Skiff Bearings for iMamba

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WedgeAntilles

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Jan 25, 2020
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Strongly considering trying a set of skiff in one of my iMambas. The action with the bearings I have is running into a stickiness issue I can't seem to solve. Tried running git on washers and it's smoother, but too tight. I'm considering dropping a set of Skiffs zin it instead to see if that clears it up.

Anyone here have experience with Skiffs in an iMamba? If positive, what size/configuration did you get?
 
I would like to have the definitive answer to that question well. The Skiff bearing compatibility page has an empty slot next to the AB imamba size column for some reason. My guess is that someone submitted a match at some point but it proved to be inaccurate and was removed due to complaints of it being wrong (seen that in the past).

I keep the AB OEM caged bearings clean and lube free, and they work exceptionally well on both the flipper and flipper delete models. If you have used oil/grease in the past, try cleaning the bearings with 99% isopropyl alcohol and strip any lube off and try running them dry (the presumption is that you have caged OEM bearings). On rare occasions, I will use a drop of graphene oil on bearings, but eventually they all have to be cleaned due to the quicker accumulation of pocket lint and external debris gumming up the action.

I have found that the AB OEM caged 14 ceramic ball bearings are actually excellent and look as if they could be made by Skiff, and I have no issue with them on several imambas. I tried the washers once and that is a definite downgrade to the excellent bearing action.
 

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I believe this would be a game changer for the IMamba. I would have to bring one back into the fold. Great knives.
 
WedgeAntilles said:
Strongly considering trying a set of skiff in one of my iMambas. The action with the bearings I have is running into a stickiness issue I can't seem to solve. Tried running git on washers and it's smoother, but too tight. I'm considering dropping a set of Skiffs zin it instead to see if that clears it up.

Anyone here have experience with Skiffs in an iMamba? If positive, what size/configuration did you get?
Click to expand...
How old is your Imamba? I think they’re actually using “Skiff” for the Imamba and turaco. Call Jim at Africa sporting creations. He might have some extra sets for sale.
 
Tyand said:
How old is your Imamba? I think they’re actually using “Skiff” for the Imamba and turaco. Call Jim at Africa sporting creations. He might have some extra sets for sale.
Click to expand...
It's a 2024 build that I bought at Blade in Atlanta last year. Jim's a great guy.

I think I'll start with the dry running idea above. That may solve it. I'll keep the thread posted.
 
Also, I've only had the issue on my carbon fiber model that I carry with the clip. My warthog tusk rides in a leather slip, and no such issues.
 
tantox said:
I would like to have the definitive answer to that question well. The Skiff bearing compatibility page has an empty slot next to the AB imamba size column for some reason. My guess is that someone submitted a match at some point but it proved to be inaccurate and was removed due to complaints of it being wrong (seen that in the past).

I keep the AB OEM caged bearings clean and lube free, and they work exceptionally well on both the flipper and flipper delete models. If you have used oil/grease in the past, try cleaning the bearings with 99% isopropyl alcohol and strip any lube off and try running them dry (the presumption is that you have caged OEM bearings). On rare occasions, I will use a drop of graphene oil on bearings, but eventually they all have to be cleaned due to the quicker accumulation of pocket lint and external debris gumming up the action.

I have found that the AB OEM caged 14 ceramic ball bearings are actually excellent and look as if they could be made by Skiff, and I have no issue with them on several imambas. I tried the washers once and that is a definite downgrade to the excellent bearing action.
Click to expand...
What's your preferred method for stripping off any lube? The alcohol, or something else?
 
FWIW I just took my IMambe apart and cleaned it. I used Iso alcohol and alcohol swabs. I previously used too much KPL probably 2 big drops, that caused a bunch of dirt to gather, resulting in my blade getting scratched. Anyway about keeping the bearing dry I used a very small amout of KPL when reassembling. It leaves me wondering if a dry graphite lubricant might be better. Thoughts?
 
donnord said:
FWIW I just took my IMambe apart and cleaned it. I used Iso alcohol and alcohol swabs. I previously used too much KPL probably 2 big drops, that caused a bunch of dirt to gather, resulting in my blade getting scratched. Anyway about keeping the bearing dry I used a very small amout of KPL when reassembling. It leaves me wondering if a dry graphite lubricant might be better. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Personally I like running it with just a touch of lube and I live in the desert where it gets very dusty.
 
Over the past couple years, I've accumulated several iMambas. I have sold a few off but still have 10. Five of those are the old loose bearing models. Those 5 knives are, to me, the smoothest action knives I own. They are paired (OCD in me), so that I have a pair of plain jane, tusk, stabilized tusk, Ironwood, with one of each with a caged bearing and it's opposed mate is the loose bearing style. I also have a single Mammoth with loose bearings and no opposing model that has caged bearings.

Yes, disassembling the models with the loose bearings is tedious. However, I find that I do not spend an inordinate number of instances per year doing that. I guess it can be considered to be a labor of love, and I certainly do not mind doing it on the rare occasions that might arise over the course of years.

It is worth it!
 
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