Nick's Guide to Bearings, Washers, IKBS, and other ways to make a folding knife fold

Today, I'd like to talk a bit about the nuts and bolts of folding knives, washers, bushings, bearings, IKBS, and more. Here's some disassembly videos for each of the knives discussed...
Teflon Washers: • How to disassemble and...
Bronze Washers: • How to disassemble and...
Washers with Bushings: • How to disassemble and...
Captive Bearings: • Video
Non-Captive/MRBS: • How to reassemble and ...
IKBS: • How to disassemble and...

[@eachday9538]

If you are getting a high end pocket knife as a wedding present for the groom, make sure you get one with captive balls for the added symbolism.

[@mitchelldelmar9682]

A folding man.

[@MrGeerbear]

Great comment, Nick you've been forewarned.

[@firstgoinpostal]

😂😂😂😭

[@AsianBoyCarlson]

LMFAO

[@doctoruttley]

🤯...........😂👌🏻

[@Handlethis342]

So glad I ran across this video. Ive been looking for more info on this exact subject. Thanks Nick.

[@hgncbdfx]

this is honestly the best video you have made yet, i have had trouble understanding the diffrence between the folding assitance.

[@timothybecker8605]

Thank you Nick. The knifes I have been buying are bronze washers because of watching the apostle p channel. After watching your review, which I find more thorough, I will be staying with them. I do have an Olyamic 24-7 which was perfect when I got it but now is sticking alittle after 4 months. My Sebenzas and zero tolerances non bearing are just fine after 2 years or so.

[@jsimons9630]

Thanks! I learned a lot from this video!

[@magicdave93]

Great stuff Nick!

[@gerardopietrantoni6452]

Nick, The detail on the pros and cons and the explanation of how the mechanisms work and how you explain them is the best. Also your reviews and disassembly tutorials simple understandable language that you use explaining the different mechanisms

[@abc456f]

The WE 609, on bearings, is the smoothest knife I've found so far. I'm surprised I don't find more reviews on it, praising its drop shut action. Push the lock bar over, let the flipper tab hit your thumb, then get out of the way because the blade just drops with zero resistance. Outstanding knife!

[@jownbey]

Also have to say its tough to find a buttery smooth knife with a super secure blade as the detent often gets in the way of the drop shutty goodness. Great vid though, reaffirms by hard on for captive bearing knives

[@robertqueberg4612]

You sir, made big points in my book for using the term “bar stock”, rather than the tv chopper term “billet steel”. I would hope that more people would search out the actual process of manufacturing steel from the blast furnace, forward through the rolling and grinding of high alloy vacuum remelted “super alloys” into precision flat stock for your next dream knife. After fifty years of building stamping and forming dies, and most types of plastic molds, I can tell you that proper terminology and knowledge of processes will get you what you really want on the first trip. Best regards to all.

[@MrGeerbear]

I have a Real Steel S571 with roller bearings (they call them pin bearings). It works very well. Very smooth. I'm glad you addressed double row bearings. I was wondering if they worked any better than single row or was just a gimmick. I like my IKBS knives but haven't had to take them apart yet. I agree with your take on washers and the different quality of washers involved. Very informative video. You really have a great mechanical mind.

[@sghound]

thx for this nick

[@briantaylor9266]

Great summary, Dr. Nick! I always like to think of bearing systems as reducing friction not because of the reduced contact area, but because the balls roll instead of slide. But your point remains unchanged.

[@redbeardtactical1619]

I feel both interested and well supported. Thanks Nick.

[@andrewryan1203]

I have that exact same type of patina on my Opinel #7. Darkish blade but right where the nail grove its faded. Is there a way to prevent the fading on your patina?

[@elbowroomtube]

Great enlightening video. Would you give an edge to bronze or brass washers for smoothness and longevity? Great channel!

[@bsmith1625]

This is the video I was waiting for....Bravo!

[@ventology]

Wonderful video describing the different systems, Nick! I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the storage of knives? I'm curious whether or not to store my assisted knives open. Keep up the great reviews/tutorials.

[@NickShabazz]

+Ventology Shouldn't matter. Springs are worn when moved. Storage under tension isn't a problem :)

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

Hi Nick, Great and informative videos. I have a question. Do you oil/lube all your folders? I’m really getting more into collecting knives, instead of being just a edc guy. Although I can’t afford the super expensive knives. Thanks, I really value your knowledge.

[@EdwinCombs]

Can you change the washers? Like change out the plastic washers with a metal washer?

[@chrisdemchalk3491]

Any budget friendly captive bearing knives to consider?

