Least friction in folder action?

[Boattale]

I recently bought an OG 940. It has the least friction in the action of any knife I've ever had in my hands. Flicks open effortlessly with the thumb stud. And it absolutely positively drops shut. I thought drop shutty was not very realistic. I stand corrected. I've tried to video it, but I seem to be one hand short of being able to get that done.

What's your knife that is drop shutty?

 

[Mk-211]

If I whip my hand fast enough, I don't need to use my thumb. Found this out one day while I had it out.

Couple times was enough as I don't want to damage anything.

 

[BP Green]

I recently bought an OG 940. It has the least friction in the action of any knife I've ever had in my hands. Flicks open effortlessly with the thumb stud. And it absolutely positively drops shut. I thought drop shutty was not very realistic. I stand corrected. I've tried to video it, but I seem to be one hand short of being able to get that done.

What's your knife that is drop shutty?

View attachment 3200522

I don’t know how they do it, but the MBK Rosalinda is a very reasonably priced knife that feels as smooth or smoother than a lot knives costing many times as much. It’s literally like oiled glass.

 

[Tsujigiri]

Usually you need very parallel handles and ball bearings for drop shut action, but a cross bar or button lock is easier to make drop shut since you can completely disengage the lock when closing. Something like a framelock still has the friction of the detent ball on the lock when closing. I would say ball bearings still help, though; my Kansept Quasar is more drop shut than my 940 despite both using the same type of lock.

For frame/liner locks, some of the most drop shut I have are the Rike Lamella, Venom T-Series, and Custom Knife Factory Sokosha.

 

[Danke42]

This one's pretty slick

 

[BP Green]

Usually you need very parallel handles and ball bearings for drop shut action, but a cross bar or button lock is easier to make drop shut since you can completely disengage the lock when closing. Something like a framelock still has the friction of the detent ball on the lock when closing. I would say ball bearings still help, though; my Kansept Quasar is more drop shut than my 940 despite both using the same type of lock.

For frame/liner locks, some of the most drop shut I have are the Rike Lamella, Venom T-Series, and Custom Knife Factory Sokosha.

Hawk Talon and Demko AD20’s lock systems as well.
Having said that, my Curtiss is a guillotine too.

 

[jbmonkey]

mcnees dixon even though a frame lock and all is like a finger guillotine. I cant let it drop shut or would take fingers off. I control the drop on it or hold so the weight of blade doesnt get it going til I get my fingers out of the way.....

 

[DocJD]

Drop shut fidgeting is lots more fun with a folder that keeps you precious pinkies out of harms way .

Like Buster :

 

[jbmonkey]

Drop shut fidgeting is lots more fun with a folder that keeps you precious pinkies out of harms way .

Like Buster :

like the Demko shark lock on closing...those are incredible droppers

 

[DocJD]

like the Demko shark lock on closing...those are incredible droppers

Exactly right . Cold Steel Atlas Lock works similarly on this" Mayhem " :

 

[Blues]

It's not a feature I seek or avoid...though I certainly have some. It doesn't factor into my selection process.

 

[SharpBits]

The OG drop shutty!

 

[Wowbagger]

I recently bought an OG 940. It has the least friction in the action of any knife I've ever had in my hands. Flicks open effortlessly with the thumb stud. And it absolutely positively drops shut. I thought drop shutty was not very realistic. I stand corrected. I've tried to video it, but I seem to be one hand short of being able to get that done.

What's your knife that is drop shutty?

View attachment 3200522

I'm trying my best to whip out the mandantory derogatory Benchmade sputum . . .
but I can't
You are absolutely right .

 

[Yadeadman]

I don’t know how they do it, but the MBK Rosalinda is a very reasonably priced knife that feels as smooth or smoother than a lot knives costing many times as much. It’s literally like oiled glass.

View attachment 3200527

I will second this!!! I have a mini Rosalinda and it's easily the smoothest knife I own.

 

[Boattale]

Thanks guys, for an interesting variety. Knives and opinions. I've never had a ball bearing action knife. Somebody recommend one. That I can afford. USA, Taiwan, Japan or Europe maker please.

 

[wonderboy1377s]

My vote goes to the Buck Marksman for least amount of friction. Once you disengage the lock there is nothing touching the blade so it flys open and closed. The down side is it’s so free it can “bounce” when opening or closing and start to go back the other direction if you have pressure on the lock strap.

 

[SharpBits]

Thanks guys, for an interesting variety. Knives and opinions. I've never had a ball bearing action knife. Somebody recommend one. That I can afford. USA, Taiwan, Japan or Europe maker please.

I have no idea what your budget is, but the Defiant 7 Talos is a good starting point for ball bearing action knife.

Kershaw Bel Air is another at a happier price point.

 

[The Zieg]

View attachment 3200659

The OG drop shutty!

For sure the French have it! In my case, a N°10 Opinel Carbone. Drops open, swings closed, thumb opens and closes the Virobloc.

 

[scoobtay]

Quiet carry stuff feels like bearings across the board, even with phosphor bronze washers. Nearly too drop shutty sometimes!

 

[luethge]

Each of these knives had perfect action - all were drop shut, a few just dangerous.

Demko’s
Les George
Curtiss’s
CRK 21
Ray Lacanico Jasmin Custom
Microtech MSI / Amphibians are smooth as glass once you clean them out and add KPL.

*Couldn't find the pics but the two Shiro F95’s I had on single row bearings were incredible ( I imagine the double row are even better ).