As a lefty and a resent new CRK owner. I have to ask if this is you first CRK? I found that on my umnumzaan I got the famous CRK thumb. But on my inkosi I didn't have the same problem. I should mention I bought both second hand the umnumzaan I know for a fact was well broke in and should not have given me any issues and the inkosi was lime new and should have. I got thr umnumzaan first and 3 days later I got the inkosi. I think what was mentioned above maybe a key factor. I did take both apart , clean and relube them. Mostly just to get to know my new found freinds. But when I started with the umnumzaan I was pushing with the top of the thumb stud. By the time the inkosi showed up I was pushing from the blade stock and thumb stud. By day 5 the sore thumb was gone and the smooth feeling was solid with both knives. Now I'm looking to sell off a ton of my other collection and add to the CRK collection. They seem to want to hang with there own kind especially the left handed ones. Come hand out with use at everything lefties tread. Love to have you.Just received my carbon fiber large (lefty) 21 from Knife Art. It's beautiful! The detent is pretty strong, though. Does this loosen up as the knife breaks in? I'm assuming it will, but I haven't had a new one in my hand in many years.
Thanks for the replies! I bought my first Sebenza in 1993. It was my only folder for a least a decade, but I eventually convinced myself that the ATS34 steel was obsolete and regrettably sold it. Anyway I've forgotten how it felt when new. I've had other CRKs since then, all bought used, all very smooth, all unfortunately sold. I hope I'm back to stay this time around! Taking it apart and lubing is a great suggestion, as is giving myself a couple of days off for the thumb to recover.
Try not to use the top of the thumb stud, try to actually touch the blade with your thumb in order to get as much thumb behind the stud as possible. If you push straight out, then arc up, it will be less painful breaking it in. I've got a new 21 that is tight also and is being stubborn. Of course, it isn't helping that my other CRK's are broken in.
It really is. I never realized that’s how I open them until I got my first Damascus 21. Fades rite there where my thumb rests on the blade opening itMuch easier using Ajack60's suggestion. Thanks!