The designs and weights are different. There is no direct comparison. The DDR is shorter in the handles than a 42, and feels just a shy lighter than a 42. The Brian H/Warren Thomas is lighter (due to titanium handles and a titanium blade), weighing like a 51. The Green Goblin is a massive 9-10 oz steel with IKBS.
Big knives NEED bearings IMO. They will allow for smoother play in a heavier knife or a blade heavy knife. The Goblin is SCHMOOOOOOOOTH! It is from another planet.
The Warren Thomas is a touch too light to need bearings. It probably could have easily done with bushings just the same. Probably overkill, but a knife with carbon fiber bonded to titanium handles is a space aged knife and it's part of DaPackage.
The DDR is a Bad Ass Knife. Smooth as silk and the weighting of the knife with the bearings are complementary. So far, for system, this baby wins the prize for smooth, fast action. It is the closest weighted knife I have to a 42. It is a thinner handle, though.
To me, DDR is just FAST. No friction whatsoever. The IKBS is smooth but Only just as fast as the BEST bushing systems around.
So if anyone has the inkling to put bearings in a 42, I'll be your first customer. I'd love to see it done. I like the action of DDR over IKBS. But I would try either.
What's your take on it?