Chris Reeve Knives like the Sebenza, one of the brand’s more popular models, are made to an impeccably high standard of quality. That being said, proper knife maintenance is key to protecting your investment in your tools. So, with no further ado, here’s how to clean your Sebenza, from a high level. 

Remove the Pivot Pin and Screw

Proper cleaning of your Sebenza starts with disassembly. First, use a 5/64” wrench to remove the pivot screw. Once it is removed, open the knife to 45° and push the pin out the other side. 

Remove the Blade

With the pivot screw and pin removed, slide the blade out, then remove the two phosphor bronze washers from where they are seated, and set aside. You will also want to remove the pivot bushing and set that aside as well. 

Remove the Remaining Hardware 

Once the blade is removed, you can remove the remaining body screws and pins. Using a magnetic tray here to help prevent the loss of these screws and pins can be essential. Also, make sure you keep track of what hardware goes where on the knife. 

Clean and Maintain 

With the remaining hardware removed, you can now clean the handle scales and the blade of the knife. 

To do so, wipe the scales and liners with a microfiber cloth. Chris Reeve Knives themselves suggests a bit of windex if you need a little help getting them clean. 

Pay particular attention to the pivot area. Dust between the scales is not such a big deal, but dust and grime around the pivot area won’t just make the knife operate less smoothly, it will also incur wear on the pivot. 

You will also want to take this time to clean the blade, taking care near the edge. Your Sebenza may be made with a highly corrosion resistant steel alloy, but you should still wipe it clean of any debris here. 

Reassemble 

Here, you can insert the back body pin through the back handle and then place the backspacer on top of it. 

Add the lanyard assembly back in, then replace and tighten the remainder of the hardware on the knife frame.

Apply a drop of fluorinated grease (available for sale through Chris Reeve Knives’ website) into the pivot hole, then replace the pivot bushing, then apply some grease around the outside of the pivot hole. 

Replace the front and back washers, being very careful so as not to bend them (if you do, you will need to send your knife in for service, as the washers are hand fit to each knife).

Disengage the lock bar, slide the blade in at a roughly 45° angle, and then replace the pivot pin and screw.

After the knife has been cleaned and reassembled, check the action and lockup. If everything’s in order, you’re good to go. 

Where to Learn More About Chris Reeves Knives 

That’s really all there is to cleaning your Chris Reeve Sebenza. If, however, you’re here for a new knife or want to learn more about Chris Reeve Knives in general, visit River’s Edge Cutlery. They carry some of that brand’s top models and can help you find what you’re looking for.

For more information about Pro-Tech Knives and Shirogorov Knives Please visit: River’s Edge Cutlery.