Ball Bearing Lock Spyders: Why Not More of Them?

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Nov 20, 2004
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Yesterday I was EDCing my blue PE Dodo that I've had for over a dozen years now and the longer I own it the more I appreciate Eric Glesser's genius design in this super small Spyder. I don't carry small Spyderco folders much anymore but I would EDC a larger scale Dodo if they would ever make one but I would want to keep the Ball Bearing Locking system that it was originally designed with.

One thing that really makes me like the Dodo model as much as I do is the "Ball Bearing Lock" that it has. Actually I'm not a super big fanatic about Spyderco's locking systems as many of the guys are by and large. I do realize that there are many who won't buy a certain Spyder because it doesn't have a locking system that they feel suits their needs. I'm not that way but I'm growing to appreciate how certain locking systems tend to work great with certain models. I couldn't imagine the Dodo with any other locking system.

Now I'm not saying that the "Ball Bearing Lock" would be ideal for every model but it is one of my top three all time favorite locking systems for folders. So why not more Spyderco models with the Ball Bearing Lock? Which is your favorite Spyder with the Ball Bearing Lock? And if you don't like the Ball Bearing Lock tell us why.
 
The caged bearing lock is used quite a bit, the Manix family being the most widely made example, that's like 10 variants right there (regular, XL, LW).

Also, in the 2017 catalog there are at least two more distinct models using the open bearing lock (Q ball and Dallara 3).

As to my favorite, I'm a big fan on the LW Manix 2. It also annoys the feces out of me when people say the bearing lock is a copy of Benchmade's Axis lock, the truth is that the designs are completely different and have little in common aside from being ambidextrous. I have also yet to meet as bearing lock that I could unlock with just one finger on one side, almost every Axis lock is this way.
 
While that lock is popular within its fan base, I don't like them at all, regardless of the name assigned. Feels awkward to me.

But I'm all for choices in the marketplace. In fact, I'm fascinated by Grant & Gavin Hawk's whimsical lock designs. I own their strap lock and grip lock.

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The caged bearing lock is used quite a bit, the Manix family being the most widely made example, that's like 10 variants right there (regular, XL, LW).

Also, in the 2017 catalog there are at least two more distinct models using the open bearing lock (Q ball and Dallara 3).

As to my favorite, I'm a big fan on the LW Manix 2. It also annoys the feces out of me when people say the bearing lock is a copy of Benchmade's Axis lock, the truth is that the designs are completely different and have little in common aside from being ambidextrous. I have also yet to meet as bearing lock that I could unlock with just one finger on one side, almost every Axis lock is this way.

I totally agree with you on the D'Allara model with the BBL> I believe that would be an excellent Sprint Run. The D'Allara model is one I wish I would have never traded because it's truly a pitbull of a serrated folder to say the least.

Now with my older Dodo models I haven't had any trouble working the BBL using one hand. But I've yet to try any of the newer generation Manix models. But when I use my Dodo model I've never had that lock fail on me as of now and I've really found it to be easy to maintain as well. I mainly use dry lubes and it works like a charm using Sentry Solutions B-P 2000 product on it.

Actually the one lock I tend to like better than the BBL is the compression lock like the one they engineered on the older Spyderco Gunting model. I've owned a couple of the Benchmade models with the Axis lock and I have no complaints about them at all. I very much wish that Benchmade would bring back the Boguszewski Spike models 640 & 650 with an Axis lock>> well at least I can dream now can't I :D But overall I do like many more of Spyderco's designs much better and I've personally never had any of their locking systems fail on me as of yet. I can only dream of what a larger scale Dodo model would be like and yes I would want a Ball Bearing Lock on it as well. Maybe one in a bigger scale might work better for more knife users.
 
I very much like the BBL on my Manix XL. It's got to be my easiest one hand opener/closer. hopefully someday I'll find an unloved Dodo sitting in a display case and I can snag it for the dusty clearout price.
 
