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Author: Logan M. Fraser
Occupation: Custom Knife Modder & Spyderco Parts Specialist
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Upgrading your Spyderco bearings is one of the most discussed mods among knife enthusiasts looking for that silky-smooth action. Over the years of modding countless Spydercos, I’ve been asked repeatedly: is a bearing upgrade really worth it? In this blog, I’ll share my hands-on experience, break down the pros and cons, and show you when it makes sense to invest in this modification.

Why Bearing Systems Matter

A knife’s pivot system determines how easily the blade deploys and closes. Spyderco uses washers in many of their models, balancing reliability and ease of maintenance. Bearings, on the other hand, use small steel or ceramic balls housed in a race, which can reduce friction and provide a glassy-smooth feel.

Key factors bearings influence:

Deployment Smoothness: Bearings reduce friction for a quicker, cleaner opening.
Maintenance Frequency: Bearings can trap debris more easily than washers.
Blade Play & Stability: Quality bearings maintain stability if installed properly.
Longevity: Ceramic bearings resist corrosion and wear better than standard steel bearings.

When a Bearing Upgrade Makes Sense

A bearing upgrade is most beneficial if:

You flick open your Spyderco frequently and value smooth deployment.
You’re customizing a premium model (e.g., Paramilitary 2, Smock) for personal enjoyment.
You’re willing to maintain and clean your knife more often to prevent grit buildup.
You want to experiment with custom tuning for the perfect action.

However, if your Spyderco is primarily a hard-use work knife in dirty conditions, washers may still be the better choice for reliability.

Pro Tip: Test your action after cleaning and lightly lubricating your washers before investing in bearings—you might find the improvement sufficient without upgrading.

Tools & Parts You’ll Need

Torx drivers (T6, T8, T10 for most Spyderco models)
Bearing kits (available at SpydercoParts.com)
Pivot lube or grease
Tweezers for handling small bearings
Microfiber cloth for cleaning components

Having quality bearings designed for Spyderco knives ensures proper fit and performance.

Step-by-Step: Installing a Bearing Upgrade

Disassemble the knife using Torx drivers, keeping track of screws and washers.
Remove washers and clean the pivot area thoroughly.
Insert the bearings into the race, ensuring correct orientation.
Lubricate lightly—too much lube can attract dirt and reduce performance.
Reassemble the knife, adjusting the pivot screw for optimal tension.
Test action for smoothness and stability.

Real-World Pros and Cons

Pros:

Noticeably smoother deployment and closing.
Enhanced fidget factor—ideal for enthusiasts.
Ceramic bearings resist corrosion and reduce maintenance frequency.

Cons:

Bearings can trap dirt more easily than washers.
Higher initial cost compared to washers.
May not offer a significant advantage for work knives used in harsh conditions.

Product Tie-In: Bearings and Parts I Recommend

Spyderco Ceramic Bearings: Precision-engineered for direct fit and long-term durability.
Pivot Lube: Essential for keeping action smooth without over-lubricating.
Replacement Hardware Kits: Handy if you strip screws during disassembly.

Why these links matter: These parts are tested specifically with Spyderco knives to ensure safe, effective upgrades without compromising your blade’s integrity.

Competitor Insights

Several other knife modders and forums discuss bearing upgrades, but many overlook long-term maintenance concerns. Threads on https://forum.spyderco.com and guides on https://knifepivotlube.com provide community-tested feedback and tips, which I’ve used and validated in my own work.

Should You Upgrade?

If you’re after the smoothest action possible and enjoy tuning your knives, a bearing upgrade can transform the way your Spyderco feels. But if reliability in dusty, wet, or rugged conditions is your priority, the factory washer system is still a strong choice.

From my bench in Calgary, I’ve seen clients thrilled with their upgrades and others who preferred the original setup. Ultimately, it depends on how you use your knife and how much maintenance you’re willing to perform.

Wrapping It Up

A Spyderco bearing upgrade is worth it if smooth action and fidget-friendly performance are high on your list. It’s not necessary for everyone, but for enthusiasts looking to customize their knives, it’s one of the most rewarding mods. Take your time, use quality parts, and you’ll appreciate the difference every time you deploy your blade.

This blog is part of my ongoing Spyderco series, where I share real-world modding insights and lessons learned. Browse more at https://spydercoparts.com/blogs.

Got a question about bearing upgrades? Drop it in the comments—I’ll answer personally. And let me know what topic you’d like me to cover next week.

Spyderco Bearing Upgrade: Is It Worth It for a Smoother Action?