Registering my opinion on the Boye dent

B

Bear

Joined
Dec 15, 1998
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200
I can't imagine why Sypderco missed consulting me when they decided to add Boye dents to several models.

I hope it wasn't just change for change's sake, because I hate to pay more for less.

While the Delica and Native have been stalwart EDCs for me for years, the new dents make them a LOT more difficult to close with one hand, which seems like a step backwards. I don't think they help the look of the knives either.

I know the arguments for the dent, but I just don't think they overweigh the drawbacks.

Bear

PS: Anybody want to sell me two of the old style Natives -- plastic handles, no dents, any steel?
 
Originally posted by Bear
I hope it wasn't just change for change's sake, because I hate to pay more for less.
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They don't cost any more than the old models so you're not paying more.

While the Delica and Native have been stalwart EDCs for me for years, the new dents make them a LOT more difficult to close with one hand, which seems like a step backwards. I don't think they help the look of the knives either.
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That's the point: to make them harder to close. Just like the liner lock on the AFCK is harder to close than on the Military: it's to prevent accidental closing. Not knocking the Military: just making a comparison.

BTW, I don't think the 'looks' of the dent matter. These knives are meant to be used, not looked at. I like knives that look good, but would rather have a knife that works better.

I know the arguments for the dent, but I just don't think they overweigh the drawbacks.
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I disagree. It might be more inconvenient to have the Boye dent but it's safer. While I find the Boye dent annoying sometimes, I'd choose safety over convenience ten times out of ten.
 
When I first started handling my new version with the dent (S/S Police), I really didn't like it and really tried to find a model without it. My opinion has moderated somewhat, due to familiarity with those with dent such that I'm kind of used to it now. When I recently found a brand new G-10 Police without dent to buy, I was delighted. It reminded me about how much I like them like this.

To summarize, I prefer no-dent but I'm begrudgingly getting used to them having it. I also far prefer the looks of the knife without the DB dent, and have never had any trouble with an undented one closing on me accidentally.

Jeff/1911.
 
On my new VG-10 Endura, the lock spring is very strong, due to the larger, heavier blade compared to, say, my Native, which has the lightest spring of all my knives. Despite both the lock strength and the dent, it is not hard to close the knife one-handed. It certainly can't be flicked open or closed, like my Native. It is less convenient, but I don't trust anything less. My Calypso Jr, which also has the dent and a strong lock, locks very solidly, with no play in any direction, yet still closes quickly one-handed. I certainly wouldn't try to close a knife as large and sharp as the Endura inattentively, which a lighter lock may lead to. Flicking it closed could easily chop off a fingertip.
 
I don't see what the big deal is. I had a Matriarch with the detent and I think that it rocks, not an incovenience at all. It did however, make the lock feel safer. I have disengaged the lock on my harpy before. And thats a knife that you just dont' want closing on your fingers.
Matt
 
I really like the detent because it cradles my thumb as I push down the lever. It is also safer.
I think that it is great!
 
I will take the added safety advantage any day. I dont think it makes them harder to close on purpose, just by accident. I cant see the complaint myself. I am sure spyderco is putting this on all their lockbacks in current production.
The exception is the Chinook, which has a lockback design, that has to be pushed much deeper to release in the first place. Wish all my older spydercos had this feature.
 
I think that I rather like the new Boye Dent. Only have one knife with it so far (traded for a Harpy SE s.s.) but I actually find it a bit more confortable to close than my non-dent locks. I don't know that I am going to grind dents into my old knives, but I am perfectly happy about the new ones having them.



EDITED :


err... actually, I have two knives with it. For some reason I forgot that my micarta Jester has the dent too. Not as noticible on the Jester as it is on the Harpy for some reason. Tension of the spring I guess.....
 
I like the Boye dent on my large Dyad. It makes me wish all my Spydercos had it.
 
The David Boye (DB) dent will probably invoke all sorts of different feelings.

It will depend on your hand shape and size, how you hold the knife, how you use the knife, and your aesthetic values.

For example, I didn't find out that I really needed a dent on my Natives until I swiped with force LEFT HANDED at some cardboard, and discovered I naturally took a full hammer grip on the knife, which pushed in on the lockbar and began unlocking the blade. I had had the Native in question for several months (actually I have had four of them for some time now).

If you don't require defensive capabilities or hard-use abilities, then the dent may not be necessary, and your aethetic senses would override the others. Some folks' hand shape and size will likewise affect their decision.

I had had my old style Endura for years before I finally noticed (after another member had posted his experience) that with a full hammer grip, my lockbar would be pressed.

IMO, the Native is perhaps the easiest to handle Spydie, especially one-handed. Giving it a Boye dent will decrease that ease slightly, but with practice it will probably not be a problem. Since I often wear mine on my left (nondominant) side, and defensive use is a consideration, then I definitely will want the dent! I look forward to the new models. Also, the Native design has a very large opening for the lockbar, which again, makes it both easy to depress and very easy to INADVERTANTLY DEPRESS UNDER STRESS.

I plan to eventually use my Dremel tool to cut dents on my well-used SS and two FRN Natives (as well as on some other lockbacks). I probably won't do this on my Blue BF Native, for aethetic and collecting reasons. I don't carry it as much, anyway.

Actually, the only Boye dent knives I own are my blue Delica and my Delica and Endura trainers.

Keep in mind that strengths and weaknesses of all different types of locks involve individual users' preferences and activities, with "hard use" and "defensive use" being extremely critical areas of concern. If you carry a folder of any type for these two reasons, you better do your "training homework" and put aesthetic sensibilities where they belong--at the end of your list.

Other than that, to each, his or her own!

Karl
 
I disagree, I think the Boye Dent helps prevent accidentally unlocking and actually makes one-hand closing EASIER, just my 2 cents. Sure it takes a little getting used to, but the Boye Dent is a nice treat.
 
I guess it's one of those little touches that does'nt hurt.

Honestly, instead of the dent I wish Spyderco had the lock release at the bottom of the handle like Buck knives. It would add a little weight because it would use a longer rocker, but I think it would be worth it.

Allen.
 
Here's another vote for the Boye dent. I have Matriarchs both with and without that feature, and I actually like handling the newer ones better (even though I've never accidentally disengaged the lock on any of my Spyderco folders).
Allen, a lock release at the bottom of the handle is fine as long as you don't hold the knife in reverse grip; otherwise, your thumb might unlock the blade when you least want it to.

Leo
 
Has anyone ever had any accidents happend because the lock failed on a Spyderco without the Boye dent on it?
For example, I have been using my Endura for all sorts of things, from heavy field use to opening letters! And newer, even when I have pressed the handle as hard as I can has the lock failed in any way, the blade is locked as hard as i can be! :)
 
Almost forgot - if you open and close your folder all the time, like I do, the Boye dent is a lot easier on your thumbs.
To me, it is definitely an improvement.
 
The biggest thing to consider is how you hold a lockback knife. Most spydies have that blade hump or a cusp behind the opening hole. Press your thumb against that when you grip the blade, and you're also holding down the front of the lock, for extra security. A true hammer grip, with the knife held in a fist-type grip, would be the most likely to cause the lock to disengage accidentally. Using your thumb in the grip would reduce the need for a Boye dent, but it's nice to have for the extra security.
 
I sligtly dislike the feature as it makes my Native a lot harder to close, but I appeciate the safety aspect so over all I accept the validity of its use/need. Given the choice I would avoid a model with it, but its not a huge thing for me.:)
 
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