It’s not lock rock. Lock rock is a defect caused by improper lock face angle. The CRK ceramic lock ball allows the bar to flex a tad but the ball remains in place on the lock face. The 31, Umnumzaan and Inkosi all have this lock bar flex. I carry an Inkosi but have had a 31 and Umnumzaan. I wish more people understood what was actually happening so that folks don’t think these knives are defective. This is how misinformation is spread.
@@doodysdaggers there was an interview, which I can’t find now, where someone with CRK was saying that since the lock bar can flex, but the ball remains in place and essentially pivots on the contact point on the tang, that it’s stronger than a lock bar that flexes under load and the lock disengages since it cannot maintain the contact point. Oh and I love your vids. Keep up the awesome work!
To your point, they changed it because the ceramic doesn't wear the blade out and the blade doesn't wear the ceramic ball out. Which I agree with the decision. It was "theoretical" when they first included it with the inkosi and now it's been tested and the results have proved the theory. This WILL result in less degradation over long term use than a steel ball. If you don't like it you don't like it, but it IS an upgrade and it IS misinformation to claim that the 31 is somehow worse than the 21 (and yes I own both) due to this alone. Not saying you are, but this isn't the first video I've seen on the subject.
Neither of my 31’s have this but I ran across this from CRK that explains it well: "When applying force to the spine of the Sebenza 31's blade, you will feel some vertical movement. Rest assured, your lock-up is secure. This movement is the lockbar flexing in response to pressure, though the ceramic ball, acting as a fulcrum, and will maintain its position against the blade tang. It is very much a sound lock and when put to the test, proves stronger than the heat-treated lock on the Sebenza 21. All of our models with ceramic ball interfaces have varying degrees of lock flex so this is not abnormal, though the Sebenza 31 seems to be under extra scrutiny as it is the newest."
I’ve never had a 31 but I always preferred my 21’s lock feel and sound than the ceramic ball on my umnumzaan. I miss my old knives. Gosh they cost a left nut now the older models. I had so many good ones!
@@doodysdaggers It should bother you. Even if they claim its normal and secure, part of what you're paying for is the user experience and build quality. They are one of the most expensive production knives, I would say you have a legitimate complaint.
So _all_ Sebenzas should be doing this then? Otherwise the ceramic ball is a _downgrade._ The Chinese manufacturers seem to be able to make a frame lock that doesn't wobble. _My Spyderco slipjoint doesn't even wobble!_ This comment isn't directed at you personally, just the shıtty situation CRK created.
Your wrong. The new Sebenza 31s do not have lockrock. Only a few of them had it. And even with the lock rock, it’s still more solid of a lockup than 99% of other titanium framelocks. Oh and take the god damn lanyard pin out🤣☠️ You literally are complaining about rattling when the damn lanyard is off? Of course the pin is going to rattle. You have to remove the entire pin 😂
Ive been bidding on some Sebenzas.... After reading about the stiffness being standard and that you need to break it in for AGES... I was somewhat turned off... I wanted to experience that glassy tight tolerance opening closing action... but for a premium knife I think it shouldnt come with any of the little hiccups... Im a bit turned off CRK now.. thanks for the video
honestly it seems like more of a nitpick than an actual issue. I have a new seb 31 tanto and it has a slight bit of rock and personally it does not bother me in the least.
I have to correct you. Chris Reeve has never used a steel lock bar insert in any knife. He changed it to the ceramic ball lock but originally it was just the titanium lock bar that was heat treated
I’ve had 5 CRKs with the same ceramic ball detent/lock bar insert. None of mine have had a hint of lock rock but I have heard from other people they have had this issue. Sorry you got a dud man that sucks. CRK might be able to fix it but I understand selling it as is and moving onto something different might be easier. Keep it up with the uploads, I have been enjoying your content a lot.
Sad day, I remember the video and how happy you were to finally get one...but that shit would be a deal breaker for me too...any kind of play(detent lash, lock rock, side to side) for me personally, is just something that will sit in the back of my mind and I will always think of it when I handle that particular knife...it's one of those "you can't unsee" things...
