I've been thinking of getting an automatic pocket knife and just wondering about folks experience in owning/using them. I'm moving to AZ where they are legal, and it seems readily available.

thanks,

Stu

I bought a Benchmade Mini Stimulus a couple of months ago. It's a nice knife for under $200.00. Living on the Wisconsin and Michigan border, I have to be carefull. While legal to carry in WI.it is illegal to posses in MI.

When Indiana changed their laws about two years ago I went a little nuts and bought about 100 various auto knives just to find out what I liked best. Double action Out the Front(OTF)is about all I have any interest in now. I don't really care for the way you have to hold a side opener in your hand during deployment and I never got over the fear of having a side opener close on my fingers while being grasped(although it's no different than any other folder). I've had side openers open in a pocket(can't happen with a DA OTF). I've had side openers jump from my grasp when being deployed(can't happen with a DA OTF). Side openers without safeties WILL open when you don't want them to and safeties are somewhat of a pain(and unnecessary on a DA OTF).

Exactly what is a DA front opener kaveman? New term to me. I understand a front opener (and hadn't even considered them, before) but what is the DA involved?
thanks,
Stu

A Single Action OTF has a release button that shoots the spring loaded blade out when pressed. Blade retraction is manual and generally requires two hands to operate. They can release in a pocket.

Double Action OTF has a spring loaded slider on the side that is operated with the thumb. The blade isn't under spring tension while retracted or deployed. There's a small amount of effort required to move the slider against the internal springs to open or close, but it doesn't amount to much. Very easy to use. Since the blade isn't tensioned until you move the slider, there's no need for a safety. It's an amazingly ingenious system.

The only reason for a SA OTF is that once released, the blade is pretty much guaranteed to deploy to full lock. A DA OTF doesn't have near the projecting force so it can be stopped before locking if it hits anything along the way(clothing, brush, meat, etc). As vicious as the things appear, you can actually stop the blade deploy in its tracks with nothing but a poke to your finger. A strongly deployed DA OTF will puncture a single piece of paper but won't make it through two sheets. If the blade does not deploy fully, a simple tug will lock it in the extended position. I think I might have a vid posted somewhere,......let me check.

In my line of work I need a knife I can open and close with one hand, usually the other is occupied and opening a knife with your teeth isn't good. When Kershaw came out with "Speed Safe" models I was in hog heaven! Open and close , I don't know if they are true automatics , but they work just like one. Index finger on the little button on the back of the blade and she springs open just like a switch-blade. The opening mechanism is simple , strong and easy to replace, Kershaw will send you the spring at no charge.
I own about 12 different models and have worn out one spring.
My favorite for dress is the Leek, for work The Volt II and OSO Sweet II .
I like all the Kershaw Speed Safe knives, they come in many different models, check them out.
Gary

I like autos, but sold most of mine. My favorite was the Microtech LCC. I still have a nice plain jane Ultratech OTF for opening letters and playing around with. Autos are nice for opening boxes, and if you are working something that requires two hands and a lot of "open the knife, cut something, close the knife, open the knife, cut something, close the knife, etc...

I don't do much of that sort of work so I do fine with a large or small Sebenza for just about everything. Autos are fun though, no doubt; addictive even.

Here's the one I carry on a daily basis. It was made by Schrade Cutlery Co., Walden, New York, and was purchased in 1920 by Charles Schleef in San Francisco.

When he died, it went to his daughter, who kept it in storage. And when she passed away, her husband, a good friend, presented it to me with the words, "It was made to be a working man's knife, so I expect you to use it." I have followed his words.

Several folks who have seen the knife have told me that it's too valuable to be an everyday work knife, but I'm putting it to the use for which it was originally intended. It cuts the string on hay bales, opens grain sacks, and makes shavings for the camp fire. And every evening, I sit in my great-grandfather's rocker and touch up the blade on an Arkansas stone.

Someday, when I'm ready to slow down, this ol' knife will be passed on to a son or grandson with the same counsel I was given..."It was made to be a working man's knife, so I expect you to use it."

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Pack light and cinch tight.

I see no real advantage to a true automatic golfer over an assist opening one same amount of movement. Especially with a good flipper.

