Bearings or Washers?

I really don't have a preference in non flipper knives, bearings are nice in flippers, but washers done correctly are just fine.

I will say that after disassembling a flipper with IKBS, I prefer caged bearings, what a PITA that was.
 
ebidis said:
I really don't have a preference in non flipper knives, bearings are nice in flippers, but washers done correctly are just fine.

I will say that after disassembling a flipper with IKBS, I prefer caged bearings, what a PITA that was.
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I sent my Boker Urban Trapper in pieces for warranty repair because I tried to clean it and immediately found that I was wrong to assume "bearings" means "caged bearings."

Oh my god they are so tiny and impossible to set into tracks. Once one of them became slightly magnetic, it was all over.
 
RX-79G said:
Sanrenmu 704. Steel lined G10 with the bronze washers against the blade, the copper and teflon touching the scales. It works perfectly. I wish my $120 Spyderco opened so nicely.
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I have a crappy $12 strider SNG clone that is smoother than the CF Sebenza I had. The variance in quality of washer-based knives, even under relatively strict conditions, may be a point in favor of bearing pivots...
 
Washers every time. I will not trade off ease of maintenance for smoothness. Bearings don't guarantee a smooth action either. My Elishewitz uses only ONE nylatron washer and it's a knife that's ridiculously easy to take apart, clean and put back together as a result. And even though it only uses one washer, the pivot action on that knife is smoother than every other knife I have ever handled except my CQC-9, and that includes dozens of knives with two washers or with bearings.
 
I have two names for those who believe Bearings are better.

Chris Reeve & Scott Cook. 😉
 
If you want a toy, get a knife with bearings, They are fun.
If you want a tool get a knife with washers, They just work.
 
I have a lot more experience with washers and have only had knives with bearings in the last couple of years. In general, I prefer bearings, although I wouldn't think of washers as a negative.

Both can get seemingly frictionless (the blades on my 0550 and some of my Benchmades will swing freely with the lock disengaged), but in regards to consistency, my bearing pivot knives are all nearly frictionless like that right out of the box, whereas the majority of the ones with washers aren't (at least without a wear-in period and/or some tinkering, and many never get to that point).

The bearings are also much more forgiving when you are adjusting the pivot. Just tighten the pivot screw until it is tight enough to eliminate any blade play and to center the knife as needed, and you're done. With washers, there's that delicate little dance towards the end of making 1-degree adjustments to strike the perfect level of tightness to get rid of the side-to-side movement and achieve the desired blade action and centering.

Cleaning/maintenance is identical for both (actually maybe marginally easier on bearings). Just flush with hot, soapy water, dry it out, and then add a drop of oil on each side. In the case of bearings, the oil isn't even needed, and it'll still be just as smooth.

Thinking about it, I don't think I've ever had a non-flipper knife on bearings. Are there any?
 
flarp said:
The bearings are also much more forgiving when you are adjusting the pivot. Just tighten the pivot screw until it is tight enough to eliminate any blade play and to center the knife as needed, and you're done. With washers, there's that delicate little dance towards the end of making 1-degree adjustments to strike the perfect level of tightness to get rid of the side-to-side movement and achieve the desired blade action and centering.
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Its obvious you have never owned a Seb 21.
 
bigmark408 said:
I have two names for those who believe Bearings are better.

Chris Reeve & Scott Cook. 😉
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Aw, don't be so hard on them.

They'll figure out how to do bearings someday. :p

best

mqqn
 
JohnLT13 said:
Its obvious you have never owned a Seb 21.
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Let me guess, you bought a Sebenza recently and it is the bestest knife in the whole wide world. Am I right?

best

mqqn
 
Why do so many people say that bearing systems aren't as tough as washers? Washers are made of thin layers of nylatron/some sort of plastic, or copper, while bearings are made of steel.
 
mqqn said:
Let me guess, you bought a Sebenza recently and it is the bestest knife in the whole wide world. Am I right?

best

mqqn
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I have a few, And no I don't think they are the "Best" knife. But when it comes to pivots and washers they are fool proof. Why is it when someone says Sebenza people like you get sarcastic?
 
jac_solar said:
Why do so many people say that bearing systems aren't as tough as washers? Washers are made of thin layers of nylatron/some sort of plastic, or copper, while bearings are made of steel.
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Yea - I am not sure on that either. Lack of knowledge? Who knows. I like the "bearings will wear out faster" than washers. I have even seen people compare the washers to engine crank bearings, and then someone who knows what they are talking about starts educating the washer fan on things like oil-film and babbit etc.

Wheel bearings on cars routinely go 100,000+ miles, all while supporting the weight of a car or truck, with side loads etc. Yea, those are typically tapered rollers, but the concept is the same.

Bearings can be tough, and washers can be weak, and vice versa if the manufacturer does not know how to make what they are making.

Like I originally said, without disparaging either side of the equation, bearings are great, if you have had them and like them (like me) then thank heavens for technology and manufacturing advancement.

If you like washers and it's working for you, then go get you some washers, tiger! There's lots of options to choose.

I just love it when people have to "show you how right they are".

best

mqqn
 
JohnLT13 said:
I have a few, And no I don't think they are the "Best" knife. But when it comes to pivots and washers they are fool proof. Why is it when someone says Sebenza people like you get sarcastic?
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Well, if you read the tone of your post, you are the one that came in here with the attitude.

Obvious he has never had a Sebenza 21, eh?

best

mqqn
 
jac_solar said:
Why do so many people say that bearing systems aren't as tough as washers? Washers are made of thin layers of nylatron/some sort of plastic, or copper, while bearings are made of steel.
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My guess would be they're referring to the knife as a whole and taking the additional milling required to place bearings into account. Removing that material will assuredly make the knife weaker but, for me at least, I doubt it will ever make a significant difference.
 
I can't deny the technological advancement of bearings in a knife, but I support PB washers all the way. Call me a control freak, but I think that a sharp folding tool is best kept under control at the most vulnerable feature.
 
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