Servicing your CRK's...What do you do?

3migo

3migo

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Feb 23, 2013
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So I am still relatively new to CRK's, I got my first back in may...and now own 4 :rolleyes: . But I've noticed it's about time to service my Sebenza and my Mnandi, but I have a few questions. I read the Sebenza maintenance guide here on the forum, but my main question for the Sebbie, is if it is absolutely necessary to use CRK grease? I have some Tuf-glide that I use on all my other knives, and I am wondering if it would be alright to use. If not, I can easily order some grease.

My second question, how do I go about servicing my Mnandi? Just remove the pivot screw, then slide out the blade? Or is there another process I should follow?

Thanks everyone!
 
I normally just squirt some oil in the pivot and detent. Clean dust off with a q tip. I don't like to disassemble
 
dis assembly is really easy on both. Just take your time and put parts in order you took them out. That's why they give you the tools :)
 
Tuff glide is a great protectant but I wouldn't consider it a lubricant for something like a blade pivot.
You don't "need" to use CRK grease but it does do very well and makes the intervals between maintenance quite long.
Just yesterday I took my Insingo apart and used Quick Release, it's the first time I've used something other than the CRK flourinated grease in the years that I've been a CRK freak. Since its thinner and much less viscous the action of the knife is axis lock smooth, I like it, but will use the grease when this wears out as I believe that it'll need less touch ups and maintenance, and will make the parts last longer as there's less chance of unlubricated contact between parts- we all no how rough that can get ;D
 
I work in fire scenes, ALOT. I disassemble as soon as the action starts to feel super gummy, about every two to three months. I clean everything off, re-lube, and then reassemble. On my non-fire edc, a little oil every once in a blue moon, and it is good to go.
 
First of all, I have no problem taking my CRK knives apart. I can get them really clean and lubed up, and since they include the tool I take that as encouragement to do it:thumbup:
However, a few things that I have learned:
-Lay down a towel on your work surface to keep the parts together, and have an organized way to arrange the pieces for easy re-assembly.
-watch a couple of videos that show the order correctly, and follow that. If not (I have done this) you can end up with an off center blade!
-take your time, don't over tighten anything or you will strip the screws (done that too!!)
-have fun!! It is satisfying to be able to take your knife down, clean it completely, and put it back better than ever

Edit to add: I use the CRK grease, but have used blue lube in the past and that works well too. Thinner oils just won't last as long.
 
I like CRK grease bc it seems to hold washers in place a little than other lubes. I started using CRK grease on my lg 21 several years ago.

I use it on all my knives now....I think it's a great product.
 
Thanks everyone for all the responses, I really do appreciate it. Time to get down to work!
 
Though I appreciate the ability to take a Sebenza apart it is not always necessary. IMO some people overdo it with the "taking a knife apart to clean it"

Here is a post I did a while ago.

marthinus said:
Forgot to put the :) face with my previous post.

People tend to freak out way to much about water. Using warm water, soap and your lungs can get most of the moisture out.

Here are some pictures:

Nice and dirty from sawdust.
P4290029.jpg


Then some soap, warm water and lungs....

Nice and clean
P4290030.jpg


I do apply a small drop of fine machine oil (designed for small gears). Been doing this with my knives since I can remember.
Click to expand...
 
I called crk with the same questions. Their answer was as follows.

Yes crk grease should be used. It is the best lubricant and protectant from dirt and water.

Clean with water soap and dry between lubes.

A full cLeaning and lube should be done when needed; normal use, this is about once a year.
 
I have disassembled my crk knives just once each.

their grease seems to work the best, though pricey for amount given.
My tube was half empty, and other side was half dry. So I got about 1/4 tube worth...
 
HwangJino said:
I have disassembled my crk knives just once each.

their grease seems to work the best, though pricey for amount given.
My tube was half empty, and other side was half dry. So I got about 1/4 tube worth...
Click to expand...

Yeah, I thought the grease was rather expensive, which is why I wanted to use the other lube I have for other knives, which only cost $10 for 1/2 ounce.
 
I have always been 100% satisfied with crk grease. I have tried many others. But none compare. I don't believe the small expense of it is worth the headache of coming up with an alternative. :)
 
I just used some bike grease for my Sebenza. Works totally fine. I really don't think it matters all that much what you use. I've used mineral oil, militec, and a couple other no names and I found them to be all good enough. Maybe there is a little difference but honestly it could be I just used my knife for different things
 
I personally use Nano Oil. Along with many others around here. It's definitely worth taking a look at. The amount you get will last years! Also, I take a small piece of heat shrink tubing, and slip it over the end of a flat head screwdriver. I then use that to pry apart the scales by inserting it a little way, then twisting the handle. Do both ends of the knife a little at a time, and it comes apart with ease! The heat shrink keeps from marking or damaging the scales.
I should note, I'm talking about a 25. But I suppose it would work on any knife that's hard to take apart.
 
I agree with lonnyrs. The 25 is kind of a bugger to take apart and put together. So I think his Idea is a great one!
 
Yea I use finish line flouro grease. I'ts very similar to CRK grease which I also use. haha depends on the day I guess. My point is there is not a huge difference but CRK might have the slightest of advantages, but flouro grease is cheaper.

I don't think there is any problems with over maintenance. Rule of thumb if you think it needs cleaning do it it's not going to hurt it! CRK hardware is reliable and part of CRK perfection is ease of breakdown and put back.

Every once and a while I will send it through the ultrasonic cleaner I have to keep it nice and clean and I do polish my washers ever so slightly. Only once though the first time I break it down usually. That's about all I do really.
 
3migo said:
Yeah, I thought the grease was rather expensive, which is why I wanted to use the other lube I have for other knives, which only cost $10 for 1/2 ounce.
Click to expand...

Yes the tube is barely full but you use so little you'll probably misplace the grease before you empty the tube
 
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