Small vs Large.. not the usual question lol

A

aue123

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Jul 10, 2018
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i just received a large sebenza 31 born november 2021 and i have a small sebenza 31 also november 2021…. both are brand new ordered off different websites a week ago.

now the question, how is the smoothness of the opening and closing supposed to be between them both ?

my large feels significantly smoother i would almost say more than double smooth. (less pressure)

the small takes much more pressure to close or open.. and mind you, i can’t open either with one hand so i 2 hand open them and 2 hand close ..
 
The smalls are small agreed (I don't personally care for them for that reason); are you sure you are not putting pressure on the lockbar? That will make the opening much more difficult.
 
i’m speaking of the movement of the blade through the motion of opening and closing .. people usually refer to this as “feeling like glass” .. i would say the large feels smooth like glass but the small is more like t-shirt against t-shirt.. not very smooth..

is that inherently the case for the small because it’s smaller ? or is it supposed to feel as smooth as “glass” like the large does .
 
I have had Large and Small 21s (not a 31 like yours) and the smoothness seems to be pretty random between the sizes. Usually a "re-lube" does the trick if one is not glassy smooth.
 
The sensation you are describing with the small sebenza is not normal. I've also experienced it but it resolved with a little break in time followed by a clean up and a re lube. Sometimes the factory just doesn't put enough grease. You might also try a small dot of grease on the detent ball track.
 
Sebenzas have break in periods. Screw tightness affects action and so does the direction of the washers. Take it apart and face the shinny washer side to the blade.
 
I think it’s probably normal and just needs some time to break in.

I have two older CRK Small Sebenzas (PJs; 2004 and 2012) and just got a new 31 (micarta inlay) late last week. My 31 also felt very stiff/tight relative to the older ones. Luckily, I remembered how tight my 2012 was when I got it compared to my 2004, so the anxiety level was very low.

I tore mine down, cleaned and regreased it, and after putting it together, started the break in process they describe on the CRK website (essentially move the blade from closed to nearly locked multiple times). It’s already noticeably smoother. I’d bet pretty heavily you’ll be fine as well.

BYW - I’m not sure the teardown was really necessary. I was just already there to remove the lanyard pin.

Meanwhile, enjoy the new blade!
 
I found my s31 to be much easier to open than my L31's

My main guess is due to lock bar tension (smaller has much less material to act as a spring).
 
I have more smalls (5) than larges (2), but in my experience, the larges come smoother out of the box, and the smalls need more of a break in period before they are super smooth. After breaking them in the smalls are beautifully smooth as well.

-Mike
 
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