D'Allara Issues.

[Dyrestraiz]

Hey all, got a weird question for you guys. In y'alls experience, is the ceramic ball on the D'Allara grippy enough for you, and if not, is it possible to switch it out for a steel ball bearing?

Thanks in advance,
Dyrestraiz

[Evil D]

I'd be surprised if you felt a difference. I'm sure on some very small (microscopic) level the ceramic is smoother but it's not like the steel is textured.

[vivi]

I found both the steel and ceramic bearings slick. The caged ball lock is much easier to use.

[sal]

Hi Dyrestraiz,

Welcome to our forum.

I use my thumb and index finger to release the lock.

sal

[ABX2011]

It's difficult to operate the lock on that model. With practice I was able to do it with thumb and index finger.

[VooDooChild]

The lock on that model will get easier to use after its broken in.

With that said I still dont like it.

Looks great though.

[JD Spydo]

On that lock and on the other Ball Bearing lock models I own I've found that by using one of the better dry lubes really helps a lot. Sentry Solutions has a really good one known as BP-2000. But there are now some pretty decent dry lubes at a lot of your local hardware stores and in most of the national hardware store chains.

I would not use any wet lube on that one for at least a dozen different reasons.

[yowzer]

My D'Allara 3 lock got easier to disengage with time; I kind of hook the bearing under my thumbnail. A cage a la the Manix 2 doesn't look as nice but is a lot easier to operate.

[Frozenspyder]

It does get easier as it breaks in. Also, I've heard that some people have had luck beveling the scales around the ball to get a little more purchase on it.

[Gsg9]

Is not the most closing user friendly but with some practice I am still able close it one handed.

I am taking this opportunity to express my big thank you to all the fidgeters and middle finger flickers for avoiding this knife. The knife not being popular I was able to get a very good deal on it, especially for here in the European Union of Expensive Socialist States.

[Bemo]

I picked up the Q ball that has the same locking mechanism. I love different locking mechanisms and it was on sale. I love the knife but just find the bbl, while I'm sure strong as heck and attractive, to require quite a bit of finger/thumb strength to open. I love the design of the Q ball in all other respects. When I heard the D'Allara was discontinued and was available at good prices I seriously thought about it. But I can't get past that lock. I really like my Manix 2 with that lock though. I can't help but think how well the Q Ball and the D'Allara would do with the captive ball bearing lock.

[Dyrestraiz]

Hey all, thanks for your responses, they've proved to be invaluable!

[araneae]

I find mine to be the hardest to disengage of any Spyderco I own, which is a bummer. I really wanted to love it. I have pretty much sworn off uncaged BBL's.