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Spyderco Ball Bearing lock?
- Thread starter BJE
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yablanowitz
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At a guess (I own some of each) I would say the ultimate failure strength on the ball lock will be a little higher. The ball bearing is basically caged, and the spring wedges it between the blade tang and a steel back bar which is pinned (actually, it's a screw) through the liners on both ends. The lock would fail either by shearing one or both screws or tearing them through the liners. The downside is the coil spring and the ball bearing plunger can clog up with dirt, causing problems, although I have not heard of any parts actually breaking in one. Also, the ball is recessed and shiny-smooth, which can make it difficult to release. The opening and closing action is extremely smooth.
The Axis lock is very strong and smooth as well, nearly as smooth as the BB lock in my experience. The bar extends through both liners and scales, making it easier to operate. The small gage wire omega springs which move the bar in place have been known to break, though. The lock will still function with one spring broken, but I have heard of at least one case where both springs broke, leaving the lock inoperative until repaired. The lock bar is exposed between the liners, so it would be most likely to fail by sheering or breaking the bar, or tearing it through the holes in the liners.
Realistically, it would require more force to break either one than I am likely to apply in my lifetime. I have gotten used to both, and have no trouble operating either kind with either hand, although the Axis was easier to learn.
Hope this helps a little.
The Axis lock is very strong and smooth as well, nearly as smooth as the BB lock in my experience. The bar extends through both liners and scales, making it easier to operate. The small gage wire omega springs which move the bar in place have been known to break, though. The lock will still function with one spring broken, but I have heard of at least one case where both springs broke, leaving the lock inoperative until repaired. The lock bar is exposed between the liners, so it would be most likely to fail by sheering or breaking the bar, or tearing it through the holes in the liners.
Realistically, it would require more force to break either one than I am likely to apply in my lifetime. I have gotten used to both, and have no trouble operating either kind with either hand, although the Axis was easier to learn.
Hope this helps a little.
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2005
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I have a few of both. Overall, I prefer the axis lock, but I still quite like the bb lock. In my experience:
BB lock pros:
Looks cool
tough
consistent
maybe better spring design
Doesn't get caught on loose jean strings
Cons:
While I don't find it difficult to lock or unlock, it's definitely not as easy as an axis lock, which is so good it seems like we were born to use it.
If spyderco comes out with more BB locks models, I'll probably buy them, provided I like their other attributes. I'm very pleased with mine (I have a d`allara DP and a dodo).
BB lock pros:
Looks cool
tough
consistent
maybe better spring design
Doesn't get caught on loose jean strings
Cons:
While I don't find it difficult to lock or unlock, it's definitely not as easy as an axis lock, which is so good it seems like we were born to use it.
If spyderco comes out with more BB locks models, I'll probably buy them, provided I like their other attributes. I'm very pleased with mine (I have a d`allara DP and a dodo).
I will say that there is no maybe on the better spring design of the Spyderco. I have broken three axis springs in three years. A lot of people will tell you that the broken springs you hear about on the axis are few and far between or are people lying to make the axis lock sound bad. That's not what I'm doing. I've broken three in two years. Maybe I open and close my knives too often and that's why I've had problems. I know there are a lot of people out there who have had no problems. I'm not trying to put anyone off the axis lock, I just don't rely on it anymore based on my experiences. I still use my Griptilian, I just don't use it as my EDC when I'm away from the house.
On that note, the new rendition of the BB lock that Spyderco is putting on the Pikal should be much better than the old. The ball has been miniaturized and is encased in a "release piece" that makes unlocking it a much easier task.
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That just sounds like tragically bad luck to me. I've got a ton of axis lock knives and I actually practice doing all sorts of opening/closing tricks with them and zero problems so far.
Your experience is valuable, but in the grand scheme of things, even your three instances represent a statistically insignificant sample against the people will good luck with the axis lock. However, if I were in your shoes, I could definitely share your skepticism with your axis locks.
Your experience is valuable, but in the grand scheme of things, even your three instances represent a statistically insignificant sample against the people will good luck with the axis lock. However, if I were in your shoes, I could definitely share your skepticism with your axis locks.
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2004
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- 102
with axis locks.
I prefer the ball-bearing lock. I like its more simple design (one spring instead of two, fewer moving parts), look aesthetically, and ease of use. The ball does not extend out as far as the axis lock does. I suspect though, there is a fair amount of subjectiveness in my post. Is there a bricks and mortar near you where you could try both and compare for yourself? In the end, it's the best way.
I prefer the ball-bearing lock. I like its more simple design (one spring instead of two, fewer moving parts), look aesthetically, and ease of use. The ball does not extend out as far as the axis lock does. I suspect though, there is a fair amount of subjectiveness in my post. Is there a bricks and mortar near you where you could try both and compare for yourself? In the end, it's the best way.
i have 4 axis lock knives.
