Kvt

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fatherhudson

Joined
Apr 3, 2012
Messages
494
So i've been hearing the KVT technology being mentioned a lot recently, which if i'm not mistaken is some sort of bearing system. I know the 0560 and the tilt use KVT but what other knives have this tech? I'm interested in trying it out but i don't have the money for a 0560 right now, do any of the less expensive offerings use it? Also, how good is it? does it really make a noticeable difference or is it just kind of gimmicky?
 
those are the only 2 currently avail with kvt, but per other threads some of the new models will use it also. My tilt flies open with what seems like no resistance.
 
KVT is a blue polymer washer with 7 ball bearings stuck in it, but free floating. One on each side of the blade between inside the frame.

It is a smooth acting rugged washer system.

So Far the Tilt was the first to be sold to use it, then the 0560/0561. The 0777 has it but it not out yet. The new 0560CBCF has it as well as the new RJ Martin Collaboration and the new in house design, with the blood groove.

The 0560 is the least expensive and available knife with KVT (Kinetic Velocity Technology).

I will say my silver and black recurve Groove is so smooth that it rivals KVT as well as my Zing, so I think good design goes a long way to smooth finger powered flippers. The way I test this is releasing the lock and watching the blade fall from gravity alone, or using a light swinging motion to finish opening or closing the blade.
 
I feel KVT is the best bearing system in a production folder. I feel it is more practical and less gimicky than an auto or assisted opening knife. For me having a knife that is as fast as a switchblade but has no more moving parts than a standard folder to be a huge improvement over previous designs. I also prefer their system to IKBS for the maintenance factor of it all. If you open a KVT knife you wont get bearings flying everywhere. Now I dont recommend opening a knife if your not experienced in doing so no matter how simple it is. But IMHO the new KAI KVT equipped knives are some of the best available knives from a production company and if you consider the prices of these knives and what you have to pay to get something similar from someone else then they just might be the best period. Of course that is only my opinion. But I think bearing systems in knives have proven themselves to be much more than a fad or gimmick. Quite frankly im very surprised more companies havent adopted one for themselves. But then again bearing systems are not very forgiving in their design and must have very specific tolerances. Some of the competition may just feel its not worth the time and investement in making a superior product. But I appreciate that KAI doesnt just give customers any old knife that they feel they may accept. They give us what we need and want.
 
In case you haven't seen this video before !

[video=youtube;FZjYVWpRtgE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZjYVWpRtgE[/video]

1234,,,,:)
 
1234 said:
In case you haven't seen this video before !

[video=youtube;FZjYVWpRtgE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZjYVWpRtgE[/video]

1234,,,,:)
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Cool video numbers. Have you had a chance to use yours yet? :D
 
Nice! It's one of those few knives out there that when you hold it and use it, the first thing you think of is, "wow, this better than a custom". ;) I've used mine too, but right now, the dang 0560 is riding shotgun in the pocket with a smaller Zing.
 
CRKT has a similar system called IKBS that also utilizes ball bearings instead of traditional washers. You can buy an aluminum handled CRKT Ripple with IKBS for around $30. Its obviously not a Kershaw, but so far I have been very happy with mine.
 
instructed2 said:
CRKT has a similar system called IKBS that also utilizes ball bearings instead of traditional washers. You can buy an aluminum handled CRKT Ripple with IKBS for around $30. Its obviously not a Kershaw, but so far I have been very happy with mine.
Click to expand...

Can the KVT system be treated like any other pivot when it comes to lube? I've got tuff glide and grease from CRK. Are either of these safe to use? Which would be preferred?
 
calypso699 said:
Can the KVT system be treated like any other pivot when it comes to lube? I've got tuff glide and grease from CRK. Are either of these safe to use? Which would be preferred?
Click to expand...
The pivot is the bolt in the handle that holds the blade in place. This is not the same thing. Personally, I wouldn't go nuts with all the lube and grease. It's just not necessary. That stuff can and will attract all kinds of dirt, grime, and lint. All that ends up doing is causing more issues down the road.
 
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My Tilt opens super smooth. If I add a bit of a wrist flick it snaps opens as fast if not faster than any of my assisted blades(0350, 0301, blur, speed bump, leek, scallion). A very smooth system.
 
RevDevil said:
The pivot is the bolt in the handle that holds the blade in place. This is not the same thing. Personally, I wouldn't go nuts with all the lube and grease. It's just not necessary. That stuff can and will attract all kinds of dirt, grime, and lint. All that ends up doing is causing more issues down the road.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help. I understand not going nuts with the lube for the reasons you mentioned, but none at all? So after breaking down and cleaning the KVT should be dry? If so, that's impressive!
 
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