Teflon vs. Phosphor Bronze washers

A

Architect

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I have a number of folding knives that utilize either teflon or phosphor bronze washers.

These knives are factory knives, semi-production and handmade.

The smoothness of action seems to be unrelated to the type of washer. Rather, the fit of the blade at the pivot and the balance of the blade around the one-hand opening device (stud, hole, etc.) seems to be much more of a contributor to a smooth, clean opening sequence.

Any comments or generalizations on the strengths and weaknesses of each?
 
Real interesting question. Custom makers seem to use either type. As far as smoothness, I don't know if it matters that much. I think it has more to do with the final fit and finish of the inner surfaces of the pivot area. I personally have a slight prejudice in favor of bronze bushings, but I'm really not sure if my views are reality-based.

Most of us probably are inclined to consider bronze bushings to ultimately be more long lasting and stronger.

BTW, it appears that BM is now moving towards bronze, at least on their "upper-level" knives.
 
I agree that bronze washers are much stronger, but I think that teflon washers are smoother. With that said, I prefer the durability of the bronze washers.
 
My understanding is that the Bronze Phosphorus is continously self lubricating where the Teflon is not and the Teflon will wear down over time. The bronze remains a better bushing over time and is therefor preferred in items that will be used over very long periods of time.

I could be wrong and I look forward to responses as well.
 
Bronze seems to be the stronger material, at least to me. I'm more interested in something that will last over the long haul.

Paul
 
Phosphor bronze washers seem to be much smoother. I had replaced the teflon washers on some of my CRKT knives and they instantly gain a custom feel. I would say there is definitely a difference, especially when you get to feel the before and after.

The only problem is that I can't find a good source for the bronze washers. Anybody know where I can get some in small quantity? I think smallparts carry them but they charge $6-8 for shipping and handling, which outweight the actual cost of the washers.
 
I don't have the numbers handy, but Teflon is slipperier than Phosphor bronze by orders of magnitude. I think it's still the Slipperiest substance known.

But Teflon is also soft. In most knife joint appliations, Teflon washers are going to gall up and be destroyed. They're not durable enough for the application.

The term "self-lubricating" when used to describe Phosphor bronze is a bit misleading. There's no lubricant involved. It's not as if there's somehow oil inside the metal that comes out over time. Different materials are simply slipperier than others. Phosphor bronze just happens to be way on the slippery slide of that scale. The Phosphor Bronze metal is, itself, the lubricant. Plus, it's a hard, durable material and not very expensive.

So, why not just make your car engine out of Phosphor Bronze and do away with all those trips to the Jiffy Lube? Well, as slippery as Phosphor Bronze is, it's no where near as slippery as steel with a layer of good oil on it.
 
Sorry to reserect an ancient thread, but I have a folder with bronze and teflon bushings on both sides.

Which ones should be closer to the blade?

I'm thinking teflon, but I'm not sure.

Believe it or not, when I took the knife apart for cleaning and skeletonization of the liners, one side was teflon against the blade, the other side was bronze.
 
There is another type - Nylatron, which is nylon impregnated with a solid lube like molybdenum disulfide.
 
Speaking of benchmade. I was handling a VEX the other day. Yes one of their lower end china made knives and in looking at that I noticed that there was one bronze washer on one side teflon on the other. Kinda confused with this but just shows they are even going with bronze on lower end stuff.
 
If you use your knife in a "normal":confused: fasion, you won't be able to tell the diff. Now, I've seen grit imbed itself into Teflon and stay there. Teflon CAN squash if you pry with the knife really hard, but who prys, I don't. Emerson uses something other than beonze and I've not heard of any problems.

For me it's the assurance I have the best washer (Bronze).
 
I just assembled with the teflon against the blade and the bronze outboard, seems very smooth, will see how it holds up.

Thanks for your replies.:thumbup:
 
I was just about to make my zomblie thread comment, but...

I have three knives with phosphor/bronze bushings, and they all feel smoother on opening/closing. One is a Buck 110, the other a D. Ralph designed bali, and hands down they're the smoothest operating knives I own. The CRKT is mediocre IMHO, but still very smooth.

I'd much rather have the PB, for durability's sake.

thx - cpr
 
gull wing said:
If you use your knife in a "normal":confused: fasion, you won't be able to tell the diff. Now, I've seen grit imbed itself into Teflon and stay there. Teflon CAN squash if you pry with the knife really hard, but who prys, I don't. Emerson uses something other than beonze and I've not heard of any problems.
Click to expand...

I wonder why Rick Hinderer uses teflon washers on his xm-18 that is suited for prying.
 
I generally prefer phosphour bronze, but my Benchmade Skirmish is far smoother with the Nitrolon washers.
 
Architect said:
I have a number of folding knives that utilize either teflon or phosphor bronze washers.

These knives are factory knives, semi-production and handmade.

The smoothness of action seems to be unrelated to the type of washer. Rather, the fit of the blade at the pivot and the balance of the blade around the one-hand opening device (stud, hole, etc.) seems to be much more of a contributor to a smooth, clean opening sequence.

Any comments or generalizations on the strengths and weaknesses of each?
Click to expand...



I may have to swap out the washers on a Sebbie and see what happens. I'm very curious as well.
 
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