Bearings vs. Assisted Opening

[bpeezer]

Does anyone have preferences either way? And if so, why? I prefer the bearings because they just feel silky smooth

 

[9blades]

Iv only ever held bearing knives but I love em to! Also there can be a little " ohhhh my god he has a switchblade!!!!" With assisted knives.....bad news any way.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I thought AO knives were the coolest thing in the world years ago when I started buying Kershaws. I just don't like them any more. The novelty has worn off.

I see bearing pivots as the future for most high quality knives. They are very inexpensive (around $6 for a set retail so much less for a manufacturer) that leaves milling. I can't see any good reason why a manufacturer wouldn't incorporate them into their new designs. It's a selling point, again, they don't cost much (as evidenced by overseas designs from companies like CRKT) and they just plain work.