It would bug me as well. No matter how secure I'm sure it is, I wouldn't be able to look past it once I'd felt it. When you drop that kind of money, you want to be happy every time you handle it. I would rather turn that $ into another knife or knives that make me smile and make me want to carry it
I totally get that , would bother me as well especially on a $600 knife give or take a lil , but specifically spending that much id want it to b perfect
Man I get where you're coming from. I couldn't get past the lock rock either! 😫 And it took me over a year to like/break-in my small 31. Wonder how many people will try to tell you how it is supposed to be "slow rolled out". FFS. Hope it sells for ya😊. Take care. 👍👍🔪
My small 31 is at crk right now. Mine never broke in, the action was horrible, took two hands and sometimes a flat head screw driver to close the knife because the lock bar would get so stuck. Thumbs were bleeding. I sent it back. Funny thing is, my dad ordered one too, his was smooth and had 0 lock stick. It’s been 4 weeks, still waiting to get it back
Haha that Rosie got you spoiled. Bummer on the lock rock. My sebbie insingo doesn’t have that lock rock. Has broken in very well. I can flick mine open. Good luck on the sale 🤙🏻
The lanyard post rattling on my 31 drove me nuts as soon as I unboxed it & took off the stock cord. Made me not even want to carry the knife lol, yeah shouldn't be hard to disassemble & fix but why is that even a thing.
Glad I still have my old 21s. I'd return that knife for the lock rock too. I've been eyeing Chris Reeve again and considering getting a new knife but after hearing about these quality problems I am gonna pass. For the prices they're asking these days, this is unacceptable.
I know that this has been a issue on some customers knives and I also know that crk would fix it for yah. But no not all sebenzas have lock rock, I own 2 sebenza 31's and a inkosi and non of them have this issue, no matter how hard I push on the spine. All crk models use the ceramic ball interface now so if you want to try a different model keep thar in mind.
The problem is you aren’t sending it in for them to 100% fix the problem and send it back… These knives are rock solid. There really isn’t a better EDC knife
The problem is it’s priced as a knife that should be perfect and it isn’t. Have plenty of $200-$300 knives that don’t have any issues, better steel/heat treat, better pocket clip, better lockup, better deployment method and action, no rattle. Shouldn’t have to worry about wasting my time mailing my knife to be fixed and not having it in my possession for what is probably a long wait time.
My 2 Inkosi’s are very solid and very smooth. Have a 31 where the lock rock went away after opening and closing it for awhile. The ceramic ball makes a track on the lock interface while it’s breaking in. In theory, checking for lock rock a lot while it’s making a track can cause it to make additional tracks to follow which could result in less stability.
I have a 07/2023 Large PJ 31 and it's solid as a rock. When the 31 came out Tim said the lock is stronger than the 21. I'm not sure how the Inkosi or Zaan would be any different considering they both use the same lock bar interface with the ceramic ball.
@@doodysdaggers Yes the 31, Inkosi, and Zaan all use the ceramic ball on the lock bar. The Inkosi doesn’t use a pivot bushing like the sebenza and is generally smoother out of the box and adjustable unlike the 31. Maybe try an Inkosi!
My 2 sebenzas 31 larg also large and small inkosi and umnumzaan are solid and I saw a video about the lock rock and tried pushing the spine but nothing even though I don’t see it as a big problem but at the end of the day it’s comes back to you if it’s really bothering you don’t keep it because you will never carry it again I hope that you get a good deal out of it good luck
I’ve got the same sebenza as you, but with the black micarta inlays. I must admit, I was prepared to be disappointed when I bit the bullet, because I knew what the action was going to be like after watching reviews and also thinking it’s just another titanium frame lock. But I’m really impressed with it, no regrets at all, it feels like a knife that will last a lifetime. Mine has no lock rock, and I like the action, so I understand why you’re not feeling yours.
Thats a bummer dude. I've been on the fence about dropping that kind of money on a knife people love to make excuses for all the time. With my luck....lol, hard pass. Good video brother 🤘💜
@@giantfatbergfalse. I bough a small Sebenza, then within a month I bought a second one 😆 First one with drop point and inlays, second was insingo PJ with double silver lugs. Now I’m on the lookilout for another very specific small one - insingo, black micarta inlays and silver double lugs. Seriously though, if you have a definite preference for just one of the blade shapes I think you are right - it’s a definite one and done knife if you only want one knife.
@@adamzappia2213 I know what you mean. In theory it is a one and done but in actuality it is a one and then I’m going to buy many more of these CRKs because they are so good. Sounds like you have some nice ones. All the best to you
Mine has a tiny tick of back and forward play but that's because of the new ceramic detent ball position if that's the case there's absolutely nothing wrong with the knife It's just the nature of the new ceramic detent ball placement, just keep in mind that you didn't even notice it until your friend told you to press on the spine
I had three 31s the past few years and sold all of them because of the lock rock. All the 21s and Inkosis I had were solid. HOPEFULLY, they have fixed the lock rock by now.
