Phosphor Bronze bearing upgrades?

D-R

D-R

Joined
May 16, 2003
Messages
143
Hey all. I am looking for a recommendation for someone able to upgrade teflon/nylatron blade washers to phos bronze. Are there any makers/modders currently offering this service? I know that nylatron/teflon is "adequate." But I am not one to be satisfied with adequate, and my experience with blades possessing phos bronze bearing washers has been much better. Thanks much.

D-R
 
How do you define or measure "better"? I would not necessarily call it an upgrade. Nylatron is a good substance for what it is used for in folders. It's self lubricating and works really well. Changing the washers on a folder is about as simple as it gets. What knife is the one you would like to "mod"?
 
Hey Rev. This would be an Emerson CQC-7. Again, Nylatron is a great substance, I use it myself in several applications. I guess it is just a long term durability issue combined with a subjective/comparitive appreciation for knives with phos bronze washers (Spydercos). If there was a source for washers of this spec, I would have no problem doing the mod myself. Thanks for your reply, much appreciated.

D-R
 
I find the results of each material all over the map.

I have Spydercos' with nylon washers (white nylon) that, past the detent, just about open themselves.

My Ontario RAT1 folder also flies open past the detent and it has P/B I believe. That knife blows my mind.

I have a HEST/F 2.0 with white nylon washers that is either too tight when adjusted for no side to side, or you adjust for smooth and easy action and have movement at the pivot with not much pressure needed to feel it.

I have Striders with P/B that feel like IKBS with zero play any direction. Just solid as a rock but silky smooth to open.

I have other knives with P/B, a custom or two, that seem tight no matter what you do to the pivot

I'm sure the materials rubbing against each other, and the finish of that material, all contribute one way or another but my point is that I see good and bad results, on different knives, with the two materials.

I do think the action smoothness is pretty good on Mcustas with that dark Nylatron stuff they use but I have only experienced that on Mcustas.
 
Reeek said:
My Ontario RAT1 folder also flies open past the detent and it has P/B I believe. That knife blows my mind.
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Heh...the RAT-1's kind of an oddball. It's got both; 1 p/b and 2 teflon/nylatron washers on each side.
 
Yep! The p/b washer is sandwiched in between the 2 teflon/nylatron washer so the blade just flies out like it's assisted! On a side note, interestingly enough, if you don't put the washers in that configuration, the blade can't be centered properly.
 
D-R said:
Hey Rev. This would be an Emerson CQC-7. Again, Nylatron is a great substance, I use it myself in several applications. I guess it is just a long term durability issue combined with a subjective/comparitive appreciation for knives with phos bronze washers (Spydercos). If there was a source for washers of this spec, I would have no problem doing the mod myself. Thanks for your reply, much appreciated.

D-R
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If you have access to a set of calipers, measure out the washers, and check your visitor messages for where to buy.
 
Have you ever worn out a set of washers? I haven't...and with a folder such as an Emerson, it's trivially easy to take up any slack as the nylatron washers (which are by the way a very good product) show wear.

On the other hand, I understand the preference for PB over nylatron or teflon. The most economical solution is to find PB washers of the correct ID, OD and thickness from one of the many knifemaking parts suppliers and order ready-made washers for installation yourself. I have done this with a few knives and haven't had too much difficulty finding the right washers.

D-R said:
Hey all. I am looking for a recommendation for someone able to upgrade teflon/nylatron blade washers to phos bronze. Are there any makers/modders currently offering this service? I know that nylatron/teflon is "adequate." But I am not one to be satisfied with adequate, and my experience with blades possessing phos bronze bearing washers has been much better. Thanks much.

D-R
Click to expand...
 
As an additional morsel of food for thought, some very respected custom makers use teflon, nylon or nylatron washers. I'm not saying that should persuade you that there's no actionable issue here, but the answer may not be as obvious as it might appear. ;)
 
I changed the washers on my cqc8 to PB, but I really can't perceive a difference.
 
I've swapped out washers to see if I could tell the difference. Had my buddy blind test me on it and for the life of me I couldn't tell the difference. As for durability, I highly doubt you'd wear the non-PB's down to wear it'd affect the knife unless you're opening/closing the knife every day for years on end.
 
Even if you do, just tighten the pivot. ;)

Splat said:
I've swapped out washers to see if I could tell the difference. Had my buddy blind test me on it and for the life of me I couldn't tell the difference. As for durability, I highly doubt you'd wear the non-PB's down to wear it'd affect the knife unless you're opening/closing the knife every day for years on end.
Click to expand...
 
My personal opinion is that the higher the polish on the tang the better the nylon washers and PB is better for unpolished surfaces, but my experience is limited to a few knives with polished tangs.
 
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