Sebenza washers, non OEM

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353

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Ok, so I live in scandinavia and had an idea of getting some spare washers for a small 21.

I tried to get CRK to send them to me and got a instant "No, sorry" with some additioanl story on how hard it is to hand fit these. I then asked if she could ask her superiors if their rules actually was that hard on us non US customers; shipping insured would be 50-100$ and the wait probably 2 months pluss and risking to loose the knife as well(sebenza 21, NOT easily replaced...).

Then got this:

" I spoke in detail with Tim Reeve about your specific situation to see if we could accommodate your request. He explained that as much as we would love to make an exception because we do realize the time and expense of sending your knife to us, we can't send out Sebenza washers without them being fit to the Sebenza. If they aren't fit properly, it can cause other issues to your knife, and this would ultimately result in your knife requiring service anyways."

Soooo while also telling me I'm too incompetent to take of a few micro mms of a washer they also between the lines politely told me INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE REMOVED

This has led me to try to hunt down some non OEM pb washers for a small 21.

So have anybody done this or heard of someone who did it? Or have a link to a thread where this has been resolved?

I'm posting this in both GKD and the CRK forum to try to get as much usefull help as possible.

Thanks
 
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Sounds like they're also saying, "despite our reputation for ultra-precision machining, our pivot bushings and washers actually aren't all that precise and need to be individually lapped because they're all different."

This is quite a bummer for you.

Personally, I've been incrementally polishing the washers on my large 31 because the factory fit was way too tight!

Sorry I can't help with a non-OEM solution. :(
 
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Two separate issues here. The first is the inconvenience experienced by overseas customers. I'd also be frustrated and seeking a local source for spare parts. Unfortunately, I have no answers for this.

The second issue has to do with precision. The bushings and washers are brought to their final dimensions precisely through the lapping process. CRK has never claimed otherwise. This is not to say that every Sebenza is perfect or even identical, but they do tend to be quite consistent.
 
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Modernflame said:
The second issue has to do with precision. The bushings and washers are brought to their final dimensions precisely through the lapping process. CRK has never claimed otherwise. This is not to say that every Sebenza is perfect or even identical, but they do tend to be quite consistent.
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Hey!! I can lap too!!

Not rocket science!
 
My understanding is that CRK will not send washers to ANYONE, period. As a longtime CRK owner, I cannot imagine why you would need "spare" washers. I'm sure they do not want someone to put in unfitted washers, and having the next guy think the product was sh@#t.If you have an issue, send in your knife.... Dissatisfaction with how people do business has started a lot of businesses.Start making aftermarket washers.
 
bart1 said:
My understanding is that CRK will not send washers to ANYONE, period. As a longtime CRK owner, I cannot imagine why you would need "spare" washers. I'm sure they do not want someone to put in unfitted washers, and having the next guy think the product was sh@#t.If you have an issue, send in your knife.... Dissatisfaction with how people do business has started a lot of businesses.Start making aftermarket washers.
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I'm trying to get non OEM washers and let everyone know where I got them, that's my goal here.
 
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I just thought I’d share my story on fitment. I bought a large 21 with ladder Damascus and spalted beech. Action was stiff in arrival as the knife was 4 years old at the time, almost 5. I cleaned it up and applied grease and realized there was play. Upon measuring the bushing, blade and washers I realized the bushing was too big. I took it down maybe one or two swipes on a 1500 grit stone. Checked fit. A bit more. I’m actually glad they didn’t fit it well, I was able to take my time and get the action perfect with no blade play.
 
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look for phosphorus bronze pivot washers. Just measure the ones you have now if you have them and find ones you can fit.
 
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it’s a bummer the cost of shipping, time and risk. I’d also resist sending it in.

I can understand why they don’t send washers. While you sound quite capable of fitting them yourself, I don’t think the majority of owners could and I can imagine the problems that would cause CRK. I think their policy is aimed at doing the most good for most customers. It is definitely inconvenient for you.

I have never heard of anyone getting aftermarket washers so I am no help. Best of luck
 
While I have no issues with CRK's policies, the issue with the washers is way overrated in my opinion.
 
