How much difference does IKBS make?

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SoCalRandy

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Apr 14, 2008
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Hi guys first post....I am really interested in picking up a new custom knife soon. I don't have any experience with the IKBS at all but have heard good things about it. I am having trouble finding the knife I want with the IKBS (but I know they exist!). My question is how much of a difference does it really make? If I had two identical knives, one with IKBS and one without, would there be a significant difference or is it mostly hype?
 
It makes a difference with the smoothness of opening and closing. In my opinion, if the knife isn't a flipper there is no need for IKBS. When it come to flippers, the addition of IKBS makes for a super smooth action, but with a tight pivot and no play. The downside is that they arent the easiest to disassemble because little ball bearings can go flying all over the place. The upside is that the pivot area is easy to clean with a can of WD-40. A good flush and then a little canned air to blow out the excess and you're good to go.

Obviously, I'm a fan of IKBS. I am more than pleased with the IKBS in my knives and I look forward to owning more. Out of curiosity, which knife are you looking for?
 
there's definitely a significant difference between an IKBS knife and a non-ikbs knife. you'll be able to tell right away, but it's not necessarily better, just different.
 
SoCalRandy said:
I REALLY want a Kirby Lambert, either an Inferno or Incinerator...

http://www.truenorthknives.com/vcom/product_info.php?cPath=345_457&products_id=2729

I almost think I should try to be patient and wait for the Plaza Cutlery show in October? Kirby will be there and I'm hoping he will have a lot of knives for sale.... Anybody know if that is the case or not?
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Just my recommendation, but if you're going to look into a Lambert with IKBS, I would say look into a Sniper flipper. The design is awesome, the blade shape and grinds are excellent, and the flipping action is sweeeet.
 
misterjuiceman said:
there's definitely a significant difference between an IKBS knife and a non-ikbs knife. you'll be able to tell right away, but it's not necessarily better, just different.
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this is well stated.

i own one ikbs flipper, a todd begg. it is wonderfully easy to open. but i dont know how much better it is than if it just had a good pivot system.

in contrast, i have a ddr flipper that opens like buttered glass, ridiculous smooth. i dont think it would be better with a bearing system, just different.
 
Tony8179 said:
Just my recommendation, but if you're going to look into a Lambert with IKBS, I would say look into a Sniper flipper. The design is awesome, the blade shape and grinds are excellent, and the flipping action is sweeeet.
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Yeah, I agree with you about the Sniper, that was my initial attraction to his knives. I just don't like the style of pocket clip that he puts on that particular model :o... and where can they be found anyways?
 
misterjuiceman said:
there's definitely a significant difference between an IKBS knife and a non-ikbs knife.
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To say this you need to test identical knives made by the same knifemaker, one with IKBS and one without. Have you tested identical knives?

I have several knives with IKBS and many more without. Knives without IKBS made to tight tolerances feel great. My IKBS knives feel great. Highly skilled knifemakers produce great knives.

I would focus on the knifemaker when deciding which knives to buy.
 
I have actually felt the difference. That's why I used the Sniper as my example. I own a Sniper flipper without the IKBS, but have handled a Lambert with IKBS and the difference in smoothness and ease when opening and closing is astounding. It makes me wish mine had IKBS. I wonder if I could send it to Kirby for an upgrade.

I found mine on the forums. Just keep your eyes open in the custom area.
 
Chuck Bybee said:
To say this you need to test identical knives made by the same knifemaker, one with IKBS and one without. Have you tested identical knives?

I have several knives with IKBS and many more without. Knives without IKBS made to tight tolerances feel great. My IKBS knives feel great. Highly skilled knifemakers produce great knives.

I would focus on the knifemaker when deciding which knives to buy.
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there's absolutely a difference between an IKBS knife and a non-IKBS knife. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, but I can absolutely tell when I'm handling an IKBS knife. i've handled many exceptionally smooth folders, but IKBS just feels different than all of them. while I haven't handled the same knife in an IKBS version and a non-IKBS version, I'd imagine there's a significant difference--if there weren't why would they bother? it's analogous to a chef who makes a lobster and veal dish, but then replaces the lobster with shrimp. yeah, it's a very similar dish, but there's an immediately apparent difference.

I have never chosen a knife based on the system used, I always choose based on the maker.

it should be said that there can also be significant differences between IKBS knives. I found that on low-end knives with IKBS, you can kind of feel the balls at work, but on a really nice IKBS knife, it just seems extremely loose yet with absolutely no play in any direction, even when partially opened.

also someone found the IKBS'd XM-18 that I was talking about:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=766531
 
I always thought IKBS pivot is really only useful in a flipper, but having since picked up a Mikkel Willumsen Mr. Mug with it (A non-flipper), it is pretty amazing. It opens incredibly smoothly & it's not a flipper.

Also, I believe the IKBS pivot's stronger than a traditional pivot system in that with all the ball bearings, it's spreading the stress out over a larger area & "should" be stronger & wear better. I do think the downside of it is that it's harder to clean (More parts) than a traditional pivot.
 
Well, I own a Lambert Sniper with IKBS and an RJ Martin Q-36 and while the Sniper is truly an exceptional piece of work the Q-36 beats it hands down........
 
KnifeKnut66 said:
Yes I prefer RJ's system to IKBS absolutely.
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I agree. While I am a huge fan of IKBS, I think that the Roller Thrust Bearing system blows it out of the water. Instead of loose ball bearings you have smooth cylindrical bearings spread out and encased in a plastic washer. Near to the same principal, but much more refined. It is way easier to disassemble and clean a knife when you don't have to worry about those ball bearing flying all over the place.

Kershaw is working with a pivot system similar to the Roller Thrust Bearing. I believe they call them KVT washers (Kershaw Velocity Technology). Instead of cylindrical bearings they've opted for ball bearings encased in a plastic washer. They showed this off at Blade Show with there Prototype Tilt folder. Thomas says they're working on refining the system so that it can be used in certain regular production models.
 
enclosed bearings are always a bit more refined. Just look at your car wheels. however, I have to say that IKBS is really quite cool too, they blow non-IKBS flippers out of the water when done properly. They require less minute adjustments to flip well.

I own IKBS and non IKBS flipper and have also tried RJ's system. Presently I like IKBS a bit more than the rest but do not know about dirt etc getting into the bearings (although I have seen Flavio/Rick's videos).
 
KnifeKnut66 said:
Yes I prefer RJ's system to IKBS absolutely.
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good to hear. Kirby just finished a linerlock inferno for me, so no IKBS, so I'm excited for that.

I really need to try RJ's system. unfortunately I've never handled one of his knives. is the general preference for his system because of it's design, or feel?
 
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