Switching blades on CRK's?

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Nader E

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Hey guys,

So I have a large insig micarta..and a large 21 plain. Wanting to switch the 21 blade into the micarta handle, but wondering if there could be any downsides/problems that I could cause? Im thinking maybe the lock bar will have to 'rebreak' in to the new blade..but anything else?
 
When CRK fits a blade there are several things that play in. The blade is ground to match the lockbar so you get the right lockup %. Also the pivot washers are sanded so that the blade fits without lateral play or so it's not too tight. It could be done and you won't know till you try it, but be prepared for different lockup and either a tight blade or blade play.
 
I would recommend not doing it.

It could work, it might not, it might appear to work but let you down in a potentially dangerous way.

There are plenty of guys that say they have done this successfully. All I can say is, "Would you buy a knife that some guy did a blade swap on?"
 
Thanks for the responses.

I do not plan on keeping it permanently in that set up, just wanted to try it out for a bit I guess but do not want to risk long term damage to the blade.

My thoughts are could the blades wear away the Ti, or say impact the detent ball (not sure how, just throwing it out there) since they are "different"?

Again, would just be for a few weeks, nothing long term
 
I'd be worried that the new setup would start to break in differently, then the original blade wouldn't fit right. Just a thought
 
Dont do it.
If you damage the lock bar from the other knife it could ruin it. The lock bar will more than likely break in differently. It is just not a good idea when it comes to framelocks in general.
Too many factors and its not worth the risk. But it is your knife and I understand the urge.
Matt
 
Thank you all for the advice...yeah I had a bad feeling about this one hence why I posted to ask some experts
 
Nader E said:
Thank you all for the advice...yeah I had a bad feeling about this one hence why I posted to ask some experts
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You shouldnt need an expert opinion tbh, its a reallt dumb idea, im not familiar with crk warranty, but anyone can tell you, unless you poop money why waste that much of it, cause someone in this thread had it right, even if all appeared in order id never buy a seb that has been switched around in the manner you describe...just my 2 cents.
 
Perhaps you can just email CRK and ask them to do it for you. I do not see why not. They could just make sure things are acting like they should and maybe charge you a few bucks.
Good luck.
Matt
 
BladesAre said:
You shouldnt need an expert opinion tbh, its a reallt dumb idea, im not familiar with crk warranty, but anyone can tell you, unless you poop money why waste that much of it, cause someone in this thread had it right, even if all appeared in order id never buy a seb that has been switched around in the manner you describe...just my 2 cents.
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You know, responses like this reduce participation by good people in these forums. No body comes here to be insulted and this guy certainly hasn't done anything to deserve it. The guy asks a question and graciously accepts the advice given.

Do everyone a favor and keep your condescending comments to yourself.
 
Not exactly what you were asking for, But CRK may be able to make you a clip point blade for the micarta scales, if that appeals to you at all.
 
I've had good luck swapping blades, in similar models… You might try it and see what you think the fit is, you can always swap them back
 
Of you aren't planning on selling them then give it a go. If it fits, great, if not then no hard no foul. I personally don't think they're is much of a chance to really ruin anything, but don't try to sell it like that. Or if you do, be up front about it.
 
Just convinced a friend NOT to do this because he wanted a raindrop demascus mammoth inlay Frankein child made from two different CRK's.

You could just sell me the Large Micarta Insingo and It will fund your proper Micarta clip blade you desire. :D
 
Ive done it. I swapped blades and you would never know. they work flawlessly. And because I will never part with them they remain that way. Your results may vary, it can't hurt to try.
 
JohnLT13 said:
Ive done it. I swapped blades and you would never know. they work flawlessly. And because I will never part with them they remain that way. Your results may vary, it can't hurt to try.
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hey, no offense, but I think others have indicated that it CAN hurt to try. Every one has their own choices to make, but I would suggest that the only one that can really claim to be qualified to give soun advice on the topic is the maker;)

Short of that, I think the safest advice is to err on side of safety and recommend against the idea.

Does anyone have a link to an official statement from CRK on this? I would guess they do not recommend it;)
 
In my opinion, it is a giant waste of money to swap blades on a CRK. Much of the money you pay for a Sebenza is going towards the tight tolerances and the hand fitting of the blade, washers and lock. Swap blades and at best you end up with the fit associated with knives that sell for a lot less. Why throw away the excellant hand fitting that you pay so much for?
 
unit said:
hey, no offense, but I think others have indicated that it CAN hurt to try.
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Non taken, But have others tried to swap blades or just giving opinion? I have done it with success. Actually one knife that was experiencing a lot of lock stick is now smooth as butter after swap. These knives are pieces of steel and titanium. We are not splitting atoms here.
 
JohnLT13 said:
Non taken, But have others tried to swap blades or just giving opinion? I have done it with success. Actually one knife that was experiencing a lot of lock stick is now smooth as butter after swap. These knives are pieces of steel and titanium. We are not splitting atoms here.
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No, we are not splitting atoms, but do you really know what all is involved?

The fact that a lock feels as smooth as butter is not necessarily an indication that it fits properly.

Confidence can be that feeling you get before you fully understand the problem;)

Again, they are your knives. You can do as you wish. I just think that a lot of people do not really understand what to look for in assessing lock fit, and it seems a little reckless to recommend that people with unknown skills attempt to reproduce the fit that one of the best and most meticulous makers can accomplish (and other makers of high end knives have demonstrated, through their failures, is not THAT easy).
 
Thank you all for the responses (including the rude one up there). Yeah, erring on the side of caution and just not going to do it. If anything its just an excuse to buy a micarta 21 :)
 
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