I think Emerson bali's run the same style bearing/bushing system as the Spasm Fingers bali you were talking about last. It's been a minute since I've had the thing apart though. I'd probably describe it as a BM 51 on crack. Super light and very fast.
@@MonsieurBalisong I'd say they are on par with other bearing knives made on a production scale. They are kind of overpriced because of the Emerson name, but if you already have all your grails they are definitely fun. I had to chop the wave and thumb gaurd off mine for it to be usable as a flipper though. I just had to have the recurve clip point blade. But honestly with the weird shape of the blade it almost feels kukari'esque with all the weight out at the end of it.
I think I saw in another video of the same subject that with a system like the lucha you can tighten or loosen the pivot screw to put more or less friction on the bearings so it’s as fast or as slow as you like. Great video man!
So i do have one question- it may be a lil dumb so i apologize for that in advance, but why cant you change _just_ washers for bushings? I get bushings are a very specific size for the blade, but if it fits will they or will they not function. Or would the space just be too small for bushings 🤔🤔
what traditional washer size dose a balisong have because in cant go out and try fitting in stores so i have to go online and im scared i might buy a pack of washers that wrong size for my balisong
Yo! I just found ur channel last night, and ended up ordering an Atropos Spy knife because of you lol. How is that knife treating you? Would have been cool to see in this vid, it runs bushings tho right?
Tbh I've never changed them, but I know you don't need to every month. I'd Google it, but maybe take apart your balisong every few months to a year and see if there is any obvious wear on them.
One thing I've heard said (at least when it comes to regular old pocket knives) when asking "why use washers if bearings are smoother?" is that bearing systems don't take well to dust/grime getting in there, whereas washers will continue working just fine. Not sure how well this translates to balis or even bushing systems though.
Just took apart my old Atropos knife that i use for work because of your video. It only uses washers and the holes on the inside are shaped like eggs with a few cracks in it. I'm suprised it still flips somewhat good but i might have to get new ones ... haha
Oh boy, how old is that thing? Definitely want new washers, but you might even want a new blade if it's carving elliptical shapes into itself. I'd contact Mr Atropos he's very friendly, I dm him on Instagram every so often ✌️
@@MonsieurBalisong oh alright and as for bearings or the other type that you mentioned how is it constructed in there? And would you recommend grabbing it or would you recommend something better? If so what would that knife be
@@CodyConoby it is bushings and washers. It's a good knife! But my favorite trainer is the prysma is you want a trainer. For a real knife, the spy knife is good! So is the demon by Atropos. The Krakens by Squid industries is good too. So many to choose from
I'm trying to decide on my first balisong buy. I cant get a real knife cuz it's illegal in my country, but if you have any recommendations for a good practice knife? Thank you.
Lucha uses thrust ball bearings, spasm finger uses radial ball bearings. benchmade looks like a somewhat decent journal bearing. Could see how it would offer more control and ensure all movements are deliberate.
Some are ungodly sharp, some dull! The Benchmade 42 has been pretty dull since I bought it, my replicant had gotten dull over the 4 years I owned it. That lucha, sharp as hell!
Eyyyy hell ya with the LUCHA… lol… hey bud I got a grip of different balis on the way… several maxace.. scorpious, scorpious x, banshee2, covenant, and I have my serpent striker 2 and last but not least my EOS serpent… I’m about to get the new trident as well.. let me know if you want to peel any of them out man. I’d be happy to send them you way to check out
Washer only is very outdated and leads to a lot of play. People argue between bushings and bearings being the bets. Bearings can sometimes be too fast and mess up flow. Bushings cna have bad play, but have really good smoothness. It's all preference!
I'm actually not 100% what you mean, you mean like where the weight is stored in the balisong and how it determines the bias? Like heavier spacers lead to more handle bias? Or something else?
@@MonsieurBalisong Not overall balance/bias but how the weight is literally distributed on each part. Like for example, a handle bias knife can have all the weight at the end of the handles, or closer to the middle. Same with the blade.
