What is breaking in while breaking in?

The most important thing that is happening, at least in terms of smoothness, is the ceramic detent ball (21 and Mnandi) or the ceramic lock ball (25, Inkosi, Umnumzaan) is wearing away the rough surface of the stonewash to create a smooth track. The vibration of the detent ball across the stonewash is felt as "grittiness', which can be very slight depending on how fine the stonewash is. Other than that, like others have mentioned, the same sort of thing is happening with the washers. When you take apart a 'broken in' Sebenza, you will find the stonewash behind the washers is polished smooth and there is a distinct track from the detent ball.
 
The stonewash of the handle material become smoothed out. I'd imagine a cart with wheels rolling over the same road everyday, the road would eventually mold to structure of the wheel, making the ride smoother.
In this case it's with the detent ball as well explained above ^
 
I think that one of the things that is happening is the grease is being worked.

1) The excess grease is being moved out of the way. This is making the joint less resistant. I've learned when I disassemble and reassemble a CRK that too much grease is not only a waste, but a hindrance to the function of the knife.

2) The purpose of grease is to hold lubricating oil. When first assembled, the joint has grease, but the oil has not been released yet. As the joint is worked, the oil is spread throughout the joint.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top