When is smooth, too smooth?

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

After recently checking out a few custom makers at the NY show, I questioned whether there should be some sort of friction on a folder. Just a little snugness so the blade won't just swing freely. I checked out Brad Duncan's knives and learned that he uses a 1/2 closed ball bering set into the blade as part of the pivot. It was so smooth, and consistant. But I think it was too smooth! There was no friction whatsoever! If you held the knife vertical and opened the blade half way it would close back down into the knife. It seems to me that this might be a safety issue, espically depending on how the knife was being closed, and if it was in a hurry. The fit and finish on his knives was great so this is no way any sort of criticism, just a pondering.

 

[nifrand]

As long as there is a ball detent to hold the blade closed it should not be an issue.

 

[samhell]

I have 3 of Brad's folders, two which have the bearings. Yes it is super smooth. Like Nifrand says, as long as the detent holds the blade closed there should be no problem and I havent had any problems with that even with the one i carry tip up. Like you said, great fit and finish. Nice guy too.

 

[ROBB]

I agree with Striper28.I think there should be a little bit of resistance when closing or opening a blade.I don't think a blade should fall freely when unlocked in a vertical position.I saw Brad Duncans folders at the N.Y. show and they sure are smooth.I did'nt ask him but they may be able to be tightened a little at the pivot.
I have two knives by Larry Chew with his super smooth pivot.One of then I was able to tighten a little so the blade does'nt fall.The other one I can't tighten.When I turn the pivot screw the other side just turns with it.I called Larry and he said that if the other side is turning with the pivot screw,thats the way its supposed to be-it was made to those tolerences.I feel bad cause if this folder had just a little more "friction" it would probably be one of my favorites.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

I am with James and Nifrand on this one and do not see the safty issue. Although one of the coolest folders I own has an action that is unbelievable. It is a rear lock. When it is released at the vertical it falls freely until the last 20 degrees or so. It was made by Dellana.

 

[YoungCutter]

I too worry about folders being so smooth that they open/close of their own semi-volition, and I agree there should be some friction.

 

[Brad Duncan]

Hello guys,
I want to thank you for your feedback on this topic.

I will keep your thoughts in mind but I will always let the knife be as smooth as it can be.
I will foucus my efforts on the detent to make sure when it is closed it is closed and once it is past the detent then it will be free to open with little or no effort. The action alone creates many more oppurtunites in the opening and closing .You would need to learn to make the action work for you instead of against you.

I enjoyed all the people that came by to say hi.Lots of new customers.
I will be back next year.New York That is..

Keep safe
Brad

http://www.duncanknives.com

 

[Brian C]

As others have said, as long as the knife stays securely closed, I want as smooth an action as possible.