Sebenza 31

RAU said:
Thanks for the info everyone . As for the warranty Chris reeve actually says this blade movement is a “feature” and they’re in spec. I have an email from them from last week saying

“The lock flex in our Sebenza knives is very minor and not noticeable at all. Our Sebenza's have a very secure lockup”

I’m sure it’s secure and would never fail but my gosh from a $500 folding knife I expect more.
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Chris Reeve is gone so it's not really him saying that.

It's someone in the company trying to use clinical language (poorly) to clarify a physical aspect of the knife. The "movement" is not the feature, the feature is the ceramic ball.
 
RAU said:
Thanks for the info everyone . As for the warranty Chris reeve actually says this blade movement is a “feature” and they’re in spec. I have an email from them from last week saying

“The lock flex in our Sebenza knives is very minor and not noticeable at all. Our Sebenza's have a very secure lockup”

I’m sure it’s secure and would never fail but my gosh from a $500 folding knife I expect more.
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You really should put one in your hands. I bet you'll change your mind. If you still dont like it you can put it on the exchange and get your money back. I have several and can assure you the blade play problem or whatever is not an issue.
 
MrStabby7 said:
You really should put one in your hands. I bet you'll change your mind. If you still dont like you can put it on the exchange and get your money back. I have several and can assure you the blade play problem or whatever is not an issue.
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This is the correct answer! You will love it!
 
Jake Hoback
Spartan SFH
Medford
CKF
Shirogorov
Hinderer
These are the ones I have in the price range you mentioned. Are they comparable to a CRK, not really, but with all the negative things you’ve read and the grossness you mentioned, you’d probably be so disappointed that you’d never ask for opinions here again.
 
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A lot of knives today approach Sebenzas in fit and finish, but the original 21 still stands out for me in its elegant simplicity of design and level of execution.
 
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Ajack60 said:
Jake Hoback
Spartan SFH
Medford
CKF
Shirogorov
Hinderer
These are the ones I have in the price range you mentioned. Are they comparable to a CRK, not really, but with all the negative things you’ve read and the grossness you mentioned, you’d probably be so disappointed that you’d never ask for opinions here again.
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Geez I just said I was gonna buy 1 and see.

Not all the negative things I’ve read online only 1 thing over and over and over. The lock flexes and blade moves on a $500 pocket knife thats sold as having bank vault lock up. That’s pretty gross. And calling this blade movement a feature is really gross. I worry we’re buying these for what they were.

I really believe $500 should buy a flawless pocket knife.

I’m gonna take a shot tho and report back august 3
 
My large 31 is an earlier model and flawless. It had the tiniest bit of flex at the beginning, which went away as the knife broke in. Didn't take long to achieve the bank vault lock up. All the other reasons mentioned above are great too. If you look hard enough, you can find a dissatisfied vocal minority on any product. Glocks, Sigs, CRK, there's always going to be a relatively small number of imperfect samples that take over the internet.
 
Another GO for the Sebenza. I have an inkosi in s35vn and a small seb 31 and the blade movement problem is definitely overblown. Those knives do have a bank vault lock and CRK support team is very helpful and responsive.
 
I’ve had a few Sebenzas both 21’s and 31’s. All good, specially my Small 31. Solid as a rock. Sold em all because they take forever to break in and that nasty thumb stud. Also had 2 iMambas. While it was a gorgeous looking knife the ergos weren’t perfect for me. Plus for the price I wanted premium steel not AEB-L. I recently bought a Knife Joy Spyderco Slysz Bowie. For me, it’s the perfect knife. I actually think it’s better than the Sebenza! The action and ergos are sublime. Feels like a fixed blade when locked open. M390 steel, killer looks, high flat grind, thin pocket profile, just perfect.
 
I've got a couple 31's, they're good people. I've only come across a few of them, but never felt any lock flex on any of the CRKs. The thing that I don't get is the Umnumzaan and the Inkosi both have the ceramic ball lockface as well, but nobody ever talks about those slipping. I personally think it's maybe more just a case of people just not liking change in any trusted product that's been around a long time. It really doesn't matter what it is, there will always be people that are diehard old version fans, even if it's a sponge or toothpaste.
 
I cannot remember the year that the blade movement feature was added. Plenty of folks here probably do. Just look for one built before that happened. Mine is so old it is S30V, oh the horror. Locks tight and wouldn't dare move. Unless you need a big honking knife, get a small one.
 
I got one 31 and it's fine. I did push kinda hard but not with all my weight and force on it once, and didn't see it move......maybe that was the problem. I just didn't try hard enough?

cutting with it I've seen no movement......
 
I don't have a 31, but I will say this, not once have I ever regretted buying my Sebenza 25. It's perfect.
 
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