All the knives have a pivot. The pivot and blade are both made of steel. The first knife has washers but no bushing. The second had both a bushing and washers. Bushing and washers are typically made of phosphor bronze, which is softer than steel, titanium, or aluminum. Phosphor bronze has lubrication built-in and can be replaced when over time they wear out. Adding oil of course helps with lubrication and prolongs the life of the washers and bushing. Without them the blade and or the pivot would wear and the balisong would become very loose and sloppy. Ceramic bearing do not need and shouldn't be oiled unless you want to clean them often. Steel bearing need oil and occasional cleaning to stay smooth. Most regular folding knives don't use bushing but have steel pivots against the steel blade. They will have phosphor bronze washers or bearings. That works fine for a folder because it doesn't get moved, opened and closed or need to be as free moving as a balisong.
at the risk of sounding pedantic and/or smug, in the rc world there called thrust bearings. just thought it might help someone find more upgrade options.
@@V2IMMORTAL perhaps, but my emphasis was meant to be on the tearm thrust bearing, not rc bearing. the bearings used in balisongs ARE " thrust bearings"
What kind of balisong do you own? Some older/cheaper balisongs used pins instead of screws which can be difficult because then it's a different process for each balisong. Some pins aren't even removable
@@checho1033 I know I'm super late to the party but I just thought id throw this out there; you can totally remove and replace "unremovable" rivets. It takes some basic tools and more careful work, but is absolutely possible. A drill bit/dremel can be used to remove one side of a rivet which can then be slid or knocked out with a punch. You can get replacement rivets online or make your own out of nails, cutting them about a 1/4 in longer that the width of the knife and using light blows to slowly peen the nail into place.
Why manufacturers make balisongs with anything but bearings is beyond me. You just tighten down the screws and boom - no tap, no play, no nonsense. No messing around tuning it. If you are paying over $200 for a knife and are not getting ceramic bearings in that thing, that is just ridiculus to me.
It is honestly preference and the status quo I believe. Yes bearings are amazing with play and overtime keeping the same tolerances. Bushings however have a completely different feel that many are used to. That doesn't mean they are better, but they are more familiar and common to see. Who knows, the shift may occur sometime, but for right now Bushings are just very common and very beloved. But we can all agree that washer alone suck!
Ohhhh that prime choice of background music!
As a long admirer, finally newcomer to getting into flipping, I want to thank you for the excellent breakdown of the different pivot set ups.
Perfekt video for me as a newcomer. Literally my 5ft time watching it and being amazed how fast i got the awnser to my question
Really nice video, great filming and explanations. Pivot systems can get confusing for noobs.
Thank you. Very detailed comparison. My first knife will be arriving this week.
Amazing! Excited for you to kexx around with it
Great video 🔥 very well explained 👍🏼👍🏼
Just learning more about balisongs thank u for this video 👍🏼
I have been trying to get my hands on the jade heron forever now, beautiful knife mate!
Good video, nice breakdown of each system 👍
Great review!Thanks for taking the time to do this!!!!!
I think Emerson bali's run the same style bearing/bushing system as the Spasm Fingers bali you were talking about last. It's been a minute since I've had the thing apart though. I'd probably describe it as a BM 51 on crack. Super light and very fast.
Never knew Emerson had a balisong! Pretty cool looking, good tolerances?
@@MonsieurBalisong I'd say they are on par with other bearing knives made on a production scale. They are kind of overpriced because of the Emerson name, but if you already have all your grails they are definitely fun. I had to chop the wave and thumb gaurd off mine for it to be usable as a flipper though. I just had to have the recurve clip point blade. But honestly with the weird shape of the blade it almost feels kukari'esque with all the weight out at the end of it.
Great video! You should do another one as to how to tune each one
Yo thanks man! I plan on doing more maintenance tutorials, but I have little experience with tuning. Maybe I'll do a guide if I learn how 🤔
I think I saw in another video of the same subject that with a system like the lucha you can tighten or loosen the pivot screw to put more or less friction on the bearings so it’s as fast or as slow as you like. Great video man!
Cool vid. Very clearly spoken. Thanks man 😄
Love the dk2 music at the end
Very happy watching this :)
So i do have one question- it may be a lil dumb so i apologize for that in advance, but why cant you change _just_ washers for bushings? I get bushings are a very specific size for the blade, but if it fits will they or will they not function. Or would the space just be too small for bushings 🤔🤔
Where can I buy Balisong pivots and screws (ones used at the bottom to add weight)? I want to make my own but I can’t seem to find where you buy them
Bearings definitely seem like the best as far as action goes, but how about tolerances?
what traditional washer size dose a balisong have because in cant go out and try fitting in stores so i have to go online and im scared i might buy a pack of washers that wrong size for my balisong
Each balisong uses different sizes so I suggest googling for your specific balisong or maybe posting the question to balisong reddit 👍
Yo! I just found ur channel last night, and ended up ordering an Atropos Spy knife because of you lol. How is that knife treating you? Would have been cool to see in this vid, it runs bushings tho right?
