Thoughts on CRK Elforyn

[SimplyMinded]

A tiny bit of yellowing might not look bad...
But not a toilet-full of it!

It was just a thought...

You can dye micarta...
Depending on your bravery: that might almost be worth a consideration...

I'm a fan of the aged ivory look myself. I probably read some of my own experimental outcomes into your comment. We're the only house on the block with a purple picnic table.

 

[Docscoot]

Great thoughts! I guess I’d keep it at least for a while if I thought I could always sell it for what I paid as with most Crk knives. But I don’t know if others would also consider it flawed and it would hurt the value?

 

[Skar]

I like it.
I think your being a little picky over a independent virtue.

Ultimately it's your decision if you like it or not.

 

[LimpCroissant]

Hmmm, interesting. I was just kind of pondering this particular flavor of Sebenza this morning before I saw this post. Not as in wanting to buy it, because I already have a Sebenza and that's enough for me, but the why's and what not of making this version. Part of me doesn't really like it because it's almost plasticy, however I suppose you could say g10, micarta and carbon fiber has a plasticy vibe too. However I definitely like those materials.

I think honestly that it was a pretty bold move on CRK's end to put out this particular version. And part of me commends them as I think they're trying to kind of make a statement that says "If Chris Reeve Knives use this synthetic ivory, then it must be the real deal and a good material". I think they may have thought, and possibly rightfully so, that if they use it then maybe more of the knife community will want to use it which will cut down on the desire for real ivory. Obviously the ivory trade is something that has a very dark history and is shrouded in a certain stigma. I do applaud them for being brave enough to be the first to put it on such a high quality, desirable knife. Other companies may have already done it, I don't know, but I do like the theory behind it.

Also as SimplyMinded said, it would be real cool to use as a canvas for some cool scrimshaw artwork.

 

[Docscoot]

Hmmm, interesting. I was just kind of pondering this particular flavor of Sebenza this morning before I saw this post. Not as in wanting to buy it, because I already have a Sebenza and that's enough for me, but the why's and what not of making this version. Part of me doesn't really like it because it's almost plasticy, however I suppose you could say g10, micarta and carbon fiber has a plasticy vibe too. However I definitely like those materials.

I think honestly that it was a pretty bold move on CRK's end to put out this particular version. And part of me commends them as I think they're trying to kind of make a statement that says "If Chris Reeve Knives use this synthetic ivory, then it must be the real deal and a good material". I think they may have thought, and possibly rightfully so, that if they use it then maybe more of the knife community will want to use it which will cut down on the desire for real ivory. Obviously the ivory trade is something that has a very dark history and is shrouded in a certain stigma. I do applaud them for being brave enough to be the first to put it on such a high quality, desirable knife. Other companies may have already done it, I don't know, but I do like the theory behind it.

Also as SimplyMinded said, it would be real cool to use as a canvas for some cool scrimshaw artwork.

Interesting take, appreciate that!

 

[BD_01]

A few more thoughts on Elforyn while I’m anxiously awaiting today’s mail call:

I’m curious about the material, which is one of the big reasons I’ve got one coming. Will it be as durable as ‘normal’ micarta? What will the texture feel like? What about the supposed grain/Schreger lines? How will it age?

I really hope it’s durable but takes on some unique color with use and wear. Some yellowing is fine with me. If it’s impervious, that’s ok too, as I also like the out of box aesthetics (at least from the few pictures I’ve seen).

The only other manufacturer I’m aware of that uses Elforyn is Fallkniven, and I had a hard time finding any user impressions.

IMO the OP should be entitled to be satisfied with the quality of his knife. It’s his call, as it will be mine. That’s one of the reasons CRK and DLT have gained STELLAR reputations. It’s also one of the reasons I’ve shifted from resale/Exchange purchases to buying new from retailers. For me it’s worth the extra cost to have the reassurance and support of a good retailer when buying something high-end. (It’s also nice to know I’m supporting home-team small business.)

I’ll check in later with some pics and impressions (hopefully).

