Sebenza Lock Bar Tension

N

NAN

Joined
Mar 29, 1999
Messages
129
I just purchased a new small Sebenza classic. I really, really like it. Great craftsmanship and well worth the money. As usual with a new knife I can't keep it out of my hands; opening and closing it every change I get. One aspect is bothering me. The lock bar seems unusually hard to release once the blade is open. The tension seems a little to hard, and is quite difficult to release with one hand, ie with your thumb. Is this a common problem with Sebenzas? Is this how it is meant to be? Can I safely adjust this? Thank you.

-NAN-
 
Does it feel like the bar is sticking? Or does it just seem like there is a lot of tension? Also, how far does the lock bar travel when locked? It should be somewhere between 1/2 to 3/4 of the way.
 
I would say that the lock bar travels about 50% of the way. There seems to be some sticking but the strength of the tension still seems to be the culprit.
 
Try removing the pocket clip. You should see a noticeable difference in tension. If you think that doing this helps (and you want to keep the clip on) then try bending the clip slightly outwards so it isn't pushing on the bar as much, then put it back on.
 
Removed the pocket clip. It made a marginal difference, but I played with the lock bar itself and it has removed some of the tension. One handed closing is still a little difficult but I have now resorted to closing it with two hands. Thanks for the help.
 
NAN said:
Removed the pocket clip. It made a marginal difference, but I played with the lock bar itself and it has removed some of the tension. One handed closing is still a little difficult but I have now resorted to closing it with two hands. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

I think its normal in not time you'll develop a sebenza finger that will make every opening closing butter smooth.
 
You can also try rubbing abit of pencil lead (HB to #2) on the lock ramp face where the titanium engages the blade to lock it. This will provide marginal lubricity to assist unlocking. DO NOT use any knife lube, just the graphite from the pencil lead is all you need. Hoping this helps.
 
I have owned six Sebenza knives, all were very stiff and sticky when new.

I used the Sebenza special grease on the locking bar and blade surface to smooth out somewhat. You can also press down hard on the locking bar to wear in a smooth groove in the blade surface (with the ceramic ball) this will smooth out the opening swing travel.

If the spring tension is too strong,,,,and most are,,,,I carefully push the locking bar outward,,,away from the knife frame,,,,,this is done many times gradually increasing the distance,,,,,this will reduce the force and make the knife very smooth and easy to open.

Never,,,,,never flick open the knife,,,,it will beat up the locking surfaces and cause problems eventually.

Regards,
FK
 
It’s been a little over two weeks now since I received by Sebenza and the lock bar is gradually getting better. One hand closing is now a lot easier. I think it is a combination of letting the knife wear in, and also developing the right technique. Regardless, this knife is of top, top quality and had not left my pocket since I got it. So far it has only done menial, office jobs; opening letters, boxes, cutting the occasional orange, etc. I can't wait to get this baby out in the field and see how it performs with some real tasks.
 
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