Pretty certain bushings are the system yes. Great knife still! Love to pick it up and throw it around
@@MonsieurBalisong cant wait til it comes in. Ill try to let you know what i think once i got it. Keep up the content, man. I just subbed ;p
@@10isawsome did you get it? I ordered me demon 2 about a week ago and I’m so excited!!!
@@Stiskohamibra not yet bro! Almost
@@Stiskohamibra oh shiiii, i just received it yesterday actually bro! got my Kirat Bro in, waitin on a few more now ;P
Quick question. When should washers and bushings be changed? As example every month or year?
Tbh I've never changed them, but I know you don't need to every month. I'd Google it, but maybe take apart your balisong every few months to a year and see if there is any obvious wear on them.
@@MonsieurBalisong Ahhh ok. Thx for the quick and short respond :D
So if i put more washer to the knife are they gonna less tap and play?
One thing I've heard said (at least when it comes to regular old pocket knives) when asking "why use washers if bearings are smoother?" is that bearing systems don't take well to dust/grime getting in there, whereas washers will continue working just fine. Not sure how well this translates to balis or even bushing systems though.
Just took apart my old Atropos knife that i use for work because of your video. It only uses washers and the holes on the inside are shaped like eggs with a few cracks in it. I'm suprised it still flips somewhat good but i might have to get new ones ... haha
Oh boy, how old is that thing? Definitely want new washers, but you might even want a new blade if it's carving elliptical shapes into itself. I'd contact Mr Atropos he's very friendly, I dm him on Instagram every so often ✌️
@@MonsieurBalisong Should be around 6 years by know, it's been a real workhose! Will definitely contact him, thanks! 👍
Hey the oldest Atropos I own is only 7 months old, amazing to hear they hold out for a long time 👍
Love it! Great job!
What does the atropos spy knife have for a system and what is your take on it? Great video btw
The spy knife is sandwich style. Its tolerances aren't perfect, it does develop tap. It's not too bad though, just a little complicated
@@MonsieurBalisong oh alright and as for bearings or the other type that you mentioned how is it constructed in there? And would you recommend grabbing it or would you recommend something better? If so what would that knife be
@@CodyConoby it is bushings and washers. It's a good knife! But my favorite trainer is the prysma is you want a trainer. For a real knife, the spy knife is good! So is the demon by Atropos. The Krakens by Squid industries is good too. So many to choose from
I'm trying to decide on my first balisong buy. I cant get a real knife cuz it's illegal in my country, but if you have any recommendations for a good practice knife? Thank you.
The Prysma by MachineWise is truly an amazing bang for your buck in my opinion. He ships internationally too
@@MonsieurBalisong Thank you for the recommendation! That looks really good!
thankyou for the video. it really helping
Hey! Great breakdown.
Idk if this would count as a system because it doesn’t have any hardware but the cheap or older style balisongs had pins.
Finally a direct to the video tutorial, and unlike other balisong flipper, that talks too much about their life that nobody cares about..
LOL shots fired 👀
I need to see someone put the pivot berrel in. I just wanted to see you put the knife back together
Lucha uses thrust ball bearings, spasm finger uses radial ball bearings. benchmade looks like a somewhat decent journal bearing. Could see how it would offer more control and ensure all movements are deliberate.
*pivot systems* but great vid! Very helpful for beginners
😭 I just changed the title because of you. Thanks ✌️🎅🏿👍
When will you drop a review for that other atropos??
The plan: Benchmade 42 review, THEN laminated Demon review 😈 I feel like people want to see that
Great video!
Cool and informative video
How dull are your knives that you can just smack you self with the blade? Ps awesome video!
Some are ungodly sharp, some dull! The Benchmade 42 has been pretty dull since I bought it, my replicant had gotten dull over the 4 years I owned it. That lucha, sharp as hell!
