PB Washers and Bearings-My Observatios

[nate3993]

I have always thought that either phosphorus bronze washers or ball bearings in folders were the smoothest of folders. Now, not so much. I've owned a Sebenza and have had plenty of other nice folders with PB washers. 2 weeks ago, I finally got to try out some different ball bearing systems. RJ Martin's and a few IKBS. Personally, the smoothest folders that used IKBS IMO were the knives made by Flavio Ikoma. Other maker's were nice, but didn't do it for me. But, I discovered something there. ALL of THE smoothest folders at the Santa Barbra Show didn't use PB washers, nor did they use ball bearings. They had had white washers.They were either teflon, or nylatron. Either way, those were the absolute smoothest folders I have ever felt. Granted, I've only been tpo 2 knife shows, but I think that both shows allowed me to handle plenty of custom folders from all over the spectrum and art knives to make this kind of a judgement.

Anyone else concur?

 

[Sep]

Well, of course. If the only thing that you look for is smoothness of action (less friction), then Teflon and similar synthetics would win hands down because their coefficient of friction is lower than even phosphor bronze. However, phosphor bronze is harder, so the lock mechanism has less side to side "give".

It's a compromise. IMHO more people prefer a bank vault-like lockup over smoothness of action instead of the other way around. That's why you see more PB bushing than Teflon.

Keep in mind the theoretical difference is small enough that it takes superior workmanship to bring it out, which is certainly the case with custom or semi custom knives.

 

[KarlMaldensNose]

I find the balance of the knife affects the smoothness of opening as much as washer material. I believe the length, geometry and weight of the blade makes all the difference. E.g., my 940 was smoother than my Ritter despite both having same washer (pb), blade (s30v) and liner (ss) material. A decent lube helps as well.

 

[spyken]

nate3993 - how did RJ Martin's ballbearing system compare to IKBS?

to me, there's slicky smooth (those using PB, bearing etc) and buttery smooth (those that use teflon, nylatron washers). I actually like buttery smooth more, like in Tom Mayo's knives, but I think most flippers use PB?

 

[nate3993]

Well, of course. If the only thing that you look for is smoothness of action (less friction), then Teflon and similar synthetics would win hands down because their coefficient of friction is lower than even phosphor bronze. However, phosphor bronze is harder, so the lock mechanism has less side to side "give".

It's a compromise. IMHO more people prefer a bank vault-like lockup over smoothness of action instead of the other way around. That's why you see more PB bushing than Teflon.

Keep in mind the theoretical difference is small enough that it takes superior workmanship to bring it out, which is certainly the case with custom or semi custom knives.

I like buttery smooth folders with bank vault lock up. CharlieMike has an emerson that he had reese weiland make ti handles for, and it's buttery smooth with bank vault lock up. So, it can be done. Is it really a compromise?

nate3993 - how did RJ Martin's ballbearing system compare to IKBS?

to me, there's slicky smooth (those using PB, bearing etc) and buttery smooth (those that use teflon, nylatron washers). I actually like buttery smooth more, like in Tom Mayo's knives, but I think most flippers use PB?

there ya go, mayo-awesome knives-see my pic? it's a tanto dr. death. anyway, i'd say that RJ's wasn't half bad. Comparing it to IKBS? Not a huge difference. Like I said, and my dad felt the same way, the smoothest IKBS folders were the ones made by Flavio Iokma.
Hope that anwsers the question

 

[Sep]

I like buttery smooth folders with bank vault lock up. CharlieMike has an emerson that he had reese weiland make ti handles for, and it's buttery smooth with bank vault lock up. So, it can be done. Is it really a compromise?

The difference is theoretical. Given the same design, same workmanship level and same cost, you'll get better lock up on PB bushing and smoother action on PTFE bushing. Can you have both? I believe so, if you're willing to spend extra effort on it.