Opinions of Spyderco's Ball Bearing Lock? ...

Joined
Apr 13, 2005
Messages
66
Just got my new Manix 2 and very impressed with it so far. But I've never had a knife with a mechanism like their Ball Bearing Lock. What are your impressions of it with respect to long-term durability?

Thanks in advance!

Chris
 
This is one of the lock designs that, like the BM axis lock, will only become more secure as it wears. It will "wear in" instead of "wearing out."
Nice knife... enjoy it!
 
I have a P'Kal which I love dearly but it has some vertical blade play that just won't "break in" enough to disappear. The lock is solid, so I just live with it.
 
I have had an interesting (to me ;) ) journey with the CBL and the Manix 2. I bought the S90V sprint and was initially impressed but decided the whole thing didn't really agree with my lefty-preferred ergo perspective. However, I bought one of the 154CM "standard" models before I reached that point.

Along comes the two recent sprints and I start wondering whether I'm interested. So, I took the 154CM Manix 2 and just decided to beat the crud out of it. Not the blade, the lock. I carried it around and flicked it open and shut - by this time I conservatively guess it has had somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 cycles. Results -

  • It got a little smoother (to unlock - the pivot/washer system was always like marbles on glass)
  • I got a whole lot more used to the motion of unlocking it
  • It shows absolutely zero wear on the tang and ball - there has been no change in the engagement depth of the ball on the tang, and there is no vertical or lateral play, locked or unlocked

I am on the whole very comfortable with the durability of the polymer cage, the locking ball and tang, etc. I started out a skeptic and I've really been wholly won over. :thumbup:
 
it is beautiful and strong, and is great for long term use. I have a d'allara and it's held up to all kinds of stuff. the ball bearing lock will also make you more attractive to women.
 
In my experience the cage or ball lock that spyderco utilizes is extremely strong. i carry a manix2 and even gave one to a friend who is an officer as a duty knife. Both he and i cannot say enough good things about the lock. I have even gotten both dirt and water in the mechanism and it locked up no problem.
 
it is beautiful and strong, and is great for long term use. I have a d'allara and it's held up to all kinds of stuff. the ball bearing lock will also make you more attractive to women.

I have a D'allara and have the same findings. Its worn great, still smooth and I have had zero problems. I get married in 4 months....did the d'allara have anything to do with it? I dont think it hurt;)
 
I just bought me one of those Manix 2's from a board member. While we are on subject, can anybody comment on the ergonomics of the knife? It looks like it would be extremely comfortable and easy to use for long periods of time, which is what I am hoping.
 
Comfort in a knife can vary per an individual's hands. Some dudes don't like 'em; however, I find mine very comfortable and the Manix 2 has become my favorite.
 
With regard to ergonomics, the only thing I might like to see refined is the jimping on the liners, alongside the backspacer and near to the back (non-pivot end) of the handle (the jimping at the choil is more to my liking). At times, it can seem a little bit coarse in bare hands. Wouldn't mind it if it the 'teeth' were just a bit smaller (finer pitch). With gloves, it's probably just right. Overall, I like mine a lot. It's a great knife.

Edited to add:
For some reason, when I first saw this post, my mind immediately went to "what's your opinion regarding the Manix2?", as opposed to the BBL specifically. My Manix2 is the only Spyderco I own with the BBL, I have no experience with other models. That being said, I have no complaints at all about the lock. It's very strong, and backed by a stout spring (I like it better than the spring on the Axis-lock Benchmades, which to me is a little on the weak/soft side). It may take some 'conditioning' on the part of some users to get used to it, but it's reassuring in it's stoutness. Inspires confidence that it'll never release accidentally, which was my biggest concern about the Axis Lock. I'm not slamming Benchmade, I have a couple Axis Locks and I do like their designs. But, I've always wished they'd beef up that lock a little bit.
 
Last edited:
I have a P'Kal which I love dearly but it has some vertical blade play that just won't "break in" enough to disappear. The lock is solid, so I just live with it.

I have a couple of P'Kal models with that issue and was hoping they'd wear in and tighten-up.

Based upon you're statement, I guess that ain't probable.
 
i like it, but i prefer the axis because it's easier to use 1 handed. and i like it better on my poliwog where you actually pull on the ball to disengage it than the plastic nubs on the outside of it like on my manix2.
 
I had trouble with ball bearing lock if I tried operate the ball with just my thumb. I don't know whether the ball was rotating or my thumb was sliding on the smooth surface of the ball, but it was difficult for me to retract the ball. When I put a thumb on one side of the ball and a finger on the other, I could retract the ball. I prefer the Axis lock.
 
I have an old Dodo and I love the ball bearing lock. I think its one of the most innovative designs in the industry and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another that has that lock.
 
I have an old Dodo and I love the ball bearing lock. I think its one of the most innovative designs in the industry and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another that has that lock.

I have a couple of Dodos too and have been pretty pleased with the BB lock. It's very easy to use, good and solid, nice and smooth operation and totally ambidextrous as well. :thumbup:
 
Back
Top