How long will a spring assist last compared to a bearings system?

[the_Marshall]

Do bearing system's last a lot longer than a spring assist? It seems like you pay more for a knife with bearings just wondering if there actually more durable a system than a spring assist.

 

[toker]

I would think that a bearing system would last longer than the user's lifetime. A spring has a finite use and will wear with every use. Of course, the spring is usually very easy to replace.

 

[Chris_S]

ZT support told me the bearings in my 0561 would out live me. The springs i've seen break in a few years. It only takes 3 screws or so to replace them though. I like the buttery smooth feel of bearings though.

 

[ninjarabbi]

Definitely a bearing system, but usually they will send you a new spring right away if it breaks unless its a really cheap knife. I do wish I knew where to buy cheap assisted knife springs to fix cheaper assisted knives. Also, if you polish the pivot and lube a knife well you can get your knife pretty damn smooth if you don't want to shell out the extra money for a knife with a bearing system.

 

[craytab]

These are two very different things, rather than an either or type situation. Like comparing apples to hamburgers. A bearing systems cost more because they are the heart of a folding knife: the pivot. Spring assist is just a means to propelling a blade out. You will still need a pivot with spring assist, no matter if it is a bearing or washer pivot system. Many knifes that are assisted can have the spring taken out and work just fine or better. Take the bearing system out of a blade and you don't have a knife anymore.

 

[RevDevil]

These are two very different things, rather than an either or type situation. Like comparing apples to hamburgers. A bearing systems cost more because they are the heart of a folding knife: the pivot. Spring assist is just a means to propelling a blade out. You will still need a pivot with spring assist, no matter if it is a bearing or washer pivot system. Many knifes that are assisted can have the spring taken out and work just fine or better. Take the bearing system out of a blade and you don't have a knife anymore.

Good answer. :thumbup: