Why is my Sebenza so stiff???

[Toolin]

Hey guys, I figured if I would own my Sebenza for the rest of my life that I should know how to field strip it and put it back together. Well I got it apart, used tri-flow teflon lube on the brass washers that come in contact with the blade, and put it put it back together. The blade is way stiffer then before I took it apart. I tried making the screws tighter and looser and it does not help. The blade centers perfect between the scales, and everything went together perfect. I made sure to put all of the washers and spacers back to where they belong.

I want to know if you guys have your screws in tight, and how stiff your blades are. I understand the saying "tight is tight, to tight is broke" but I also don't want the screws to fall out. Please help.

 

[chairman moe]

sometimes, the bronze washer can slip during install and get hung up on the spacer, or the spacer does not line up correctly with the blade pivot....this knife has some very tight tolerances. This has happened to me before...once you get it assembled right...you will know it from the feel of it.

 

[cpirtle]

Hey Toolin, every new Sebenza owner owes it to themselves to read the infamous St.James FAQ, will help answer almost any question you have.

This FAQ may be the reason things get slow in this forum, nobody has any questions left to ask

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=128855

 

[SALTY]

I had a simular problem as a result of a minor error during reassembly. This resulted in one of the washers/bushings getting distorted and the knife had to be sent back to CRK. They made everything right.

Apparently, the washers are unforgiving and can deform easily. Should this have occurred (it happened to me) the washer(s) need replacement.

It is, despite its ruggedness, a precision instrument, worthy of the premodona status other fine things command.

 

[feverdoc]

i highly suggest you use the lube that chris reccommends for the sebenza which is a flourinated grrease he sells in a syringe....other lubes i have found do not work as well even though tri flow is a good lube for some applications...but not this one...also you may have very well made an error in reassembly....after two years of daily use i finally had to dissamble my seb and clean it....i was very careful to lube it per reeve instructions and correctly put it back together...additionally be sure to lube the pivot pin (and bushing) inside an out and both sides of the washers.... mine is smmooth as silk now.....feverdoc

 

[Scott Dog]

I agree, must be an error in putting it back together. The parts fit very precisely and it needs to be put together the same way it came apart. Tightness of the screws doesn't make a difference. They should be tight. Most Sebenzas are a bit tight at first but will loosen up with use. Try putting it back together again. If that doesn't work you may have to send it back to CRK. You just need to send $8.50 for return postage. Contact them first for details.