Which Spyderco lock type do you NOT care for?

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kgriggs8

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I used to hate the compression lock until I got used to it and now I like it. The ball bearing lock is one that has me scratching my head now. Am I missing something here? What is the point of hiding the lock like that so it becomes even more difficult to release the lock? I have a Dodo and the lock is such a pain in the butt that I am going to get rid of this knife because of it.

What is the lock that you don't like from Spyderco?
 
I hate to say it but the ball bearing lock on my dodo is my least favorite lock ever. although I really like the knife the ball is too hard to use one handed, and if you have grease,oil, or any other slippery material on your fingers forget it.
 
I think that the ball bearing lock on the Dodo is one of Spyderco's most trustworthy locks. Its apparent difficulty to disengage makes it one of the safest locks I have used. :) To me, it is like an axis lock that won't slide if your grip is over it and moves. For this reason, I partially dislike the new extensions on the lock of the "Pickle" to be released later this year.

It is really easy to open a knife using the ball bearing lock, but nearly impossible to accidentally close it. For me, the few extra seconds taken to close the lock are worth the knowledge that that phenomenally sharp blade won't accidentally clamp down on my fingers.
 
"For me, the few extra seconds taken to close the lock are worth the knowledge that that phenomenally sharp blade won't accidentally clamp down on my fingers."

If you look at it like that, it makes sense. There is a time and a place for a knife that opens fast but won't close fast or easy. I just didn't know that was what the ball bearing lock was all about. It seems like it is right at home on the D'Allera and would make a option on the Rescue as well.
 
Another vote for the linerlock.
 
The only thing better than a liner lock is a Sebenza-stype frame lock. Fast, secure and handsome.
 
While I tend to avoid all the "handed" locks, if I had to name the the ten Spydercos I consider least suited to a left handed user, they would all be liner locks.
 
"The only thing better than a liner lock is a Sebenza-stype frame lock. Fast, secure and handsome."

That is a big plus one! For some reason liner locks and frame locks don't get much love but they are my favorite type of locks.

Spyderco doesn't do the best liner lock in the business that is for sure. I had a Military that would make the liner jump all over the place when you used the knife. I had another Spyderco liner lock that didn't lock up well also.

I think the back lock is the thing that Spyderco does the best. SPyderco is always inovating so there will be all sorts of things that just don't make it. I want to make it clear that I am not picking on Spyderco, I am just giving them some feedback to what the customer thinks.
 
The only locks I don't care much for are the ones with play in them. If the blade moves when I use the knife I won't use the knife for much at all or really carry it that often and in most cases I'll return it or sell it to someone that doesn't much care if it is slightly moving a tad when pushed or used.

In some 'rare' cases when the knife is a real keeper I'll break down and adjust the lock myself to where I feel it should have been from the factory or put it into my own "acceptable tolerances" level but it would have to be something that couldn't be easily replaced, like a ZDP189 something or a CF Police or Harpy or some other such beauty. If a replacement was still available I'd take that route first though. And I shouldn't act like I'm just talking about Spyderco here. This applies to any company or maker where the lock, regardless of type, gives a bit or something isn't quite where I think it should be.

STR
 
Liner lock.


I like the BBL on the Dodo, but I'm really looking forward to the pikal BBL, I hope it becomes very popular and is available on many more conventional Spydie folders.
 
I wasn't very fond of the ball lock on the Dodo. It was smooth to open, but closing was awkward and very difficult to do one handed.

All my other Spydercos are lockbacks except my CF Military, which has a very strong linerlock (probably the best linerlock I have). Except of course my Spyderflies.
 
I would have to say the liner lock because it is the ONLY Spyderco folder lock that has ever failed on me. I have had the liner lock fail on me on 3 different models. It seems like lint and small debris that you can get in your pocket at times will keep these locks from functioning properly. I am alway careful using a liner lock in a self defense or hard work situation.
 
I'll have to also chime in with any liner lock from anybody I simply won't purchase. The only locks I've had fail on me that didn't actually break were liner locks. None were Spyderco's, but were other well respected knife company's knives, not cheapies. Now, I will not own or carry a liner lock.

I did have a very cheaply made lockback break on me, but it was a Chinese knock-off. I was merely push cutting some wood chips off and the pressure caused the lock snap. I've never had any other lockback fail, even when chopping. Then again, the only other lockbacks I've used are Buck and Spyderco.
 
Seems like these are easy to manufacture and hard to rely on. My best bet is that in 20 years they won't be around. On the ball lock, not a fair comparison. It's comparatively new, ambidextrous, and apparently works better on the newer models (e.g. D'Allara Drop Point), so I would say liners.

Verb
 
I really hate the compression-lock.
It just is that user-friendly IMO, and it does'nt do a terrific job of holding the blade closed in my Vesuvius and Salsa.

The lock-back is my favorite--if it aint broke, don't fix it!

Cheers,
Allen.
 
I hate linear locks. lock backs are my favorite. I dunt know how much I would trust the ball bearing lock....it didnt look or feel too great to me.
 
I guess I have to go with the liner lock too. I like it for smaller knives like the current Walker, but in general my least favorite knives due to the lock quality have been linerlocks. It can be done well, but it seems like it hardly ever is.

I'll take a regular old lockback made well any day.

The compression lock isn't too dear to me so far, but it has a pretty good design for lock strength so it has its purpose.
 
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