I'd never really been interested in auto knives. I had an assisted-opening knife, a Kershaw Leek, for a while. Good knife, but I wasn't completely comfortable with it in my pocket without the safety engaged and the safety was awkward to engage/disengage one-handed. I ended up selling it.

However, I could see the advantage of having an automatic knife, particularly with gloved hands. Recently, I decided to get one. However, having limited funds, I had to do a lot of research to find something that I thought would suit me without breaking the bank.

I ended up getting a Boker Plus Strike:



3.25" drop-point D2 blade with a black coating and black handles. Normally I try to avoid "tacticool" products, but I gotta say, I like the looks of this one. It's got a nice heft to it without being too heavy, though noticeably heavier than my Delica. The handle texture feels good in the hand. The safety is close to the activation button, allowing me to disengage the safety and release the blade in one motion. I can close it with one hand, though it is a bit tricky; I'm sure it'll get easier with time. The blade locks in place with no perceptible play.

The one downside is that the edge was, at best, working sharp out of the box. Had difficulty slicing a sheet of paper. A few passes with my Sharpmaker's ultra-fine rods and some stropping, and it was making nice, clean cuts in paper. Since D2 is only "semi-stainless," I did apply a little Lubriplate oil to the edge. One of the reasons I chose to go with a coated blade.

All in all, my initial impression is that it's a pretty solid knife, and a good value at less than $50. Time will tell if that impression holds up.

Here's the Boker with my current EDC, a 2.5" Delica for comparison:



I don't know if it will replace my Delica as an EDC knife, but I'll be carrying it for at least the next few days to see how it goes.

And now I'm thinking about getting an OTF.

What have I gotten myself into?

Not a fan of black tactical stuff. I have several auto knives. Favorites are a pe4arl handled classic stiletto that reeks of a Mafioso and a Buck 112 that's been converted to auto opening. You know you've done something when that big, heavy blade snaps open. Part of my Model 10-5 rig.

Won't allow me to add photo. Try another way.

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Those are nice! I like them!

I had a military issue Benchmade AFO auto. They're around and they are relatively cheap being used and all.

Unfortunately in NM, autoknives/switchblades are illegal...

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Thread Killer.

Boker's are very good for their price point BUT the blades as shipped aren't very sharp. Probably don't want to invest the time to do it over production output.
I treated any of mine as you did with diamond, stones then a strop - cme out pretty well. A better grade of steel wouldn't hurt but there's that cost factor again!!

Like the looks of it myself. Boker always seemed like a quality name and makes nice knives. My Sog Trident is my EDC for now but gonna check out their updated one with D-2 steel. Everyone should have a few.

Got burned in a gas fire 8/20/98. Took a while to recover use of my left hand, etc. Could not open my regular Buck pocket knife. Found and bought a little Benchmade Auto Benchmite. Dog gone great knife! Little 1.95 inch blade ... i.e., California legal. Since I live in Georgia, no big deal. Snappy crisp action. Assisted opening ... yeah! Right! Just ideal for everyday use in the office, around the house, etc. Celtic design cut into the side. Lever lock. Only opens if and when you depress the leaf/lever. Excellent. Later I was doing a funeral out of town. Arrived about one hour early. Drifted into a sporting goods shop and saw a Benchmade Auto-Presidio. Bought it. That is my EDC. Does have a lock, but I never use it except only occasionally. Outstanding in every way ... quality of the blade, grind, angles, etc. Absolutely excellent knife. Wish I'd had one when I was working nights in the shipyard (79-83). Could really have used such a knife back then. Sincerely. bruce.

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If this Boker works out well, I'm probably going to get their Stubby Strike, which is the same knife but with a 1.9" blade and a shorter handle, for when I visit family in CA.

Very nice knife . I gave a couple of micro tech autos. One is a 2” wide blade that’s also my money clip. Yes it’s gimmicky but I couldn’t resist it.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Congrats very nice!

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Life is short,live it fully.

Glad you like your purchase. I also went with a Boker, the left handed Kalashnikov when they were closing them out.

I have a few but never carry one. I carry a Case knife and have a pretty good size knife collection mostly Case brand.

O.P. - nice knife. I have the same basic model, but with the D2 "Bowie" blade. Great knives for the price.

I had a Boker auto that I found and it was well worn and finally stopped working and I threw it away. I bought an "out the front" automatic Lightning knife that was on sale for about $35 and it has been an excellent knife. The blade doesn't lock as solidly as a folder but it has worked fine for 7 or 8 years of heavy construction use and abuse. I like how I can deploy or retract the blade quickly with one hand while carrying something in my other hand. In Oklahoma I think any knife is legal including sword canes.

ContinentalOp you gut what we call"the BUG"

How did you convert your Buck to auto opening?

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

Wow! I'll stick with my slightly cheaper version!

Boker makes great knives. I have their Kalishnakov, shown in photo below
3rd from left. I have the 4 autos, 1 assisted, and 1 flipper.

