Smithhound, being from the great state of TN you couldn't be too far from Atlanta. If you have not already you should make a trip to Atlanta for the next Blade Show to see an incredible display of custom switch blade knives. I think it would be worth the trip for you. Seeing them first hand is incredible. Meeting the people who make and modify these blades really adds to the experiance.

RetiredW4 - I'd love to do that, sounds like a good getaway weekend.
KraigWY - the knife you picture is exactly like the one I told about, the one that cut my hand open on the school bus!
Many years ago I owned a paratroop switchblade with box and instuctions written on 'onion paper' that was issued during WWII, it was a Schrade but it had a Hawkbill blade. Foolishly I let it slip away. I keep meaning to build that arse kicking machine, could probably sell a few to members here, we've all let things go that we regret.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

Hadn't carried one since high school. (Had to keep up with James Dean, in Rebel Without A Cause)

Do you have to store these knives in the "open" position to keep the spring mechanisim strong or does it not make any difference?

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

The maker of mine claims it doesn't make any difference. I've had mine for 9 or 10 years, and have kept them closed. It hasn't made any noticeable difference. Maybe it would with the cheaper knives, but mine still work like new, both the ones I don't use and the one I do.

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Misty

autos; Italians and Germans. I buy, sell, and collect custom made knives; I have a few custom handmade autos that are very nice. Here are a few photos of them:


Philip Booth Black Mammoth Ivory double action

White Mammoth Ivory bolster release Philip Booth Minnow with the other two Booth autos

Philip Booth Twisted Nickel Minnow

"Dragon" auto by Norm Levine - one of the original founders of the Knifemaker's Guild.

Ox Enterprise, Charlie Ochs commercial copy of the original UDT/Black Knife as developed in part by Charlie

I also have two Buck Folding Hunter conversions; one with a round button release, the other with with an oval release button. The round brass release button Buck Knife has a Buck Custom Shop tang stamp on the blade.

Here in NH all automatics were legalized a couple of years ago. No restrictions. Stabbings haven't increased as a result of the new law.

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Geoff. Since 1960.

means you can open it like a regular knife or push the button

I've always liked the look of the older stilletto, now I'll have to pick up 1 or 2 or 37 if and when my wallet will allow. I carry a Paragon X-O-Lite that is very well made, tough as nails. Made a replacement spring that sends the blade out with real authority.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

I believe it has to do with OTF (out the front) automatics. If you look at the small Microtech knives you will see the blade is actuated by pushing forward on the switch and retracted by pulling aft on the same switch (double action). The older and larger Marfione versions, such as the CFO II has to be charged by pulling back on the handle at the butt (single action). The big CFO II is #218. Both knives are dated Sep 2003, before the Marfione's sold, I believe.

The Ultratech (below) originally had Torx screws, but because one screw backed out and was lost Microtech replaced all the screws with their three hole headed screws. I would liked to have kept it in original condition, but that's what they did to fix the knife. The CFO II is a monster and is great for a pilot's survival vest. The Ultratech is great for everyday pocket carry. Just don't wander into the Atlanta city limits. Georgia law restricts local governments from restrictive gun laws, but allows them to limit the type of knife you can carry. The weapon laws change so rapidly around here please check before carrying.

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My favorite everyday carry. Benchmade 3550


Second best, Benchmade Mini Infidel.

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

I found this one in Portland, OR (switchblade heaven) picture #2/3. It's an early collaboration between Al Mar and Benchmade and is marked as such on opposite sides of the blade. The other is one, picture 1, (#8 of 10) of Al Mar's prototypes from 2007. I like auto knives for several reasons.

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Occasionally i'll carry this or a boker top lock on shift but mostly i just use trauma shears for any cutting that needs to be done.

While reading SMITHHOUNDS post, I kept thinking back to when I was a kid......in the 50's and early 60's. I had an old switchblade back then and have thought several times about getting another, and his post made me start looking. I saw several at gunshows, but passed since I really didn't know what I was getting.

Did a search on a well known selling site and lo and behold....found one locally for $40. I have know idea if that was a good deal, but the knife is solid, blade is tight, safety switch works great and the spring is outstanding.

This one measures 8.75" open with a 3.75" blade. It's in pretty good condition and I was told it was purchased in Greece by an ex-Navy guy back in the early 90's. Only mark I can find is "INOX" stamped on the blade. Looks like it'll make a great letter opener. Did I need one of these? Of course not, but it sure is fun to mess with!

Who made this thing? Anybody know?