1 broken spring. fixed by bm.
1 spring which readily disengages from its "seat".
i play with my knives a ton. i generally keep them clean.
my 710 with the broken spring was almost impossible to close for shipment. the 920 with the spring still funtions perfectly (albeit with less tension when closing) when the spring has popped out and passes mod spine whack (sp?)
if i thought my experience was "typical" it might concern me. however, max and my experience is still part of the old bell curve and seems fair for discussion in topics of this nature.
is the dodo the only spydie which had ball lock issues? i havn't heard of problems with any other models...
ryan
1 broken spring. fixed by bm.
1 spring which readily disengages from its "seat".
i play with my knives a ton. i generally keep them clean.
my 710 with the broken spring was almost impossible to close for shipment. the 920 with the spring still funtions perfectly (albeit with less tension when closing) when the spring has popped out and passes mod spine whack (sp?)
if i thought my experience was "typical" it might concern me. however, max and my experience is still part of the old bell curve and seems fair for discussion in topics of this nature.
is the dodo the only spydie which had ball lock issues? i havn't heard of problems with any other models...
ryan
yablanowitz
Platinum Member
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- Apr 14, 2006
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My Dodo has had some intermittent engagement problems in the past. Since I am a certified old fart who grew up with slipjoints, this does not bother me, as I am not in the habit of stressing locks at all. The last few times I have bothered to test it, lockup has been solid and reliable. I also have a D'Allara Rescue and a Drop Point, both of which have visibly deeper lock engagement, and neither of which have ever unlocked without a conscious effort on my part.
I believe it is. When the Dodo had problems the tang shape was modified to fix the problem as I recall.
I'm looking for the new Spyderco "Pickle" (spelling?).According to the protos the ball beating lock is modified for easy one hand closing.Anyone who has closed a regular ball bearing lock knows its not one handed friendly for closing.One of the Spyderco reps recommended using your thumb nail.
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I actually have no trouble opening and closing BB locks one handed. Not quite as easy as the axis, granted, but it's still easy (for me).
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I haven't either, but I can forsee having trouble if I was using one in a rainstorm or if my hands were oily. It is hard to notice, but the access hole has improved in later knife models to allow easier access. As was also mentioned there is the "next generation" ball lock coming out with the Pickle.
which sounds like it shoule be real easy to close one handed. Time will tell though...I think you may be lying.... It's okay MaxFisher, I've lied before too.
I've owned the knife for three years. I haven't broken a spring in a year since I quit carrying it. So, techincally I've broken 3 three springs in three years but I've also broken three springs in 2 years.
Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
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There is no question about the strength of the axis lock or the ball bearing lock in my mind. I have seen bad ones of both types though but in every case it was an easy fix. Its very rare that they don't work but it happens. When they work they really work and well enough to allow you to say they are the two unequaled locks in the industry for strength but SOG is making one also that is quite strong and perhaps just as highly regarded for reliability too. It is called the Arch lock or something similar. These all seem to be the type of lock you could rely on in the field by hammering your knife in a tree and using it as a leg up. Thats pretty strong folks.
I've studied both and look forward to seeing the SOG one. As for the Axis and Ball bearing comparisions. I believe that the the coil spring will have a longer life expectancy than the omega springs in the axis lock but both are holding up to real world use pretty well.
The one thing I will say about these locks is that they are both so strong they certainly deserve to be surrounded by the strongest liner materials available and the strongest bull pivot and blade stops with bigger screws than number two size. The locks are actually stronger than the shear strength of the screws in most cases in my opinion. That is when the locks work. So, in my mind the screws should be beefed up to bring things into a better balance if you want to make the whole system work more in unison.
Putting a lock that strong in a knife with no steel liners seems a bit redundant and makes the system unbalanced since strong as G10 is in that case I'd say its the weakest link for a knife set up like the Dodo for example.
STR
I've studied both and look forward to seeing the SOG one. As for the Axis and Ball bearing comparisions. I believe that the the coil spring will have a longer life expectancy than the omega springs in the axis lock but both are holding up to real world use pretty well.
The one thing I will say about these locks is that they are both so strong they certainly deserve to be surrounded by the strongest liner materials available and the strongest bull pivot and blade stops with bigger screws than number two size. The locks are actually stronger than the shear strength of the screws in most cases in my opinion. That is when the locks work. So, in my mind the screws should be beefed up to bring things into a better balance if you want to make the whole system work more in unison.
Putting a lock that strong in a knife with no steel liners seems a bit redundant and makes the system unbalanced since strong as G10 is in that case I'd say its the weakest link for a knife set up like the Dodo for example.
STR