I don't want all compression locks switched to buttons but...

[ASmitty]

...I do want the Bodacious to be switched to a button compression lock.

Also, would a change like this ever be done as a CQI change or would it necessitate a whole new model designation (e.g. Bodacious 2)? I know for the Sage series it required a new version (5 vs 6), but the Sages specifically highlight locks. Also, the non-LW Sage 5 had already been discontinued for a couple of years when the 6 was released.

Thoughts?

[abbazaba]

Its really is a different lock, and requires tooling for a left handed version of the comp lock, so I really don't imagine this being any kind of rolling change or CQI.

Given the popularity, I do think we will see some popular models released with a button lock version to see the market reaction. Maybe a Para3 LW or the long awaited PM2 LW.

[Evil D]

Change them ALL. It's a win win situation, improved ergonomics and more fidgety for the fidget crowd. I bet if they did this as a rolling change they'd see huge sales increases.

[olywa]

In for a penny...

[vivi]

to me it looks like a solution in search of a problem.

it doesn't fix the one issue I have with comp locks (detent vs self closing bias), but introduces a new potential issue (easier to accidentally unlock).

[Guts]

I don't see why it would have to replace the traditional compression lock tab. But I do think there's a market for the button lock versions. Maybe a sprint or exclusive to test the market would work.

[RustyIron]

I do think we will see some popular models released with a button lock version to see the market reaction.

I think there would be a positive response from the 10% of Spyderco users who are left handed. Even if I was right handed, I prefer a knife that can be operated in either hand. God gave us two hands for a reason. I want tools that can be used in either. I put a button on a right-handed PM2, and it's much better than when it left the factory.

[vivi]

I do think we will see some popular models released with a button lock version to see the market reaction.

I think there would be a positive response from the 10% of Spyderco users who are left handed. Even if I was right handed, I prefer a knife that can be operated in either hand. God gave us two hands for a reason. I want tools that can be used in either.

been saying this since the 2000's, but I've never had issues using comp locks lefty. Did it the other day at work with my millie salt.

[ASmitty]

to me it looks like a solution in search of a problem.

it doesn't fix the one issue I have with comp locks (detent vs self closing bias), but introduces a new potential issue (easier to accidentally unlock).

Have you specifically had issues with causing the Sage 6 to close accidentally or is that conjecture? Because I've been regularly carrying my Sage 6 since I got it, and i have to do odd contortions to get my hand in a position where it would accidentally push the button.

Also, I don't think the compression lock is any worse for detent/self closing bias than a liner lock.

[ASmitty]

I do think we will see some popular models released with a button lock version to see the market reaction.

I think there would be a positive response from the 10% of Spyderco users who are left handed. Even if I was right handed, I prefer a knife that can be operated in either hand. God gave us two hands for a reason. I want tools that can be used in either. I put a button on a right-handed PM2, and it's much better than when it left the factory.

This is part of the reason I like the Sage 6 so much. I'm right-handed, but I have a tendency to carry my knife on my off side (mostly because I prefer tip up carry in the back pocket and carrying on my left side puts the blade against the seam). I open it with my left hand when I draw it, pass it to my right to use, then pass it back to my left for closing and putting away. I also tend to fidget with my knives with my left hand while watching TV as well.

[vivi]

to me it looks like a solution in search of a problem.

it doesn't fix the one issue I have with comp locks (detent vs self closing bias), but introduces a new potential issue (easier to accidentally unlock).

Have you specifically had issues with causing the Sage 6 to close accidentally or is that conjecture? Because I've been regularly carrying my Sage 6 since I got it, and i have to do odd contortions to get my hand in a position where it would accidentally push the button.

Also, I don't think the compression lock is any worse for detent/self closing bias than a liner lock.

I said potential for a reason

I've had the cbbl come unlocked by accident, and button locks look even easier in this respect.

Haven't owned a Sage since the first one though.

Yes, liner locks have the same issue. I used to avoid detent based lock knives, and still mostly do aside from the Military Salt.

[cjk]

Counterpoint: I don't like the button compression locks. I don't like the Smock and and I don't like the Sage 6. They don't solve any problems that I have.

There's a lot more to the Sage series than just showcasing different locks. While each member number of the the Sage series features a different lock, the Sage series also highlights the contributions of PEOPLE to the knife industry. If you step back and take a look at other products across time, the Sages are styled as if they were collabs between that maker and Spyderco. This is particularly evident (at least to me) with the Sages 2, 3, and 4.

The folks honored by the Sage series are:
Sage 1 - Michael Walker
Sage 2 - Chris Reeve
Sage 3 - Blackie Collins
Sage 4 - Al Mar
Sage 5 - Sal Glesser
Sage 6 - Kevin Smock (though Sal actually invented the button release compression lock, Smock used and popularized it)

Spyderco also donates approximately 5% of sales of the Sage line to the National Alzheimer's Association Denver, Colorado Chapter. This is not regularly noted or discussed, but it's a great thing.

