ZT knives bearing change

gtopper

gtopper

Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
957
Wondering if anyone has tryed the bearing update that is sold on big auction site . $40 bucks to go to multi row bearings.
 
you can swap out your zt bearings and put ceramic ones in them.
http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/ceramic-bearings-for-some-zero-tolerance-just-some-info.1498561/

as for multi row bearings that fit in kvt's place, ive heard someone take a whole ceramic bearing assembly from one chinese brand and put it into a zt... but i dont know if that was a multi row or not. but they did prefer the ceramics

only problem i see is that ceramic may wear the titanium alot more, unless there is a metal bearing race.

$40 seems a bit excessive, but i dunno the costs of these things. if they are proven to be all the same grade and quality ceramic, then i could see that price, but these often come from china with no qc or thought for specs, so who knows.
 
The ones on auction site have washer to protect knife they are multi row the maker is in New York . I agree price kind of high but might be fun to try.
 
something about this screams chinese still.

also the action in the video does not look good at all

his other videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9JbFHBVYMZtHmXSsE_9XQ

also note the zt in his videos and the ebay ad, are clones.

plus in his description it says...
Please be advised, all our bearing systems have been patented. Do not attempt to copy or sell, otherwise I will take legal actions.
PLUS, I am a very crazy person. I'll hold my right to terminate any suspicious orders.

his engrish is not great and there is no patent number listed. i call BS.

avoid like the plague.
 
The maker emailed me back and said they are for American zt . It's not rocket science it's a metal holder for steel balls .
 
Do what you like. I wouldn't based on the info available and the fact the action is not improved in his video where he used clones.

I provided a link to replace your bearings with ceramic above which I would recommend over those.
 
It's rocket science applied to a very basic machine.
Someone please explain to me why a pocket knife needs bearings?
 
Anyone know who to get these from cheaper?

$40 seems excessive. I would say he would sell a lot more for half that price at $20.

Shipping for something so small will cost him practically nothing.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
It's rocket science applied to a very basic machine.
Someone please explain to me why a pocket knife needs bearings?
Click to expand...


I prefer bronze washers myself. Like to keep things simple.

but even with bronze phosperous washers manufacturers of knives started getting complicated . For instance CRK started adding holes (aka perforated washers).
I just prefer simple bronze washers and a knife that has the tolerances to take apart and still be centered. Any suggestions besides an pre 2008 CRK?
 
I just push a button or lever on mine and it opens right up. Very quick, very smooth-and they don't have bearings, or even washers.
 
All bearings on my ZTs (8 or so) work just as well as I want. I see no need to upgrade.
 
I don't think they were clones someone just said that . When I emailed him he said his product is just for American made ZTs.
 
gtopper said:
I don't think they were clones someone just said that . When I emailed him he said his product is just for American made ZTs.
Click to expand...
one of the videos clearly shows a clone. most likely it will fit a ZT... but the point is, it was a clone in the video. do you believe everything everyone tells you?
 
ceramic bearings will wear in the pivot races faster than steel bearings, ceramic are also more round than steel bearings (depending on the quality and where they are sourced etc, steel can be just fine). this will allow breakin to be shorter time. but overall ceramic bearings won't change or affect the action in any large or huge meaningful way.

A multi row, needle bearing etc bearing system is only going to provide MORE surface area for larger knives and knife blades. because you dont want to revolve around just a single row of a very thin surface area for larger knives. just not a good idea. so sure a multi row is necessary for larger knives and may make them more smooth in that regard as you are spreading the friction out further. it's like carrying a large object by itself is awkward vs carrying that same object with two people. but bearing systems with more surface area were not created for better action per say. maybe better action for larger knives because a single row is putting all the weight around a thin round area instead of a wider area with more points of contact.

i could maybe see (yet to be tested) a larger blade with small kvt bearings upgraded to a multi row bearing system, could spread the load for a different feeling. but the action would largely still be dictated by the detent and lockbar.


more info here about the action being detent drivin not pivot bearing drivin (and a bit of lubrication data too).
http://www.bladeforums.com/conversations/multi-row-bearings.3563103/
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top