Automatic knife recommendation

[Ryanxia]

So I was fighting so hard on Constitutional Carry in Maine, I hardly noticed that switchblades and other automatic knives are now legal as well.
Go Freedom right?

Anyways, I've got one switchblade that is a fun novelty, but I'd like another automatic knife now for carrying and was wondering if you guys have any preferences?
I'd like some kind of automatic knife that's small enough to fit in a pocket and has some quality to it.

Secondly, what do you guys think about the "out the front" automatic knives? I like the concept but the only one I ever owned was pretty chintzy.

Any info is appreciated.

EDIT: American made strongly preferred.

 

[W.E.G.]

I can actually open a folder with a THUMB STUD faster than I can grope for the release-button on any switchblade I've ever handled.

The only benefit I can see of the switchblade concept is for circumstances where the knife has no thumb stud, and you are forced to open the knife with only one hand.

I can understand the desire to get one because they are "legal now."

As always, the best quality knife is going to come from sources of high quality knives.
Many of the usual suspects offer automatic versions of their popular knives.
Pick a blade-length, point-type, edge-type, and scales-type that strikes your fancy and enjoy.

I already own a mack-daddy automatic stiletto.
Its fun.
Don't plan on ever cutting anything with it though.

I've always wanted an automatic Buck 110.
Someday maybe.
I know you want a "pocket" knife, so the 110 is probably not for you.
But, that's the first thing I'd buy if Virginia ever came off their stupid "East Side Story" fear of switchblades.

 

[dalto]

I have a number of automatics but the two that get used the most are the Benchmade AFO II and the Pro-Tech Newport.

The AFO is a big durable pocket knife and the release is large and easy to press even with gloves on.

The Newport is small and the clip goes all the way to the top so it disappears in your pocket. It is great in a professional environment where I don't want to broadcast that I have a pocket knife.

 

[Ryanxia]

Thanks for the tips guys.
Dalto - I like the ProTech option, that's more what I'm looking for where I'm in a professional environment most of my time.

 

[hso]

Anything that isn't American made is illegal to import, if that helps.

Anything that is American made is going to start at the $85 mark for a swing blade and $150 for an out the front.

Look at these manufacturer's products -

Pro-Tech
Piranha
Asheville Steel/Paragon
Benchmade
HK
Microtech

The Paragon OTFs are the least expensive of the lot and I've carried one around. The Microtechs are typically the most expensive.

 

[Ryanxia]

Thanks HSO. Stupid question, do most of the out the front models require two hands to retract/slide the blade back into the closed position? Obviously you don't want to damage the blade but I've heard of 'double action' types. Just seems it would be handy to be able to close it one handed as well.

 

[hso]

No, only the least expensive ones. They have a mechanism similar to an AR charging handle to draw the blade back in (at least the modern ones from those manufacturers).

The double action OTFs have a second set of springs and a retracting/activating system. Being more complex, they're more expensive.

The most practical OTF is the small Microtech Ultratech (for office EDC).

Stay FAR AWAY from offshore manufactured OTFs. You're throwing your money away for the most part.

 

[dh1633pm]

I have a bench made. It works like a charm.

http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BM...O-356-inch-Black-Combo-Blade-Aluminum-Handles

Comes in black.

 

[hso]

Charging handle Paragon

Microtech Ultratech Double Action OTF and internals


Benchmade Infidel Double Action


Possibly the finest DA OTF by Jeff Harkins (I don't even have one, but I lust after them).

 

[grter]

If you can find one since they are no longer made a Desert Knife Works (DKW) Sandshark. It is a very strong out of the front (OTF) knife.

The Microtech line is known for making OTFs right but customer support if something goes wrong is somthing I am unsure about.


For a side opener Benchmade axis lock autos such as the Auto Presidio (model 5000) are good. For auto knife repairs or sharpening I would not send it back to Benchmade or you might never get it back (legal concerns and company policy.)

 

[hso]

Yep, a Sandshark is another one for the collection.

Nice write up on the Sandshark and Piranha Excaliber internals here - http://www.jerzeedevil.com/forums/showthread.php/22736-Inside-the-DKW-Sandshark

 

[Speedo66]

As hso mentioned, the Microtech UTX-70 is a very nice EDC DA OTF pocket knife.

Here's some for sale: http://www.bladehq.com/?search=microtecj+utx-70#/?_=1&q=microtech utx 70&page=1

 

[herrwalther]

For auto knife repairs or sharpening I would not send it back to Benchmade or you might never get it back (legal concerns and company policy.)

Not true. I have sent my Benchmade Infidel back to be repaired once and sharpened once. I got it back both times without any problems or delays.

