Spyderco Smock Upgrade- SKIFF Bearings

[@toreycasey1214]

I have skiffs with the 2nd detent ball in both my Smocks, there is definitely a difference smoother and more solid at the pivot

[@wogalley]

I know most people take out the second detent ball. I instead replaced it with a ceramic ball and my Smock is very close to the smoothness of not having the detent ball in place. The plus to this is you still have a great detent, even when pushing the button. By the way, I also have the Skiff bearings in mine.

[@EvilTwinRC51]

Where did you get the ceramic detent ball from?

[@wogalley]

@@EvilTwinRC51 A company called Boca Bearings. I ordered 2mm S13N4 grade 5 ceramic ball. They are very reasonably priced and they work great. I highly recommend them.

[@EvilTwinRC51]

@@wogalley thank you for the info and I’ll look them up. I have my Smock in M4 on the way and can’t wait to mod it up. lol

[@ZachBroughton]

I've only had my Smock for a couple weeks, but it is, by far, one of my most favorite knives of my small (30) collection. Picked it up secondhand with a chipped blade and aftermarket scales for below regular MSRP. Fixed the blade up with an in-depth sharpen and polish. The action is already ultra buttery smooth, so I'm wondering if Skiff bearings could even improve it. But for about $15, I'll probably pick up a pair eventually when I get new scales.

[@jagpilotohio]

I can’t imagine mine being any smoother than it is but I understand the desire to experiment. Mine is like it’s frictionless already but I do have the second detent removed

[@firemedic5170]

That secondary detent really makes all the difference to me when it comes to smoothness! I have 2 in S30V, 1 in 20cv, and just got my M4 🙌🏻 popping that secondary detent out let these babies fall shut without any issues 😍❤️⚔️

[@jimmycricket7946]

I hate taking apart the smock i had to do three times, it's not a complicated design but boy is it a royal pain in the ass. The stop pin keeps falling out, the small parts, trying to get the blade centered etc. Hated it .....I also had a problem with one of the screws turning not catching the threading on one of the backspacers. Took me a long time to reassemble the first time around, but yeah my smock is done if it needs to be taken apart again I'm sending it out or just buying a new one.

[@KPhan]

I am planning to install these SKIFF Bearings too. The cross-thread tip about backing the screws until hear a click before screwing forward is a plus! Thanks for the helpful video

[@markrpatterson9717]

If you get them please post you opinion. I think they were a waste of money, and would like to see if I'm alone in thinking that.

[@KPhan]

@@markrpatterson9717 I got two Smock knives and did bought these SKIFF Bearings for one to compare. I haven't got around to installing them (lazy). Been using it stock and its pretty smooth as is. Since I already bought these bearing, I will eventually install them and report back. I'll post a video too.

[@markrpatterson9717]

@@KPhan Thank you!

[@cvdubya5774]

Best $15 upgrade you can do to the Smock. It's not a night and day difference but you can definitely tell its smoother.

[@cavtj1]

Kinda odd how the bearings are thicker and yet don't make the knife bulge out around the pivot. Cool, I might try them, thanks for the scoop sir!

[@fleanine]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Its not so much the bearings diameter themselves are bigger, but the race is thicker, more substantial than the original. For the cost IMO, its a worthwhile upgrade.

[@tgrzadziel1975]

@@fleanine same overall profile height.. the ball dimension IS the overall height.. The Race or "cage" is a narrower then the bearing...This style of bearing is a thrust bearing.

[@interamerichanic]

Is that a Lynch McBee clip?

[@danofiremano]

I have 40+ Spyderco's in my collection & the Smock is my favorite one at the moment & I used to be a huge fan of the Manix. I still like them all though, even my Drunken! ~ LoL

[@hificat101]

So you didn't like the action better with the second detent ball out? Lots of people remove them for smoother closing action.

[@briand563]

This video helped me a bit.. Thanks👍. i have taken a few knives apart. the smock has been my least fav so far lol. took me 3 times to get it back together properly lol

[@fleanine]

Sweet! I’m glad it helped out. I appreciate you watching -thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@briand563]

@@fleanine Yes sir.. you have a new sub👍

[@kreed4]

interesting...I just assumed everyone removed the second detent ball.

