Sealed bearing in knife handle?

So I guess all you 'natural' guys make your own cordage too, hmmm? Seems to me like I see an awful lot of paracord (which sux, by the way. Lawnmower pull start cord is FAR superior) in fire kits.

Bushman5 has it all figured out. Tapered roller bearings (think wheel bearing, only smaller) are the thing. A lot of others have it figured out, too. Anything that's harder than your spindle will work. It's just a matter of style. Remember it's all about the journey, not the mode of transportation.
 
VA27 said:
So I guess all you 'natural' guys make your own cordage too, hmmm? Seems to me like I see an awful lot of paracord (which sux, by the way. Lawnmower pull start cord is FAR superior) in fire kits.

Bushman5 has it all figured out. Tapered roller bearings (think wheel bearing, only smaller) are the thing. A lot of others have it figured out, too. Anything that's harder than your spindle will work. It's just a matter of style. Remember it's all about the journey, not the mode of transportation.
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I was just asking as a "cool" addition to a knife. When It comes down to it, my mishmetal rod and or bic lighter is all I need. No need to get all up in arms about it.
 
I wasn't busting your chops for the bearing idea, I was busting their chops for talking 'natural' but using paracord. :D

I've built a block with a ball bearing in it. It didn't take long for it to start getting 'gritty' feeling. That's when I decided that a roller bearing would be better. I just haven't found the right one yet. (I know I could just go buy one, but scavenging one would be more 'natural' :D.) For a permanent addition to a knife handle you need one that won't fail at the wrong time.
 
VA27 said:
I wasn't busting your chops for the bearing idea, I was busting their chops for talking 'natural' but using paracord. :D

I've built a block with a ball bearing in it. It didn't take long for it to start getting 'gritty' feeling. That's when I decided that a roller bearing would be better. I just haven't found the right one yet. (I know I could just go buy one, but scavenging one would be more 'natural' :D.) For a permanent addition to a knife handle you need one that won't fail at the wrong time.
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Where would you find the tapered roller bearings?
 
I think I would rather opt for a metal/glass "divot" insert. It just seems like less could go wrong.

VA27... agreed... It would be nice to see more folks trying to make their own cordage. It puts an entirely new "spin" on primitive fire making. I've done "no knife" and "natural cordage" but until I did "no knife, no cordage" I didn't realize how tough that was. It definitely puts things into perspective.... and drives home the value of the hand drill.


Rick
 
Rick Marchand said:
I think I would rather opt for a metal/glass "divot" insert. It just seems like less could go wrong.

VA27... agreed... It would be nice to see more folks trying to make their own cordage. It puts an entirely new "spin" on primitive fire making. I've done "no knife" and "natural cordage" but until I did "no knife, no cordage" I didn't realize how tough that was. It definitely puts things into perspective.... and drives home the value of the hand drill.


Rick
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I can do the hand drill reliably, so This would just be a conversation piece, which would rarely, if ever be used.

(plus, I suck at a bow drill)
 
nc527 said:
Where would you find the tapered roller bearings?
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That's the 64 dollar question. I would suspect that if you had a part number you could just walk into NAPA and lay down your cash and walk out with one.

Rick: A tungsten insert would be killer! I can get an ember with a quick-and-dirty two strand yucca cord. I can get more than one if I treat it with beeswax. The hand drill, not so much. I've timed my training partner with the hand drill getting an ember in 20 seconds. :eek: So far I've managed smoke...and sweat, but I figure one of these days it'll click and I'll have it.
 
Rick Marchand said:
I think I would rather opt for a metal/glass "divot" insert. It just seems like less could go wrong.
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That is why I suggested either a tapered lanyard hole or a divot. I am not taking a dump on the idea of carrying a bearing around with you if a guy wants to. I am suggesting that a hole or divot weighs less and works 95% (or more) as well as a sealed bearing. Perhaps it is only an ounce, but a lot of guys spend quite a bit to shed a few ounces....and in this case you are DIY instead of spending money...and saving weight!

Honestly, a pinch of green vegetation in the divot (or spit) will work quite well as lubricant also. That stuff is generally pretty easy to locate in my area:D

OTOH, if you think it looks cool, and/or enjoy supporting our community by spending money with innovative people within it, GO FOR IT! I am not above buying cool stuff.
 
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