Spyderco D'Allara v.s Ritter Grip

[BenchmadeBoy]

I can't find anything in Search function. Can anyone give me a comparison between the Spyderco D'Allara and the Ritter Grip? I really really like my Ritter Grip, but I'm looking for something equivalent in Spyderco. I'm getting more into Spyderco knives due to their quality and customer service. Anyone?

cheers

 

[rnhood]

Because of the similarities between the RSK and D'Allara, I would recommend a different Spyderco to provide more diversity in fit, function and appearance. The Endura, Police, Military, etc are multi purpose knives that include a decent size blade - which I think is what you want - yet represent a bit different style than the RSK. The Manix is also popular for a heavier duty knife.

 

[T.K.C.]

I have owned both. I feel that the D'Allara takes up much more room in the pocket than the Ritter Grip. Both are great knives.

 

[Tetsusaiga]

I only own the D'Allara, good tough folder, but a bit on the wide side when closed. Ball bearing lock is good though, and it gives you a full sized grip in the handle.

My gripe..... too short a blade length for the amount of handle you are getting..

 

[BenchmadeBoy]

How does the ball lock compare to the Axis lock. Smooth? As I said, I like the look of the D'allara because it is similar to the Ritter Grip. I'd just like to move more to Spyderco knives and want something equivalent to my Ritter Grip. Does that make sense?

 

[Steven Andrews]

I have handled a D'Allara, but not owned one. It is a fine knife, but I wasn't sold on the ball bearing lock. It is smooth in operation, but I found it a bit too slippery for my liking.

 

[3Guardsmen]

I'd just like to move more to Spyderco knives

You may end up having to change your forum handle.

As far as the Ball-bearing lock vs. the Axis Lock, I like both of them and feel they're probably close to each other in terms of strength. I think the coil springs (there are two on my Dodo, and one is much smaller than the other) of the Ball-bearing lock are less likely to break then the omega springs of the Axis lock. However, I think that the two omega springs of the Axis lock provide a bit more push (are stronger), when initiating lock-up, then the coil springs do.

There is another "tradeoff", I feel, to think about when choosing one over the other. The position of the ball, in the Ball-bearing lock, makes closing the knife a tad bit harder (more cumbersome), IMHO. However, I think that gives the Ball-bearing lock a small safety/security advantage over the Axis lock, which I feel would be easier (though not by much) to accidentally disengage. I hope the info helps you out.

Regards,
3G

 

[3Guardsmen]

rnhood,

Wow! From that picture, it looks as though the D'Allara, which I haven't had the chance to closely examine, has almost no tang material below the pivot, and only a tiny piece above it, where the ball engages. If you don't mind checking and sharing, how much tang is there, around the pivot, when the knife is closed (more than it looks like I hope)?

Thanks,
3G

 

[rnhood]

The tang is actually flush with the bottom of the handle when opened so, there is meat there. Just that the tang has a small cutout at the front edge of the handle and makes it look as though it could be lean behind this area as well. But it really isn't.

The tang is also the cut out where the ball rests on it. So it might be considered lean in this area, I don't know. I guess it had to be this way on this particular ball lock design. Still, when I watch it closely it doesn't appear to be all that lean. Also, keep in mind the D'Allara has a thicker blade than some typical pocket knives and this provides more strength.

All in all, I'd say the beef is there. It's just the machining process has placed some pockets, or cut-outs, in certain places on the tang that make is look a bit leaner than it is. Blade deployment is extremely smooth, lock-up is solid and distinct, no blade play and, like most all Spydercos comes very sharp from the factory. However, the ball mechanism seems more difficult or awkward for me to operate than the Axis lock.

 

[3Guardsmen]

Thank you, rnhood! That is exactly what I was hoping to hear. I have not had a chance to check one out in person yet, so I wasn't too sure. If you say it's got meat, then it's got meat, and I may just have to pick one up.:thumbup:

Thanks again,
3G

 

[Steven Andrews]

The position of the ball, in the Ball-bearing lock, makes closing the knife a tad bit harder (more cumbersome), IMHO. However, I think that gives the Ball-bearing lock a small safety/security advantage over the Axis lock, which I feel would be easier (though not by much) to accidentally disengage.