[@fleanine]

Yes and I can also verify that with even more time -since I posted this video- it’s even smoother. I can fully open the knife just by pressing the lock button and giving it a slight flick- and it swings open nicely. Same feel as the closing action. I actually like the second detent ball because if you DO happen to drop your knife, it would suck for it to flick open and damage the cutting edge of your blade because the second detent ball that gives it a little more hold - was missing. It could happen. I like mine the way it is tbh.

[@kreed4]

@@fleanine I hear you; yours looked almost drop shut as-is at the beginning of your video, even with the second detent retained...looks like your knife broke in nicely. And appreciate the video, love skiffs, though some knives they help a lot, others no. Good to know that they help the smock noticeably (which I guess speaks to the stock Spyderco bearings).

[@fleanine]

It’s a pretty cheap “upgrade” and everyone loves geeking out by taking their knives apart anyway, so this actually accomplished something and made the knife even more enjoyable. The knife WAS GREAT out of box. But this is A LITTTTLE bit better for NOT A lot of money, and its fun to take apart your knife. So why not? I mean really? #keeptheseconddetent LOL!

[@vindice5849]

My jade m4 smock should be here by beginning of next week can't wait!

[@dustinwhitt5297]

Got a pair of skiffs coming today and black micarta scales tomorrow. Also, going to have it sent off for a chop mod! Can't wait

[@markrpatterson9717]

Please post you opinion of them. I think they were a waste of money, and would like to see if I'm alone in thinking that.

[@tgrzadziel1975]

I installed them based on your recommendation you're absolutely correct they are the smoothest bearings I felt in any blade. What Luber can do you recommend on the pivot?

[@Ww-dl7vr]

What size bearings did you order

[@fleanine]

Thanks for watching! The bearings i got for the Smock were : Cage Bearings Pivot: 3/16" Bearing: 1/16 in (11 ball)

[@Robs_Nerdy_Knives]

I put a different sized caged bearing for my Pro-Tech Malibu that some say should be the same size that you noted for the smock. I have a smock wondered if the following would work from Skiff: Cage Bearings - Pivot: 5mm Ceramic Bearings: 1/16 in (11 ball) Thoughts?

[@Nohkral]

U have a link?

[@Sumatra123]

For the price of this knife it should come with the best bearings to make it smooth. My $27 Rat 1 is wore in pretty dang smooth.

[@fleanine]

The knife is perfectly smooth out of the box but these are just a tad “slicker” and for the small cost it was a worthy upgrade. Also to see what the fuss was all about. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@tacticalcenter8658]

J hold, Dumbest comment I've seen all day

[@tgrzadziel1975]

This re defines smooth 😮

[@gmuk101]

Did you also remove the second detent ball? Or did the bearing install made the drop works better?

[@fleanine]

I didn’t remove the second detent ball. I know everyone says it’s better without it but I prefer it in. Thanks for watching!

[@mikoteevee]

removing the detent ball and spring is smoother than keef...

[@Basemalnnmr]

Now I can have one, thank you 🙏

[@Omnivorous1One]

What size was the bearing? Anyone know a place that has the sizes of bearings needed for various knives? I would like to upgrade several I own but don’t know the sizes and would prefer to not have to take them apart to find out. That way I am only taking them apart when I do the upgrade.

[@blairtaylor9552]

There's a list of knives and appropriate bearing sizes on the Skiff site (last time I looked).

[@carl3810]

What kind of knife mat is that? It's awesome would love one myself

[@fleanine]

Thanks for watching! The mat I have in the video is here: Kaisiking 4 Pcs Large Soldering Mat Set Silicone Repair Mat 21.6 x 13.8 Inch www.amazon.com/dp/B077JPS8F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NFRA8B87Z1G3QE67NERV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@carl3810]

@@fleanine anytime great channel thanks so much for the link. I appreciate that!!