You know, it’s so funny. I get a ton of comments on this video from 31 lovers saying “I’ve owned ten thousand 31s and not a SINGLE one has that lock rock!!”
Great video Dood. I say move it on,that's way too expensive a knife to hang on to if you don't love it. Spend the dough on something you do love. Respect. D
Don’t do it. I think you are going to have sellers remorse down the road. Just my thoughts. Maybe let it ride for a while. It’s a CRK not an everyday run of the mill knife.
TBH, the action (or lack of) on CRK knives has been a deal breaker for me. I have felt plenty of new knives, and none felt as rough and hard to open as the $800 custom Sebenza that I didn't buy.
@@_606Offroad ok, jerkOff. When you try to deploy your tool and it sticks halfway open and you have a handful of whatever you WERE going to cut is it a toy?💩🧠
@@_606Offroad you are slow, huh? It's ok, little buddy. When I pull out a tool to use it and it doesn't function as intended, it causes unnecessary movements and inefficiency in whatever action I am trying to complete. If you had more than a middle school education, you would probably see a little farther than the end of your nose.
Part of the reason we buy expensive knives is because we want a premium fit and finish. Especially from a brand that advertises a " bank-tight lockup". My $200 knives don't do this. My sabenza 21 doesn't do this. So why should we except this. You were very fair in this review and now I know I don't need to "upgrade". But I love people thinking this isn't a big deal. Sure you don't cut from the spine but that doesn't really matter. It would be like buying an expensive guitar and the tuners weren't smooth, or there was an issue on part of the binding, or maybe some slight overspray on the finish. None of these things effect how well the guitar plays or sounds but you paid $3000 for a gibson and you know there are $1500 guitars that look and perform better. I mean you can buy a glock or walther cheaper than this knife and they will totally do the job. But if I spend $3500 for a Wilson Combat it better be perfect. I know these aren't perfect 1 to 1's but I rest my case. Sorry for the book I just can't believe willingly accept an inferior design just because it comes from their favorite brand.
Any knife will do that if pry on it hard enough. Literally every Spyderco I own. If you don’t want blade rock get a fixed blade. If you want your knife to open faster get an otf. Folding knives were never meant to be hard use knives. That’s a great knife bro.
Tja Richard, hoppas du inte har en Sebenza, jag har haft EDC och knivar och allt i det världen i nästan 30 år, men jag aldrig förstår mig på folk köper Sebbenza för de pengarna det finns inget som är speciellt med kniven,
Sorry just read your post mate. I’ve had my Seb 25 for 8 years no issues. Hope you backed it to CRK. They should stand by their kit and replace/refund you. Not a cheap knife. Jim UK.
I’m sending a brand new Ritter Hogue RSK Auto because the blade has more side to side play than I like. My Pro-Tech doesn’t have that problem. It’s totally fine to be picky and demand better from manufacturers.
I don't understand, I bought two large Sebenza 31's in the last three weeks and neither one of them does this. They're rock solid. Maybe I'm not pushing with enough force.
Man I want this Sebenza 31 but the problem is you live in the U.S.A. and I live in Europe. And also I decided to ask you are you agree to exchange the Sebenza 31 with some of my brand new knives?
All of us go through different knife phases of life lol if you're anything like me you'll be back to Sebenza-ville eventually! Enjoy whatever knife type you land on!
I’d send it in for a spa treatment get the knife like new and have them address the lock rock. The warrantee is a part of the price, use it. If you’re still not happy when it returns then sell it you will get more for it after spa. It will take 6 weeks for the spa. I have them all except the small Inkosi and my favorite is the Zaan…
The Spyderco Swayback kicked the CRK Sebenza out of the collection? 🤣 I love my Swayback and just put the MXG TI deep pocket clip on mine. Thank you for being transparent, I really respect your take on knives 👊
Of course man! Yeah that swayback is unreal, I gotta get a clip too. Trying to decide between MXG and lynch. Send me a photo of yours with the MXG when you get a chance?
The lock rock is a disappointing defect for such an expensive knife. But yeah I get it, that would bother me too especially at those prices. I also like knives that I can just flick open quickly.
