Battle of the <2" Cali Legal Auto Knives

Another thread here influenced me to get an auto knife. Living in Cali I had to get something under 2" to be legal. I actually ended up getting two and thought I would compare and contrast them for those here who live in Cali or for those who just like small knives.

On the left we have the black on black Boker Sub Kalashnikov. I paid $29 delivered on sale at BladeOps. Normal price is $33.95 for this model. This one has a 1.9" AUS-8 Stainless Steel blade and a 2.925" aluminum handle. It comes in a few different colors and upgraded blade materials for an additional cost. This is a cool little knife for the money. The action is fast and has a satisfying snap when it opens. There is no safety but the button takes considerable pressure to open. The handle has a nice texture pattern and there are some grooves on the back of the blade and handle for your thumb as well as three finger grooves. You can only hold this with three fingers and your thumb but it feels sturdy and comfortable. The blade was only mildly sharp when I got it but it sharpened up fairly well with some time on the Lansky ceramic sharpener. This is definitely a "budget" blade. The blade is centered well but had some play when I received it, not a lot but more than I like. I tightened everything up as much as possible without affecting the action and now there is only the tiniest amount of play which I find acceptable for an auto of this price. This one has a very strong deep pocket clip which works nicely to conceal it entirely in your pocket. It would be nice if the clip was held on by more than one screw. Overall I like this knife. The blade material is not the best but for around $30 it's a good value. It also comes in a neat box that looks like a AK magazine. IMO it would make a excellent gift.

On the right we have the OD green Boker Stubby Strike. I purchased this from BladeHQ for $42.95 plus tax plus S&H. This knife has a 1.875" D2 drop point black stonewashed blade and a 3.45" OD green aluminum handle. This knife also comes in few different colors all with D2 blades. This knife also has good action with a real nice snap when it opens. The blade arrived very sharp, reasonably centered, and locked up tight. You can tell right away this is superior blade material compared to the Kalashnikov. The handle is a little longer that the Kalashnikov which makes it more comfortable and easier to hold. There are no grooves cut into the back of the blade but there are grooves on the back of the handle for your thumb. I prefer the texture on the Kalashnikov handle compared to this one but this one feels good too. The Strike is a little heavier than the Kalashnikov due to it's extended length and because it has steel liners. The biggest difference between the two besides size, is that the Boker Strike has a safety switch. You can engage the safety when the knife is closed or fully open. I think this is a good feature to have on an auto. This Strike also has a deep pocket clip but it still leaves a small portion of the handle exposed when in your pocket. This knife feels more substantial than the Kalashnikov and would be better suited to more tasks. Overall the Strike feels more tactical between the two. Where the Kalashnikov might be easier to carry and/or conceal.

IMO these are both great knives and I hope this helps anyone thinking about getting one. Careful though, these little auto knives are addicting. Next, I'm going get a Kershaw Launch 4.

Thanks for a fun and informative read - please do more!

Nice!
Welcome to another addiction, I love auto knives and carry one daily.

Today I received the Kershaw Launch 4. It's getting difficult to buy guns and ammo in Cali with most stores sold out of anything worth purchasing, not to mention the daily long lines outside both the LGS in my town. So I'm adding to my knife collection. Obviously I have too much time and money on my hands these days. But I digress.

I purchased the Kershaw Launch 4 from Perry Knifeworks for $67.95 delivered. This little auto features a 1.90" black CPM-154 blade and a 3.20" black aluminum handle. This particular model is very popular and comes in many different handle and blade colors, including Damascus for a bit more money. Right out of the box everything about this little knife screams premium. There is not a single sharp edge on the body while the blade is perfectly centered and locks up tight with zero play. The blade arrived ridiculously sharp to the point where I almost cut myself while wiping the blade off after oiling it. Which in retrospect I don't think it even needed. There is no safety, but the button is recessed and takes a considerable amount of effort to deploy. The action is fast and satisfying. Probably not so much as the Boker Stubby Strike, which IMO has the best action out of the three but this one is good too. Overall the Kershaw Launch 4 is the slimmest of the bunch. This is probably it's biggest strength compared to the other two, with the exception of blade materials. The Launch 4 is slim, smooth, and slides easily in and out of the pocket with the attached clip. It's easy to get your hand in and out of your pocket while it's attached making it easy to forget that it's even there. The included clip is not deep carry but it is strong and leaves a minimal amount of the handle exposed. The smooth aluminum handles of the Launch 4 provide less grip than either of the two knives I previously reviewed though the included clip does have an indention which fits the index finger perfectly, providing some added grip and stability. Overall I really like this knife. Too soon to tell but I'm thinking this will be my new EDC for about town due to it's size and the Boker Stubby Strike will be my carry around the property, dog walks, range, etc. because of it's grip, more versatile blade shape, and thicker blade. The Kershaw Launch 4 is made in USA with a lifetime warranty while the other two Bokers I reviewed are imported from Taiwan as flipper knives than modified into autos before being sold. They come with no warranty.