Darkstar888, how about "I just want one".

Stu

SOG makes a nice auto, reasonable priced, 4" blade.

I can open my non-spring-assisted EDC with just a thumb stud as fast as I can open any button-spring folder.

Probably faster due to the more-ergonomic location of the thumb stud.

But, I do still have one automatic just for the fun of it.
I take it out of the safe every now and then and flick it a few times, and then put it back.
The EDC does the cutting jobs.


For flicking and ker-chicking
Runs about $80 - $90 online
Not a sturdy knife, but lots of fun to play with and admire


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For EDC


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Schoolboy's knife
http://www.courts.state.va.us/opinio...wp/2708041.pdf



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Wife's yard knife


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Mumbly-Peg knife

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Truthfully for one hand box opening chores, the slide knives that use the single edge razor blades are hard to beat. They also make a heck of a slashing weapon.

Stu, I've had several auto knives over the years, including a couple of Shrade's, stiletto's, and German paratroop auto's. My favorite and my daily carry for the last 8 years is a Kershaw Leek, "assisted opening" knife. No button, it is not a "Switch Blade", but can be opened and closed easily with one hand, has great steel in the blade, holds a edge extremely well, and at just under 3" for the blade, big enough to be useful, and small enough to not be cumbersome.



When are you planning to move to AZ, or is it just for the winter?

Dick

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I have this Microtech Ultratech...its a DA OTF. I love it.








Check out southernblades.com for the best prices on Microtech knives. Tell em Leatherhead sent ya.

I was a huge Leek fan for years until I finally had the tip snap off on me. Always knew it was the week link but after snapping I opted to move to a SOG Twitch II to replace it. Considered a Kershaw Shallot or Even Chive, but the Twitch was just sooo sharp and as classsy as the Leeks.

Bench made makes some nice autos, and assisted opening knifes, I own several. My EDC is now a ZT assisted opening, 1 hand opening is very easy.

I've been using the Gerber 06 Auto for several years. It's a bit on the hefty side, so I usually carry it in its belt pouch, but in-pocket is no problem.

I like the big round button as well as the intuitive safety. No fumbling with the fingernails at the side of the knife like on many others. It's easily operated with gloves or cold, wet, stiff hands.

Shown next to my Benchmade-Emerson CQC-7, which dates back to the 1990s and has seen a bit more use.

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Key for me is to be able to close it one handed without using my leg to fold it up. Lol

I'm probably going to get some heat from this but...oh well!

I bought 5, maybe 6 autos several years ago. All were "name=brands" like Benchmade, etc. And I also tried a couple of assisted openers. IMHO, NONE of them come close to the lock-up and utility of the non-autos. I'm pretty sure I can get my Pat Crawford Benchmade into action as fast or faster than an auto. As you can tell, I'm not a fan of autos.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

Dick, you'll notice from the photo, we think alike. It will be a winter weekend to week or two long place.

Stu

For me, a manual folder with thumb studs is hard to beat, opens quick an easy to close.
Steve W

I wish I had your budget . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I've been carrying a Benchmade 5000 auto since 2004. Took it to Kosovo and Afghanistan.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I've had a couple, but my favorite and current EDC is a Benchmade Infidel OTF. It comes in two sizes and the large one is too large for me. The smaller one is just right for riding clipped in the rear part of my right front pocket.

These are not legal in all jurisdictions, so one must be careful to know local laws.

I've carried a Boker Magnum in my turnout pants for 4-5 years now. No rust, locks up tight, holds a decent edge and sells for under $50 bucks on GB

After seeing West Side Story at age 12, I wanted a switchblade in the worst way, but had to settle for a gravity knife. More recently, I looked at some Mikov autos after somebody hirer talked them up, but I found the buying process a bit cumbersome and never pulled the trigger.

My favorite assisted knife, indeed, one of my favorite EDC knives, is a Benchmade Mini Barrage. I have some assisted Kershaws, too, and really like the Leeks, but an unassisted BM axis lock opens just as quick and easy, and closes easily with one hand. For me, autos and assisted openers are mostly about fun. I can imagine situations where an auto is the only thing that would serve, but for real life an Axis or good flipper will more than suffice. I think of a knife as a tool more than a weapon, and most of the knives I carry require two hands.