[@c.haubenriser1]

Welp you sold me. Immediately bought a set for the new BHQ M4/Jade exclusove I've got coming in the mail!

[@fleanine]

Nice! Im sure you’ll feel the difference. And for less than 20 bucks it’s really a sensible upgrade. Thanks for watching! Enjoy the new Smock!

[@grandmaster2fast824]

Same I just ordered 3 sets for all my smocks can't wait

[@jrigo50]

@@fleanine trying to order some.. what is the size i need for the smock ? Please help

[@fleanine]

@@jrigo50 Thanks for watching! The bearings i got for the Smock were : Cage Bearings Pivot: 3/16" Bearing: 1/16 in (11 ball)

[@i8kiwis21]

Could you post the link to them possibly?

[@fleanine]

Thanks for watching! The bearings i got for the Smock were : Cage Bearings Pivot: 3/16" Bearing: 1/16 in (11 ball)

[@s1Lash-s1Lash]

cool

[@fleanine]

The kit I am using in the video is an iWork 15pc “phone repair kit” it has the nice heavy aluminum telescoping screwdriver. ( model number 88-670-212) I think it came from Home Depot. Thanks for watching !

[@aerodrew808a]

what kind of screwdriver are you using there?

[@fleanine]

The kit I am using in the video is an iWork 15pc “phone repair kit” it has the nice heavy aluminum telescoping screwdriver. ( model number 88-670-212) I think it came from Home Depot. Thanks for watching !

[@brittwoodruff9369]

What is the bearing size for this knife?

[@fleanine]

the specs are in the description.. thanks for watching.

[@markrpatterson9717]

I put a set in one of my Smocks... not the slightest bit of difference. Anyone else feel the same?

[@mase_one]

Great review I just ordered a set:)

[@fleanine]

THANKS for watching and taking the time to comment.Much appreciated.

[@markrpatterson9717]

Please post you opinion of them. I think they were a waste of money, and would like to see if I'm alone in thinking that.

[@mase_one]

@@markrpatterson9717 in my opinion I think the bearings work fine. It's hard to say if they're better than the stock ones but it seems that the action is very smooth. If you hold the lock button and just let the blade swing freely I've noticed that I can hear the bearings actually rolling around which is kind of neat. For the $15 it cost for them I don't regret it.

[@markrpatterson9717]

@@mase_one Thanks for the feedback!

[@fleanine]

@Mark R Patterson I definitely notice a difference on the drop shut after installing the new bearings. Yes, it WAS really smooth to begin with… but these are smoothER. I also am not a big fan of removing detent balls, as the knife is so smooth that I see absolutely no reason to remove the second detent for added blade fidgetability. I’ve mentioned before, it also helps keep the blade from swinging open and suffering potential damage, should you drop it. In my opinion thats a decent reason to keep it installed. Sorry you had less than ideal results with your swap. Have you tried to further adjust the pivot screw? Once I got my sweet spot figured out there was a significant difference.

[@terbnalu4854]

Thanks brother 🙏 Mine is smooth as butter but definitely gonna give the skiffs a go as soon as your videos done. Stay sharp #cutshit

[@markrpatterson9717]

If you get them please post you opinion. I think they were a waste of money, and would like to see if I'm alone in thinking that.

[@DroneChannelUSA]

It's def smoother ...it's tension not the new bearings ..and it's a downgrade with higher wear

[@lgen626]

I’m so doing this!

[@sencerr226]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@76kamikazi]

I lost my balls 😆 😆😆

[@bamabladez]

So this must be the placebo effect of all PE!! 😂 So i learned recently from Mr. Skiff himself said the bearings have nothing to do with action. Bearings are for more for rigidity as far as blade pressure left and right. Think about it the blade rides on those balls. His balls are no different than any other balls 😆.. He probably doesn't advertise this because majority of people buy for the action. Don't kill the messenger 🤷‍♂️ that said I still want to try them..

[@viflag]

Don't see différence

[@markrpatterson9717]

Me either, I'm glad they were cheap.