Thrust Bearings vs Bronze Washers

Joined
May 2, 2016
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7
Dumb question, but I'm new to all this, so please forgive me.

Is "thrust bearings" just a fancy marketing name for phosphor bronzer washers, or is there an actual difference between the two?

I could open my knife up to find out, but that would void the warranty.

Thanks in advance.
 
Yeah, they're fundamentally different. I wouldn't call a thrust bearing an upgrade though. I prefer washers personally. Generally not quite as smooth but require less maintenance.
 
Thrust bearings in knives have lots of little parts, similar to ball bearings, while bronze washers are a form of "plain bearing" which is far simpler, just a flat disc with a hole in the center.
 
Proper terms are 'bronze bushing' or 'friction bearing ' as opposed to 'ball bearing' or 'roller bearing ' .A thrust bearing is a bearing designed to deal with thrust forces parallel to the shaft.
 
Thrust bearings can be ball or roller.IIRC the rollers of big thrust bearings can weigh 5 pounds !! => for your BIG knives !!
 
Thanks to everyone for the clarification. I either misunderstood something said in a YouTube video or didn't realize it was said in sarcasm. I get it now :)

Thanks again.
 
What knife do you have? Here's some visualization for you...

I've witnessed these being referred to as "thrust" or "roller" bearings:
0_128f89_e89d0e44_L.jpg


I've also witnessed these being referred to as "thrust" or "caged" bearings (caged being more common):
knife-pivot-bearings-knife-technology-explained-7.jpg


IKBS (note how the balls are loose):
IKBS$20How$20To$20024.jpg


And in sure you know what a washer looks like;):D
 
BB,retainer is proper , cage is common. Those rollers are straight , the big ones are tapered .

Just to keep you guys on the straight an narrow !
 
Proper terms are 'bronze bushing' or 'friction bearing ' as opposed to 'ball bearing' or 'roller bearing ' .A thrust bearing is a bearing designed to deal with thrust forces parallel to the shaft.
Thrust forces parallel to the shaft lol
 
Proper terms are 'bronze bushing' or 'friction bearing ' as opposed to 'ball bearing' or 'roller bearing ' .A thrust bearing is a bearing designed to deal with thrust forces parallel to the shaft.

The bearings used in most knives like ZT's are thrust bearings by design even if not being used in a "thrust" application. And, they consist on ball bearings in a bearing cage/retainer so, they are indeed a form of ball bearings.
 
BB,retainer is proper , cage is common. Those rollers are straight , the big ones are tapered .

Just to keep you guys on the straight an narrow !

Thanks Mete, I like the term "retainer" better:thumbup:

I assume you're talking about these being the tapered ones?

5524dc04cb437swami.jpg


The bearings used in most knives like ZT's are thrust bearings by design even if not being used in a "thrust" application. And, they consist on ball bearings in a bearing cage/retainer so, they are indeed a form of ball bearings.

You're arguing with a metallurgist.

Don't do that...
 
Thanks Mete, I like the term "retainer" better:thumbup:

I assume you're talking about these being the tapered ones?

5524dc04cb437swami.jpg




You're arguing with a metallurgist.

Don't do that...

What does metallurgy have to do with bearing types? Yes, they are made of metal lol. I am a mechanic and have a lot of experience with bearings. I also took a metallurgy coarse in college(not that credentials are necessarily important). I was not arguing, just clarifying. Run a search of thrust bearings and you will see that they are what we are talking about even if they are not being used in a thrust application in this case.
 
What does metallurgy have to do with bearing types? Yes, they are made of metal lol. I am a mechanic and have a lot of experience with bearings. I also took a metallurgy coarse in college(not that credentials are necessarily important). I was not arguing, just clarifying. Run a search of thrust bearings and you will see that they are what we are talking about even if they are not being used in a thrust application in this case.

So you're a mechanic who knows how to use google? Gotcha...

Next time I need plumbing advise, I'll ask you first:thumbup:
 
Nah BB!! Ask me!!! I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night!!
 
So you're a mechanic who knows how to use google? Gotcha...

Next time I need plumbing advise, I'll ask you first:thumbup:

I was telling you to run a search. I already know what thrust bearings are because I have worked with them many times before and went to school.

I would be happy to help you with plumbing advise if needed. I do a lot of general contracting as well:thumbup:
 
I was telling you to run a search. I already know what thrust bearings are because I have worked with them many times before and went to school.

I would be happy to help you with plumbing advise if needed. I do a lot of general contracting as well:thumbup:

Oh yeah! I remember you now...

You're the "trust me, I went to college" guy. I went to college too, but you should never trust me:D
 
Oh yeah! I remember you now...

You're the "trust me, I went to college" guy. I went to college too, but you should never trust me:D

If that's what you want to call me:). I will take your advice, you seem to be a bit grumpy and looking for conflict. I am just hear for some good conversation about knives and to learn, I'm not looking to argue. Good day to you sir:thumbup:
 
Thrust bearing:

1468174512.267.jpg


PB Washer:

1468174592.0007.jpg


Same purpose, just a different way of doing it, with different pro's and con's....
 
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