pros and cons of having ceramic bearings on a folder

sonny chiba

sonny chiba

Joined
Feb 23, 2018
Messages
11
greetings to all , i have just purchased a reate torrent and found out it has ceramic bearings. i am not familiar with ceramic bearings and would really like to hear the prs and cons of having this type of bearing system on the pivot assembly. i have heard great feedback on reate knives but have not heard anything on ceramic bearings. all feedback would be greatly appreciated.
 
Theres no noticable difference in action between steel/ceramic bearing washers. If the knife is fitted correctly they will provide a smoother action than washers, although it may not be that big of a difference. IKBS bearings are noticably smoother than anything else in my experience.

I have a handful of knives with bearing washers with zero issues.
 
No rust on the ceramic elements but most seem the have steel races which will rust or corrode in the right (wrong) environment.
 
I love a good washer vs bearing comment.

Theoretically, ceramic bearings could wear the steel down over time (lots of time).

The bearings won’t come as close to “sealing” to the blade as washer will and might become somewhat clogged in extremly dirty/muddy conditions (probably unlikely for most).

I would challenge the statement that bearings are smoother than washers. Both can be very smooth.


In the end, your ceramic bearings will be great. Don’t worry about it and enjoy that great knife.
 
ScooterG said:
I would challenge the statement that bearings are smoother than washers. Both can be very smooth.

.
Click to expand...

Very true. Ive had knives with washers that felt amazing. Ive also had bearing washers that were meh. A well executed bearing washer pivot feels nicer IMO than a knife on bronze washers of similar construction quality.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top