Left to right:
Piranha auto
S&W auto
Boker auto
CRKT auto
Benchmade assisted
Kershaw flipper

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In Omnia Paratus

Careful, you'll get blood on your money!
Steve W

This was given to Logan by a forum member. I'm hoping he forgets that I have it.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

I have a mild interest in autos, but not strong enough to make me go to any real trouble to get one, or to pay full price. The ones that interest me, sort of, are:
1. Mikov Czech-made lever action
2. Frank Beltrame Italian classic switchblades
3. Boker Kalashnikov, although the OPs Boker is also appealing
4. A Buck 110 or 112 auto, either from the factory or a conversion.

OTF and S&W style tactical autos hold no interest for me.
My son has a Kalashnikov that he found in the street. Playing with that one every so often usually satisfies the urge. I have a couple of assists from Benchmade and Kershaw that take up any slack in that department.

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Not in jail.

A couple of years ago I decided to order an automatic knife. My home state removed legal prohibitions, essentially treating autos the same as any other pocket knife (open carry is generally okay, 3.5" blade length is max for other uses).

I went with the Boker 'Magnum' model. Very sturdy knife with solid hand-filling contoured aluminum grip, 3.25" AUS-8 stainless blade with a mild hollow grind and spear point, pocket clip, and a recessed operating button that eliminates the need for a separate 'safety' or locking mechanism.

As the OP noted, edge condition on delivery was only functionally sharp and benefited greatly from some careful attention and honing. The AUS-8 steel has maintained a good edge very well and seldom needs any attention.

Automatic opening was a bit sluggish when new. A drop of oil on the pivot pin and a few repetitive operations provided a very snappy operation.

This has been my daily pocket knife for the past two years or so and I am very comfortable with it. Shortly after receiving the Boker I took a trip through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, so I did some research on knife laws prior to going. Restrictions vary considerably, from blade lengths to outright prohibition as "switchblades", so this is a matter for each user to pay close attention to. Simply because you live in a state with minimal restrictions (like my own) does not mean you are exempt from the local and state laws you may encounter elsewhere.

For those places where I can't have my Boker I still keep my old Gerber thumb-stud folding knife, but even that could be a problem in some areas due to a blade length of about 3-1/8". I've been carrying a pocket knife since I was about 8 years old, and I can't imagine going out of the house without one any more than I would leave my wallet. But common sense demands caution when travelling.

I was excited when Texas finally legalized carrying auto openers about 4 years ago. I bought 3 of them. Bokers. Pretty nice knives for the money actually. The novelty wore off pretty fast when I came across the Ken Onion Blur. It is not an auto opener, but an assisted opener.

I found it to be easier and faster than the auto knives and no worries about it popping open in my pocket.

Fortunately, mine was quite snappy out of the box. Even has a bit of "recoil," if that makes sense.

That's the main reason I had my Delica's blade shortened to 2.5".

Nice auto knife. Wish that I could carry one here in NC without concern. NC allows auto knives but not concealed, in pocket or otherwise.

That is strange. How are you supposed to carry it, hanging from a lanyard on your belt? The whole mystique about evil "switch blades" was created by Hollywood in the '50's as I remember. Only hoodlums carried them in the movies. They should be treated like any other knife. My Dalton is with me every time I put my pants on.

Black finished blades are great for show and tell. The finish does not hold up worth beans.
I bought this Benchmade for my birthday a couple years ago. I have been toting around an automatic opener for at least 5 years. I would not go back to a manual or assisted opener for love nor money. This one opens quick and stays closed even with the safety off.
You can see it does not get treated with kid gloves. It is my daily carry, work and hunting blade. I gave up on small gentleman knives a long time ago. Always found myself wanting for a larger blade. Cannot tell any difference in my pocket between this and one with a 1” shorter and thinner blade. Blade on this knife is 3 3/4”.
If you look at the picture, the edge is showing a pretty good burr. It got honed right after the pics were taken. I have only had to actually sharpen it twice so far.

Well, for what it's worth, I think that looks just fine. Sort of like honest wear on a blued revolver.

When I was 7, I traded into a switchblade.

I carried it to the movies one Saturday and discovered it would go off in my pocket. Poked me pretty good.

Some months later, I showed it to cousin Bob. Bob was impressed and told my Dad about my switchblade.

Dad confiscated and destroyed the switchblade.

I was mad at Bob for years .

My only bad experience with an auto was with CRKT.
It opened in my pocket several times. Once I forgot to put the safety on and it sliced my Levis really good.
Went through two knives via their customer service dept. Third time I requested another model and never heard back from them again. Turn about is fair play.

I think I'd like to get an Italian stiletto at some point, not for any practical reason but just to have. They're just so iconic.

