I'm good on IKBS... for good

evanPGH said:
This. My Leu Bluephin runs on IKBS and has been as reliable as the sunrise. Been carrying it for 8 months, the action has only improved over time and I havent taken it down for cleaning at all.
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I am sold on it for flippers.

I don't consider anything but a fixed blade as a field knife though.
 
Oh man, who would call an IKBS folder a field knife!? That's like calling your tomahawk or cutlass a good discreet EDC choice. I wouldn't want any folder a field knife, unless that field was next to my house. Folders are really easily mucked up, and a fixed blade is not. Unless another knife like the MUDD is made, folders have their ideal place, and that isn't field use.
 
I love to tinker so I have no problem with IKBS. In fact I prefer it in many cases to caged bearings. Caged bearings may have a slightly easier maintenance but I think the larger caged bearings can weaken the pivot area seeing so much material is usually needed to be removed to fit them and somtimes it will limit the placement of the detent ball. And I cant stand it when a detent track shows on an open blade. Also if the detent is done correctly (which accounts for 90% of all the friction noticed on a flipper anyways) I still feel IKBS is smoother and faster. With caged systems the action feels bumpy almost. Its hard to explain but when comparing all my bearing flippers the ones with true IKBS just really glide while the caged units tend to have rough spots in their travel. Honestly IKBS isnt for everyone. I can understand those who dont feel it is worth the added effort. But I equate it to this, A top of the line corvette is just as fast as a low end ferrari. And the maintenance is easier and cheaper. But some people would just rather have the ferrari. Now my true favorite though is a thrust washer with needle bearings like what RJ martin uses. You get ultra smooth operation like regular IKBS. The washers are usually smaller and therefore less intrusive on the design and there is practically no noticeable wear after thousands of flips when compared to something like KVT or IKBS without a cold rolled race. I would like to see them make a caged bearing system with more balls though. It could be done but I dont think the bearings exist in those sizes.
 
I have a Todd Begg Bodega and its IKBS and so far its perfect. I have carried it for a few months now and I have not done anything but blow the dust or pocket lint out with a can of compressed air. Mine has the ceramic bearings in the pivot and is by far the best flipper I have ever owned. I have disassembled a knife with IKBS before and it's no big deal just take your time and make sure you do it on something where the bearing won't roll off of. I doubt I will ever mess with the Begg, I would just let Todd fix it if it ever need anything.
 
It is completely unnecessary. I like the simplicity of phosphor bronze washers and oil/tuf-glide/etc. Even the washerless Spydies kick butt (like the Caly 3). Over complicating something as simple as a pocket knife with ball bearings is just odd. I feel the same way about these hidden stop pins with the blade tang having a cutout. Why? Put the stop pin where it has always been. It works great there.
 
I agree completely! Obsidian was good enough for great granddad, it's good enough for me! :)
 
David Lowry said:
It is completely unnecessary. I like the simplicity of phosphor bronze washers and oil/tuf-glide/etc. Even the washerless Spydies kick butt (like the Caly 3). Over complicating something as simple as a pocket knife with ball bearings is just odd. I feel the same way about these hidden stop pins with the blade tang having a cutout. Why? Put the stop pin where it has always been. It works great there.
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The thing is hidden stop pins in the only way to get certain designs (especially flippers) Made. Certain shapes simply wont work with a standard stop pin. And for every failed hidden stop pin there are countless others that have functioned flawlessly.
 
My experience with IKBS has been nothing but positive. I wonder if the quality of knife may have something to do with the reliability and function of the IKBS system. I prefer the loose bearings in a grooved race versus caged bearings, and if the blade isn't centered using IKBS, it's most likely the grind. It's much easier to tighten a loose blade using IKBS than traditional bronze washers. I own higher end customs with bronze washers and pivots, in addition to knives with steel pivots and bronze washers. Neither can be made to operate smoother or correct a blade that's off center with greater ease than an IKBS pivot.

I did see the video with the IKBS knives being buried ib sand, and mud. It's true, tried my own variation of the same, and the system performed flawlessly. Can't say the same for the bronze washer knives. Hell, dried grease on a washer pivot inhibits smooth opening. Forget about a little sand, it'll barely open.

As far as service, it's very easy. Just use enough lube to keep the balls in the race, that's all that's needed. It never ceases to amaze me when i read a post the bearings fell out upon disassembly. Maybe Microtech was right .....there are people that have no business opening a knife. How is it a shock little round things roll, and how weren't proper precautions taken prior to grabbing a wrench.
 
David Lowry said:
Haha. My point is that there are more moving parts for not much, if any, improvement.
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I understood your point; I was just teasing. Worse, I think you have a valid point. There is a point of diminishing returns for additional complexity, depending on some technological considerations that I won't bore everyone with.

Nevertheless, I'm a fan of IKBS and have never had a problem (which kind of explains why I'm a fan).

That said, I do have a number of plain washer knives which are terrific, too. I just like that sexy ball-bearing feel. Yes, it's a small thing, but I take my enjoyment where I find it.
 
PURPLEDC said:
The thing is hidden stop pins in the only way to get certain designs (especially flippers) Made. Certain shapes simply wont work with a standard stop pin. And for every failed hidden stop pin there are countless others that have functioned flawlessly.
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Spyderco Domino, ZT 801 and 560. Hidden, standard, and stud stops. A standard stop really is the best design. It works for so many models, so there must be something to it.
 
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