Spyderco's Ball bearing lock

psy-ops

psy-ops

Joined
Sep 27, 1999
Messages
3,164
Over the past year, I have had an opportunity to handle the D'allara rescue and Dodo. I love both of these knives except for the BB lock.

I don't know if it is my finger size (they are large but not huge) or what, but it is so awkward to work. I couldn't even consider purchasing a knife with that lockstyle.

What sucks is they are both highly functional in the handle and the blade. Not too many knives get A+'s in those two areas by me.
 
I really love my new dodo. The BB lock works well and the ergonomics and looks are just amazing.
 
I handled a Dodo recently, I really like everything about the knife. The BB lock I dont have a problem with. I plan on buying one soon, I hear they are discontinued
 
I've been trying to decide on one also, kinda newly into Spydercos myslef and I asked about which models had it in the Spyderco forum and the Dodo is discontinued, but you can still find them.
 
Spyderco is trying to fix the design. The pikal folder has some sort of piece surrounding the smooth ball bearing that can be gripped. Only problem I see with that is the prototype piece appeared to stick out a bit from the scales, so it might snag on pockets. Hopefully there's another update soon.
 
And I LOVE the ball bearing lock! I have a D'Allara 2 DP, and I can open & close that knife with either hand; which I love! I am very ambidextrous, and a knife that I can open with either hand is important to me. I also happen to think it is smoother than the Axis lock. I LOVE the BB lock.
 
I have a Poliwog, and the BB lock is absolutely great. I have not handled a Dodo, but I've heard that its lock is a bit harder to operate than the Poliwog's, due to the way it's embedded in the handle scales.
 
I really like the BB lock on the Dodo, and it is easy for me to operate. I also think it is about impossible to disengage accidentally, which is a quality nearly every other folder I have lacks. I realized that the "Pickle" has to have extensions because the bearing is smaller to accommodate the design, but I do not want to see the current size altered. If you can't use it as it is on the Dodo now, you either 1.) have grease all over your fingers, or 2.) have ridiculous ham hands and probably can't hold the knife comfortably anyway.
 
so, eojk, you don't want the BB lock to be used on knives that any kind of mechanic could use, or even an electronic tech who has to use dielectric grease or heat sink compound? You don't want it to be in a knife which could be used for food prep? Nor would you want refinements to it to make it useful in rescue knives? I would prefer it if Spyderco continued to enhance their designs with changes that allowed the BB lock to be manipulated by hands that had a bit of grease, oil, or other fluid on them. If I can't clean my knife or hands immediately, I'd at least like to be able to get the blade out of the way while I find myself some soap and water. I believe Spyderco has to consider such things, since their knives are used in so many different ways, and their locks should accomodate them as best they can.

I also think that people with arthitic hands would maybe like the BB lock to be a bit easier to use.
 
No, I don't. There are plenty of other designs that lend themselves well to these applications. The FRN lockbacks are excellent examples. The Dodo lock is the only one that makes accidental lock release nearly impossible, and I want this option to remain a Spyderco offering. It's basically the advantage of the strength of the Axis with more even wear yet cannot be moved by a slipping grip or someone grabbing at it.
 
I actually have a slight preference for the BB lock. I don't really understand why so many people find it hard to use...I get that it's slightly more difficult than the axis, but very little in my opinion. I can use it just fine (I have both those knives) even with gardening gloves on.
 
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