 

[Docscoot]

A few more thoughts on Elforyn while I’m anxiously awaiting today’s mail call:

I’m curious about the material, which is one of the big reasons I’ve got one coming. Will it be as durable as ‘normal’ micarta? What will the texture feel like? What about the supposed grain/Schreger lines? How will it age?

I really hope it’s durable but takes on some unique color with use and wear. Some yellowing is fine with me. If it’s impervious, that’s ok too, as I also like the out of box aesthetics (at least from the few pictures I’ve seen).

The only other manufacturer I’m aware of that uses Elforyn is Fallkniven, and I had a hard time finding any user impressions.

IMO the OP should be entitled to be satisfied with the quality of his knife. It’s his call, as it will be mine. That’s one of the reasons CRK and DLT have gained STELLAR reputations. It’s also one of the reasons I’ve shifted from resale/Exchange purchases to buying new from retailers. For me it’s worth the extra cost to have the reassurance and support of a good retailer when buying something high-end. (It’s also nice to know I’m supporting home-team small business.)

I’ll check in later with some pics and impressions (hopefully).

I’ve got a lot of the same questions. I hate to return this due to its rarity but also was mostly into checking out those schreger lines and having something that was a passable ivory mimic, and mine just isn’t that at all.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

I would keep it, and contact CRK as to any problems. See what they feel the best solutions are

 

[Docscoot]

I would keep it, and contact CRK as to any problems. See what they feel the best solutions are

My inclination as well, sent them a note and will see what they say. I’m just guessing there’s not much they can do if this material was just a small batch run for them.

 

[BD_01]

D Docscoot

If you think there is a flaw or a defect with your inlays (or your knife in general), I recommended you first discuss it with Jordan. Just because there’s no more in stock doesn’t mean an inlay replacement or some other solution isn’t possible. Let Jordan help if you think it’s needed.

…anyhow…

Mail call happened and here’s the initial impressions of my knife. Note that I have no experience with real Ivory for direct comparison.

I can’t appreciate any material or milling defects with my inlays.

The inlays don’t feel plastic to me, at all. Much warmer. It’s not like any wood or G10 I’ve ever felt either. I would describe it as having the warmth of micarta (go figure) but with a satin quality that’s finer and more uniform than wood grain.

In person, the Elforyn doesn’t look like a plastic or resin based product to me either. It looks white and uniform, but at the same time not quite pure white and not quite uniform. I guess that’s at least in part due to the grin structure.

How much these observations are due to the material and how much are due to finishing I can’t say.

The grain structure itself is mostly noticeable under close inspection; tangential light helps. My grain looks like radiating arcs, sort of like ripples in a pool. It doesn’t have any flower-petal arcs like the Mnandi posted earlier.

Beyond the inlays, the blade is ground well and sharp enough; the stonewash is expected CRK qiality & etc. There’s no blade play or noticeable lock flex. Lockup is a little beyond 50% (ball on tang).

The action, however, is below expectation. The pivot is tight. It’s “this isn’t going to break in no matter what” tight. It’s something I will probably need to fix with judicious washer lapping at some future point. Overall it’s a keeper. But seriously, the folks at the bench in Boise should be taking a few extra minutes fitting the pivot & washers together.

TLDR.

 

[traumkommode]

I had one of the Mnandis for a while. I loved the knife but realized its just because I love the Mnandis update. White is cool as an inlay, and the Elforyn Supertusk had some "grain" appearance to look like proper ivory, but it was a little more like the grain of crosscut micarta.

It felt more plastic-y to me than Micarta-y, and I think that's what did it in. Bone linen micarta probably would have been a different story. Then again, so would any micarta or even Plain TI/Wilson Combat Starburst on an Mnandi.

 

[Docscoot]

D Docscoot

If you think there is a flaw or a defect with your inlays (or your knife in general), I recommended you first discuss it with Jordan. Just because there’s no more in stock doesn’t mean an inlay replacement or some other solution isn’t possible. Let Jordan help if you think it’s needed.

…anyhow…

Mail call happened and here’s the initial impressions of my knife. Note that I have no experience with real Ivory for direct comparison.

I can’t appreciate any material or milling defects with my inlays.

