Weak Lock Bar

[photoman12001]

I've noticed that the lockbar tension feels much weaker on my large 21 micarta Insingo Sebenza than my other large Sebenzas. I decided to do a little testing to see if I could measure any difference. It's far from scientific but the best I could do with what I have. I used a wooden dowel to press the lockbar on the knife in question and my Starbenza. The lockbar was pressed until it was flush with the rest of the lock side handle. I pressed them each five times to get an average. I removed the pocket clip from both knives.

Should I be concerned about this?

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2013 Sebenza Large 21 Insingo Micarta:

• Average measurement: 3lbs-5oz
• Lockbar does not touch the opposite handle without the blade installed.
• It has shallow cuts on the surface of the lockbar side above the interior lockbar cut-outs. The Starbenza does not have those but I have a small Sebenza with those and the lockbar tension does not feel weak.

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2015 Sebenza Large 21 Starbenza:

• Average measurement: 4lbs-12oz
• Lockbar easily touches the opposite handle without the blade installed.

 

[bhyde]

I wouldn't worry about it too much..Grip helps to hold the blade and while using the blade, pressure is against the stop pin, so no worries there.
It's a pocket tool that wasn't designed to hold weight in the closing direction.

The cutouts that you reference are a transition point where the scales get polished on inlays (except micarta). You can see it in one of your pics.

 

[photoman12001]

The cutouts that you reference are a transition point where the scales get polished on inlays (except micarta). You can see it in one of your pics.

Thanks, I was wondering about that. It makes sense.

 

[marcus52AR]

I noticed a bit of a difference between my LG plain insingo and my LG micarta insingo. I didn't have them both at the same time, but I do remember thinking upon receipt of my micarta that the plain locked tighter.

I long forgot about that thought until I saw this thread. I have quickly gotten used to the different lockup.

 

[nyefmaker]

Was this Sebenza purchased use....???

 

[photoman12001]

Was this Sebenza purchased use....???

Yes, I got it on the Exchange here.

 

[Ajack60]

Nothing to worry about.
My Umnumzaan's and 25's have strong lock bar tension. The 21's, not so much. But, the lock up on the 21's are just as strong as the others.

 

[Wavicle]

Excellent post, Photoman12001!

I have all new Sebenza's and I definitely feel a difference- even with identical models. It's nice to get a ballpark number of the force involved and also to hear other people have similar differences like I do.

I suspect the manufacturing process is identical but the titanium, being a self-induced stress material, causes the differences.

 

[BellaBlades]

Also. Buying second hand there is a good chance it could have been altered or accidentally pushed over too far by somebody that used it. I have taken down a dozen or more 21 models and all the lock bars made it to the other slab. Mostly belonging to customers. 2 were mine.
There will always be small differences but that is not something I have ever seen on a sebenza. Sure other knives all the time with even less bend but not these.
Maybe that is just my personal experience.

 

[gull wing]

Nice pictures.

 

[nyefmaker]

Yes, I got it on the Exchange here.

That pretty much explains it then. Someone adjusted the lockbar. You don't see it too often on the sebenzas, but the umnumzaan was plagued with it, hence CRK adding the stop bar. I bought a CRK several years ago and when I got cut on it, CRK asked me to send it to them. That was the cause. They fixed it and it was good as new after. Again, people playing with things they know little to nothing about. Many are the DYI of the knife world.... Lol. I got to talk to Chris about 1/2 hour about it and he explained me the very fine details of the frame lock. I learned lots from him. Was an awesome experience I will never forget...!!!

 

[photoman12001]

^^^^^Well that is quite lame. It locks up solidly but I don't like that it has potentially been messed with. I called CRK earlier today and they said it shouldn't be a concern and it was possible for the lock bar not to touch the opposite handle with the blade removed but now I feel like I should send it in to be looked at. It sounds like it is something they can rectify if I'm hearing you correctly. I REALLY like this knife.

 

[Corytr]

If lockup is solid, I wouldn't worry. FWIW - I have some that don't touch the opposite scale and some that do.

 

[photoman12001]

If lockup is solid, I wouldn't worry. FWIW - I have some that don't touch the opposite scale and some that do.

Thanks for info. I'm not really worried about it too much. I did talk to Alycia via email too and she stated they only have a concern when the lockup is less than 50%. I would say it's a little less than that so I'm going to send it to them. I want to have double studs installed on it and a few others anyway so I'll be sending at least three knives to them.