Bronze washers. Should I install them?

[MTHall720]

I'm always wanting my blades to open faster and smoother. In addition to cleaning, lubricating and making small adjustments to pivot tightness, I was wondering if changing to bronze washers would be worth a try. Most of knives weigh between about 5 ounces up to 7 ounces and have longer blades.
Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[PMQ]

I rubbed by bronze washers on a strop with green compound, green is not designed for bronze, it's designed for steel but that's what I have. After a few minutes, I get a mirror polish surface and the smoothness increase somewhat.

 

[MTHall720]

Thanks. I was wondering how to polish the washers if I got some for replacements for the washers my folders came with.

 

[115Italian]

What kind of knives are you talking about?

 

[353]

What kind of washers did the knife come with?

 

[kreisler]

phosphor bronze washers are good

 

[MTHall720]

What kind of knives are you talking about?

CRKT Crawford Kasper, CS Recon 1, BM Bedlam. All bought new and have see very light use.

 

[MTHall720]

What kind of washers did the knife come with?

To be honest I'm not sure since I haven't disassembled any.

 

[MTHall720]

phosphor bronze washers are good

Not sure how to measure thickness if I order any aftermarket ones.

 

[crn3371]

You’re going to need calipers in order to get accurate measurements.

 

[ferider]

I do it on all the knives where it's possible.

Note that with modern PB washers, polishing is not really necessary. They will break in. And they are "self-lubing" - of course you need lube on the pivot, but not really any on the washers, IMO.

 

[MTHall720]

Thanks very much everyone.