I better stop buying knives before the old lady finds out and starts giving me sideways looks.

I like that one pictured Rolling. Looks pretty cool even with a short blade. Always looking for something new! My Sog Trident Tanto with 3 3/4 inch blade has been very good but I may be missing out on something. LOL

mauser9, I'm not going to say small knives are better than larger ones by any stretch. But they do seem to provide a kind of precision that I find useful in certain situations and easier concealment.

I bought this little guy a few months ago. Website says $99.95 but I only paid $40.00.

Not impressed with AUS-8 steel. But At $40 I can’t complain. Just have to sharpen it more often.

Kanewpadle said:

I bought this little guy a few months ago. Website says $99.95 but I only paid $40.00.

Not impressed with AUS-8 steel. But At $40 I can’t complain. Just have to sharpen it more often.

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Heard the price of some of their line has come down including my Trident Tanto as Sog is now offering improvements to their trident line with beefed up locks, glass breakers, and D-2 steel blades. Price around $90. Handles are black or drab olive.

Kanewpadle said:

I bought this little guy a few months ago. Website says $99.95 but I only paid $40.00.

Not impressed with AUS-8 steel. But At $40 I can’t complain. Just have to sharpen it more often.

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My I ask where you got it? Looks like a nice piece for $40. Full size handle with a small blade.

At a local gun shop.

Rolling said:

My I ask where you got it? Looks like a nice piece for $40. Full size handle with a small blade.

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Hey Rolling check Blade Headquarters. Usually have tons of brands and models. prices ain't bad either.

I thought I would provide an update to my quest for the perfect <2" Cali legal auto knife. Since my original post I have learned a lot and have come to appreciate these smaller blades. I have found the AUS-8 steel used on the Boker sub-Kalashnikov to be poor. It is difficult to sharpen to a fine edge and dulls easily. BladeOps offers this sub version in a D2 blade. I suggest anyone interested in this knife to spend a few dollars more and get the D2 version. Personally I find the overall size of any closed knife and the pocket clip to be a priority for EDC. I ended up gifting the Boker Stubby Strike to a friend. It is a nice knife but compared to the others was too bulky and heavy for EDC. I also realized the safety button is unnecessary on an auto knife. I never use it and haven't had any problems. I ended up carrying the Kershaw Launch 4 after changing to a deep-pocket clip (free from Kershaw) and using the Sub-Kalashnikov as a beater around the property.

After receiving a gift card from BladeHQ I went ahead and ordered a Pro-Tech Sprint. I never owned a Pro-Tech but have heard very good things and am looking forward to receiving it. The Pro-Tech features a CPM-S35VN blade which should be superior to any of the knives I previously reviewed.

On a side note I have noticed that many knives are currently sold out at various websites. I wonder if this is another result of panic-buying.

Not to be rude but other than the cool factor, what is a 2" auto knife good for? A small blade is handy for trimming fingernails, etc. but too short for defense... AUS-8 steel is ok for spreading peanut butter but a 2" blade too short for that too (don't drop it in the jar!) . D2 & CPM-S35VN is very good steel. Boker used to be a good brand but is mostly Chinese knock-off junk today.

@Injunbro, you would be surprised in how handy a 2" blade can actually be. I have found the short length can actually provide more precision than a longer blade in delicate situations. Don't get me wrong, if I could legally carry a longer auto blade in Cali I probably would. IMO 2.5-2.75" would probably be ideal since I prefer a smaller footprint but I am trying to remain within the laws. A 2" blade is probably not ideal for self-defense but definitely better than nothing and it is easily concealable in almost any situation. The presentation of any blade, especially an auto may be enough to deter some people from a potential confrontation.

I absolutely agree with you on AUS-8 and will avoid it in the future. In regards to Boker, they are inexpensive and IMO is one of those situations where you get what you pay for. BTW, I prefer a spoon for my peanut butter.