Lion Steel SR1 with Bronze Washers?

[JohnGerding]

I just ordered an SR1 and the only thing that bothers me about it is the teflon washers. I was wondering if anyone has swapped in Bronze washers into their SR1 or SR2? Would it be a worthy upgrade? And does anyone know what size I would need to order for it? Thanks. Pic for fun, mine is still in the mail.

 

[ChazzyP]

I have a bunch of knives with Teflon washers--2 Hinderers, Wilson Combat Les George Eagle, Spyderco SuperLeaf, and several older Benchmades among others--and they're some of the smoothest operating knives I have. I've noticed nothing adverse in their strength or performance and don't know if subbing PB washers would necessarily constitute an upgrade. I did consider changing out my Eagle back when I struggled with its flipping action, but found that lubing with TriFlow (primary ingredient PTFE=Teflon) solved my problem.

No idea what washer sizes you'd need, but a good caliper would answer that question for you. My take would be to use the knife for a while to judge its function. Nice looking SR1, BTW--hope you love it.

 

[ChazzyP]

...and welcome to Bladeforums, John!

 

[Therom]

I like bronze washers and when it is possible I prefer bronze over teflon but honestly I never had to complain about teflon so far
IMHO as long as you don't have problems keep them and when you will have to replace them, go for bronze

 

[Mo2]

There is a thread ive read here somewhere in the past that someone has replaced the teflon washers with PB on this knife in question.

its not going to be fun, but it will be easier with PB than it is to put back together with teflon.

 

[matt009au]

After a bit of use and some oil my SR1 and SR2A were as smooth as silk. I'm not sure that PB washers would be worth the hassle if I'm honest.