This is helpful, thanks
Eyyyy hell ya with the LUCHA… lol… hey bud I got a grip of different balis on the way… several maxace.. scorpious, scorpious x, banshee2, covenant, and I have my serpent striker 2 and last but not least my EOS serpent… I’m about to get the new trident as well.. let me know if you want to peel any of them out man. I’d be happy to send them you way to check out
Oh you said luka once…. Just giving you shit bro.. awesome video
@@benbenavides9792 hey man, do you have an Instagram? We can discuss that stuff on dm. I'd totally be down to do that sort of thing!
Are any of these bad…
Washer only is very outdated and leads to a lot of play. People argue between bushings and bearings being the bets. Bearings can sometimes be too fast and mess up flow. Bushings cna have bad play, but have really good smoothness. It's all preference!
Fuck dude goated songs in the background is the one from sonic adventure 2 battle and obviously then stickerbush symphony at the end
@@Mygary luv u bby ❤️
maybe do a video on weight distribution(NOT bias), since that seems to be a factor not alot of people think about
I'm actually not 100% what you mean, you mean like where the weight is stored in the balisong and how it determines the bias? Like heavier spacers lead to more handle bias? Or something else?
@@MonsieurBalisong Not overall balance/bias but how the weight is literally distributed on each part. Like for example, a handle bias knife can have all the weight at the end of the handles, or closer to the middle. Same with the blade.
It’s almost surreal finding someone who so strongly prefers bearings over bushings lol
All the knives have a pivot. The pivot and blade are both made of steel. The first knife has washers but no bushing. The second had both a bushing and washers. Bushing and washers are typically made of phosphor bronze, which is softer than steel, titanium, or aluminum. Phosphor bronze has lubrication built-in and can be replaced when over time they wear out. Adding oil of course helps with lubrication and prolongs the life of the washers and bushing. Without them the blade and or the pivot would wear and the balisong would become very loose and sloppy. Ceramic bearing do not need and shouldn't be oiled unless you want to clean them often. Steel bearing need oil and occasional cleaning to stay smooth. Most regular folding knives don't use bushing but have steel pivots against the steel blade. They will have phosphor bronze washers or bearings. That works fine for a folder because it doesn't get moved, opened and closed or need to be as free moving as a balisong.
THANKS :D
SONIC ADVENTURE BATTLE 2 SONG IN THE BACK. IMMMMAAAAA NUTTTTTT
The bearings in the lucha are not washers, their caged bearings, and the other bearing your talking about are sealed bearings
at the risk of sounding pedantic and/or smug, in the rc world there called thrust bearings. just thought it might help someone find more upgrade options.
@@noknife1 the bearings in rc cars are way different from the bearings in a butterfly knife
@@V2IMMORTAL perhaps, but my emphasis was meant to be on the tearm thrust bearing, not rc bearing. the bearings used in balisongs ARE " thrust bearings"
well not all balisongs, bearings that have the balls on a disc are thrust bearings
@@noknife1 no your wrong
How do I remove the smooth rivet on bailisongs?
What kind of balisong do you own? Some older/cheaper balisongs used pins instead of screws which can be difficult because then it's a different process for each balisong. Some pins aren't even removable
@@MonsieurBalisong I own a MSgumiho MD-JG40, it's a trainer but I've been wanting to replace its trainer blade with a real one
@@checho1033 looked at it, looks like it may be unremovable
@@checho1033 I know I'm super late to the party but I just thought id throw this out there; you can totally remove and replace "unremovable" rivets. It takes some basic tools and more careful work, but is absolutely possible. A drill bit/dremel can be used to remove one side of a rivet which can then be slid or knocked out with a punch. You can get replacement rivets online or make your own out of nails, cutting them about a 1/4 in longer that the width of the knife and using light blows to slowly peen the nail into place.
@@swolff1234 oh thanks I appreciate the tips👍
Why manufacturers make balisongs with anything but bearings is beyond me. You just tighten down the screws and boom - no tap, no play, no nonsense. No messing around tuning it. If you are paying over $200 for a knife and are not getting ceramic bearings in that thing, that is just ridiculus to me.
It is honestly preference and the status quo I believe. Yes bearings are amazing with play and overtime keeping the same tolerances. Bushings however have a completely different feel that many are used to. That doesn't mean they are better, but they are more familiar and common to see. Who knows, the shift may occur sometime, but for right now Bushings are just very common and very beloved. But we can all agree that washer alone suck!
Technically they aren't washers, they are phosphorous bronze bearings.
They are actually different forms of bearings. Washers are a different animal and not meant for kinetic loads.
MF DOOM fan?
Big time 😎