Anyone Ever Worn Out "Nylon" Washers?

Sulaco

Sulaco

Gold Member
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Nov 15, 2003
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I recently acquired two Cold Steel knives (my first). The American Lawman and the Mini Lawman. I like them a lot, but noticed when I took them apart that they use Nylon or some sort of synthetic plastic-like material for the washers, instead of bronze, like all of my other folders seem to use.

Anyone ever worn out any of these "Nylon" washers? Do they need to be replaced every so often or are they good to go?
 
never heard of them wearing out here on the forums. Also have never had one of my blades wear out. Some people don't like them much, but I have noticed a significant difference.
 
I had a CRKT and when I took it apart, one of the two seemed really thin (almost transparent) compared to the other one. I don't know if it was designed that way, or maybe it was wearing then, or it might have been defective, I dunno, but it worked perfectly. I guess time will tell!
 
Yes I have.
I keep my pivots tights, and thus the washers squished out, and then tore on one of my knives.
They also seem to manage to trap dust/dirt and end up with a "gritty" action after a while.
I don't like nylon washers much.
 
stabman said:
Yes I have.
I keep my pivots tights, and thus the washers squished out, and then tore.
I don't like nylon washers much.
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Haha, I know you didn't mean it to be, but "squished out" is really funny sounding to me for some reason. LOL! :D
 
Sulaco said:
Haha, I know you didn't mean it to be, but "squished out" is really funny sounding to me for some reason. LOL! :D
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The magic of words.:)
I replaced the washer on that knife with phosphor bronze, and it's been smooth sailing since.
 
stabman said:
The magic of words.:)
I replaced the washer on that knife with phosphor bronze, and it's been smooth sailing since.
Click to expand...

Where'd you get them? I'd love to do that with both of my CS knives.
 
Sulaco said:
Where'd you get them? I'd love to do that with both of my CS knives.
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I got them at Knifekits.com.
They have a fair selection of different size washers. I had to enlarge the diameter of the hole with my dremel, as the pivot was quite large.
If they don't have the size you're looking for though, the folks in the Shop Talk-Bladesmith Question and Answer sub-forum might know where to get them.:)
 
I was a bit concerned about 5-6 years ago when my Ontario Hossom Retribution 1 and 2 arrived and I realized that they use Teflon washers thinking that they wouldn't last. I don't own a folder that I've used more or used harder than the Retribution 1 and the washers have held up perfectly. In fact I was inquiring on another forum about buying bronze replacements and Mr. Hossom himself replied to my inquiry and asked what was wrong with Teflon washers and assured me that I had nothing to be concerned about and it turns out he was correct...go figure. :)

I'm sure you can find replacements at Knifekits.com like was mentioned earlier if you feel like changing them out. Good luck!
 
They should be Nylatron [nylon impregnated with MoS2 ] rather than just nylon. The other choice is phosphor bronze of course. Dealers in knife parts should have them.
 
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