Thoughts on "automatic" knives

I bought a switchblade in France back in 63 when I was stationed there. I had previously owned three different auto knives when I was in grade school and high school. An Italian Stiletto, and two Schrade auto's. Bought legally across the counter in the 50's.

I presently use a Kershaw Leek, that is opening assisted, and as fast as any switchblade I have ever had. Great steel, keeps a good edge. I've carried this one since 2006.
 
I carry a Kershaw assisted opener as well. I’ve considered buying a Kershaw Launch automatic knife, but it is bulkier and more expensive. It also opens no easier or faster than the assisted knife.
 
I like em all. Maine legalized autos recently I believe. Not a switchblade but my Sog Trident Tanto is sure quick with the spring assist. Only $59 with Aus-8 steel. Has help up well for 6 years.
 
My knives are tools, not weapons. I can legally carry an extra dozen handguns for back up but can not legally carry a concealed knife as a weapon so carrying a knife for a weapon would be foolish. I usually do not carry single blade knives. Admitting there are occupations where quick opening will make you more efficient, for me fast opening does not make up for most one hand opening knive's lack of multiple blade shapes.

Along with knives that can be opened with centrifugal force from a flip of the wrist and knives with blades that will fall out of the handle by gravity, automatic knives are illegal "spring knives" in Washington. Since they have no appeal to me I do not give a hoot. However, if it was up to me I'd repeal the law. The same as with guns, Hollywood's depiction of knives is politically motivated propaganda. Most knife crimes are committed with kitchen knives.

To the O.P.: Like Buck and Kershaw, Boker both manufactures knives and sells Chinese made knives with their brand on them. I've read on knife forums that Boker's Magnum line is made in China. German made Bokers are more expensive.
 
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After seeing West Side Story on Broadway in 1959, I really wanted a switchblade. I had to make do with a gravity knife, and somehow managed to stay out of trouble with it.

Now I have a couple of assisted Leeks and a Mini Barrage, all of which open as fast as a switchblade, but none of them any faster than a Griptilian with the Axis lock, or a Rat-2. So I guess I’d still like a switchblade, but not enough to go out and spend a lot of money on one.

Here are the switchblades I would not mind owning:
1. Frank Beltrame. Classic Italian style.
2. Mikov. Nice, simple Czech blade.
3. Boker Kalashnikov, as described above. My son has one he found in the street, looking like it had been run over, but still works fine.
4. Buck 110 auto. What could be cooler? You used to only be able to get conversions. They were just a little bit spendy, but kind of hard to come by. Now you can get one from the factory, but if I am going to the custom shop, I would spend my money on a drop point and tool steel.

I would say they are tools rather than weapons, but they are really toys.
 
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Old TexMex said:
Now that I think about it, a switchblade being opened by someone who means me harm is a good alarm, just to let me know that my antagonist is bringing a knife to a gunfight.;)
Click to expand...

This post warrants a replay of this classic:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua_TZ84hmEA[/ame]
 
I recently picked up a Spyderco VG-10. Folding karambit blade. Don't know about legality in CO, but it sure looks wicked. Pull a switchblade and I pull this--well. Been watching You Tube on karambit use. Need to get a blank to practice with as I'm running out of bandaids. Really want an italian stiletto.
 
I have Benchmade and Spyderco knives as daily carry pieces that I rotate. I work in a gun free zone. So I carry either a Schwartz Tactical Lifeline which is carbon fiber and titanium, or a Sheriff of Baghdad puncher (pictured) from Shrek McFee’s Sheriff of Baghdad Tactical company. It is basically sharp plastic with a purpose. Both are lightweight and my only line of defense in my situation.
 

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Nothing is illegal in Arkansas. I have several auto knives and I used to carry one but recently I have carried a Spyderco.

Here's an auto Buck 110 that goes with my engraved Model 10 in the El Paso rig.

standard.jpg
 
Among my Benchmades purchased twenty some odd years ago is an auto. It's nice to have...though I'm not sure worth the premium over the conventional counterparts.

It's supposed to be inspired by the Navy UDT types...though I'll tell you that the only day it was in saltwater it did not do well...with a fuzzy spring, a stained up blade that is discolored to this day, and a gritty action that barely worked. It had to be completely disassembled.

The states and cities classifying auto knives as something more dangerous or insidious than a conventional blade have watched too many movies or have an over active imagination. It's just dumb.

This one is small, svelte, and light...and I find it quite okay...but it needs to stay relatively clean...and apparently...out of saltwater.
20131005_004357 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 
H Richard said:
I bought a switchblade in France back in 63 when I was stationed there. I had previously owned three different auto knives when I was in grade school and high school. An Italian Stiletto, and two Schrade auto's. Bought legally across the counter in the 50's.

I presently use a Kershaw Leek, that is opening assisted, and as fast as any switchblade I have ever had. Great steel, keeps a good edge. I've carried this one since 2006.
Click to expand...
My new Leek is just like yours... No safety !
But the first Leek I owned had a safety , it was unnecessary so I removed it.... I never noticed the new ones dropped that feature . Do like the Leeks !
Gary
 
I have a Boker Magnum switchblade with the tanto blade. The only time I use it is to open letters and bills. In California, the blade has to be less than 3 inches. One of my friends picked up a switchblade knife from some suspect. After careful measurement, it was 2.95 inches.

The legality in Nevada? Don't know, don't care. If I'm going to carry a knife, it will be one of my Randalls. I think I might be partial to my Number 1, 7 inch blade, with a stag handle. It looks pretty. If I really feel the need to carry a knife to protect myself, it will be a gun.
 
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