The Sage series is a lot more than just showcasing different lock types. There's much more to it than that.

[ASmitty]

to me it looks like a solution in search of a problem.

it doesn't fix the one issue I have with comp locks (detent vs self closing bias), but introduces a new potential issue (easier to accidentally unlock).

Have you specifically had issues with causing the Sage 6 to close accidentally or is that conjecture? Because I've been regularly carrying my Sage 6 since I got it, and i have to do odd contortions to get my hand in a position where it would accidentally push the button.

Also, I don't think the compression lock is any worse for detent/self closing bias than a liner lock.

I said potential for a reason

I've had the cbbl come unlocked by accident, and button locks look even easier in this respect.

Haven't owned a Sage since the first one though.

Yes, liner locks have the same issue. I used to avoid detent based lock knives, and still mostly do aside from the Military Salt.

I wondered about the bolded bit when I was replying. I know those types of lock aren't for everyone, and I can appreciate that. I'm not a huge fan of liner locks, but the compression is one of my favorites.

[vivi]

to me it looks like a solution in search of a problem.

it doesn't fix the one issue I have with comp locks (detent vs self closing bias), but introduces a new potential issue (easier to accidentally unlock).

Have you specifically had issues with causing the Sage 6 to close accidentally or is that conjecture? Because I've been regularly carrying my Sage 6 since I got it, and i have to do odd contortions to get my hand in a position where it would accidentally push the button.

Also, I don't think the compression lock is any worse for detent/self closing bias than a liner lock.

I said potential for a reason

I've had the cbbl come unlocked by accident, and button locks look even easier in this respect.

Haven't owned a Sage since the first one though.

Yes, liner locks have the same issue. I used to avoid detent based lock knives, and still mostly do aside from the Military Salt.

I wondered about the bolded bit when I was replying. I know those types of lock aren't for everyone, and I can appreciate that. I'm not a huge fan of liner locks, but the compression is one of my favorites.

I like evreything else about comp locks. They're fun to use, very strong, ambidextrous, simple in design,easy to take apart and put back together etc.

if they could incorporate a self close bias like the szabo folder but simplify it a bit, it'd be perfect IMO.

[Ocho]

I do think we will see some popular models released with a button lock version to see the market reaction.

I think there would be a positive response from the 10% of Spyderco users who are left handed. Even if I was right handed, I prefer a knife that can be operated in either hand. God gave us two hands for a reason. I want tools that can be used in either. I put a button on a right-handed PM2, and it's much better than when it left the factory.

Preach brother! I 100% agree that any tool you have should to some extent be ambidextrous.. that's why the Emerson's have multiple ways of deployment in case you're strong hand is incapacitated. I too had my pm2 converted to a button lock and find ease of use with either hand substantial.

[Red Leader]

to me it looks like a solution in search of a problem.

it doesn't fix the one issue I have with comp locks (detent vs self closing bias), but introduces a new potential issue (easier to accidentally unlock).

But it also solves 2 other problems: the ergonomic issues some have with the cutout for the compression lock, and a massive improvement in ‘lefty friendliness’. So overall I see it as a win.


EDIT: saw these points have been covered by others already. Carry on!

[zuludelta]

I'm perfectly alright with the current Compression Lock & I'm not particularly interested in button-actuated CL knives myself, but I can see how button lock variants (not replacements) of the most popular CL models can make them more viable options for left-handed users & those with limited finger mobility, as well as those who just don't like the cutout access in the conventional CL. More accessibility is a good thing.

[zhyla]

Axis (“crossbar”) locks solve the detente, ergonomic, and accidental unlock issues really well. I don’t know that I’d say it’s a better lock than compression lock, but if those things bother you it solves them well.

I don’t know if Spyderco would ever do a crossbar lock. It would be a little weird I guess.

[Mushroom]

Axis (“crossbar”) locks solve the detente, ergonomic, and accidental unlock issues really well. I don’t know that I’d say it’s a better lock than compression lock, but if those things bother you it solves them well.

I don’t know if Spyderco would ever do a crossbar lock. It would be a little weird I guess.

They have a handful of crossbar lock models in the works. There were some on display in the prototype case at BLADE Show.

[vivi]

Axis (“crossbar”) locks solve the detente, ergonomic, and accidental unlock issues really well. I don’t know that I’d say it’s a better lock than compression lock, but if those things bother you it solves them well.

I don’t know if Spyderco would ever do a crossbar lock. It would be a little weird I guess.

on paper those locks can solve those issues,but in practice the BM's I've owned didn't have quite the amount of self closing bias I look for, and they can be unlocked on accident even easier than the cbbl.

it's a great design, and with some tweaking it can certainly excel in all those areas.

curious to see what spyderco has up its sleeve. wonder what the advantage will be over the cbbl for their new models?