Spyderco D`allara drop point PE brief review

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

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Jun 8, 2005
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I didn't really need the D`Allara Drop Point, but I had put it high on my list just because it was too great a deal to pass up. On paper, it was the best deal in Spyderco's entire line, and perhaps even the best deal in its class among any company. I'm pleased to report that this is, in fact, the case. You will not find a better deal in Spyderco. Maybe anywhere.

For the purposes of the review, I'll be occasionally comparing it to a full sized Benchmade Griptillian (D2, but it shouldn't matter) that I have here. I feel that these are DIRECT competitors for a number of reasons. Lock type, handle material, blade length and price.

The first thing I noticed about the D`Allara was its size! I had no idea this thing was going to be this massive. It is slightly bigger than my para in all ways. This isn't that big of a deal, given its blade length (size comes with that), except in one annoying way. Too much of the blade sticks out when closed--way too much. This adds probably a 1 1/2 cm across when closed and it just barely fits in my watch pocket. Other than this, it's pretty comparable in size to a griptillian in every other way (including blade dimensions).

The D`allara does have a bit of heft, but that's to be expected for a knife of this sized with full bilateral steel liners. That's right, full steel liners--as opposed the Griptillian's partial liners.

The scales are FRN, and clearly derived from the Native III's design. However, something about the D`allara removes the low quality feel inherent with most FRN knives. For one, it doesn't look very plasticky somehow (those of you who disagree, please chime in), and two, it's backed up by so much steel that it FEELS solid. Like the Native III, its texture is surprisingly grippy, and i personllay have no problems with FRN durability (although I get G10 where I can). However, while it felt great in my hand, against the griptillian (NOT the minigrip, which would clearly lose this), it loses in the ergonomics area. The Griptillian is a simpler handle shape without the bump in the middle of the d`allara. The bump isn't uncomfortable to me, but it feels a little awkward. The lack of this (but otherwise similar ergonomics) on the grip gives this the win.

The blade is VG10, one of my favorites. Like every spyderco, it came extremely sharp. However, this one conquered even my para in factory sharpness. I did the arm hair test and now I have a short bald patch.

The oversized spyderhole is a preference of mine, and like the para, this one works fantastically.

This one comes in tip up only, and I prefer tip up, but this might bother tip down fans. If it makes a difference, the blade is kept in very well, just like an axis lock.

The pocket clip is one of my favorites. I love spyderco wire clips (this is my third) for a couple of reasons. 1, they're less obvious, and 2, they have no paint to scrape off.

The ball bearing lock is beautiful and works very well here. It's a bit harder to reach than the axis lock and its smooth surface could cause problems for those who work in wet environments. That said, it has some advantages over the easier to use axis lock. The coil springs are supposedly more reliable than omega springs, and there don't appear to be as many places for dirt or water to hide.

Overall, this is a real winner, and I think would barely beat out the fullsized Griptillian for several reasons:

Slightly cheaper price
VG10 as opposed to 440C (and soon 154CM)
Slightly better scales
Full steel liners

They're very comparable, but I would take the D`allara. But it won't replace your minigrips. It's way too large.

I'll be adding more as I think of it.


Just noticed today that the edge of the tang is a little sharp and can bite when reaching into your pocket, not unlike the first generation of paras, I'm told. Not a big deal in my opinion.
 
I've got one of these coming in the mail...ahhhhhh....thanks for the fix.

Nice artfull review Mr Martial. I agree on the fat FRN. My native 3d is very solid so with steel liners it must be a tank. I reckon FRN beats g10 for normal daily use as it's way cheaper (I assume) and can be moulded into ergonomic shapes like the 3D Native.

I also reckon the wire clip would serve well on more knives. Apart of the benefits you've mentioned it's more forgiving and less likely to snag/scratch furniture and car seats.
 
Well, as a sidenote on G10, you can do 3D G10 molding also. The new Spec Bump is going to have some impressive designs on the handles.

FRN is definitely underrated, but I feel that's MOSTLY because of cheap looking/feeling. Not on actual use. But I can see how you wouldn't want to spend 60+ dollars on something that looks or feels cheap no matter how well it works.

But in some isolated instances, like this D`Allara, I don't think it looks OR feels cheap. Hopefully others will agree, but it may all be in my head.
 
Just got mine in the post today.

My first thought was how much farmers would love this knife. It somehow has the feel of a solid buck 110 with all the mod cons.

I also found it to be way bigger than I anticipated and had to revise my thoughts of it competing in the same niche as my 3D Native.

Feels great in the hand - I have this urge to do heaps of push cutting, like stripping bark off a new walking stick.

Obviously the large amount of blade shoulder sticking out in the closed position is a design compromise necessitated by the size and placement of the ball bearing lock. This knife would no doubt be more aesetically pleasing as a lockback but I guess the new steel lined endura is going to fill this role.

One possible weak point is the pointy projection at the front top of the scales. I wonder how this would stand up to being dropped onto a hard floor and how well the knife would function after this was damaged - as that's where the top of the blade slots into when open. I hope I never find out but my other favourite EDC's have handled being dropped repeatedly with no damage.

The ball bearing lock redefines solid lockup for me. 'What a ripper', as we say in Oz. The idea of small springs doesn't worry me as it's essentialy the same concept as the spring loaded locking bar on large locking SAK's and I've had one of those for nearly 20 years without the spring failing. I don't imagine this will either.

One handed opening is easy of course, and after a few minutes of playing around I had one handed closing down as well. It's a simple matter of 1-2-3-4.

