Review Sebenza 31

[Hyesouljah]

I charge by the hour for fidget/break-in services D DMG

 

[MrStabby7]

To start, I am a big CRK fan, still am, and always will be. I have more CRKs than anything else in my collection. I still believe they’re the best in the industry and they have the best customer service that I’ve experienced by far. The following is my personal experience with two of my Sebenza 31s and probably (hopefully) does not reflect all Sebenza 31s.

I now own two Sebenza 31s, both Unique Graphics. One is a Damascus blade, and the other is a polished blade.

Here are my major issues with the 31:

The first is lateral blade play. Both my 31s have side-to-side play.

The second, all the screws back out without lock thread, and the included purple lock thread isn’t enough to hold it.

The third is lock stick. No matter what, there is always a tiny pop of lock stick on both my 31s.
I purchased another large 31 that I gifted to my cousin, and it’s the same story on that one as well.

The fourth Is lateral play on the pocket clip. (slowly seems to be going away however)

With my polished blade 31, I carry and fidget it more often since it’s not Damascus. No matter how tight I would screw it down, all of the screws would eventually back out after just a little while of opening and closing the knife, and I mean all of the screws.
I slow roll my CRKs and rarely flick them, especially my Sebenza’s. I tried putting the included purple loctite on all the screws on my 31s and let it cure for two days, and after 30-1hr of periodically fidgeting it open and close all of the screws backed out.

I decided to blue Loctite all of the screws, and I really tightened everything down and let it cure for four days, and so far, nothing has backed out.

Even with blue Loctite and tightening everything down well, I still get lateral blade play. You can feel it if you muscle it side to side with the blade locked, and when you disengage and move it side to side, you feel it much more. Bottom line, the amount of play in my knife is more of a nitpick but it’s still something that’s present in a knife that’s supposed to be an upgrade from the 21, which doesn’t have these issues.

My 21s won’t move at all no matter how hard you muscle it; bank vault lock up as advertised. Not the 31’s, sadly.

Honestly, these UG Sebenza’s are not cheap. So it’s disappointing that these knives have these issues. I haven’t contacted CRK about it because I don’t think anything can be done.

My two UG’s are incredibly unique, and I love them both, and they both have a forever home in my collection, and I will continue to enjoy them. Still, I’m disappointed to view the change from the Sebenza 21 to the Sebenza 31 as a downgrade. Why fix something that wasn’t broken?

I have two Sebenza 21s that are each seven years old, and I’ve carried and used them for seven years. They both don’t require any Loctite; you screw it down and forget about it. They both have a bank vault lockup that CRK advertises, no up and down or side-to-side play, they don’t have any lock stick whatsoever, and the pocket clips are nice and sturdy on both.

I’ve been talking to a lot of my friends and members of the community, and the general census I’ve gathered is that all of their 31s have the same issues for the most part.

I’m an enthusiast, and this thread isn’t about complaining or talking down on CRK; it’s more just expressing my thoughts on what was to be an upgrade in the Sebenza 31, but it unfortunately isn’t, and I plan to share my thoughts with CRK as that’s what I’d want from my customers if I were in their position.

I don’t want to see any CRK slander in this thread; please, constructive criticism only.

I’d like to see these issues fixed. I know the Sebenza 21 will never be brought back; they’ve invested too much into the 31, but I’d like to see another evolution on the Sebenza, one that doesn’t have these issues.

Until then, this will sadly be the last Sebenza 31 I purchase.

Edited to add:
The one thing I have not considered yet is that maybe my knife needs to be broken in still and the ceramic ball needs to find a home in the lock face and that might help the blade play go away but I won’t know until I’ve carried and used it more. This is just a speculation on my part.

If you own a Sebenza 31, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

I've had two Sebenza 31s. I haven't had any issues with screws backing out.

One of my 31s had tight bank vault lockup when I got it but it was also really really stiff. Now that I've carried it alot it isn't nearly as stiff but you can tell there is a tiny bit of side to side blade play. It seems like you either get one or the other.

I'm also a giant fan of CRK so I don't wanna bash them too much but I think the quality has slipped a little. One of my CRKs was suppose to be glass blasted and wasn't. The blade centering was also noticably off and the blade shape was not right. I think some one was a little to gererous sharpening it. You could tell it had lost some steel when I got it. I ended up sending that knife back for all of those reasons and CRK fixed everything and gave me a new blade no questions asked. They have excellent excellent customer service and are still my favorite knife company.