[@Camronlaz]

Love the overview Nick. You said the IKBS can't be assembled without grease, and while it's certainly easier with grease, it is possible to assemble it without. I disassembled and de-greased my Boker Kwaiken. It was a major pain in the ass, but definitely possible. Wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart.

[@NickShabazz]

+Cameron Lazancih How the heck did you get the top scale on? I mean, some knives have the race in the blade so you can manage, but many don't. Or did you use a magnet to hold the bearings in the race?

[@bobkeller8383]

any flippers with both bearings and spring to make it function?

[@Tunnelrat6666]

Can you replace nylon washer with bearings of the same size? Say in a CRKT Ripsnort?

[@metalkingconqueror]

I'm not sure if it's the same as the roller bearings, but the Benchmade Precinct has thrust bearings. They look like small red tubes, and seemed quite smooth for the short time I owned that knife.

[@Nitrowing1500]

Excellent video - I'm building a folder but can't find any suppliers for washers - the thinnest phosphor bronze I can find is 0.8mm!!

[@firstgoinpostal]

I would like to know as well.

[@gmoney5947]

I have a spyderco drunken and a benchmade 765. The action on both are great the detent on the 765 is very strong and you can rub your finger raw trying to flip it open. You can’t go wrong with PB. The drunken action is smooth. I’ll avoid bearings if I can. 765 on bearings 940-1 on PB washers. Both have great action.

[@jacobmanalang8162]

really love bearing knives lately but thats because i havent taken them apart!

[@myvenusinuranus]

can you do a review of the Bestech Paladin?

[@christopherskipp1525]

What do you mean by "pivot bushing" "around the pivot hole?" Thank you.

[@lanceriffle4841]

Just watched and wanted to comment that my Opinel is smoother than my new Manix 2. I don't know if its defective or just a characteristic of the design. I am thinking this is one I am not going to love. Went back and checked and it is a little smoother than the Opinel but not as smooth as the Rat 1 and 2.

[@swiggamortis5521]

Ok I have to ask. Is it just me or did your accent get stronger as you made more videos? Help me out, I feel like I am taking crazy pills here.

[@quidkhan7728]

This may be a stupid question but does anyone know if you can replace one type of washer for another.? for example can i replace the teflon and bronze washer on my qsp parrot with a bigger bronze washer by its self?

[@dubglock2312]

im with u on all the points u made!!

[@thechemtrailkid]

I think that it should also be mentioned that the very, very hard bearings can abrade the surfaces they work against if you apply sideways force to the blade.

[@rafaelpagan8656]

Nick, can you talk a bit about Teflon washer in combination with bronze washer like in Ontario RAT 1?

[@thirtysixforfun]

Can anyone tell me how to measure captive bearings? I'm looking for a replacement set for a Kizer Sheepdog 3 inch.

[@doofy28]

Nickelodeon. My first knives I too apart were IKBS. It was surprisingly awful, but I learned a lot.

[@bigdog1328]

what do you think there best lube for plastic washers

[@bluefrog8670]

Ballistol is best lube for everything.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I have a few bearing knives coming so i can see what your talking about .i think at leased one is rollers .

[@juliencapolupo4680]

I have all seen them! :) I wasn't clear haha I meant if you could do a review of one of the crkt m16 for example the crkt m16-13z. I tought about u this afternoon, I know you love the razel and its blade, I have found a copy from crkt for 30$, it's the : crkt 4030 Graham folding razel.

[@youngstrokesurvivor3510]

Nick can you suggest where we can buy phospor bronze washers for knives?.

[@NSW15355]

Usaknifemaker or alphaknifesupply

[@youngstrokesurvivor3510]

@@NSW15355 thank you 😊

[@BigThumpr1]

Agreed about Teflon washers. They should not be used in Knives let alone high end knives. I like the Oilite Bronze washers. Def an alternative to Phosphor Bronze washers

[@firstgoinpostal]

Anyone know a good place to order bronze phosphor washers?? I plan on replacing the Teflon washers on several knives.

[@thomash4578]

That's a great question. I am also interested in the answer

[@DieYuppieScum91]

knifekits.com has a pretty wide selection, just have to know the sizes of the washers you intend to replace.

[@oceanwaves83]

Nick, I have asked you this question before, and I just spent a long time looking through your disassembly videos trying to find my comment, to no avail. What knife have you observed to have the largest phosphor bronze washers? Your answer was a CRK, but I can't remember which one. Which knife, excusing the CS 4max and Demko customs, seems to have the strongest pivot? Thanks.

