Why not more Ball Bearing Locked Knives?

I love my D'Allara. I kind of wish that the ball was more like a pin, though. Sometimes I find it hard to grab. Maybe if it stuck out both sides a little more.


(Just trying to stir the pot.)
 
We are working on a design for a D'Allara2. Thinner, G-10 scales, narrower when folded. It's still a ways off. One of the 50+ designs that Eric and I are working with.

Hi George,

Thanx for the suggestion. As mentioned, it's a lot more difficult than it might appear, as well as expensive. A cutom shop requires a cutom maker on staff. Our custom maker on staff is busy making prototpes for future models.

I will generally refer one to a custom maker for mods. There are a few that frequent here that can do great mods. We try to give you a good foundation that is worth modifying.

Hi Chewy,

Pins twist. Keeping one in place is not possible without an appendage, or a containment like the caged ball. If the pin passes through a scale, and that scale offeres support for the lock, it could be argued that it is an infringement on the Axis lock. The ball lock does not require a scale to function. The caged ball as well does not require a scale for support.

sal
 
ooo D'Allara 2, Manix 2 with ball bearing lock, I'm excited for the future!

Sal, how far away are these G10 Dragonflies I keep hearing about?
 
D'Allara2, SOLD
Manix 2 SOLD (Please make sure its the full sized Manix)

Thanks!

& Blue G10 is always nice....... :thumbup:
 
The Deacon said:
In an attempt to get this thread back on track. In my opinion, the ball lock, although interesting from an academic/technical point of view, fails on one major point in real world use. It is difficult, and in some cases virtually impossible, to close except under the most ideal of circumstances. The caged ball is better in that regard, but I will still opt for a midlock/frontlock myself.
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Paul, I REALLY have to disagree with you on this. I work in the garden a LOT and the BBL is one of the easiest knives to close no matter what state of crud I'm in.

I did worry about it the first few times but years of use have proven it's worth.

And (disrelated) while I understand "why" the P'Kal needed a caged ball (and I LOVE the knife, BTW) I still find the regular full sized ball to be a better design for ease of use.

Ken
 
batosai117 said:
Why isn't there a knife with a "manly" size blade with the ball bearing lock produced yet?
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Okay, I really like BBLs but I have to say, my favorites are the smaller ones. One of the BBLs big advantages is how easy it is to close one handed.

I find this much easier and more natural on the smaller knives (Dodo and Phoenix) than on the larger D'Allara. Not that the D'Allara is difficult!

And maybe this is just the awesome design of these smaller knives and not a function of size at all but I thought I'd share my experience.

(then again, if Sal made a larger BBL - I know I'd buy one. Love the BBL!)

Ken
 
Sal Glesser said:
We are working on a design for a D'Allara2. Thinner, G-10 scales, narrower when folded. It's still a ways off. One of the 50+ designs that Eric and I are working with.
sal
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YES!!!! D'Allara 2! :thumbup: :D :D

(Best part of my day was reading that. Thanks sal ;) )
 
Sal Glesser said:
We are working on a design for a D'Allara2. Thinner, G-10 scales, narrower when folded.

sal
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Cool. All sound like improvements..... But, any chance of also "upgrading" it to a flat grind??? :thumbup: ;)

I am really looking forward to many of the upcoming desings. :thumbup:

.
 
Not the same, it is similar to the axis. :D I very like the BB-lock, as well as Axis. :)

SpyDAllara_3.jpg
 
DWRW said:
Cool. All sound like improvements..... But, any chance of also "upgrading" it to a flat grind??? :thumbup: ;)

I am really looking forward to many of the upcoming desings. :thumbup:

.
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I like the grind on the D'Allara as-is, and I also think the wire clip works pretty well for this one. Now for a tip-down carry option!!!! :thumbup:
 
kbuzbee said:
Tip down would work for me but most would find it interferes with the BBL....

Ken
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I had thought of that. What if the clip was flattened a bit (closer to the handle) and the wire was shaped around a larger ball bearing. You could then access the lock through the clip with either right or left handed. Patent it. Fully ambi tip down. :thumbup:
 
Might work. I'd have to try it, but tip down is pretty low on my wish list.

First I like to see some FFG BBLs:thumbup: That would be way cool!!

Ken
 
Had the opportunity to handle the Dallara in person at New Graham knives. The ball lock was soooo smooth. I just felt it was too big for my personal needs. Please Sal, consider a Dallara Jr. or a smaller FRN ball lock.
 
Hmmmm....I think ball locks and access lock should be reserved for Benchmades I dont think anyone does it better.
 
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