Automatic vs. Switchblade?

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Plunky McPlunker

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Hello
I have a question about knives... Does automatic mean it is a switchblade, where the blade pops out by pressing a button?
I want to buy a knife like that, but am not sure about the vocabulary.
Can you recommend a nice automatic knife, or one that the blade pops out at the press of a button? In the less than $100 range?
O.K. so it was actually 3 questions.
I hope all you guys had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
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Some are called 'assisted opening' such as a line made by Kershaw and I thought they were not considered switch blade design.
 
Hey Plunky....I'm certainly no expert, but I think that automatic, as opposed to the "assisted" knives that Joni mentioned, are illegal in most locations. Hopefully someone more knowledgable than I will step in and either verify that to be the case, or let me know I'm full of poop.

Brian~
 
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AFAIK, "switchblade" is a subset of "automatic" knife. It refers to a knife where the blade pops out/in at the flick of a switch, usually a slider type switch. There are other types of automatic knives as well. Usually an automatic knife is illegal -- check your local laws. Sometimes there are exceptions for hunting, fishing and one-armed folks (as well as LEO/Military).
 
I recently bought a Pro-tech Stinger, which is a "California legal" auto knife (AKA switchblade) because the blade is less than two inches. I was looking for something quite small as Japanese knife laws have become stricter this past year, but I like the convenience of a pocket knife. In doing research I learned that in Japan if the blade is less than 5.5 cm (2.16") switchblades are legal, at least theoretically. It is very well made, and cost about $100.

YouTube - Protech Stinger
 
"Benchmade" are probably the best automatic knives made, but I doubt you'll be able to get one in the hundred dollar range. I have one as my everyday carry duty knife.
 
Joni_Lynn said:
Some are called 'assisted opening' such as a line made by Kershaw and I thought they were not considered switch blade design.
Click to expand...
The assisted opening knives aren't switchblades by Federal definition anyway. To be a switchblade it has to be a knife with a blade that opens automatically
1. by hand pressure on a button or other device on the handle or
2. by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.

The assisted opening knives work by manual pressure to operate the mechanism rather than a button or gravity etc, so they're not switchblades.

Although some states and butt head senators like mine wanted to include them in the definition of switchblade.
 
One of my older sons has collected automatic knives ( push button ) for years, most of this is from him. The Laws vary from state to state. Arizona and Oregon are the only two states we know of that push buttons are legal for regular people to possess. Law Enforcement and active military are general exempt for possession. Pro -Tec will not sell their knives to any one except Law Enforcement or active military with written proof of qualification. Assisted knives are generally legal most everywhere, but " they " are trying to outlaw them also. We have ads on our web site selling auto knives, I don't know how they do it, and I don't see any reference to who can buy legally. I'm sure someone knows more about this subject that this post, but take it for what it's worth.
 
I was in Kosovo back in 2002-2004. Automatic knives there were about 3 euros. No, the quality was not up to Benchmade standards, BUT for the money, they weren't bad.

If you know anyone who is serving over there, they could probably send you one or bring it back. Check with your state's National Guard HQ.
 
Switchblades laws vary by state. Some states they are legal to own but not to carry, some states you can do both, some states neither. These are Italian made, by Due Buoi.
DSC_00102.jpg
 
Autos and switchblades are the same, auto just sounds more socially acceptable. My carry knife is a Benchmade HK 14700, it has a 4" blade. I've been very happy with it, it's rugged, fast, and holds an edge. They can be had for around $100 from on-line knife shops. Just remember, your responsible to know the laws where you live. If there's any question about legality I suggest you look at assisted openers instead.

bm-14700sbx.jpg
 
Take a look at balisongs!

I carry and use balisongs (butterfly knives). They are the best work/utility knives available IMO. Just like switchblades were invented to prevent women from breaking their nails trying to open the blade, balisongs were once popular with sailors as work knives. People associate each style with gangs and/or the martial arts, but that was never the original purpose of either.

With balisongs there is a skill set to be learned, but once in place their use becomes second nature.

I just wish the * politicians would leave decent folks alone so that they can live their lives. The switchblade laws of the '50s curbed gang violence about as well as gun control has stopped murder in chicago. :mad:

Good entry level balisongs would be the Benchmade 42 and the Spyderco Spyderfly.
 
I'd buy an assisted opener before a balisong, the learning curve isn't as steep or potentially painful.
 
Places all over Oklahoma sell switchblades(automatic knives) and many people carry them, but from what I understand, they are very illegal to carry. I have had several but got rid of all of them, because I don't want to get caught with one. If it was a $50 fine I might risk it but I believe the penalty is much more severe and it could vary from county to county, so I would never carry one. I have two Camillius Heat knives that are assisted opening and activated by your index finger instead of your thumb
and are just as fast as a switchblade.
 
Smith and Wesson made automatic knives several years ago in their Military and Law Enforcement line. I think they were restricted to those groups. I checked the home page recently but could find no mention of them so I am assuming they no longer make them. I paid less than $100 for mine but that was back in the 90's.
 
for a classic look-hubertus are great. for a more modern look-benchmade are fabulous. the classic italian knives are just that classic. there is a lot of junk out there too. know what you are buying.
 
Congress passes law that "assisted opening folding knives are NOT SWITCHBLADES." The amendment was added to the Homeland Security Appropiations Act Of 2010 and was signed on Oct.28,2009. The fight was over a rule change to add to the Switchblade Knife Act Of 1958 and targeting the importation of assisted opening knives by designating them "SWITCHBLADES". Sponsors in US Senate were (R) Texas John Cornyn, (D) Mark Pryor, Arkansas, (R) Orin Hatch Utah. Sponsor in the House were Rep. Bob Latta (R) Ohio, Walt Minnick (D) Idaho.
Info source Jan 2010 Americn Rifleman Page 67.
 
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