Automatics, knives that is

[stu1ritter]

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

 

[waxman]

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.

 

[kaveman]

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).

 

[stu1ritter]

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

 

[kaveman]

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.

 

[gwpercle]

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

 

[JK-linux]

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.

 

[Mule Packer]

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."

 

[Darkstar888]

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

 

[stu1ritter]

Darkstar888, how about "I just want one".

Stu

 

[KSDeputy]

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

 

[W.E.G.]

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/opinions/opncavwp/2708041.pdf

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Wife's yard knife

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Mumbly-Peg knife

 

[eveled]

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.

 

[H Richard]

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

 

[Leatherhead23]

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.

 

[Darkstar888]

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

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.

 

[marinevet]

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.

 

[Absalom]

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.

 

[Leatherhead23]

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

 

[loeman]

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.