Has anyone used miniature roller bearings in a knife? And if so where could i find bearings that small?

Thanks, John

G'day John,

I've had no experience with roller (or ball) bearings in folders although I know Rade Hawkins has experimented with ball bearing thrust washers in folders. His website is www.radehawkinscustomknives.com (http://www.radehawkinscustomknives.com)

Regards from Australia.

verry small roller/ball bearings can be had from R/C car hobbie shops I have tryed them in knifes and other than buterfly knifes they seem to be a bit od on over kill. the bronze oilless bushings work just as well.

I was just curious I am not set up to try yet, but I was thinking that a set or roller bearings would make a knife with zero side to side play yet still very easy to open.. just something to play with later I guess..

Thanks, John

Larry Chew and Brad Duncan ( I believe) use bearings in their knives, different kinds though. Larry uses needle bearings and I think brad uses a fully enclosed bearing, but I'm not quite sure about that. I have a Larry Chew knife and it opens real easy.

Sorry so late, I've been working on knives for the Arkansas show...

I have tried some bearings. I got some from Sheffields down in Fla. Here are my experiences with them:

they had a little axial slop in them. Not good where the lckup is considered. They were slick, but just not solid like they should be. These bearings also needed a 1/4" hole ... little much on a small folder, big one you could get away with it. I am now using oilite bushings. plenty slick, and a 3/16" hole, 1/8" pivot. Hope this helps.

After the Arkansas show, I can shoot some pics on both installations if you like. Just let me know.