I have been EDC an auto for 30 years or so. I have many but my EDC for the last 18 years is a microtech lightfoot. It has a thumb stud and works like a manual folder with a lock open. It is a great Auto if you know where the hidden "button" is to open it. I went with it because unless the officer knows knives I doubt he would know its an auto.
Stayed with it cause its the best knife I own. big, heavy bladed, working knife.
however since Governor Scott Walker decided he just hadn't seen to many "drive by switch-blading" and signed them legal, I now carry a Benchmade Infidel OTF when I get dressed up.

Over the years I have had several Italian stilettos and I still have three. In this group picture you can see a red one on the lower left, a black one on the upper left, and a bone handled one on the far lower right.



Those are the auto knives I will never carry because waaaayyy back in the dark ages I carried a black Italian stiletto that I bought in Acapulco and that big fat button was far too easy to press and it often opened in my pocket. I never got cut but I did mess up some pockets.

Fourth from the right on top is an OTF. It's fast and not too hard to get into action but I simply do not trust an OTF - if it opens in your pocket you WILL get cut.

Third from the left on top is a "peanut" switchblade. It's terribly cute but too hard to open.

This Kershaw Hinderer is not a switchblade but super easy to open with a flick of that lever. I carry it often.



When I am properly dressed I carry a Swiss Army Knife daily in one vest pocket and generally a switchblade in the other - this one:

[IMG]http://smith-wessonforum.com/members/iscs-yoda-albums-blades-picture19636-boker-****mat-kalashnikov-small-size.jpg[/IMG]

Boker calls it "****mat Kalashnikov". It comes in a box that looks like an AK-47 30 round magazine. Not too different from the OP's knife. Easily opened but not to the extent that I worry about it the same way as I worry about those stilettos. Excellent knife and it comes in a larger size, too, if you can find one.

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Come and take it!!

Nice buy; the Boker autos can't be beat for the $$. I have carried an auto every day for many years. My current inventory, L to R;

Bushmaster Tactical ( assisted), Boker Kalish., Piranha Bodyguard, Gerber Covert., Pro-Tech Godson.

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John

When Michigan legalized switchblades I had to have one. I'm only going to get one so I went high quality, Benchmade Criterion with a 3" blade. Complies with the State's muddled knife laws as far as carry goes. At least I think it does.

I’m leaning towards a Buck 110 for my first auto, don’t really plan on carrying it as my EDC is a Benchmade Emissary but I want one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lots of nice/evil autos here. I've always been attracted to the unusual and this W.R. Clark of Dynamic Knife Designs fills that bill. It has a dual spring mechanism (leaf & coil) with a swing guard, which I've always liked, and a positive safety switch. ATS-34 to handle the long, slim blade. It's a combination of old school cool and modern tech. Watch out. It will try to jump out of your hand. Warning: It may not be legal in some moronic, backward jurisdictions.

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That is a nice one. I like the old school/modern fusion. Classic, but contemporary at the same time.

This Illustrates the practical side of autos, a Hubertus, made in Solingen. It has a secondary, double cut saw blade (not automatic). These are really built tough.

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I would carry an auto but local ordnance forbids.

Although like most folk my daily carry knife mostly does yeoman's work opening and breaking down Amazon boxes and little else, it's at hand as a defensive tool if needed, and easy, certain, one-handed opening to me is a must.

Bare minimum is a Spyderco, but assisted openers are much preferred, and after mostly ignoring flippers, once I got some time behind one I became a convert.

They're all workarounds, though, and a true auto would be preferred. Drooling over the online knife retailers, we're in kind of a golden age for them, too -- incredible array of styles to choose from, from high quality makers.

Not so my youth when I was secretly toting a cheap-o Italian knock-off from over the border. Occasionally, times change for the better...

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Pickpocket

I don't use folders as defensive tools, though they can certainly be pressed into that role if necessary. The fastest opening knives I ever had were Emersons with the wave feature. At this point, I can open my Spyderco Delica faster than my auto, though manipulating the auto's safety contributes to that; Not really comfortable using it without a safety. A double-action OTF would probably be faster, and I would like to get one, but again not entirely comfortable carrying an auto without a safety engaged in my pocket.

Of course, the fastest, and surest, would be a fixed-blade knife, which is why I carry a Ka-Bar TDI Investigator as a "GET OFF ME!!!" tool.

Bob deserves it. I'd still be mad.

I've carried an automatic knife on my duty belt for at least a dozen years. I always carried a quality folding knife on duty, but I became a convert to automatics one cold rainy afternoon when a state trooper and I both waded into a swollen creek and had to pull an unconscious woman out of a car that was almost submerged. I was fighting to hold the door open against the rushing water while he was holding her head up and trying to get her out. I watched him reach to his duty belt and pull out his Benchmade automatic, flick it open with one gloved hand, and cut the seatbelt so he could pull her out.

After watching him do that I was pretty sure that I could not have done the same in that situation with one hand with the folder I was carrying that day. I bought an automatic shortly thereafter and have carried one ever since on duty and have cut my fair share of seatbelts.

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