 

[MrStabby7]

I’ve had 2 31’s - neither had as solid a lock up as my Inkosi or 25. My 21’s are still preferred over the 31. I have a 31 now that seems solid, zero play up or down. I do remember reading somewhere the 31 had “play” incorporated into the design ( or that’s the excuse PR wrote ). I have a feeling some of the issues you are experiencing will work itself out with carry and use, mine did. I was a little pissed off about the slight play in the lock up on new 31’s though - why go backwards? The 21 is basically perfect and in my opinion the Inkosi is perfect.

The Inkosi is the best knife CRK makes in my opinion. Its just so solid.

 

[Capt. Carl]

Deleted

 

[DMG]

I charge by the hour for fidget/break-in services D DMG

Wouldnt be tbe worst money i have spent on this hobby.

 

[Knives&Lint]

Count me as another fortunate soul who has been pleased with his 31 Large. Mine is rock solid, and for reference I have owned an Inkosi, Zaan, and 21. I bought mine when it was a fairly new release; and have ano'd and stonewashed it twice, used it camping, used it renovating properties, etc.; with nary a problem. I've It seems as if the small 31's are much more prone to these issues, though this thread is proof that it has happened with large as well. There was a thread a while back about the lock rock in an extreme test of such, and another member posted his Inkosi doing the same.

That being said, in no way do I discount the negative experiences that others have had, and any side to side play on a Sebenza is absolutely inexcusable and unacceptable. Frankly, I'd go as far as to say that a knife with side to side play is not a CRK as far as I'm concerned.

Now, do I wish my PJ 31 was a PJ 21? Sure, but I made the conscious decision to go with the 31 rather than tracking down another 21 was because I was particularly looking for I knife that could travel with me in my checked luggage without being irreplaceable. Luckily it worked out well for me. Furthermore, do I wish the elder Reeve was still in charge? Again, sure, but as opposed to what? I'd much rather his son take the reins than seeing production halted forever or the company being sold to a conglomerate or the likes.

 

[Ajack60]

I’ve got three 31’s, one plane Jane insigno with magnacut and two micarta inlays with boomerang Damascus. The natural micarta inlay, I’ve never used. The Insigno and black micarta I’ve used. Either I don’t have any issues with them as mentioned or I haven’t noticed any issues with them.
I forgot to mention that mine are left handed, it’s about time that us lefty’s are finally being treated better with knives that are superiorly built with no issues

 

[Hyesouljah]

Count me as another fortunate soul who has been pleased with his 31 Large. Mine is rock solid, and for reference I have owned an Inkosi, Zaan, and 21. I bought mine when it was a fairly new release; and have ano'd and stonewashed it twice, used it camping, used it renovating properties, etc.; with nary a problem. I've It seems as if the small 31's are much more prone to these issues, though this thread is proof that it has happened with large as well. There was a thread a while back about the lock rock in an extreme test of such, and another member posted his Inkosi doing the same.

That being said, in no way do I discount the negative experiences that others have had, and any side to side play on a Sebenza is absolutely inexcusable and unacceptable. Frankly, I'd go as far as to say that a knife with side to side play is not a CRK as far as I'm concerned.

Now, do I wish my PJ 31 was a PJ 21? Sure, but I made the conscious decision to go with the 31 rather than tracking down another 21 was because I was particularly looking for I knife that could travel with me in my checked luggage without being irreplaceable. Luckily it worked out well for me. Furthermore, do I wish the elder Reeve was still in charge. Again, sure, but as opposed to what? I'd much rather his son take the reins than seeing production halted forever or the company being sold to a conglomerate or the likes.

I'll be the one to say that Tim Reeve is absolutely ROCK SOLID and that CRK is in GREAT hands once Anne Reeve retires. Tim is not only devoted to the company his father built but he is an avid knife enthusiast himself and the man was practically born into his role in the company. I mean he called me on three different occasions and I spoke to him for about 10-15 minutes each about my inkosi that I had sent it for warranty issues, THAT'S customer service! Who else does that?...

I love CRK but I'm a knife enthusiast and I think conversations like the one we're having in this thread are healthy as long as it doesn't turn into a shit fest which I would shut it down immediately if it did. Like I said, I'm disappointed personally with my experience with the Sebenza 31 but I still absolutely love CRKs.

I've met Tim Reeve in person and had nothing but great conversations with him as well but I never want to reach a point where I wouldn't want to have an honest conversation about knives like we are now. Take Daniel Osbourne for example from Oz Machine Company. He has taken every constructive criticism about his Roosevelt knife and turned it into a better product.

I think where a company stands to differentiate from others is when they take the time to listen to their customers.

