Why not more Bolt Action locks?

[Evil D]

Is it a copyright issue? I don't see why this lock doesn't get more models. The action is fantastic. I've been playing with my Sage 3 a lot today and the action is so good.

Not trying to stoke the flames or another debate, but this knife is a great example of how a non bearing pivot should be and I have no doubt this thing would flip like lightning.

But anyway, why not more Bolt Action locks?

[The Deacon]

Don't think it's an IP issue. Pretty sure Spyderco only credited Blackie Collins out of respect, and because the idea of the Sage series was to use locks that could be attributed to a specific maker. More likely, it's just a case of them wanting to use their own CBBL

[Doc Dan]

The Bolt Action Lock is certainly very strong, as well as smooth.

[JRinFL]

I would like to see more used, however I can see why they would like to use their own lock designs.

[RLDubbya]

Along that line: why not more of compression lock like we have in the Szabo folder, which includes a mechanism to force the heavy blade shut? What about the power lock?

[MattM68]

I love my Sage 3. The bolt action lock is probably the smoothest and easiest lock actuate. I've noticed most non-knife people have a very hard time with BBL or CBBL knives, but the bolt action lock is always easy to use for them. I'd definitely buy more knives with this lock.

[tvenuto]

I'd be in, as long as the rest of the knife suited me. This is a seriously underrated design, and I only have one due to winning the calendar contest, as I had overlooked it as well.

[sal]

Hi Evil,

Mostly it's a demand issue, or lack of. We're not hurting for locks and though Blackie Collin's Bolt Action is a brilliant design, it didn't fly off of the shelves for us.

sal

[palonej]

I would LOVE to see it on other models!! I have 2 Sage 3's and they are fantastic!!
Great lock and Spydie does it beautifully!!
Joe

[Evil D]

Hi Evil,

Mostly it's a demand issue, or lack of. We're not hurting for locks and though Blackie Collin's Bolt Action is a brilliant design, it didn't fly off of the shelves for us.

sal

That's a bummer. Do you think it's from lack of exposure, people just don't know about the lock or something else? I can see where the ball bearing lock is superior in how the ball is able to spin and wear over a larger surface, but otherwise I would expect more people to prefer the softer spring action of the Bolt Action lock.

[holeshot]

Hi Evil,

Mostly it's a demand issue, or lack of. We're not hurting for locks and though Blackie Collin's Bolt Action is a brilliant design, it didn't fly off of the shelves for us.

sal

I think I know what would fly off the shelves, an Axis lock :)

[bh49]

Hi Evil,

Mostly it's a demand issue, or lack of.
sal

I am shocked. I would buy Native5 or Caly with Bolt action lock

[Sharp Guy]

....I would buy Native5 or Caly with Bolt action lock

I'd be in for those too but I'm pretty sure they'd have to make the handles taller in order accommodate the bolt-action lock. I think that would be a deal breaker for me.

[timlara]

I actually have a suspicion that the sales on the Sage 3 were hurt by the scale material choices more than the bolt action lock.

While I personally like both the patterned CF (aka "Huxtable Sweater") and the "Smurf Blue" G10, the mere existence of silly/mocking nicknames for both indicates that there are many who do not like these materials.

It would be interesting to see how it would have sold in a more "standard" looking CF or plain jane black or grey G10. Or titanium, for that matter, since everybody seems to like Ti...although that would obviously increase the cost, which would again deter sales.

Hard to say...glad I'm not in charge of sales! :D

[Bill1170]

I call my M390 PM2 "smurf blue" with the greatest of affection. It's not mocking, it's just accurate shorthand. I really like that shade of blue.

[ABX2011]

Good points timlara re the scale material on the bolt action Sage 3s.
It's also possible that people view the bolt action lock with some skepticism given that it was only used on a series of knives that serves to showcase different locks.
If Spyderco used the lock on more models it would be a more ringing endorsement of the lock.
I also recall that the closing tension wasn't as strong as with other locks. The smoothness was awesome.

[PayneTrain]

I'm always confused when this lock fails to catch on while the Axis and CBBL locks do so well. Besides the Sage 3, the only production knives I know of to use bolt locks are Grant/Gavin Hawk collaborations. I have the CRKT (two actually, replacing the original that I lost which is way out of character for me to do), and it was my practically sole companion for many years before I lost control of my spending habits on Spydercos. The lock is still my favorite, and I respectfully assert that it is better than either the Axis or CBBL. Smoother and more reliable than the Axis, and just plain easier to manipulate than the CBBL, while providing the same strength as either of them. I think it'll make it out there someday, perhaps as the main lock for some yet-to-be-founded major knife maker. It can only stay hidden for so long!

[peacefuljeffrey]

Hi Evil,

Mostly it's a demand issue, or lack of. We're not hurting for locks and though Blackie Collin's Bolt Action is a brilliant design, it didn't fly off of the shelves for us.

sal

Unfortunately, I only just discovered that you even had a Bolt Action Lock offered on a Spyderco model. I would definitely like to see it offered on more knives.

I love the BBL. It’s my favorite lock ever. But it’s not on anywhere near enough models, for me; and I really would like it if the Manix models had pure BBL instead of CBBL.

[TomAiello]

I would buy Native5 or Caly with Bolt action lock

Me too.

[tvenuto]

Clearly I missed this thread. Count me as another BAL lover. Underrated mechanism, no doubt about it.