I call that a disadvantage. As a firefighter I need to be able to quickly and easily close a knife while wearing gloves.
That's why I carry a lock-back Endura in my firejacket.

 

[3Guardsmen]

The position of the ball, in the Ball-bearing lock, makes closing the knife a tad bit harder (more cumbersome), IMHO. However, I think that gives the Ball-bearing lock a small safety/security advantage over the Axis lock, which I feel would be easier (though not by much) to accidentally disengage.

I call that a disadvantage. As a firefighter I need to be able to quickly and easily close a knife while wearing gloves.

And it is for precisely that reason that I said (the part you didn't quote):

There is another "tradeoff", I feel, to think about when choosing one over the other. The position of the ball, in the Ball-bearing lock, makes closing the knife a tad bit harder (more cumbersome), IMHO. However, I think that gives the Ball-bearing lock a small safety/security advantage over the Axis lock, which I feel would be easier (though not by much) to accidentally disengage.

That's why I carry a lock-back Endura in my firejacket.

I regularly carry an Endura as well, but the original poster, BenchmadeBoy, didn't ask about Front locks. He specifically asked about how the Ball-bearing lock compared to the Axis lock.

How does the ball lock compare to the Axis lock.

Regards,
3G

 

[Steven Andrews]

I regularly carry an Endura as well, but the original poster, BenchmadeBoy, didn't ask about Front locks. He specifically asked about how the Ball-bearing lock compared to the Axis lock.

I'm not telling him about back locks, I'm telling him why I wouldn't carry a Ball Bearing lock. It's relevant.

A back lock or an Axis lock is much easier to manipulate while wearing gloves.

 

[BenchmadeBoy]

All very interesting. Thanks for the input folks! I have the opportunity to obtain a D'Allara at a good price. As far as my forum handle, don't get me wrong. I love Benchmade. I'm waiting for a 201 Activator in the wood handle :thumbup: It's just that lately I'm more drawn to Spyderco. Right now I am in New Zealand backpacking for a year. I chose my Salt I as my primary blade along with a Huntsman. It is in and out of the ocean, busy with food prep, opening things etc. I literally carry it 24/7 and it performs flawlessly. As a side note. knives in general are SUPER EXPENSIVE here. SAKs run $65-90 for something like a huntsman or climber. Spyderco knives are also up there in price. I saw a yellow handle SE Salt I for $245 NZ dollars!! So, what's the verdict? D'allara a good comparison to Ritter Grip? Let me hear from people who have both!!

cheers

 

[orthogonal1]

I have both.

I like the blade of the Ritter more. I like the handle of the D'Allara more.

Haven't really put either to rough use, though.

As for Axis versus B-B lock, I find the Axis more convenient to disengage (a plus or a minus, depending on perspective). But, when push comes to shove, either is fine for my use.

 

[plowboy]

There have been a couple of recent D'Allara threads and they got my interest up. I ordered a D'Allara DP last weekend and it arrived yesterday.

My comments:

1. Not a knife I would carry in my pocket. It's wide profile is just too much for me.

2. The knife feels very sturdy and is well balanced.

3. Fits my hand well and my hands are not too big.

4. Appears to be an excellent economical choice for a BOB or day trekking pack.

5. FRN texture is great.

6. Finely done BB lock. The only other knife I own with this lock design is the Dodo. I liked the BB lock on the Dodo, but the D'Allara seems to be a positive evolution on the design. Well done!

One of my initial concerns was addressed in one of the recent threads on the knife. I had looked at pictures of the openned knife and it really did appear that the tang/piviot hole was cut back too much...it just looked like the weak link from the photos I've seen. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a good deal of steel around the piviot hole. It's not a weak design...rather, I now believe it to be strong in the tang/piviot area.

So, the knife has been put away for now. It may make it's way into a trekking pack (maybe my son's since I'm very happy with the 83mm Manix in my pack) in the near future.

I'm very pleased with the purchase of the D'Allara....and I'm getting more and more discriminating about knife purchases.

 

[Sharpy_swe]

3Guardsmen check this video - Spyderco D'Allara Drop Point Combo Edge. Ball Lock demo