thick or thin washers on folders?

[shootist16]

Which do you prefer? Does either offer any advantages? Disadvantages?

I am asking because most of my folders have thin washers. I recently got a Buck Strider 882 and it has really thick bronze washers.

Which is "better"?

 

[knifenerd]

IMHO, it's not a question of "better" or worse, but I think it is more a function of the machining of the pivot area--the more precise the machining, the less need for thick washers. Look at the Sebenza--the washers appear to be relatively thin, yet the knife is built like a brick ****house.

Just my .02.

 

[cpirtle]

I agree with the nerd.

In the case of the Buck Strider I think they wanted the big beefy handle of the Strider AR but kept the blade thinner so it would have better cutting ability, which left room for/required the use of thick washers.

In the case of a lockback where everything is tight and the thickness of the lock bar is minutely thicker than the blade you need a very thin washer. If you've ever taken apart a Spyderco lockback you'd see the washers could more be called shims they're so thin. I'm not saying that's a bad thing it's just what the design requires.

 

[shootist16]

What do you think about the thickness of washers and longevity? Is one better than the other long term?

 

[DaveH]

I think we have to remeber it all depends on price point.

If a knife is relatively inexpensive then non bronze washers are OK,
If I'm paying more then $100 it better have bronze.

My experience with other types of washers are they will eventually bend, tear, squish, or creep.