I knew something was up when you weren’t carrying/using it as much as I would’ve expected. Have you tried sending it back for warranty? I’ve heard they got a great warranty Good luck on the sale, it should move quickly
Some people might say you're being picky but no way for $600 those things shouldn't be happening. I'm sad that I agree with your take on selling but I do. I hope you get a zaan or inkosi
@doodysdaggers I have a small inkosi on my desk I'm doing photos of and it's stiff af brand new. I'm so used to flicking the knife open so fast 😩 because next to it I have a brb4 v1 I'm taking photos of and it's butter
It’s scary how I was thinking the exact same things about my sebenza and then this video pops up 😂 I’d be able to overlook the issues if it didn’t cost so much $$$$
I'm surprised you didn't research it with your knife community before you before you went and made an expensive purchase. Remember the lock failures on the Vosteed knifes I was purchase one of 4 that kept failing in the company just discontinued that. I always do my Intel Check reviews before I purchase anything
@@doodysdaggers It's a "feature?" I didn't know that. I could not find that on their site. Where do they mention that? These knives are made to tolerances in the ten-thousandths range. I have 2 large 31s and 2 small 31s, all with different blade steels and none of them exhibit this issue. My newest one was made in Sept of 2023. I guess this means two things. First, my newest knife is missing a feature. Second, it's time to go buy a lottery ticket. :))
@@doodysdaggers well that’s good to hear. Love your cut tests and looking forward to seeing if this one passes it. I am looking to buy, just not sure which CRK to go with yet ✌️❤️
I don’t blame you. Why keep it if you don’t like it. Whatever the issue if your turned off to it and your not going to use it might as well move down the line.
I would contact him to see if there’s anything that could be done about it. But I get to the point where somethings I am just done with it, and you have a Rosie now.
Could you make the counter argument that the fact that you enjoyed it for so long without noticing the lock rock that it’s not really a big deal? I can also see how it’s one of those things where ignorance is bliss and now you can’t unsee it. Tough go but there will be other knives 😎
It’s definitely not all 31s. Mine has zero rock. Forums are pretty much split on this problem. The Inkosi and Zaan each have the same interface without this issue. Buuuuut, I agree with you. If mine had that rock I would have already sold it and bought a new one. No way I could live with that on a knife at that price. It needs to be perfect.
It's the small ball. Not enough locking surface, so it can wiggle a little. It's nothing more than that. The locking surface is literally a small dot. The Inkosi I have does the same. Put the handle on a table and press on the spine. That's easier to see.
I stopped counting at 17 Chris Reeve knives - I have all of them in all of the steels - I’ve never had an issue but I do not discount those who do. If I am being honest, the only issues I have had are Microtech with off center blades on their recent releases like the Stitch, MSI and LUDT - but marginally off center. Medford IMO is the best knife maker in the planet now - I have 7, never had an issue and I have used customer service for random questions - immediate responses and I couldn’t be happier. My Medford collection will be expanding for sure.
Did you ever sell it? I have several 31s. That bothered me as well but I got over it and used the knives. They have been great. Also if you do get another CRK just take it apart amd polish the washers with some case paste, Fitz, etc. Throe some CLP of tiur favorite lube in there and boom. Flickable immediately after re assembly. Just got a mannacut insingo 31. First new crk in a while. I forgot what they felt like new. Kind if made me smile and brought me back. I took it apart that night. Did the thing. Not it flicks easy. Hasn't been out if my pocket since.
No biggie to me. You paid way too much money to not just absolutely love it. One reason ive never bought a sebenza is I think Sebenza knives are made for people who just want a one and done quality made folding cutting tool. In my knife journey if i pay more than $250 for a pocket knife it better offer more than just a well built cutting tool. It needs to have some looks, art, unique materials, action, sound or something more. Lets be honest you can spend under $300 or less and get the best cutting tool made. And Sebenzas dont offer that to me. And with modern technology is a sebenza really any better than some 150-$200 knives?
I’m agree. $600 is too much to not completely love the knife. And yeah you’re right, after a certain point you’re paying for the design and the brand name. Sometimes it’s worth it, sometimes it’s not
I get it i had a crk for a short while and realized my quiet carry's, spydercos, and trm's were better knifes overall for half the price. Then if u want a strong work knife cold steel just always sitting back waving.
I'm with you on that, the lock rock for the price is something I also would not be able to get over. I have an inkosi and tested out to see if it was the same, thankfully it does not have it. So if you ever want another Chris Reeves than I recommend the inkosi. Thanks and wish you the best.
I don’t think it’s a big deal since it’s not a safety issue. I liken it to selling Microtech OTF for having blade play when it’s deployed. I love my 31s and have no intention of selling any of them, but at the end of the day you have to do what’s best for you.