D'allara, Phoenix (?), Poliwog, Dodo... I appreciated all of those models with that huge Ball Bearing Lock. The D'allara rescue was my EDC for a couple of years running. That being said- I never quite instinctively trusted the lock. By that I mean more than half the time when using them, I would actively, visually check the engage on the BBL.

Weird that I do not do that on the caged BBL of the assorted Manix 2s that I own.

Only thought as to why - BBL was such a newer concept for me it took some getting used to?


Hands down favorite BBL is the D'allara. Favorite caged BBL? Manix 2 any size any handle.
 
I can't open my Tusk with a thumb. Fortunately there aren't many situations where I need to deploy a marlinspike in a hurry.
 
I can't open my Tusk with a thumb. Fortunately there aren't many situations where I need to deploy a marlinspike in a hurry.

That's interesting because the three guys I know personally that own and use the TUSK model have never complained to me about having trouble disengaging the Ball Bearing Lock on the TUSK model :confused:

Hey I'm not at all doubting what you say either because I've heard similar complaints about the Dodo model which I've personally never had a problem deploying or disengaging that locking system.

Now do consider that when I started using dry lube powders on my Dodo I was much more able to work it with one hand. I do think that any high quality dry lube like Sentry Solutions BP-2000 or anything similar will improve it's function. It was like a night and day difference when I started using dry lube powders on my blue PE Dodo.

Also keep in mind that the Dodo I'm speaking of is one of the first generation models from back around 03-04>> if that makes any difference and I don't really believe that it does make much difference. However I have been lucky enough to test drive the Sprint Run, Carbon Fiber DODO model and I didn't see any significant difference in the lock function. I'm sure that something can be done to improve the overall performance of the locking system on your TUSK model and please keep us informed on that because the TUSK is high on my list of knives I want to buy in the near future. I just wish they would start to offer them in Spyderedge :confused:
 
He said he can't open it with his thumb; nothing about closing it. I'm guessing it's the spiderflick that's not working for him.
 
The new D'Allara, has an open ball as does the upcoming "Q-Ball". Both highly refined for EDC with few of the "issues" (thickness, width, etc.). The open balls are still harder to unlock, but they are very secure in that is almost impossible to accidently unlock.

The D'Allara is somethin I've been working on for a few years. from drawing to proto after proto to the current version has been a passion of mine. (One of my projects to drive). The "Q-Ball" is likewise a passion design for Eric that he too has been working on and refining for many years before he was satisfied. (Eric's project to drive).

If the D'Allara is ok and desirable, then I plan to make an FRN version with the same engineering, directional texturing and a slightly rounded handle. I don't know what Eric's long term plans are for the "Q-Ball". He'll probably hide-n-watch for reaction.

sal
 
I am definitely looking forward to the Q Ball! Patiently waiting for it's release :)

As for the BBL itself; it remains my favorite lock from Spyderco. I'll buy anything you throw that lock on haha.
 
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It sounds like there is a bit of misunderstanding going on. A couple people have said they have trouble opening the lock with 1 finger meaning a finger on only one side of the lock. Not a problem opening the lock with 1 hand.

Some AXIS lock knives can be manipulated with only 1 finger on one side of the knife, though I don't think it's intended to be used this way. But the BB/CBB lock is much too stiff for this.
 
I have a P'kal and it works great. It's just natural to compare it to the Axis since the open/close action is similar if not the exact mechanics. You can also flick open both axis and ball bearing locks.

I have had my P'kal for 2 years, carry it ~3x a week, never used it...yet ;). It has never been lubricated or even had the dust blown out, but it falls freely with the lock disengaged (will cut ya if it hits your hand). The full flat grind on the P'kal is perfection and laser sharp, a work of beautiful craftmanship. The wave is better than Ernie's original design.
 
If the D'Allara is ok and desirable, then I plan to make an FRN version with the same engineering, directional texturing and a slightly rounded handle.

sal

I'll definitely grab one of these if they come to be!
 
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