[@NickShabazz]

CRK Large Inkosi. Pivot strength isn’t really relevant

[@oceanwaves83]

@@NickShabazz Thanks. I just mean the pivot in general, not the barrel or screws specifically. I'm referring to the key difference between a folding knife and a fixed blade: the glaring weak spot known as the pivot. Just curious of your opinion.

[@NickShabazz]

The stop pin is more likely to fail than the pivot, generally speaking.

[@oceanwaves83]

@@NickShabazz I'm sure that's true more times than not, but in times of unintentional lateral stress (I am guilty of being an imperfect man with a job that subjects knives to imperfect scenarios and working conditions), the strength of the pivot itself is important (including washer size/thickness, pivot size, pivot screw size, etc) as it will be less likely to introduce blade play. It also inherently takes some stress off/supports the lock in times like this. I wasn't really trying to debate this issue. I do not abuse knives but I am a unique knife user, and people within the online knife community rarely understand my concerns. I was just seeing if you would be kind enough to answer.

[@Sheriff-tchoupi]

My crkt foresight (IKBS) uses 22 non-captive bearings on each side, if someone wonders...

[@gammarayburst4763]

Hey Nick great video.. Have you ever taken apart a crk sabenza?

[@NickShabazz]

Three times in the last week. I'll do a full disassembly video with the new review.

[@gammarayburst4763]

Awesome very interested to see your take on it...

[@PalehorseThirteen]

I recently got am Artisan Cutlery Arroyo, a knife on bearings. Great knife, love it, don't get me wrong. But in terms of smoothness it's no where near as smooth as my QSP Penguin on washers. That thing is crazy smooth.

[@robertrissmiller2530]

Any reason no one has done captive bearings and a pivot bushing yet?

[@everydaygear3730]

Once you go MRBS, you can't go back ;) Just kidding, great video!

[@jimharrison5511]

I enjoyed this but heard one major error. An IKBS pivot does not need lubricant for either assembly or use. A simple tool is all that's needed for assembly. I passed this on to Flavio years ago. All that lubricant does is attract and hold dirt and debris. Contact me about the tool (loader) if you'd like. Keep up the great reviews!

[@NickShabazz]

The problem comes with the fact that many IKBS knives require one to flip the blade with bearings in place. This is not straightforward without lubricant surface tension.

[@firstgoinpostal]

Dry slide powdered graphite,or even using a pencil on the contact surfaces.

[@juliencapolupo4680]

Hey! You should do some low cost knife for exemple the crkt like one of the m16 or the kershaw shield! I really love your videos

[@NickShabazz]

+Julien Capolupo Check my Thrifty Thursday's videos

[@tandratan5239]

Whenever i hear you talk, i am imagining moe from the simpsons

[@TheReasonableSkepticist]

Now I can’t un hear it

[@BeardedGunsman]

😂😂😂🤦‍♂️

[@robertmiller445]

I imagine Kripke from The Big Bang Theory

[@leonardooppi3430]

How is it called the fourth knife?

[@Foxrock321]

Metal or ceramic bearings? Advantages?

[@NSW15355]

Ceramic is more expensive, harder material, improved surface finish, non magnetic, lighter weight. In a knife? If we're talking bearings already may as well go ceramic.

[@profesorEDC]

Nick, how you doing? No one to whom I've written seems to have time nor the will to lend a hand. My Grail is the Slysz Bowie, unfortunately in my country I've never seen it owned or for sale. Australians don't sale to Mexico, have no idea why. If you know of someone who is selling one even second hand in good shape can you please get me in touch? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[@JustIn-op6oy]

I've always been curious why more high end makers haven't dabbled with roller bearings. Also - there are some other plastics and polymers that offer friction reduction but would still offer plenty of blade support. God only knows why they aren't used.

[@bassraptor4085]

Cool high speed low drag tactile matt black opened 0006

[@bassraptor4085]

Openel bloody auto corect

[@xDarkPrototypex]

Opinel*

[@explorerextraordinaire5472]

Thanks for the video Nick To make the video a trillion times better you should have included a visual representation of what the actual systems look like. You already took them apart on video once; can't you use those same video clips? Anyways Hope all is well buddy Take care = )

[@SirGalath]

I dislike "fall shut" knives, they are unnecessarily dangerous IMO. I prefer to have 100% control on the closing of my knives at all times.

[@NickShabazz]

+Sir Galahad Different grinds for different kinds :)

[@SirGalath]

sure, just voicing my (really) unpopular opinion.