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OP perhaps you could just by a quality Scandinavian knife since the real problem you are having seems to be a sense of entitlement as a non-American. CRK has a policy that is clearly stated and equal across the board, however you seem too think that because you live in a different county you get different privileges.you are wrong.You don’t like the rules don’t buy the knife. You bought the knife because it is a quality USA made knife so you get to live with the quality USA made rules just like everyone else.

Like lapping, its not rocket science. Speaking of lapping, Hinderer won’t send you a pivot for this same reason but I don’t suggest going to that tread next…

If this seems harsh please keep in mind it’s much more friendly then the response I deleted in your first thread whining about this.
 
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Dear CHNeal, although I am also a non-American and not living (anymore) in the USA, I agree with your opinion that CRK of course should follow their own rules. Especially as it has allowed them to consistently manufacture and sell very high-quality knives. On top of that, by keeping their production in the USA they keep jobs in the country, which is something that we should applaud. There are many companies (in the USA, but also in European countries) that have moved production/jobs to countries with lower labor costs and CRK could do the same if they wanted to.

Having said that, your tone seems to be a bit harsh to me. Not knowing the OP, who is used to communicating in a different culture and is probably not writing in his native language, nuances might come across differently from intended. Personally, I think I understand why CRK does not want to do this and I expect that most owners of a sebenza will never ever need new washers, but who am I to judge his quest?
 
CHNeal said:
OP perhaps you could just by a quality Scandinavian knife since the real problem you are having seems to be a sense of entitlement as a non-American.
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If they made a nicer knife then the sebbie in EU, of course I would.

CHNeal said:
however you seem too think that because you live in a different county you get different privileges.you are wrong.
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Benchmade sent me omega springs, from what I understand US customers has to send the knife in for that?

CHNeal said:
You don’t like the rules don’t buy the knife.
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Don't tell me what to buy.

CHNeal said:
Hinderer won’t send you a pivot for this same reason but I don’t suggest going to that tread next…
Click to expand...

I wouldn't pay more thasn 50$ for a Hinderer, in fact not even that, they are not for me.

CHNeal said:
If this seems harsh please keep in mind it’s much more friendly then the response I deleted in your first thread whining about this.
Click to expand...

Oh, you are sooo scaaaary! 🤣 And stop whining...
 
You would've known CRK doesn't send Sebenza washers out to anyone anywhere if you did a bit research before you bought it and CRK isn't the only company who won't mail you every knife part Benchmade won't mail female end pivots. We Canadians are in the same boat with expense shipping costs and possible border seizures.

Do you live near a CRK dealer? Did you buy yours from a CRK dealer? Tell them your CRK had a warranty probably and ask them if CRK can mail your knife back to their store. you can disassemble the knife to mail it in a smaller package and save a bit of money. There's still a chance of seizure when it comes back but it's less likely.
 
Send it in for 2 sets of washers to be fitted. Make it 3 sets if your think you might pinch a washer.

Yes it will cost money and take time. In the end you will be set for the rest of your life and have this inconvenience behind you.
 
They will only allow you to get one extra set at a time. I recently sent one in, as I had pinched a washer. I wanted to order multiple sets as it's a knife with great sentimental value, and I didn't want to risk shipping it more than absolutely necessary. They allowed me to order one replacement set for inside, plus one spare set. I had tried to order more, but they said it was against their policy. Probably due to people ordering multiple sets and then attempting to alter them. But I don't know for sure.
 
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Ok, a new set and one replacement. That’s 2 new sets in my book. That should still get you through the rest of your days.
 
Most everything was aptly covered in this thread and elsewhere (I think this was posted twice?); but another perspective is that CRK should and is likely pretty protective of their OEM parts and the end user.

I think it is wise to require that bushings and washers be fit so that there aren't reports floating on the interwebs about poor action/etc; not saying the OP would fall into this issue, but all it takes is one ham-handed end user screwing something up and CRK has unnecessary PR to deal with.
 
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