Galyean Pro JYD

[GarrettWeidman]

I have a Kershaw titanium JYD with SG2 steel. It has been modified, it has an IKBS bearing system, and a tip up STR clip, is the galyean pro going to be that much better than the knife I have? Will it be worth it? Thank you for your opinions.

 

[SteelSnob]

I don't know for sure. Can you post some pics?

 

[Tony8179]

The JD design is one of my favorites in the knife world. I own all the different JYD models except for the true customs which I've never seen for under $2000. Kershaw's SG2 model is an exceptional piece, especially for the price. That being said, the fit, finish, blade grind, and overall quality on the Pro Series outranks the SG2 model.

The blade is thicker and more robust on the Pro Series model. I feel as though I could put the PS JYD to some hard use while I would only leave light and medium duty to the SG2 model. I also prefer the anodized Ti standoffs on the PS model over the single G-10(?) backspacer of the SG2 model.

If you got a good price on the knife you have and you're happy with it, then there is probably no reason to get the PS model. I know that STR charges about $40 for the tip up conversion. As far as IKBS being added to the Kershaw model, I'm don't know how much something like that costs. I know that Brad Southard has added IKBS to at least a couple of the Kershaw SG2 models, but I don't know how much he charges.

I'd like to see some pictures of the SG2 model you have. I saw one for sale with the IKBS added to it and I was going to pull the trigger, but decided not to for specific reasons.

The SG2 model by Kershaw is awesome and I can only see it being improved by adding an STR clip and an IKBS system. I've got two and they both have tip up deep pocket conversions done by STR. Maybe I'll send one to Brad for an IKBS conversion as well.

Pics, pics, pics!

 

[GarrettWeidman]

This First one is my SG2 with IKBS (by Brad Southard), and the low-rider STR clip, bought off the bay for $80.

Sorry for the blurry pictures, had to borrow my roommates camera to even get these.

These are pictures of my other SG2, that I modified to have a left-hand tip-up standard Kershaw clip, and I am planning on putting a bearing system on it myself, I bought all the supplies, we will see how that works out this weekend.

 

[DiscardedGrunt]

Sweet knives, some of the coolest mods I have seen!!!

 

[Tony8179]

Looks good! You got a killer deal on that one! I figured that Brad did the IKBS. Who did the standoffs that replaced the backspacer? I'd like to know how the mod goes when you're all done with it.

I think I have to contact Brad about inserting an IKBS system into one of my SG2 models. Did he stamp his logo on the inside of one of the scales?

 

[GarrettWeidman]

Sweet knives, some of the coolest mods I have seen!!!

Thanks, I can not take credit for all the mods though. I only did the second knife, and made small changes to the first.

Who did the standoffs that replaced the backspacer?

A while back I ordered the body screws for my Kershaw Storm 2 because I had lost a screw and they sent me the stand-offs that go on the storm, so I have had those lying around and threw those on the JYD and they fit perfect! They aren't titanium though.

Did he stamp his logo on the inside of one of the scales?

Yes, he stamped his logo along, with "IKBS" on the inside of the lock-side scale, I tried to take a picture but you couldn't see it in the picture.

I'd like to know how the mod goes when you're all done with it.

I will be sure to let you know how my own bearing system turns out, I am sure that I will ruin quite a few gas station knives before I get the skill/courage to attempt it on my JYD.

 

[STR]

The JYDII is my all time favorite Kershaw model and I own more than a few Kershaws believe me. I'm particularly fond of the frame lock model in SG2 and have two of them currently and one of the original JYD stainless frame locks signed by Tim that I tucked away in the safe. Its one of the first that Kershaw produced too so by the time my son inherits it I'm sure it will be something to brag about!

I'd love to have the real deal some day. Maybe if I can swing it I'll manage but so far I've not taken the plunge in the custom version of the II. If I did go custom it would have to be the II model version though to satisfy my hands.

Honestly I can't see putting the IKBS in either of mine because I think they just flip right out there fine but I bet its like greased lightning when Brad gets done with one! There isn't much room left for improvement in these IMO. I've been in love with the JYDII since I got the first one in the original liner lock back when I spoke with Tim about them in email.. I believe I called it spot on back then when I predicted it would be one of the best in the line up. I saw it coming and sure enough its just as I said. Made in the USA, flawlessly put together with super materials and craftsmanship by a young A team at Kershaw. You can't hardly ask for more these days particularly when you see what little $ you have to fork over to get into one. :thumbup:

STR

 

[GarrettWeidman]

Honestly I can't see putting the IKBS in either of mine because I think they just flip right out there fine

It's true, they are a really great flipper, and I can get my "stock" JYD to flip open every time, but in my hand next to my JYD with IKBS it feels like I have to use tons of pressure to flip it out, and it feels so slow. I guess I have just been spoiled by the IKBS.

 

[STR]

I guess I have a strong flicker!

STR

 

[GarrettWeidman]

I guess I have a strong flicker!

STR

Or maybe you haven't been spoiled yet?

 

[shunsui]

... is the galyean pro going to be that much better than the knife I have?

If you're contented with your Junkyard, you might want to check out the Lahar model pics over in the Galyean forum. It's different than the Junkyard but the workmanship is pretty nice.

 

[STR]

Or maybe you haven't been spoiled yet?

Oh I've got IKBS knives and I've owned some other similar bearing pivot knives working along similar means by other makers using something similar only with a race cup in the blade pivot hole instead of milling out a slot in the handles. I agree that they work well and are fun to flick. My son liked the one I had so much I ended up giving it to him. I'm not suggesting otherwise but to me they counter my 'dirty' ways and don't fit in with my habits and I need something more easily cleaned in the bed of a pick up truck without the risk of losing bearings which I have done by the way. I didn't know it at the time but the next time I did take the one apart I noticed two bearings had fallen out. Never did find them and never knew when I lost em. It didn't act any different in the action or anything and still rolled right out there but I don't know how many you could lose before you noticed it was not working right. For me I just kept it simple but I would imagine having one for around the house or city would be pretty cool.

By the way, you can buy the stand offs and install those yourself by simply replacing the rear spacer that comes on the folder when you buy it. I've bought titanium ones and anodized them blue for folks also. These stand offs in stainless are available from Jantz Supply 1-800 351-8900. The part number for the stand offs I used which fit every bit as well as the original spacer if not better are SO301 They are $1.95 each and available in two types. I bought the ones that were designer over the $.99 smooth stand offs under part number SO101. The titanium stand offs came from Sheffield and have separate order information. I don't have that right in front of me sorry.

STR

 

[Tony8179]

If you're contented with your Junkyard, you might want to check out the Lahar model pics over in the Galyean forum. It's different than the Junkyard but the workmanship is pretty nice.

I'd already own one if it wasn't for the tip down only pocket clip. I wouldn't want to have to drill and tap the other end on a knife so nice.

 

[jeffzerot]

you cant go wrong with Pro-Series, superb, cant find anything better superb.

 

[GarrettWeidman]

I'd like to know how the mod goes when you're all done with it.

I recently finished my own JYD 2 with a bearing system on the JYD 2 with the tip-up left hand carry clip, it turned out better than I thought it was going to, it turned out well enough that I have put my Brad Southard JYD up for trade because it is no longer carried.