. It’s very well executed. Solid lockup. No play in any direction. Almost, but not quite drop shut (as it should be when fresh). No lock stick. The hardware is staying tight. Centering was perfect out of the box. If I look at it super closely, it might be a micron off center now…or it could be my astigmatism. Seriously, it’s at that level of scrutiny.
With regards to other CRK experiences, I have a L21 thats not quite centered, even after a trip to Boise; they weren’t all perfect. My Umnumzaan’s both had lock stick until broken in…on my tanto in particular, it took a while to work its way out.
My experience with CRK customer service has been great. It’s one of the reasons I’m a fan, and willing to (occasionally) shell out serious $$$ to support them.
I am happy to hear your L31 is great and I agree with you, their customer service is the only reason I feel confident spending the money on them. For sure all of their different knives have some issues from time to time as do every knife from every brand but with CRK, you’ll know they will do their best to fix it. They fixed one of my Inkosi’s and 21s before.
I would have used some of that good customer service
The thing is, I just received my Inkosi back after having a warranty blade replacement done on it and after 3 times of sending it back and fourth. With my Damascus 31, I have sent it in twice for some of my aforementioned issues and I still have some of those issues. With my newest 31, I just want to enjoy it for now and honestly do not want to deal with having to send it in. As great as CRK’s customer service is, and I can vouch for how great it is, I just want to enjoy my knives and not have to send them in again. At least not for now.
I like 'em all. (Thankfully, my two new 31's don't exhibit any vertical or lateral play...that would be unacceptable.)
The "Regular" was a gift from my wife in 10/98 and is clearly the class of the field...but I have room in my heart for all of 'em.
(Disclaimer: I am no expert on CRKs or the nuances of the various offerings. I just know what I like and what I find acceptable.)
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I am glad your 31’s don’t have these issues and thank you for sharing your experience with them. You have a beautiful collection, thanks for sharing.
Blade play is either from the stop pin being too wide or the pivot bushing. I have 4 31's all have been good to me except for one concern with a pivot screw backing it self out. A new screw fixed this.
As for the screws I have only ever had a pivot screw back out on a 31, but have had a stop pin come loose constantly on a large Inkosi that has been rectified for the past two years by the addition of some 242. CRK would likely send you out a batch of new screws and pins.
It sometimes isn't all roses with the 21's either, for example my damascus re-bladed from CRK has lock slip (this could be due to age of the blade surface becoming more "polished" over the years as well, but the original S30V blade and the other S35 re-blade are perfect.). My P serial has lock stick which was common on a lot of them from what i have gathered. The 21 also has had a much longer life span to work out concerns than the current 31 has - but it doesn't excuse the fact knives are still leaving Boise with concerns.
Either way, I am sorry to hear about the concerns with your two knives - Id reach out to CRK and at least give them the chance to rectify the concerns.
You have two very beautiful knives, Sir.
Thank you sir, I’m not sure what the blade play is from, it’s honestly minor. I have no interest in sending my knife in for warranty at the moment but the reason why I’m reluctant to even try is because I’ve sent my Damascus 31 in twice already and the issues are still present.
Regardless I still love my knives and you will be seeing them often in my images
I have owned 3 31's and only one of them had the slightest up and down blade play, messing with my KnifeArt CF Large 31 right now and I can CRANK on the blade in any direction, zero play whatsoever. YMMV
Thank you for sharing your experience and I am glad you don’t have any issues with your knives sir.
