Micro Roller Bearing or IKBS?

[EdgeCraft]

Which is smoother, less prone to malfunction, easier to clean, more likely to last? I'm assuming one or the other is best for a flipper? Anyone tested them?

 

[Salem Straub]

I'm curious about this, too. I've not used a knife with the roller bearings. The first knife I saw with IKBS was being made at the time, the idea impressed the shit out of me. The few IKBS handmade knives I've played with had beautiful silky smooth actions- they were flippers. Ken Onion knives.

 

[fast14riot]

+1 on the IKBS. Although I haven't used any with roller bearings, yet. The knives I have handled and used were also Ken Onion but made by CRKT. Those knives were some seriously smooth pieces of work, considering they are production!



-Xander

 

[EdgeCraft]

Here is another choice from Alpha Knife Supply. Scroll down to .188" ID Folder Bearings, http://alphaknifesupply.com/hardware.htm
Anyone compared the three systems, or have more information on the IKBS, micro roller, or AKS bearings?

 

[Bill Burke]

I just used bearings like the ones Alpha sells. they are bitchen. no special tooling required.

 

[EdgeCraft]

I just used bearings like the ones Alpha sells. they are bitchen. no special tooling required.

How did you install them? Like the loose ball bearings of ikbs? Any side play? How much clearance did you give them? Tips?

 

[Bill Burke]

these are caged ball bearings that measure .09375. I milled a pocket through my liners and into my bolsters to a total depth of .089 counter sunk the screw holes so that my screws would tighten down on the pivot pin and leave a -.003 thousands clearance. I then started tightening down the screws and working the blade. This caused the bearings to press a work hardend groove into the bolsters. leaving a very smooth zero clearance pivot mechanism.

 

[EdgeCraft]

Excellent! Smooth zero clearance sounds great. Sounds easier than the ikbs method.
And as far as the micro bearings, I've wondered how they hold up to pressure.(Or maybe you don't apply pressure with them?)

 

[Bill Burke]

they are made to be used as thrust bearings. I don't know what the factory rates them at. the way that I put my knife together the only load they have is from the sides.

 

[shrinand kamalakar]

Micro Bearings are available at 1/4" Inside Diameter and .678" OD and thickness is .078" Thick. Use an 11/16" Counterbore with 1/4" pilot to recess these bearings.

The IKBS was originally designed to fit in balisong knives, but because of its versatility it can be actually used in almost any kind of folding knife, mainly liner locks and frame locks. The size and number of the steel balls necessary for the I.K.B.S. to work properly is defined according to condition you have, the I.K.B.S. takes a very little space to be used allowing it to fit several kinds of folding knives.