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Not in jail.

Pretty sure thats a WW2 paratrooper switchblade. Very expensive ......

I've carried this Boker auto for about 5 years. They're a darn good knife and a great value. BladesOps sells a lot of them and highly recommends them

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John

Here are 4 of my automatics, left to right: Piranha, S&W, Boker, & CRKT.
5th from left is an "assisted opener" by Benchmade. My favorite to carry
is 6th from left. It is Kershaw's Junkyard Dog II. It is neither auto or
assisted, but a slight pull on the flipper with the index finger, along with a
slight flip of the wrist, deploys the blade as fast as an automatic.
I like the fact that it is ambi-dexterous. I carry it clipped in my front
left (weak side) pocket. My thinking is if someone has ahold of my right
gun hand with gun in it, trying to get my gun, I can deploy the knife with
my left hand. Hasen't ever happened, but it could.

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In Omnia Paratus

When banned in the late 1950's automatics were largely demonized by Harry Trumans speech writer as a tool of ethnic criminals. That was largely portrayed in movies using Italian stilletos as they were the dominant imported knife at a competitive price.

Otherwise, the market was Schrade's, and about the most common was a small button lock sold for sewing baskets. Holding a thread to be cut with one hand, and opening a "one hand" knife to clip it was easier than scissors. But politics intruded and we have the laws we let Congress impose on us.

What has happended since are some innovative and artistic engineering solutions to work around the legality of "no push button operation." First of note was the Spyderco Hole, then assisted opening became common. It's essentially having a spring loaded blade but the pressure initially holds it closed, push the blade far enough and the spring goes over center to snap the blade open.

Those innovations have had an impact on auto knife sales. Yes, you can open them faster - altho the grip isn't any better in retaining the knife. I do hear that a lot but it also goes to why? Is blade speed an absolutely paramount need? I will suggest that training and experience in use are far more important. Stating that one knife or another is faster has no basis in tactical use. You can be fast and have a high fumble rate, the slower knife might be more secure and less risky.

Moot point in a era of shall issue conceal carry, but ok.

This is where the OTF knives have an advantage, as the body of the knife is gripped with closed fingers. It's harder to lose it if struck or struggling, and thumb operated makes it more a large gross motion movement. That is consider the basic level of operation when under stress.

The other side of autos is that they are noisy - most of them that I own have higher amounts of opening noise than an assisted or thumb operated knife. No big deal out in the pasture, but working retail in the public eye you get the stare. YMMV - thats something each of us has to assess on their own.

In MO if you have a CCW then nearly any knife can be used and carried, including push daggers. The reality is the wide range of knife designs has a reason - what works better for a utility EDC knife may be horrible for self defense and vice versa. I would no more try to use a swedge ground push dagger neck knife as a casual box opener all day than I would a short sword. The better tool would be a retractable box knife or a simple side opening folder.

Goes to an important point - if you are choosing a knife in this day and age, you get the blade shape first, then a grip that fits the work style, and after all that, how it locks - whether it's a auto comes about last. A knife has to be functional before it can justify the additional embellishment of opening under spring pressure.

I've tried a Lightning OTF, good value for the money, it's not flashy but does bang open and closed like a country general store screen door. The springs vibrate at the end nearly the same. It's the easiest one hand knife I know of and if I was working baled hay or around the farm it would be a great choice. It could need more periodic cleaning if the blade shovels dirt and debris back into the mechanism, but any knife can malfunction under worst case conditions.

Side openers are nice, I'm presently EDC'ing a Ganzo 7212 stone wash in green G10. It's a button lock and it's fast. It snaps open with more authority than my older Benchmade or Paragon military models, because makers have upped the spring pressures in the current market. Blades that open too softly are perceived as being defective or sold with cheap springs. To offset that notion they all upped the spring pressure by double, it seems. I like the Ganzo because of it's modern stilleto single edge styling - it actually looks like a modern Italian make. With solid machined bolsters, G10 grips, and a machined push button lock, finished on all six sides, it's not cheap looking. But it only cost $18 shipped from the vendor.

