Spyderco and IKBS

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ctk123

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Feb 1, 2009
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I was reading a thread about IKBS in general knife discussion, and I got to wondering...

Are there any plans for Spyderco to try out this bearing system? It seems like it would be great on some of the premium models, as I'm sure it is a bit more expensive than a couple of brass washers.

What does everyone think about IKBS? Personally I would love a Military with IKBS.
 
No thanks, I owned a one once and as I took it apart to clean and the ball bearings decided to explode and jump everywhere into every corner of my kitchen (of there own volition mind you!).

So yeah no thanks. :D Just seems so fiddly for me. I prefer the classic brass washers.
 
Am happy with my Stretch the way it is. It's plenty smooth enough for me and I prefer a knife where the blade does not swing too freely. For me, that system would just add cost and complexity without providing any benefit.

Not really a fan of the Military myself, but I've never handled one that didn't open smoothly.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
forcedestrike said:
No thanks, I owned a one once and as I took it apart to clean and the ball bearings decided to explode and jump everywhere into every corner of my kitchen (of there own volition mind you!).

So yeah no thanks. :D Just seems so fiddly for me. I prefer the classic brass washers.
Click to expand...

that's an interesting point. IKBS praises simplicity, but at the same time is more complex than the standard washers. I can only imagine how hard it was to put back together.
 
on the other hand, ball bearings can be super cheap, so they aren't necessarily a big deal to replace if they do decide to run away.

I don't think it's too complex, it's just ball bearings running in a track instead of a washer. It might be a little bit fiddly, but not complicated.
 
I don't think IKBS is spyderco-way.
They either design their own solutions, like compression or ball lock, and try to keep it simple. You won't find any novelty gimmicks like in knives made by other companies.

Mayby Demko tri-ad lock also would be nice to have on chinook, or other heavy duty spyderco backlock. But on the other hand - spyderco don't fail, so you don't have to change them.

And about IKBS, maybe it is good solution for folders, mayby not. It is not old enough to say that. But I know that washers in spyderco police may work for over 20 years, and still be smooth.
 
I don't see a problem that the IKBS could fix. I see it causing problems though, complexity, cost, people like me that take apart a knife and would probably lose one of those little suckers.

No thanks, and if my memory is correct, Sal has already posted on the subject.
 
I have IKBS in my custom flippers. I would only consider IKBS in flippers, quite honestly. And yes, it means I am not able to take it apart.
 
wow, you guys are certainly bringing up points I haven't thought of.

so really, IKBS isn't that great in a folder. It seems that the IKBS system's negatives outweigh the positives, at least in a folder (vs. balisong).

I could also see where dirt and grit getting in a bearing system a lot easier than slipping between washers. But on the other hand would probably flush out easier as well.
 
bushing (a la Sebenza) would be simple, smooth, no more tension adjustment (so no more locktite), easy to disassemble and reassemble, and no more blade play.
 
Hi Ctk123,

Thanx for the suggestion.

While I never say never, I believe the advantages of the IKBS system are best served with a Carson Flipper. When the detent is overcome with the flipper, there is enough effort expended to open the blade when using the IKBS system. Like a spring loaded knife with no springs. Actually quite well thought out.

Using a hole opener, the advantages are decreased.Hey Jiggyfly,

Eric put a bushing type system in the Manix2 with very good results.

sal
 
Pivot bushings are an older, but more proven method. I would very much like to see them on a Military (as long as blade retention is still adequate).
Edit: especially a Ti RIL Military with CPM S110V blade.:D
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Ctk123,

Thanx for the suggestion.

While I never say never, I believe the advantages of the IKBS system are best served with a Carson Flipper. When the detent is overcome with the flipper, there is enough effort expended to open the blade when using the IKBS system. Like a spring loaded knife with no springs. Actually quite well thought out.

Using a hole opener, the advantages are decreased.Hey Jiggyfly,

Eric put a bushing type system in the Manix2 with very good results.

sal
Click to expand...

is it possible for that system to become standard?:thumbup:

that would definitely make spyderco have an advantage above other manufacturers.
 
The question would be how much more would the knife cost due to a bushing pivot.

Would the average knife buyer be willing to pay the higher price?

Would the advantages be worth the additional cost?

I have no idea what the price elasticity is for the Spyderco market, but I am sure that Spyderco knows.

Personally, I am happy with the way that they do them now. However, improvements are always welcome!
 
Daniel said:
The question would be how much more would the knife cost due to a bushing pivot.

Would the average knife buyer be willing to pay the higher price?

Would the advantages be worth the additional cost?

I have no idea what the price elasticity is for the Spyderco market, but I am sure that Spyderco knows.

Personally, I am happy with the way that they do them now. However, improvements are always welcome!
Click to expand...

maybe add the bushing system to the more premium knives?
 
jiggyfly16 said:
is it possible for that system to become standard?:thumbup:

that would definitely make spyderco have an advantage above other manufacturers.
Click to expand...
I believe it is standard on the Manix 2. I suspect there are models it might be feasible to change over to that system, and others where the larger pivot hole, or some other change required to accommodate it, would make it unfeasible.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Ctk123,

Thanx for the suggestion.

While I never say never, I believe the advantages of the IKBS system are best served with a Carson Flipper. When the detent is overcome with the flipper, there is enough effort expended to open the blade when using the IKBS system. Like a spring loaded knife with no springs. Actually quite well thought out.

Using a hole opener, the advantages are decreased.Hey Jiggyfly,

Eric put a bushing type system in the Manix2 with very good results.

sal
Click to expand...

I see the same effect when using my index finger to flick open my Military. If it had IKBS, I suppose it would be a bit easier, but I probably would have paid more for the knife!

Still, as a knife nut I love seeing cool stuff like this, it keeps the hobby interesting!
 
ctk123 said:
I see the same effect when using my index finger to flick open my Military. If it had IKBS, I suppose it would be a bit easier, but I probably would have paid more for the knife!

Still, as a knife nut I love seeing cool stuff like this, it keeps the hobby interesting!
Click to expand...

That style of opening works on virtually everything. The pivot on my Military is very snug, no chance of accidental (or inertial) opening. However, just as with a flipper, if you load pressure toward the pivot and then make the opening movement, you can get the blade to "flick" open in the same manner.
Please note, that since your thumb leaves the blade halfway through opening, you have to be very careful to direct it away from the edge of the knife.
I've got a few nicks that way.
 
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