If anyone was curious as to whether the Skiff bearings improve the Southard my answer is an emphatic yes. I believe mine was an early run before some of the improvements. Great lockup but had to light switch just right to get it to deploy, and it was completely motionless when disengaging the lock. The skiffs made it basically free drop and flip consistently without so little margin for error. Much closer to in line with my modern framelocks. Also made using the hole more worthwhile. Very big improvement overall.
Skiffs were well worth it for this model. Now if only I could find someone still making scales for it.
Southard upgrade
Southard upgrade
Current Spyderco: Native 5 LW s35vn; Delica zdp; Caly 3.5 zdp/CF; Chapparel FRN cts xhp; Southard 204p; Kapara s30v; Ikuchi s30v; Spydiechef lc200n, Waterway Lc200n; Manix 2 LW 20cv
Past Spyderco: Endura zdp; Manix 2 LW s110v; Paramilitary 2 s30v
Past Spyderco: Endura zdp; Manix 2 LW s110v; Paramilitary 2 s30v