Bushings vs Washers vs Bearings

The pivot system is one of the most talked-about aspects of a balisong. It determines how smooth, clicky, or loose the flip feels, and it affects long-term durability and maintenance requirements. There are three main pivot types: bushings, washers, and bearings.

Bushings are small cylindrical sleeves that sit around the pivot pin between the handle and the tang. They provide a smooth, controlled rotation. Bushing-based knives tend to have a heavier, more deliberate feel — each flip has a satisfying weight to it. Bushings are durable, require minimal maintenance, and are the traditional standard in balisong construction. Most high-end Filipino-made balisongs use bushing pivots.

Washers are flat rings that sit between the handle and tang surfaces at the pivot. Common washer materials include phosphor bronze and Teflon. Phosphor bronze washers are self-lubricating and provide a smooth, slightly different feel than bushings. Teflon washers are softer, create very little friction, and produce a quieter, smoother action. Washer-based knives are often lighter and more budget-friendly than bushing or bearing knives.

Ball bearings — often referred to as IKBS (Independent Knife Bearing System) — use tiny ball bearings in a race around the pivot. They produce an extremely smooth, free-spinning action with a distinctive clicky sound. Bearing knives tend to feel lighter and faster in the hand. The tradeoff is that bearings require more maintenance — they can get dirty and need to be cleaned periodically. Bearing-based balisongs have become very popular in the modern flipping community.