Today marks the official release of the WE Knife Co. Ryson, a collaboration that has us absolutely buzzing. This beauty was designed by none other than Sam Tran (@raven_the_pirate for you Instagram dwellers), the EDC photographer whose shots have probably made your wallet lighter on more than one occasion.
But here's the kicker that's got our gear-geek hearts racing: the Ryson is WE Knife Co.'s FIRST EVER knife featuring bronze washers! When they decided to venture into bronze washer territory, we figured this was the perfect excuse to settle the age-old debate once and for all.
So grab your favorite fidget flipper, because we're about to dive deep into the world of bronze washers versus ceramic bearings – and trust me, this topic has more layers than a perfectly stacked Damascus pattern.
The Pivot Point Predicament
First, let's talk about why this even matters. The pivot system is essentially the heart of your folding knife. It's what determines how smooth that action feels, how long it'll keep feeling that way, and honestly, how much you'll end up obsessing over that perfect snick sound when you flip it open. (Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about!)
Bronze Washers: The Old-School Champion
What Are They?
Bronze washers are thin, flat discs made from – you guessed it – bronze alloy. they sit on either side of your blade tang, creating a bearing surface that lets your knife open and close. Think of them as the reliable friend who's been there since the beginning and never lets you down.
The Bronze Advantage
Durability That'll Outlast Your Knife Obsession These little discs can handle abuse that would make ceramic bearings cry. Drop your knife? No problem. Use it hard? Bronze washers just shrug and keep working.
Maintenance? What Maintenance? Here's where bronze really shines: it's practically maintenance-free. A little KPL oil now and then, and you're golden. No worrying about contamination, no special cleaning procedures, no babying required. It's the "set it and forget it" of pivot systems. Perfect for those who use their knives in an environment with dirt.
The Bronze Trade-offs
Smoothness Takes Time Fresh bronze washers can feel a bit rough around the edges (literally). They need a break-in period to reach peak smoothness. It's like breaking in a new pair of boots – patience pays off, but the initial experience might be a bit stiff.
Not Quite Glass-Smooth Even after break-in, bronze washers won't give you that effortless, glassy-smooth action that ceramic bearings deliver. They're more like a well-oiled machine than a hot knife through butter.
Ceramic Bearings: The High-Tech Hotshot
What Are They?
Ceramic ball bearings are precisely engineered spheres that are captured in a disc or cage but are still free floating to prevent binding. This creates an incredibly smooth pivot action. Bearings are used in everything from high-performance racing applications to medical equipment.
The Ceramic Advantage
Smooth like butter The first time you flip open a knife with quality ceramic bearings, you'll understand what all the fuss is about. Particularly with Skiff Bearings. That glassy-smooth action becomes addictive. Fair warning, you might find yourself fidgeting more than usual.
Consistency is King Ceramic bearings maintain their smoothness over time better than bronze washers. While washers might develop slight variations as they wear, quality ceramic bearings keep delivering that consistent, refined feel flip after flip.
Corrosion? Never Heard of Her Ceramic doesn't rust, corrode, or react with oils and lubricants. In harsh environments or with minimal maintenance, ceramic bearings keep performing while other materials might start showing their age.
The Ceramic Challenges
Handle with Care (Sometimes) Here's the thing about ceramic – it's incredibly hard, but that hardness comes with brittleness. Drop your knife just wrong, and you might end up with ceramic dust instead of bearings. It's not common, but it's a reality that bronze washers simply don't face.
Contamination Sensitivity Get some grit in those bearings, and you'll feel it immediately. Ceramic bearings are like that friend who notices every speck of dust – they perform amazingly in clean conditions but can get finicky when things get dirty.
The Feel Factor: What Your Hands Will Tell You
WE Knife Ryson (runs on bronze washers). Photo by Sam Tran
Bronze Washer Experience
Opening a knife with bronze washers feels... substantial. There's a tactile feedback that lets you know you're operating a mechanical system. It's got character – like driving a classic car with a manual transmission. You feel connected to the tool, and there's something deeply satisfying about that mechanical precision.
The closing action typically has a bit more resistance, which many collectors actually prefer. It gives you control and prevents accidental closure – definitely a safety plus. Alot of collectors describe the action as a hydraulic feeling. Popular knife brands such as CRK knives feature bronze washers. Watch as Sam Tran describes why he chose Bronze Washers for the Ryson.
Ceramic Bearing Experience
Ceramic bearings deliver an almost supernatural smoothness. The blade seems to glide open with minimal effort, creating an almost addictive fidget factor. However, this smoothness comes with downsides such as requiring regular maintenance.
Our Honest Retailer Take
After handling thousands of knives with both systems, here's what we've learned:
Choose Bronze Washers If:
- You want maximum durability and low maintenance
- You prefer that "mechanical" or "hydraulic" feel
- You're hard on your tools & use your knives in environments with dirt (construction, landscaping)
- You like the satisfaction of a system that improves with use
- Upgrade your knife to Skiff Bearing's Bronze Washers if it's currently running on ceramic bearings.
Choose Ceramic Bearings If:
- Smoothness is your top priority
- You baby your knives (in the best way)
- You love that high-tech, refined feel
- You enjoy the fidget factor
- Upgrade to Skiff Bearing's Ceramic Bearings if you'd like even smoother action on your safe queens.
The Bottom Line: It's Not About Better or Worse
Here's the truth we've learned from years of curating collections: neither system is objectively "better." They're different tools for different preferences and applications. Some of our most treasured pieces rock bronze washers that have developed character over decades, while others feature ceramic bearings that still feel like they're defying physics.
The best pivot system is the one that makes YOU smile every time you use your knife. Whether that's the honest, hydraulic feel of bronze washers or the space-age smoothness of ceramic bearings, both have earned their place in serious collections.
Parting Thoughts
Next time you're handling a potential addition to your collection, pay attention to that pivot action. Feel the difference. Consider how you'll use the knife and what kind of experience you're after. And remember – half the fun of collecting is appreciating these engineering details that most people never even notice.
Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to go "test" a few more knives for quality assurance purposes. You know, for science.