Snail trails?

D

David_TX91

Joined
Jul 14, 2014
Messages
147
I was given a Large Sebenza 21 for my birthday last week. It is an amazing knife, and i love it.
I have been carrying it everyday without issue, but last night i noticed scratches on the nonlocking side. I have read about this but what causes it? I wore my class ring on that hand yesterday for the first time since carrying it, did that do it? I may have had my keys in that pocket, is that it?

Big question is how do i get rid of these scratches?

Thanks
 
Just about anything causes these marks: Loose change in your pocket, pens, rings and, really, just about anything. If you use your knife it will develop snail trails. Those little marks add character. Why would you want go get rid of character?

FWIW, a trip back to the factory can restore the original finish. Buy, really, why?
 
Could of been keys, ring, or metal grommets on your jeans.

To get rid of them you could send it in for spa treatment, scotch bright it, bead blast it, or just let them be.
 
You have found the one "flaw" in the sebenza. No way to stop it, can only be fixed by refinishing. If you get a graphic, you will only have one side with it, the polished Ti with a design gets scratched, but is not as ugly.
 
Well, if it bugs you, you can carry in a pocket sheath as opposed to clip carry. I carry with a pocket sheath for that reason, to reduce the amount of snail trails on the knife. They still will get there, but not as fast. I've pocket carried knives forever and clip carry makes me feel I will lose a knife one day. If it gets too bad, you can scotch brite the slabs or sand then yourself.
 
Ajack, that is an interesting idea, thanks. I have alwaus carried my knife inside my pocket because i work in a formal office (suit and tie ) and i think i would have some objections to a sheath on my belt.
 
Call me weird, but I consider the CRK bead blast, and its susceptibility to snail trails to be a feature of these knives. I love how the knives look as they get properly worn in. It takes the fairly monotone grey surface to another level. The corners get shiney, a pattern emerges on the scale, and each knife is unique. You just need to get past the stage where there is only one or two. The other option is the polished Ti slabs, which hide the scratches much better. In my opinion, the wood inlayed models are the most pocket-proof, if you like your knife to always look brand new (at a glance at least).

I guess I equate the snail trails to a forced patina on the knife. Kinda adding age and soul to what is a sterile sort of design. Sort of 'my gradpappy carried this knife in WW11' kind of vibe, if that makes sense.

The snail trails are proof that your knife has a life!
 
No real point in getting the knife re blasted unless you are going to sell it or put it in the safe. Once you carry it the marks will start again. Personally I love them. Once you get past the 1st few it starts to have a worn in look like a pair of jeans. I have never cared for the scotch brite finish-just too slippery. I like stonewashed on other knives , so that could work, but have never handle a stonewashed Sebenza.

Sheath would give it some protection in the pocket, but isn't going to stop marks from rings or use.
 
I'm with kidcongo, as I really like the look of a well-used, plain Jane Sebenza. The more you carry and use it, the more unique it becomes. Not unlike patina that is so popular.
 
I always reblast my CRK's with a fine glass bead media and it really works well with eliminating the "snail trail" marks.
 
I also agree with others, I really like the snail trails that the titanium gets. I actually like it more than when its new with now scratches/trails
 
I like the character that snail trails add to the sebenza's finish.

This thread needs photos. :)
 
Every scuff or scratch your sebenza is an adventure you had with your sebenza. Use Em & Love Em...!!!
 
I use these on all my CRK knives. Not because I worry about marking up the knife, but because I feel it adds a little extra when you pull this out of your pocket instead of just the knife. It may make sheeple realize that it is something special.

2014-09-26 14.21.33 by BiggestJon, on Flickr
 
I like the "work" scratches, I think they look good. As a matter of fact, I stonewashed my slabs to give them a nice even look. Then future scratches are not noticed.

 
Last edited:
burnside said:
I like the character that snail trails add to the sebenza's finish.

This thread needs photos. :)
Click to expand...

This one isnt the best picture of some scratches, you can see them better in person instead of my phone camera! The more worn look the better!

B8EEE819-26ED-441C-909C-1DC1DEC63A0B_zpsfxgydesb.jpg
 
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