Tip-up carry issues, involving blood . . .

J

JMHAZ

Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
34
Everyone,

Twice in the last couple of weeks, the tip of the blade on my 2000 Sebenza has edged free of the knife while in my back pocket. The first time it took a slice off my wallet; yesterday it punched a nice slice in my hand as I was retrieving the wallet. Anyone know why this might be happening? I thought perhaps it needs cleaning, but I'd think that being sticky from dirt would make such an accident less likely, not more.

Thanks . . .
 
The detent in the blade solidly mating with the ball mounted in the lockbar is critical to keeping the blade closed. Can you confirm that the ball is in place, the detent is free of debris, and that they are well engaged when the blade is closed?
 
Your wallet probably pushed against the thumbstud pushing the blade open as you were moving around.
Carry in your front right pocket, and slide it over to the right where blade is against pants leg seem. When you put your hand in pocket it will touch the back of handle only, and you won't cut yourself.
 
Yeah I have to agree with Ken. Keep the knife in your front pocket. I've never found a knife that I could carry in my back pocket that was satisfactory. For years I carried a Paul knife in my back pocket and since it locks in the closed position, I never got cut. I lost that knife making out with an old girl friend about 26-27 years ago.:eek:
 
I agree with Ken and Fooj. They both could be right. Ball detents and their accompanying blade hole can catch dirt/dust and reduce the strength of the lockup. I've also had the detent ball fall out (not a sebenza, but a Buck Mayo) and give no lockup.
 
If you still insist on carrying in your back pocket, clip the knife on the other side of the pocket where the opening side is against your back pocket seam.
 
An easy fix if you want to keep it in your back pocket is to pouch carry. But I have to agree with the others that front pocket is usually a better way to go.
 
Thanks very much for the replies. I didn't think about debris blocking the detent. I'll disassemble and clean the knife, and if that doesn't help, I guess I'll move it to my front pocket. Rather not have it so obvious though.
 
You should let us know what you find. I'd like to know if the detent got clogged up or the detent ball fell out. Also, I have to agree with the other guys, front pocket is a really safe way of carrying.
 
I took the knife apart and cleaned it (needed), and reassembled it with a bit of CRK grease. The detent to hold the blade closed seems noticeably firmer now, although it's still obviously a light hold. I might try front carry for a time, but in the past the knife has always been in the way of getting needed stuff out of the pocket.

Given that these two closely spaced incidents were the first trouble I've had, I suspect the debris might have been the problem.

Thanks again for the advice.
 
Hmmmm. I need my front pockets for my car keys and my cell phone. I'm right-handed, so I deep carry all my EDCs in my right back pocket. (No pocket clips for me. I never really understood their allure.) Whichever EDC I happen to be carrying shares pocket space with a plastic comb. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never lost a knife out of my back pocket or had one open on me yet.
 
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Hip Pocket Carry is easy and painless when you use a good hip pocket sheath for your Sebenza.
Discreet and out of sight, yet handily keeps the knife positioned in the corner of the hip pocket.
Like carrying a slim wallet you soon forget the knife is even there.
 
Been there, done that.......

Wallet now resides in the left front pocket, much better option. Knife now resides in the back right pocket, so the spine of the blade is against the left side/edge of pocket so the blade can not accidentally open as the seam prevents this from happening. Or, I also carry a little Fenix flashlight in my backpocket, too. The Sebenza sits between the right seam and the Fenix.
 
Having the knife in you back pocket means the blade can work its self open or get shocked enough to get past the detent as there is nothing to physically stop the blade like you see with carry in the front pocket. (changing the side the clip is on would fix that but it's not an option for the Sebenza) There is also nothing wrong with the knife as it's designed to open one way and that is what it's doing. A system like you see for a knife detent is largly self cleaning any way as the ball will tend to move dirt to the side rather than ride over it, even in the dimple and it's certainly not an issue if there is an actual through hole for the ball to sit in. If the detent was made stronger to accommodate "free hanging carry" people would just start moaning about how strong the detent was and that they can't open the knife. Back pocket carry is a good way to lose a knife any way so rather than get a 3rd strike just carry is somehwere else. :p

JMHAZ said:
Everyone,

Twice in the last couple of weeks, the tip of the blade on my 2000 Sebenza has edged free of the knife while in my back pocket. The first time it took a slice off my wallet; yesterday it punched a nice slice in my hand as I was retrieving the wallet. Anyone know why this might be happening? I thought perhaps it needs cleaning, but I'd think that being sticky from dirt would make such an accident less likely, not more.

Thanks . . .
Click to expand...
 
Tymah123 said:
Desert Hermit, ^^ where would I get one of those?
Click to expand...

This and other styles of sheaths for Large Sebenzas are available custom made by:
Knife Leather Traditions
c/o Dave Taylor
302 South Clubhouse Lane
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-8221

No website for KLT, but you can send a request for a brochure with prices and ordering information.
They are a local shop specializing in Sebenza sheaths made totally in the USA.
Hope this helps. :)
 
Desert Hermit said:
This and other styles of sheaths for Large Sebenzas are available custom made by:
Knife Leather Traditions
c/o Dave Taylor
302 South Clubhouse Lane
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-8221

No website for KLT, but you can send a request for a brochure with prices and ordering information.
They are a local shop specializing in Sebenza sheaths made totally in the USA.
Hope this helps. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info! Looks awesome!
 
The classic model sebenzas also have a weaker detent compared to the 21's. On the 21 the detent hole goes through the blade while on the classic its more like a dimple.
 
snowreaper1 said:
The classic model sebenzas also have a weaker detent compared to the 21's. On the 21 the detent hole goes through the blade while on the classic its more like a dimple.
Click to expand...

Ah, I had wondered about this, but didn't keep a 21 long enough to break one down. I know many(or most) like a heavy detent, but I'm not one of them.
Sold the 21's not long after I would get one becasue of the detent, and much prefer the detent on my older Classics, and Regulars.
 
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