[@kingofthenoobs]

I agree for liner or frame locks where you have to put your fingers in the path of the blade. For compression, axis, button, etc. locks a free fall is fine.

[@SirGalath]

I agree.

[@bluefrog8670]

Cut myself and bled like a stuck pig yesterday when my knife fell shut.

[@Bordodai]

That Thorburn you have should be IKBS.

[@anthonydoesstuff2193]

Me and my friend watch your videos and were wondering what your accent is? I wish everyone talked like you.

[@CloudyShinobi]

The general consensus seems to be it’s the “make believe” sort of accent which he performs (and there are examples of him breaking character) as a means to conceal his identity for privacy porpoises (lol that’s my Nick shabazz impression and pun multi-PURPOSE remark)

[@BryanTorok]

Now I have to look to see if he has a video on bearings flipper vs spring assisted flipper opening. OR, does someone make a knife with both? I want smooth and I want a knife that reliably snaps open with one hand. I don't want to have to wear out my finger or build special muscles to get that snap opening.

[@sneekerstattoo]

Zero Tolerance 0566 assisted opening and on bearings.👍

[@BryanTorok]

@@sneekerstattoo Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. The few exampled on eBay want ridiculous amounts money. Also, I see it is a frame lock and I find I don't like that.

[@truthtruth935]

Why are aluminum washers not used

[@bluefrog8670]

Because aluminum sucks at everything but being lightweight.

[@CombatBanana]

Budget bearing knives really don't feel very smooth imo. I would describe it more as feeling low friction. My benchmade bugout, for instance has a glassy lubricated feel compared to my kizer mini sheepdog which feels very fast but slightly bumpy.

[@thomash4578]

One suggestion Showing some drawings/graphics of the various systems would make the differences more clear. Showing the outside of a knife, while discussing the inside mechanism is not especially helpful.

[@Travis5.56]

Have you ever polished the bushings on any of your knives?

[@Travis5.56]

I used to work in a machine shop that allowed "government work." I could turn, grind and polish any bushing, any size. I made quite a few for different knives. Polishing to a glasslike finish really improved the action and, I didn't have to worry about taking too much material off. I miss that job lol.

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

The Norseman looks like a sweet knife. I will say that in many of the "knife nuts" that I share thoughts with are a bit frustrated with Grimsmo. While I will not get into the controversy if they are custom or mid tech, I will say that they are not one off customs. Which leads me to this. They are nearly impossible to get. And I feel it is because of Grimsmo's production process needing to be streamlined. They have a website with all their knives listed with prices and no availability or contact information. You can get a one off easier. They have no preorder or anything. I think that is ridiculous. Many of us have given up on the Norseman and have moved on to other mid techs that are somewhat accessible. Grimsmo should contract with Knifecenter or Blade HQ like other mid tech or customs do. The action looks so sweet. I will say that if you ever get your hands on a Kizer Sheepdog, it will give the Norseman a run for its money as far as action for 204 bucks. I was impressed. But sorry to say, Grimsmo bros., you have lost a handful of our business.

[@NickShabazz]

You've got a Preorder process for the Rask, their next knife, but you're right, they're definitely still working out the kinks and streamlining. I hope that once they get some of the preordered Rasks out, Norsemen will be more readily available.

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

I see on their website that John made a comment about their production. Interesting it was posted Oct 9. His last comment was almost exactly a year before. Maybe he is taking notice to our frustration. Who knows.

[@BobbieJay]

I like your accent

[@cloudcleaver23]

I hate sand.

[@NickShabazz]

+cloudcleaver23 It's coarse, and rough, and irritating, and it gets everywhere...

[@cloudcleaver23]

And thus little Ani was taken by the Dark Side, for Hate leads to Suffering.

[@Lack_of_response]

so my Todd Begg Steelcraft mini-bodega has more balls than my kwaiback? good to know.

[@NickShabazz]

Yep! Speaking of the Kwaiback, you're either gonna love or hate Saturday :D

[@Lack_of_response]

I am happy to hear whatever you have to say about it. I've had a couple years to develop my opinion. I think the HRD makes it a bit smoother than other captured-bearing knives, I love the way the blade fits entirely within the handle when closed. Few parts, low fuss, easy to maintain. kwaibacks tend to run a bit expensive for what they are and the wait for one can be frustrating, but I love mine and wouldn't part with it for any amount of money.

[@NickShabazz]

+Patrick Batemare Does yours have a backspacer?

[@Lack_of_response]

nope. mine is from an early batch of midtech/production models. no backspacer, no lockbar insert.

[@sgsheff]

You actually do have a knife with ikbs. The CRKT Swindle uses ikbs.

