Anyone besides Brad Duncan using a sealed bearing for pivot?

shootist16

shootist16

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This sounds very interesting. He says he uses a sealed Bearing that is pressed into the Blade. I haven't handled one yet, but hear it makes for a super smooth opening.
 
Larry told me he tried the pressed-in bearing method years ago, and was not happy with the amount of wobble that showed up as the knives aged. The bigger the bearing, the bigger the hole in the blade. This was one of the things that led him to develop his own roller-bearing design.

This is strictly my own subjective version of what Larry said to me--anything further, or more detailed would have to come from him.

A few days ago, I had the chance to handle a few of Brad's knives, (D/As, with the sealed bearing) at Triple Aught Design, and they were nice enough, certainly above average. However, in no way did I ever feel that I liked them better (or as much) as I liked my Cujo and Spitfire Covert. This is my entirely subjective opinion, others are certainly equally entitled to their own conclusions.



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Mr Duncan is correct in that there is a differance, I have worked both actions and the thrust bearings that Larry uses are smoother and more solid feeling than the sealed bearings that Mr Duncan uses, now that's not to say that Mr Duncans bearings are 2nd rate just not as precise feeling, kinda like the differance between Browne & Sharpe calipers vs Mitutoyo calipers, both are extremely accurate but with the Mitutoyo the movement is not as precise feeling as the swiss movement of the Brown & Sharp.

YMMV
 
Let's see if I can help out here.

What Brad has done is figure out how to make something work. That's the same thing I did when I came up with my pivot system. True I tried using a cartridge type of bearing as have many others. I think there is even a picture of a knife with a bearing pressed into the blade in Knives '90. What matters is that Brad figured out a way to make it work. I have played with one, it is as smooth as smooth gets. Rather than try to compare whose feels better, both designs have to be experienced to truly be appreciated. My hat is off to Brad, but he'd better watch out, he made too much noise sneeking up on me!:D


The important thing is to buy what you like, if Brad and I are lucky you will like both!

Larry

Please see my post in shop talk!
 
Let's not forget the other Larry...Davidson, using (I believe) the Chew system.
 
IIRC JB Cheyenne has a sealed bearing on their blade. I had one a couple of years back. It was good in dirt and grit with no play. Overall it seemed to be a good system and pretty durable. That was a button lock system and not a liner lock though. The bearings were on either side for the blade IIRC and not through the pivot. They were press fitted pretty tight though.

Here is a pic. Haven't seen Brad's for comparison.

http://members.home.net/jbknives/cheyeinfo.html
 
Cool.Thanks for the post.That is pretty interesting.I have never heard of that knife before.Looks pretty sound.
Brad
 
Handled some of Brad's at Blade and own one of Larry's - besides being two of the finest gentlemen in the knife-making world they have both come up with some of the smoothest folders anywhere! The actions on their knives need to be experienced - different means, same result. And if they keep this up DDR, Kit and those guys from Hawaii are going to have to watch out!!! :D :D :rolleyes:
 
There is nothing like competition to advance and improve the available technology. It's really great to see new makers like Larry D. and Brad out there pushing the state of the art and providing incentive to Larry C. to refine and improve his product.

The only disadvantage I can see is that it's going to be costing me more money, but that's a GOOD disadvantage, if you know what I mean...
 
im glad that most makers get along as well as they do.
some things are touchy subjects for makers (like HT:rolleyes:) and it makes me proud that this wasnt one of them.
i hate it when makers argue.its just bad buisness.
 
Interesting thread. Have wondered a lot about bearings in knives -- or their absence. Knew Mr. Chew used them, but only heard Brad Duncan did in the last day or so.

Thanks for the James Bros link. It is only my first impression, but I think that may be the coolest use of the clip I've seen yet. Am real partial to the one designed by DDR and David Block of OE, but that one actually being an integral part of the design, enhancing the looks is great!
 
I have a LOT of machines...bearings wear out (no offense to anyone involved)
I am a FIRM believe in KISS>>>>>>>>> especially the last S..!! :)
I submit Ron Lake as the supreme example of Keeping it SIMPLE!... :p
 
I don't know Tom, if you really meant it about keeping it simple, you'd only drill a couple of holes in each handle. ;)
Seriously though, following the KISS idea to it's logical conclusion would mean doing away with folders, 'cause that pivot is kinda complicated. The reason we like folders, even though more can go wrong with them than with straight knives, is because they are handy and fun. Bearings make them a bit handier and a whole lot more fun I think. The most gentle flick on the thumbstud of my Covert Spitfire sends the blade shooting out and I can spend hours admiring just how smooth the action is.
 
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