Bearings or washers

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Gary W. Graley

Gary W. Graley

“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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So, I've gotten to where I'm not sure about knives with bearings, sure they might be 'fast' but that isn't always a good thing, phosphor bronze washers can be pretty smooth, ok maybe NOT as smooth as some bearings but they still work.

I've wondered if the bearing craze will some day take a turn and we go back to the PB washers or some fancy smooth material that is similar.

I haven't had any real issue with a knife that has bearings, so I may be worried for naught, but my old brain just isn't that keen on them, simple minded likes simple things I guess.

There are some knives that haven't made that move to bearings, such as Chris Reeve knives, they seem to be doing pretty well.

And GEC folders, no bearings there yet, I know some makers are putting bearings into slip joint folders but that seems like overkill.

Just a Monday evening rambling but I think there may be a few that might agree and of course a lot that will not and that's perfectly fine, everyone has their own opinion and feelings about it I'm sure.

Ok, back to sharpening things that are already sharp, ugh lol need to get another knife to sharpen up!
G2
 
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midnight flyer said:
I won't buy another knife unless it falls into the "gentleman's pretty knife" category that has bearings. I have a fair assortment of working many knives ( I are one ) and they have to do their duty as a tool only. On another venue, it was mentioned that someone's ZT 0909 had bearings that rusted and corroded in the knife. Started out feeling like some kind of dirt got in the knife, then it got a little gritty so he took the knife apart to clean and oil the pivot/washer area.

But there were no washers. It was bearings... he didn't know. He took some really nasty pics of the pivot/bearing corrosion and explained the fact that he had to order and install new bearings. On a ZT no less, a knife that rode in his pocket for only a year or so. Tougher than nails; overbuilt; USA tough. I really loved my ZT 0909 and when they discontinued them, I liked it so much I bought another (first time for that).

I took my ZT apart to look at the scene of the crime that there was a bit of rust (very tiny) forming on the bearings. I was pissed. I saw nothing when I purchased the knife that mentioned bearings, maybe I missed it. I put a dot of 3in1 on the knife and put it back together, but don't carry it anymore. Unlike so many here, I don't have time to maintain a knife by taking it apart and meticulously cleaning lint, removing a small stain on the blade, cleaning out the holes in the frame drilled to make it lighter, etc. They go in my pocket and the go to work.
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Interesting. Didn't even know the ZT 0909 ran on bearings.

Anyone else know which (if any) other ZT's run on bearings too?
 
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Greggy said:
I have equal numbers of both in my small collection. I tend to better appreciate a properly functioning PB washer pivot. Thinking longer term, bearings are just another moving part in a not too complex machine called a knife. Moving parts wear out. PB tends to wear well, not too sure about rolling bearings in a race of bearings. Time will tell. My oldest bearing knife is less than a year old.
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I'm no expert but it just seems "logical" that PB washers would be the "best" to use in a folder because they are unlikely to corrode, won't "wear" like teflon washers do (I've found a few chewed up teflon washers in some of the knives I've disassembled) or get gunked up or rusted as bearings might.
 
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Action can be great with either. One thing that bearings have a clear advantage over washers is easily eliminating blade play while achieving smooth action. So if a person is bothered by even the tiniest blade play and wants drop shutty blade action, bearings should be preferred.
 
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sharp_edge said:
Action can be great with either. One thing that bearings have a clear advantage over washers is easily eliminating blade play while achieving smooth action. So if a person is bothered by even the tiniest blade play and wants drop shutty blade action, bearings should be preferred.
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I still don't understand the appeal of having a knife cut you when closing...
 
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I prefer washers, they are simple and I have never thought "Gee I wish that this knife would flick open faster than it already does". I dont hate bearing knives, I have a couple, but I could not care less about "drop shuttyness" as I think that it is stupid and a little dangerous. I dont care how my knife opens and shuts really, I care how it cuts when it gets open.
 
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Sharp & Fiery said:
Well Gary,

I’m definitely a washer guy all the way. Washers can be incredibly smooth. Also, a knife with no bladeplay (or micro bladeplay) that is centered and on washers is a sign of great tolerances in the build.

I like that there are fewer parts, so less to go wrong.

There is also a lot less of a chance that the washer is going to cut a “race channel” into your ti slabs.

I only have a couple of bearing knives left in my collection…any knives that I really liked on bearings got swapped over to PB washers. 👍🏼

All that being said. Bearings are a deal breaker for me. However, I won’t slight anyone who prefers bearings over washers. 😁
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That’s very interesting. Would you happen to know if the Southard can be changed to washers?
 
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Guy McVer said:
Bearings are nice unless you actually intend to use your knife. Bearings wear down over time and are more susceptible to being clogged with dust and grit, which will accelerate their deterioration. If your knife is mostly for show or for fidgeting, then bearings are fine.

There is nothing wrong with having an expensive knife for fidgeting!
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Greggy said:
I have equal numbers of both in my small collection. I tend to better appreciate a properly functioning PB washer pivot. Thinking longer term, bearings are just another moving part in a not too complex machine called a knife. Moving parts wear out. PB tends to wear well, not too sure about rolling bearings in a race of bearings. Time will tell. My oldest bearing knife is less than a year old.
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sgt1372 said:
I'm no expert but it just seems "logical" that PB washers would be the "best" to use in a folder because they are unlikely to corrode, won't "wear" like teflon washers do (I've found a few chewed up teflon washers in some of the knives I've disassembled) or get gunked up or rusted as bearings might.
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I haven't experienced bearings "wearing out" but I have seen rusted steel bearings in a knife that sat dry in tool box for a long time. (I've also seen teflon washers get chewed up.)

Ceramic bearings don't rust. Do they wear down over time? I've never seen it but I've only been using them for a few years.

BTW, here is a picture of the average caged bearings in folded brass that you'll find in lots of modern knives versus the comparable size of Skiff bearings in solid phosphor bronze. (Skiff has more balls.)

26nrY6P.jpg
 
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