The inlays don’t feel plastic to me, at all. Much warmer. It’s not like any wood or G10 I’ve ever felt either. I would describe it as having the warmth of micarta (go figure) but with a satin quality that’s finer and more uniform than wood grain.

In person, the Elforyn doesn’t look like a plastic or resin based product. It looks white and uniform, but at the same time not quite pure white and not quite uniform. I guess that’s at least in part due to the grin structure.

How much these observations are due to the material and how much are due to finishing I can’t say.

The grain structure itself is mostly noticeable under close inspection; tangential light helps. My grain looks like radiating arcs, sort of like ripples in a pool. It doesn’t have any flower-petal arcs like the Mnandi posted earlier.

Other than the inlays, the blade is ground well and sharp enough; the stonewash is expected CRK qiality & etc. There’s no blade play or noticeable lock flex. Lockup is a little beyond 50% (ball on tang).

The action, however, is below expectation. The pivot is tight. It’s “this isn’t going to break in no matter what” tight. It’s something I will probably need to fix with judicious washer lapping at some future point. Overall it’s a keeper. But seriously, the folks at the bench in Boise should be taking a few extra minutes fitting the pivot & washers together.

TLDR.

Appreciate you sharing! I’m wondering if that is really grain versus just a rough final buffing step on a large wheel, mine had a little of that as well. My action is also super tight and gritty, sounds similar to yours. That’s nothing a quick disassembly and clean won’t fix I’m sure. Pretty sure I’ll be keeping it, I think I can convince myself the flaws I see are just me being ocd thanks for the input everyone, really appreciate you all!

 

[353]

Looks to me like what ever grain structure is showing is just from how the micarta was cut or finnished.

 

[celticrogues]

The guitar world is full of Ivory-alternative products like this, with names like “Tusq” and “NuBone”

At their heart, they are all just white plastic IMO, and honestly this Elforyn looks just the same in the pictures I’ve seen. I can’t say I’m terribly surprised at some of the reactions here.

 

[Docscoot]

The guitar world is full of Ivory-alternative products like this, with names like “Tusq” and “NuBone”

At their heart, they are all just white plastic IMO, and honestly this Elforyn looks just the same in the pictures I’ve seen. I can’t say I’m terribly surprised at some of the reactions here.

I’ve seen many of these (pistol grips as well) but have not seen any with any real grain pattern or schreger lines that elforyn has when processed and finished correctly. Crk got this right with the Mnandi it seems, but it sure seems like something went wrong on this sebenza run.

 

[BD_01]

Crk got this right with the Mnandi it seems, but it sure seems like something went wrong on this sebenza run.

I donno, stiff pivot aside, I’m pretty happy with my knife. It’s the first 31 that’s interested me enough to pull out a credit card. I like the inlays and I’m glad I was able to score one.

 

[Docscoot]

I donno, stiff pivot aside, I’m pretty happy with my knife. It’s the first 31 that’s interested me enough to pull out a credit card. I like the inlays and I’m glad I was able to score one.

Same here, first small 31 for me, my last small seb was a 21 with black micarta, so it’s been a while! Pretty sure I’ll be keeping this one as well, glad you’re enjoying yours!

 

[Fanglekai]

When I was a kid we had a very old piano that had real ivory on the keys. It was essentially an overlay probably 1/16" thick or so on each key but I'm going off memory; I never measured it. The ivory was different colors on different keys with more frequently played keys darker shades of yellow. The ivory had a nice tactile feeling. I don't mean to disparage CRK or anyone else, but the imitation ivory I've seen in this thread just looks like white plastic. There are clearly numerous reasons for not using real ivory, but if the imitation stuff isn't so great, it seems like an odd choice for a user knife.

 

[353]

I donno, stiff pivot aside, I’m pretty happy with my knife. It’s the first 31 that’s interested me enough to pull out a credit card. I like the inlays and I’m glad I was able to score one.

Please keep us posted if you decide to do the washer mod and how it plays out. Never done it myself but should be a easy quick and dirty job.

 

[Mister_Punchy]

D Docscoot : just think of all the poor sools who didn't managed to snag one and who lusted on your pics