Sebenza questions. Opening and closing. Sharpening?

jazzandmetal

jazzandmetal

Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Messages
239
I have a brand new Small 21 I got today and it is killing my thumb. I watched the one tutorial on youtube and am trying to use the side of the stud. But it seems or maybe it is my imagination that the large in the vid is easier to open because it is bigger and has more grip. My natural inclination is to put my first finger on the frame, but on the small I am having issues finding anywhere else to put it. CLosing it is hit and miss too because sometimes my fingers are on the tip of the clip.

How long is the break in period generally that I have heard of? This is now my only folder as besides MY issues it is pretty much perfect.

Also, can any damage be done by putting pressure on the blade in just the one direction while I am learning this? Such as the frame lock bending the other way or am I over thinking things?

Forgot to also ask, I have the sharp maker and the fine stones. What angle is best. CRK says 18-20 is what the do on each side so the 40 must be the way to go, but I have heard some people say that s30v is a great performer at 30 inclusive as well.

Thanks for any help guys.
 
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You are probably pressing on the lockbar with your finger(/S)... You kinda have to hold it with your digits on the clip... I usually only put pressure on the handle at the base of the clip near the screw.
 
whenever i have received a new sebenza, the first thing i typically do is dissasemble it.

i remove all the gunk and grease from the washers and scales, then reassemble with a bit of grease and/or a bit of oil. this has always made the action on mine much smoother.
 
Also, how hard should the lock be to disengage.....as in how hard to push. I don't want to damage anything.

I am also fairly new to knives. Started with some Benchmades a few months ago and saw this on some youtube vids and fell in love.
 
The Sebenza will feel a little tough if you're new to knives. You just have to develop a thumb callous. You don't need to try to flick them open fast or close it fast. Just take your time and take out the knife and use it when you need to. The speed will come later, though it's not really necessary. Just use it like a tool.
 
Yeah, they take a little getting use to the first time, I don't push down
on the tip of the thumb stud, just from the side.
There's a break in process both for the knife and your thumb:)
 
It will go away in a few days as it breaks in and your thumb :thumbup: adapts. Keep "playing" with it and it will loosen in a few weeks time.
Just sent mine in a few weeks ago for sharpening and a dual lug upgrade. It came back a bit "tight," but it's much smoother now.
If it doesn't change, you might want to send it to me and I will make sure it's working properly. :)
 
it does hurt when you first get the sebenza.
this is my thumb after i got my sebenza, dont worry it callused over since then :D ;)
photo-3.jpg



:eek:
 
Opening:

With the back of the knife resting on my palm, and my index finger on the tip of the clip, I push the thumblug forward, not out away from the handle.

Closing:

While your Sebenza is new, it may "stick" a bit. You can scribble on the lockface with a pencil, so the graphite lubricates this contact point.

With the lock upwards, push slowly on the lockbar with your thumb, just far enough to release the lock from the tang. Then your index finger, or your other hand, can move the blade to block the lock open, and you can continue to close it.

Sharpening:

CRK puts a slightly convex secondary bevel on the blade and recommends the 40 degree setting to retain a robust edge. Being thorough with the Sharpmaker, you will get a good cutting edge. Once you get that, you can use the 30 degree setting to round off the shoulders -- that is, the transition between the primary and secondary bevel.
 
gundude73 said:
it does hurt when you first get the sebenza.
this is my thumb after i got my sebenza, dont worry it callused over since then :D ;)
photo-3.jpg



:eek:
Click to expand...

Yikes!!

Esav Benyamin said:
Opening:

With the back of the knife resting on my palm, and my index finger on the tip of the clip, I push the thumblug forward, not out away from the handle.

Closing:

While your Sebenza is new, it may "stick" a bit. You can scribble on the lockface with a pencil, so the graphite lubricates this contact point.

With the lock upwards, push slowly on the lockbar with your thumb, just far enough to release the lock from the tang. Then your index finger, or your other hand, can move the blade to block the lock open, and you can continue to close it.

Sharpening:

CRK puts a slightly convex secondary bevel on the blade and recommends the 40 degree setting to retain a robust edge. Being thorough with the Sharpmaker, you will get a good cutting edge. Once you get that, you can use the 30 degree setting to round off the shoulders -- that is, the transition between the primary and secondary bevel.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips! Would you go with only the white stones and then the extra fine? What about stropping? I want this to be maintained in the best manner I can keep it.
 
jazzandmetal said:
Would you go with only the white stones and then the extra fine? What about stropping? I want this to be maintained in the best manner I can keep it.
Click to expand...

I've used my Sebenzas to the point I needed the coarse stones at first, but usually, I just touch them up on the fine. I don't have extra-fine.

Stropping is always good, and if you just strop when the blade first loses it's edge, you'll bring it right back. It probably replaces extra-fine stones completely.
 
I have a large seb and have zero problems opening or closing mine. Guess I already had the muscle memory for it? I have used knives for a very long time so maybe that has something to do with it.

Id also suggest taking her apart and relubing. It usually helps a lot.
 
jazzandmetal,

I am still not used to mine after a month or 2. But in fairness I don't carry it a lot either.
I don't think I could ever open it as quick as an Axis lock (if I were in a hurry).
 
archieblue said:
You are probably pressing on the lockbar with your finger(/S)... You kinda have to hold it with your digits on the clip... I usually only put pressure on the handle at the base of the clip near the screw.
Click to expand...

Yes. Same thing was happening to me when I first got my small 21. Because of the small size, and small grip area, I was pushing against the lockbar when opening. Do what Archman says. Adjust your grip so you are not pushing on the top area of the lockbar.
 
Adamar said:
Yes. Same thing was happening to me when I first got my small 21. Because of the small size, and small grip area, I was pushing against the lockbar when opening. Do what Archman says. Adjust your grip so you are not pushing on the top area of the lockbar.
Click to expand...

I adjusted and everything is fine now.

Could I have caused any damage opening while pressing on the lockbar?
 
Unless you were hitting it with a hammer, it's fine. The Sebenza is going to outlive your children
 
The knife was made to be used, I am sure you caused no damage to it. If anything ever happens to it give Chris Reeve Knives a call, they will take care of you.
 
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