 

[Ajack60]

I'll be the one to say that Tim Reeve is absolutely ROCK SOLID and that CRK is in GREAT hands once Anne Reeve retires. Tim is not only devoted to the company his father built but he is an avid knife enthusiast himself and the man was practically born into his role in the company. I mean he called me on three different occasions and I spoke to him for about 10-15 minutes each about my inkosi that I had sent it for warranty issues, THAT'S customer service! Who else does that?...

I love CRK but I'm a knife enthusiast and I think conversations like the one we're having in this thread are healthy as long as it doesn't turn into a shit fest which I would shut it down immediately if it did. Like I said, I'm disappointed personally with my experience with the Sebenza 31 but I still absolutely love CRKs.

I've met Tim Reeve in person and had nothing but great conversations with him as well but I never want to reach a point where I wouldn't want to have an honest conversation about knives like we are now. Take Daniel Osbourne for example from Oz Machine Company. He has taken every constructive criticism about his Roosevelt knife and turned it into a better product.

I think where a company stands to differentiate from others is when they take the time to listen to their customers.

It really bothers me that the two 31’s you have, have issues, it pains me to see threads like this one. This is a hobby for most and should be fun and enjoyable. With that said, I’m willing to take one for the team. I’ll take those two disappointments off your hands and bear the burden for you. No need to thank me, I’m just doing my due diligence to see another enthusiast happy. Shoot me a PM for the details.

 

[Murphjd25]

I’ve got a good 31, but like my two 21’s a lot better!

 

[Hyesouljah]

It really bothers me that the two 31’s you have, have issues, it pains me to see threads like this one. This is a hobby for most and should be fun and enjoyable. With that said, I’m willing to take one for the team. I’ll take those two disappointments off your hands and bear the burden for you. No need to thank me, I’m just doing my due diligence to see another enthusiast happy. Shoot me a PM for the details.

You know, I’d really hate to burden you or others with these clear lemons. I’ll hold onto them out of pure thoughtfulness alone

 

[ricklikesknives]

My CRK sample size is not as expansive as many members' here (2 Lg 21s, Sm 31, Inkosi Insingo, Umnumzaan) but I feel like it's large enough to give me a pretty solid grasp on the company and what a CRK knife should or shouldn't be. There should be no blade play (especially side-to-side play) in in a CRK, imo.. all of mine are rock-solid in this regard. If I ever got a CRK with side-to-side blade play, I would keep addressing it with them until they made it right. For the money, and for all the talk of "the tolerances," there is no excuse for side-to-side play. CRK seems to hold themselves to a high standard as a company, I think they'd welcome the opportunity to see that a customer is ulitmately pleased with their knife.

My Sm 31 specifically - it was a little stiff at first, but has broken in nicely and is now very smooth. I do recall some screws coming loose at first.. I think one of body screws.. and the pivot worked loose a couple times.. a dab of blue locktite remedied this and it hasn't been an issue since. My 31 does exhibit the lockbar flex that many claim is "blade play".. i can force minor perceptible blade movement when I apply undue presure on the spine of the blade. Fortunately though, I cut with my knife's edge and the 31's lockbar has proven to be perfectly solid & safe during any and all cutting tasks. There is no side-to-side play whatsoever; it is extremely solid in this regard. My knife's pocket clip will fall onto the lock bar when the knife is open if i torque the clip just so during use.. it's never really bothered me, just a data point because I have heard others mention this as well.

All said, yes I do prefer the 21 design.. but if i'm being honest, my Sm 31 gets carried a lot more than either of my 21s (although i do have my KSF exclusive red linen micarta Lg 21 in my pocket right now as I type this haha). It's still a great little knife.

 

[pholder]

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.

60 minutes of fidgeting and you have a screw loose

 

[tomsch]

My main CRKs are both large and small 21s which I'll keep until I pass them on to my kids. I bought two Inkosis that were both perfect. I gave the first one to my son-in-law and he unfortunately lost it. He was so heartbroken that I ended up giving him the other one. Both of them were flawless and it makes me still on the lookout for one in Magnacut. Will likely not search for a 31 given that I already have my trusty 21.

 

[Hyesouljah]

My main CRKs are both large and small 21s which I'll keep until I pass them on to my kids. I bought two Inkosis that were both perfect. I gave the first one to my son-in-law and he unfortunately lost it. He was so heartbroken that I ended up giving him the other one. Both of them were flawless and it makes me still on the lookout for one in Magnacut. Will likely not search for a 31 given that I already have my trusty 21.

All of my CRK's will be heirlooms God willing

 

[rexromic]

Regular,21,31,Inkosi,Zaan,all my CRK have zero issues with anything.Rock solid in every aspect.Cheers!