[@NickShabazz]

+sheffieldsg Yep, but I didn't have it yet when this got filmed! :(

[@adambradywiffleballleague7017]

I like your voice

[@sour7786]

I'd say the hinderer wouldn't be improved with bronze or bearings

[@mikejoseph8392]

It boggles my mind that Knife companies still use Teflon washers. It reminds me of the Ford Pinto (probably before your time) when Ford's bean counters decided that the 25 cent part that would have fixed the car and stopped it from blowing up in a in a rear end collision would cost more than paying off the families for the deaths that ensued. When I buy a knife with Teflon washers I immediately replace them with Phosphor Bronze or copper washers and the difference is astounding. I buy a few at a time in different sizes and i pay very little for them. I am also sure that if they raised the retail price by one dollar nobody would complain. Even copper is better. When I carry one of my new knives for a while I take them apart and clean and oil them, low and behold the Teflon washers are shot. Even many of the cheap knives coming from china have copper or brass and they only cost $20.00 or less. I have close to 100 knives (no clones or Chinese cheapies) of which I have copper, bronze and bearings and I have found that you never know which is better. My Dominoes are slower than my Para2's but my G.Bradley 2 is quicker than both. If a knife has Teflon I change them out to copper or Bronze. and I don't buy knives withe IKBS because I have hand tremors and those little silly balls would never make it back in. Sorry that this rant was so lengthy but it pisses me off that on one hand they will spring for bearings but the same companies would then use Teflon. Thanks for giving me a venue in which I can talk about knife subjects and hopefully the people reading it aren't bored to death.

[@firstgoinpostal]

Who do you order your washers from?? I have several knives that I want to upgrade the washers on.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

So we need sealed bearings !

[@dalecarpenter8828]

With zerts so you can grease them

[@EDCwithAaron]

Except my manix 2 is on washers and is smoother than anything I've owned or used...

[@brendenwright2690]

Aaron Rowe Buy a 452G10 in M390 and your life will be changed. Best steel action combination ever in my opinion.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Don't see lose bearings .you're going to lose them .

[@baileysollenberger3589]

imagine a ikbs benchmade lol

[@jojojaykay]

Dizzy JONAH hell

[@MrGeerbear]

Yeah, with their quality control there would be balls everywhere. Just balls, balls and more loose balls. Their cure would probably be to send a jock strap.

[@Nevets118]

Calm down there Satan.

[@caleb5702]

your voice reminds me of the short burglar from home alone

[@sour7786]

Teflon actually produces less friction then phosphor bronze washers.

[@dylanworkman5445]

It often does, but it deforms under pressure. In a high pressure pivot, phosphor bronze does not deform, and often works better with oil

[@ChuckBeefOG]

I tossed the teflon washers out of my OKC Rats, they are just as smooth with just a brass washer.

[@sour7786]

Roller bearings are over rated imo. May reduce the where but more surface area surface area more friction

[@MoxxMix]

Mate, show the things you are talking about.

[@andreaslarsson9534]

i know you Dont like clones and knockoffs but The hinderer clones on dhgate use roller bearings... they Cost 100 dollars and even if you hate clones i must say you get hell of a lot of knife when you buy a hinderer copy for 100 dollars. roller bearings, d2 steal and Titanium handles and The fit'n finish is awsome... Just sayn... and i am not from America so for me its not an issue to just buy american produkts

[@MikoGTA]

IKBS, I Know, Bull Shit :D

[@hgncbdfx]

i also hate your black background, it makes it very diffcult to see the Z hunter's black blade, please please please change the contrast! X.x

[@NickShabazz]

Hah. I'm still trying different backgrounds :D

[@dallasn16]

You need one of those tacticool mats telling you how disassemble a glock

[@hgncbdfx]

use the american flag.

[@NickShabazz]

Dallas: Nah, if you can't take tupperware apart, my channel's not gonna help :D

[@Thief400]

How the hell do you spend so much time talking about a knife! You must love to here yourself talk!! Keep it short and concise. 18 minutes of my life I’ll never get back!

[@NickShabazz]

Well, to be fair, I was talking about many knives. :)

[@youtubethrowaway9324]

Simple guide . Solid washers : proven efficient durable low maintenance high performance tech. Bearings: gimmick trash it's my opinion, it just so happens that it's the only correct one, not my fault hmk? YoU'rE WeLcOmE

[@EdwinCombs]

Can you change the washers? Like change out the plastic washers with a metal washer?

[@NSW15355]

Yes just measure the thickness and diameters and buy the same size.