Do not let others convince you that you have to pay three figure prices for a "decent" knife. It's the current anti switchblade regulations that prop up high prices in America. Compare most of them to their non springing models and you pay double for the $2 spring. The best example of that has been to Boker Top Lock - it's been around since the '90s, and sells for $50 as a manual and $100 as an auto. Many were previously imported manual and buyers would purchase the spring for $2 and kit them. "Because Congress" that was "outlawed" and more difficult these days. But it still can be done.

Automatics have certain advantages and if that particular feature helps to be included in the overall package then buying and using one would be the smarter decision. At one time they were a five and dime item on Main Street, now it's more problematic and that is entirely because of politics. The advances in knife opening have made the push button auto relatively less of a major feature with so much competition.

But don't let anyone tell you that you can't have one. We get enough of that already. I'm not recommending violating the law, if you can carry and use one legally, by all means suit yourself. If we cater to others to make our choices then we'd all be disarmed and carry children's plastic round point scissors.

i've only owned one automatic...a cheap one i bought when i was at my place in AZ. It kept opening up in my pocket,haha. Very inconvenient. I am also very fond of the Kershaw spring assist knives. I have owned and carried a couple different Leeks then one day was at a local sporting goods store and they had on sale a Kershaw Oso...for $19.99. Spring assist with composite grip with some scales on the grip. Good steel,razor sharp,i think the blade is 1/4" longer than the Leek. This is probably the best knife for the money i have ever run across...if the sale comes back i will buy several.....Mike

I have several of the Boker Magnum automatics that I bought at Blade HQ. Inexpensive, but fairly decent knives for about $35. Sometimes on sale for $29.99.

We have one automatic knife a Benchmade.



The top knife is the automatic. The lower two are not automatic but can be opened just as quickly and easily. With the Benchmade Bedlam you just hold back on the blade release to free the blade to close and a flip of the wrist and the blade is opened. With the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 hold in on the compression lock on the back of the handle and do the same. A good feature with both of those if you hold the releases you can let the blades close one handed also.

Very similar, jpage, but the WW2 paratrooper switchblade had a bail. Only difference that I can find.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Long time I haven't posted here. I carry a Microtech Ultertech in my right front pocket. Have for over a year. I have NEVER had it open in my pocket. Great for mail,opening boxes and would be awesome if needed in self defense. For Sunday carry I have Sebenza 25 with a Raindrop Damascus blade. Buy good quality autos and one can not go wrong.

Pretty interesting site on airborne switchblades :EQUIPMENT page 2 check out the article towards the end of the page. Seen quite a few that didn't have a bail.

Nothing fancy, it serves its purpose.

I have a few Leeks-chives....and I know the only way to snap off a tip is to use them for what they are not meant to be used for.....such as a pry bar/screwdriver...

The first auto knife that I bought after graduating the police academy in 1997 was a Benchmade Auto Spike. I still have it, but in my opinion, this one is the king of cool: Micotech's HALO III from 2001.

I'm so old that one of my first pocketknives, or more likely my first, was an automatic given or sold to me by my next door neighbor with my
parents' permission, back before Sal Mineo movies and the Feds' concern with them.

At present, I own only one automatic, a Benchmade Emerson-design "tanto" with simple but very safe push-button release which is a very
secure lock against folding. I bought it because I really like the design. In MA, "switchblades" are legal to possess, illegal to carry. This is
not much of a loss, since I can draw and open a Spyderco Endura faster than I can the Emerson-design knife. However, these days, I carry
neither (I never carried the Emerson). While I fully recognize the general utility of a knife as a defensive weapon, it doesn't appear to me
to fit my circumstances. For utility, I carry a SAK. If I needed a real knife more often, I would carry the Spyderco.

The one offensive (not exactly applicable to my circumstances) advantage of the Emerson is that it is very easy to deploy silently,
much more so than the Spyderco or most locking non-automatics.

I had an inexpensive Shrade knife I got as a present from a job foreman and after 15 years it was destroyed by my mower somehow.
So I wanted another small pocket knife and I bought two, I guess called automatics, push button flip open from the sides. I think I only paid around $5 a piece for them. I am not to thrilled with them because they have opened many times in my pocket. The blades are stainless and they are super sharp. Surprisingly they actually are quality made.

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