Ball Lock/ Wire Clip

K

Kublai

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2000
Messages
606
I know not everyone feels the same, but I love the ball lock/wire clip/G10 scales combo. In addition to other design elements, these two features really make the Dodo and and the P'kal stand out for me.

I'd love to see more models with all of these features. I know it's a
long shot, but something like maybe a Military with tip up wire clip and a ball lock...or any model.
 
Kublai said:
I know not everyone feels the same, but I love the ball lock/wire clip/G10 scales combo. In addition to other design elements, these two features really make the Dodo and and the P'kal stand out for me.

I'd love to see more models with all of these features. I know it's a
long shot, but something like maybe a Military with tip up wire clip and a ball lock...or any model.
Click to expand...

For me, the ball lock is good enough to warrent a few new models, but G-10, wire clip, and BB lock makes me drool :o
 
I think the evolved ball lock will allow many more designs to be introduced with it. The wire clip is probably going to be used more often because of its benefits outweighing its detractors.
 
xChris said:
I think the evolved ball lock will allow many more designs to be introduced with it. The wire clip is probably going to be used more often because of its benefits outweighing its detractors.
Click to expand...

I don't know about you guys, but I hope that they don't make all of the ball lock knives with a casing around the BB. I just like seeing that shiny little globe of polished metal staring at me. Gives the knife its on a unique look.

But the market chooses. :( Maybe I should buy a few more D'allara's.
 
Ball lock on the P'kal is the only one I can release 100% reliably. Can even release it one handed. Hope it shows up on a model I'd actually consider putting in my pocket.

I don't use clips, and generally remove them, so perhaps I'm not the best person to comment on them. That said, my only gripe about the style of wire clip used on several of the recent models is that its mounting eliminates a feature which I do occasionally use - the lanyard hole.
 
I like the older "cageless" BB lock. I'd like to see it on more linerless models like the Dodo. A D'Allara with thinner scales would be really nice.
 
Aesthetically, I think I like the "uncaged" ball too but it's also a tactile issue too. The steel ball does have a nice, smooth feel to it. I've been eyeing a D'Allara for awhile - since I handled one at the NY Show a year ago. It felt great in the hand - something indeterminable just by pics.

The wire clip is such a great, simple solution. It's so discreet in the pocket. I love it.
 
I love my D'Allara. The Ball Lock is awesome. That shiny ball has a certain charm to it:cool: . I can disengage mine with my index finger. I think it would be a shame to have it caged from now on.

Id like to see it on some new models as well.

charge
 
I personally prefer the caged BBL. Not for the looks but for the function and size. If you look at the width when closed of the P'Kal vs. the D'Allara it is a big difference. The D'Allara carries much wider in the pocket than the P'Kal because the uncaged BBL requires a bigger ball which takes up more space.
 
MaxFisher said:
The D'Allara carries much wider in the pocket than the P'Kal because the uncaged BBL requires a bigger ball which takes up more space.
Click to expand...

Great point - my engineering challenged mind would never have noticed this. :thumbup:
 
I've yet to try the ball lock, but I like the look of it and it seems like a great design. What models have used the ball lock so far? (when a certain feature is discussed I find it helpful to list the knives that have it - helps to plan purchasing decisions!)
D'Allara
Dodo
P'kal (caged ball lock)
Poliwog
?

As far as wire clips, I think they are fantastic. For me their best feature is that they allow discreet carry (especially low-carry versions on UKPK and Caly 3). Plus they seem to be easier on pockets. I hope to see more wire clips. I have seen a few pictures of people who have made their own wire clips for their barrel-bolt-clip knives like the Native, Delica 3 etc - I may have to try this.
Wire clips:
D'Allara
Dodo
P'kal
Poliwog
Meerkat
UKPK
Caly 3
T-mag
Native III
Salsa
S
Assist
 
Thanks for the list nphelps4130. I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on a ZDP carbon fiber Calypso 3. They look so nice.

I also wonder why there haven't too many compression locks lately. I really like those too.
 
You're welcome Kublai.

I recently picked up a Caly 3 CF w/ ZDP and it sure is a nice knife. It is my first knife with carbon fiber scales, but what I really like is the blade (& clip). I really like the look of the laminated blade, and it is the sharpest knife I have.

All my Spydercos are lockbacks, which I really like, but I would like to try a comp lock sometime. I have handled a few in stores and I really like the S. I think Sal has said the compression lock is a relatively new lock type and is still being refined - I'm sure there will be more knives with comp locks in the future.
 
Yeah, the compression lock is very nice. I remember Sal posting that it was quite strong, I believe more so than the Walker liner lock. I wish there were more models with it.

The combo of the laminated ZDP and cf seems like a winner. Just picked up a Pikal (which I love) so I should control my urges before I go ahead and purchase every model in your list above :)
 
the BB lock is one of the best locks Spyderco has come up with. With the new cage, I think they are really on to something. Compression locks and back locks all seem to have some play but the BB locks I have owned were all rock soild. The only complaint I have with the BB lock is that is hard to use. With the new cage, I think people are really going to see how good the BB lock is.
 
I've got every ball lock model exept the poliwog... Well, i don't have the p'kal yet either but it's on it's way to me right now. :D

I think i just might get that next if i can convince myself not to get the paramilitary or waved rescue first... :lol:
 
HI Psydotek,

Out of curiosity, which bb lock models are you favorites?
 
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