Opening Mechanisms for Flippers. What is the difference ?

H

HorseloverFat

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Apr 11, 2014
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I've noticed that most are ' assisted ' however there are a few ZT knives that open with a KVT ball-bearing . What is the difference? What should I look for? What should be avoided ? Thanks in advance ...
 
An unassisted flipper relies on the tension of the detent to be overcome. Good ones need no wrist action and don't have an overly strong detent.
 
An assisted flipper has a spring that will open the blade, once the bias is overcome. That is, they want to stay closed, but once you open the blade past a certain point, the bias, it will open on its own.

The KVT is a type of roller bearing that of the friction point between the knife tang, and the pivot. Other types of bearings are the MBRS/SBRS, IKBS, thrust bearings, and good ol' ball-inset washers.

Generally, the ball bearing pivots are snappier and smoother than their counterparts, the phosphor bronze (PB) washers. (I said generally, not always!)

What to avoid? I can't think of anything that throws up red flags. It's a matter of preference between assisted and not. My preference is unassisted, they're usually much easier to close one handed.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
 
I think you have the answer to your question.

With assisted knives you have a torsin bar that deploy the blade.
Usually the action of this kind of blade is very dynamic.
Some complain that the torsion bar is a mechanical part that can break.
I never add any break on torsions bar with my ZTs 0350 after 5 years.
Then it is not a main concern for my.

KVT have balls and cage... which may catch more dirt than standard washers.
For an urban use howvever I never had problem with my KVT ZTs for 3 years.
Again no issue with that.

As a conclusino I would say that you can choose the knife you like most without beeing to much concern about KVT/assisted, they will both work fine.

My regret is that there is no more folders with basic whashers in the ZT line.
My 0550 gen 3, non fipper with washer is a dream of a knife... a thinner locking side Ti frame will have make it "perfect" :)
I like when good companies make good basic products.

All the hype with assisted, KVT, flipper, CF CTS204p etc... thing is very funny but sometime having something that just work is nice too :)
 
Slauterhause said:
An assisted flipper has a spring that will open the blade, once the bias is overcome. That is, they want to stay closed, but once you open the blade past a certain point, the bias, it will open on its own.

The KVT is a type of roller bearing that of the friction point between the knife tang, and the pivot. Other types of bearings are the MBRS/SBRS, IKBS, thrust bearings, and good ol' ball-inset washers.

Generally, the ball bearing pivots are snappier and smoother than their counterparts, the phosphor bronze (PB) washers. (I said generally, not always!)

What to avoid? I can't think of anything that throws up red flags. It's a matter of preference between assisted and not. My preference is unassisted, they're usually much easier to close one handed.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thank ya sir , for the explanation . :thumbup::)
 
Therom said:
I think you have the answer to your question.

With assisted knives you have a torsin bar that deploy the blade.
Usually the action of this kind of blade is very dynamic.
Some complain that the torsion bar is a mechanical part that can break.
I never add any break on torsions bar with my ZTs 0350 after 5 years.
Then it is not a main concern for my.

KVT have balls and cage... which may catch more dirt than standard washers.
For an urban use howvever I never had problem with my KVT ZTs for 3 years.
Again no issue with that.

As a conclusino I would say that you can choose the knife you like most without beeing to much concern about KVT/assisted, they will both work fine.

My regret is that there is no more folders with basic whashers in the ZT line.
My 0550 gen 3, non fipper with washer is a dream of a knife... a thinner locking side Ti frame will have make it "perfect" :)
I like when good companies make good basic products.

All the hype with assisted, KVT, flipper, CF CTS204p etc... thing is very funny but sometime having something that just work is nice too :)
Click to expand...

Thanks , Therom. How is life in France ? I was in Nice just a few years ago. I'm reading a book by a frenchman - in translation - at the moment : Petit Traite des Grandes Vertus by Andre Comte-Sponville. :cool:
 
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