DAllaraonehandclosingwatchfingers.jpg


Good one Sal and the spydie design team. I'll post more impressions after I've EDC's it for a few eeks.
 
I totally love my D'Allara 2!! It is a great knife, and I dig the ball bearing lock too.
 
Really cool photo Ming.

I do have a different technique for closing though, the axis flick. I pull the ball down (or axis bar) and flick the blade shut. I do it with compression locks too. Obviously, you can't hold the knife with those three fingers this way, so you have to get the butt of the knife against your palm so you have a grip without your fingers being in the way.
 
Artfully Martial said:
Well, as a sidenote on G10, you can do 3D G10 molding also. The new Spec Bump is going to have some impressive designs on the handles.
Click to expand...
I don't think that's actually true; the Spec Bump, like the Benchmade Ares and other knives with 3D G-10 handles, are machined that way. The rough texture comes from a final bead-blast operation that removed some of the phenolic resin matrix, leaving the tougher glass fiber pattern raised.

G-10 stock comes in flat sheets. I suppose you could lay it up into a more complex shape, as is done with fiberglass and carbon-epoxy, and then bake to harden; but that would be a ton of work (and hence expense) for a knife handle, and it would still require finishing work to get an exact shape and texture.
 
Sorry, wrong word use, molding it is not. But point being, complex handle shapes can nonetheless be achieved with G10.

NewSpecBump.jpg
 
That thing [Spec-Bump] looks like a deep-sea mammal. Maybe a manatee on Jenny Craig.

AM, thanks for the excellent review! I've been on the fence as to whether or not I like the design, but you've clinched it for me. The coolness factor and sheer functionality have sealed the deal.

Peace.
Alex.
 
One concern I had with the D'Allara was how it would handle being gunked up. My Manix just siezes as soon as too much fine west aussie sand enters the pivot and lock area. I decided to test the D'allara by burying it and seeing if it still functioned.

DAllarainsand.jpg


As you can see the lock was not impeded at all even when gunked with sand. A quick blow and the knife returned to it's former smoothness. A rinse under the tap and all was well.
 
Good to know. I've long hypothesized that the ball bearing lock would excel in inhospitable environments.

I've lost a lot of faith in lockbacks many years ago when a cheap one failed me. I shouldn't apply this logic to Spyderco, as they're MUCH better than that 10 dollar knife, but I nonetheless tend to avoid lockbacks these days.

The D`allara is the ultimate beater knife.
 
You know that honeymoon period when you baby your knife, keeping the edge all pristine and whatnot? Mine lasted about 10 minutes with the D'Allara. I wondered why I had this urge to start beating on this knife sraight away - then I saw the etching on the blade. I'm not sure if you other owners have this on your model or if mine is just a one off.

Abuseme.jpg


Had a long ramble on the beach and through the rivermouth this morning. Found all sorts of excuses to cut things. Hacked through some salt/sand encrusted nylon rope, made a new walking stick and trimmed some boughs overhanging the walking path. She won't shave anymore but will still cut paper.
 
Wonderful review Artfully Martial! And thank-you for your detailed input as well Ming.

I have been debating between this D'Allara and an Endura 4 to be a new EDC for me. I think I'd take a Manix in a heartbeat, but I would like a D'Allara or Endura for now. Just not sure which!
 
I've used the Delicas and Enduras before (had a Delica briefly), and they seem like perfectly okay knives, but I really don't see anything special about them.

I think the Centofantes and Natives beat the heck out of the Delica and Endura, but now I think the D`allara beats the heck out of all the sub 60 dollar Spydercos.

This really is a fantastic knife because it combines great fit and finish, great steel, decent size, all for such a low price. It's a knife that looks like it can shrug off anything, and I'm actually okay with finding out because I can just buy another one every few months if I really wanted to.

It's very exciting.
 
Ming, I loved your photos so much that I posted them in two threads in the main area about lock reliability, one specifically about ball bearing locks. I hope you don't mind and I will of course edit them out at your request. They are, of course, attributed to you.

A for the Manix, I absolutely love the ergonomics, up until I used a Dodo I didn't think ergonomics could get any better. That said, the normal Manix (haven't gotten to use the mini) is WAY too big for me to EDC. The D`allara is REALLY pushing it for me.
 
Thanks AM and no problems with using the pics - post away with impunity.

It's hard for me to get too picky with the various features of a knife because I tend to adapt my techniques for what I'm doing to suit whatever I'm using. I'd have to do a side by side test with a few different blades to appreciate subtle differences that ultimately aren't life or death.

I'm sure Sal will correct me if Im wrong but it seems the essence of the D'Allara design is for emergency cutting, where the operator will be throwing a lot of muscle behind the knife - so meaty, non-slip-ergonomics, solid build etc. It certainly excels with hard work where I've put a lot of weight into the cut. For fine work like carving and fine food prep it's a little more clumsy but not impossible to use.

I remember the edge on my VG-10 temperance chipping under the same sort of abuse my D'Allara copped today. The D'Allara had held up much better and after 5 minutes work on an EZ-Lap stone it's hair poppin sharp again. Could be a different heat treat or grind, who knows? The steel guru's will have to answer that one.

I'm more detached (maybe jaded) about knives nowadays and so I'm not 'jumping up and down thrilled' about the D'Allara, but it's staying clipped to my shorts for now.

Also, it's definetly a field knife. I can see it being less convenient to carry due to it's thickness for those of you who flit in and out of the urban landscape. Similiar to the Manix in that respect.

I reckon it's almost the optimal trade or farming knife. It's built to last a lifetime of heavy use (assuming the BB lock is). It may in fact, be the Manix killer..........
 
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