How to maintain ball bearing/kvt?

[ATJ999]

I use a blow gun/air compressor on all my bearing folders, works like a charm! I don't know the KVT system, but I would imagine it would work great.

 

[DocJD]

You'd be surprised how little amounts of dirt/dust effect the smoothness drastically.

Slightly off topic- Ceramic detents can become especially stiff since the ceramic ball is harder than the steel and can cause swarf to pile up on the detent path. Don't believe me? Take a ceramic detent knife and open and close it (don't lock it) repeatedly for a few minutes and you'll notice the smoothness slowly disappear. The toothbrush trick will instantly restore smoothness.

Hey Blues thanks for info on the ceramic , I had no idea it is being used . Is that common now or just on high end ?

 

[kniferbro]

Hey Blues thanks for info on the ceramic , I had no idea it is being used . Is that common now or just on high end ?

Some CRK (25, Zaan, etc.) A lot of the newer Chinese knives too. I know my Kizer Dorado has one.

 

[DocJD]

Some CRK (25, Zaan, etc.) A lot of the newer Chinese knives too. I know my Kizer Dorado has one.

Thanks kniferbro , the whole ball bearing thing is new for me ( tho I've collected knives since the early 80's ) .

From what Blues said above , maybe a ceramic detent ball is a maintenance problem ?