Anyone else find the Dodo hard to close with one hand?

BenLong1018

BenLong1018

Joined
Apr 12, 2012
Messages
1,668
I got my carbon fiber Dodo today and I love it, but I'm just not sure about the ball bearing lock. I feel like the cage ball lock on the Manix 2 is kind of an upgrade because the ball has plastic around it that not only sticks out of the handles, but also has some textured grip. The ball bearing lock is really smooth and it's recessed in the handle so it's a bit harder to get a hold of. I was just wondering what you guys thought? I'm not writing off the ball bearing lock because this is my first day with the Dodo I'm just hoping that I'll get used to it.
 
I feel the same way. I really don't see the appeal of it over the caged version. It looks kind of cool with the ceramic ball, but that's about it. I was just thinking today, it would be nice if the Manix 2 had even more traction on the lock cage.
 
I pop the lock with my thumb and close the blade with my pointer finger. It's pretty easy once you get then hang of it.
 
I actually sold all my Dodos because the uncaged ball bearing didn't work for me. I loved the ergos when I was using it, but I couldn't manipulate it with one hand.
 
I own five knives with ball lock and have absolutely no problem to operate, but I have difficulties with caged ball lock. To close the knife I hold it vertically with four fingers: middle on the choil, ring and pinky behind it, thumb is on the spine of the handle and move the ball with my index. After blade released and dropped om middle finger, I rotate the knife 90 degrees and hold it horizontally. I move index finger from the lock to the spine and close the blade. Never a problem.
 
Negative, its one of my fav one handers. Got familar with it long before the cage came out so that didnt hurt. My thumb and index or middle finger to disengage with the butt placed in my palm and no probs. Would post a quick vid if I had it with me.
 
I've owned the orange Dodo for a couple months now and I'm getting better at disengaging the lock, but it's still tough. I'm not sure I'll ever get it down to where I can unlock it perfectly every time, but I do see improvement. I think my thumb and index finger are simply to wide to reach far enough into the ball bearing's channel to get much of a grip. I don't think I'll ever bring myself to stop carrying or using it though. The design and function are simply too perfect for that. It's just a little unfortunate because this utility knife hawkbill blade begs to be opened and closed quickly and comfortably, one-handed, and on the first try every time.

Sal and Co., if you're reading this, I'd love to see a different lock type on this knife. Either way, I'd rather own one than not, but thus far the ball bearing lock is my least favorite of any of the knives I own.
 
I can close it with one hand but prefer not to. I generally use two. To me it's no big deal either way.
 
The dodo is one of my grails, and I think I've spent too much time in the knife shop handling it. Anyways, what I do is pinch the with the pointer and thumb, drag it back, and flick the blade down to disengage the lock, then finish closing it with my index or middle.
 
The orange Dodo is the only knife I regret selling and will surely pick it up again if I can find one. As for the one-handed opening, it does take a little getting use to since that ball bearing is pretty slick. I found I was able to almost "wedge" the tip of my thumb between the bearing and the handle and from there is was simple to swing close (just like the caged ball lock).
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Maybe you could rough it up with sandpaper to make it more grippy?
Or you could try like cutting lines or a design into it. That might be kind of cool and it would add some grip.
 
Ferrari353 said:
Maybe you could rough it up with sandpaper to make it more grippy?
Or you could try like cutting lines or a design into it. That might be kind of cool and it would add some grip.
Click to expand...

The way the ball bearing fits into the receiving channel is fairly precise. Any modifications done to it would likely introduce play and wobble.
 
allyourblood said:
The way the ball bearing fits into the receiving channel is fairly precise. Any modifications done to it would likely introduce play and wobble.
Click to expand...

What if you only cut stuff into the top part, where it wouldn't interact at all with the edge of the cage or the internals of the knife?
 
Ferrari353 said:
What if you only cut stuff into the top part, where it wouldn't interact at all with the edge of the cage or the internals of the knife?
Click to expand...

The problem there is that the ball bearing spins freely in the channel; it's not locked into a fixed position, so the modified portion would constantly change place.
 
I think the question you should be asking is, "does anyone NOT find the Dodo hard to close with one hand?" and if so, how do you do when you close it?

I don't have a BB lock folder, but I've heard that some people like to stick the points of their index finger and thumb in between the ball and handle from both sides and squeeze the ball to the side, then swing it shut.
 
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I actually kind of want one more now just to overcome the challenge. I already wanted one because the shape is awesome, but now I want one more.
 
I think I had my Dodo for exactly 3 minutes before I sold it. Just wasn't for me. With that said, I do not recall having trouble closing it.
 
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