That being said I recommend Benchmade. They cost more but you get what you pay for. The lifetime warranty is worth the added cost, regardless of the knife you get from them.

 

[hso]

herrwalther,

Did you return it as military or law enforcement?

 

[rcmodel]

I have had two new Benchmade's break torsion springs within a month.

Both times, calls to Benchmade resulted in, they had to be returned through a KS Dealer.

(I bought them at a gun show on MO.)

Both times, they said the only way they could return them to me legally was through one of thier KS dealers, or with a military or LEO letterhead.

The second time, I called them and spoke to the VP.

He reaffirmed to me they could not send my knife across state lines to return it too me.

But he ask me for my name & address?

Four days later, I got a plain brown EP in the mail with no return address.

And enough springs and screws to last me the rest of my life!!

I heard he got fired not long after that.
To bad, the guy was one of the good ones!!

rc

 

[C0untZer0]

I can actually open a folder with a THUMB STUD faster than I can grope for the release-button on any switchblade I've ever handled.

I'm not good with my left hand, either with a flipper or a thumb stud. I carry two knives, a folder in my right coat pocket and an OTF in my left. I'm able to operate an OTF knife with my left hand.

 

[rcmodel]

OTF Autos are neat to look at and play with.

But I can't think of a single reason they should cost, on the low end, as much as a S&W revolver for instance.

Once the design is finalized, and the CNC mill programmed.

They probably cost less then $50 to produce the parts.

The rest is how fancy you want to get with fit & finish.

rc

 

[hso]

Assuming you're correct in your assumption......(and S&W doesn't have anything with hand ground blades), a $50 cost to manufacture would have to be marked up for the manufacturer to sell to a distributor that marks it up to sell to a retailer that marks it up to sell to a customer. Pick any reasonable markup for the company at each step to make a profit as a base each time and then consider that the OTF market is a premium luxury product arena.

So, a $130 MSRP OTF (low end of things) might look like ((($50 x 1.075) x 1.25) x 1.25) for an actual street discount price of $84, but we know that U.S. made lux products aren't going to be kicked out for those low initial and subsequent retail prices so ((($50x1.2) x 1.3) x 2) comes to $156 which is closer to what we actually see on the lower end of things for American OTFs. We might assume that the production runs are low, the QA requirements higher, and materials are more expensive to account for some of the additional cost we see in the real market for what is essentially a luxury item.

 

[herrwalther]

Did you return it as military or law enforcement?

I bought it while I was in. The first trip it made to Benchmade I was still enlisted. The second time was for sharpening and after I got out. The AKO (Automatic Knife Opening) agreement from Benchmade is rather vague with no supporting documentation needed.

 

[hso]

That's why you got it back. Because you were in the military at the time the knife is associated with your having been in. One that wasn't wouldn't be as likely to find its way home due to federal laws on the restrictions on interstate trade for LE and Mil. Benchmade and Spyderco are very nearly the only companies that are tight on compliance with this.

 

[Ryanxia]

Thanks for the links and opinions, I'll have to do some comparing.

 

[Wolfman Zack]

If cost is not an issue, than I think the Protech Newport is a good choice.

Budget minded, the Boker AK-74 series is very good for the price.
Not US made, but good quality still.

Also, do not neglect the US made Gerber 06 automatic, it is a very rugged mil-spec knife.
The stock spring is a bit weak, but a replacement is easy enough and makes it an excellent knife.

In my personal opinion, OTF are fun novelties, and can certainly be used, but are not the equal of a side opener for practical purposes.

 

[herrwalther]

That's why you got it back. Because you were in the military at the time the knife is associated with your having been in. One that wasn't wouldn't be as likely to find its way home due to federal laws on the restrictions on interstate trade for LE and Mil. Benchmade and Spyderco are very nearly the only companies that are tight on compliance with this.

Makes sense. I did not think that regulation extended after service was over. Probably helped that I did buy the knife from an AAEFES PX from overseas.

In my personal opinion, OTF are fun novelties, and can certainly be used, but are not the equal of a side opener for practical purposes.

Yup. I love my Infidel. It is a great knife, great novelty. Would be a good defensive knife as well. But not much utility after that. Not exactly something I would cut open boxes with or other daily tasks.

 

[sgt127]

I have quite a few autos. The Bencmade Mel Pardue is an awesome little knife. Very thin and sleek.
http://www.knifecenter.com/item/BM3...O-298-inch-Satin-Plain-Blade-Aluminum-Handles

The benchmade AFO are great knives.

I just picked this one up.

http://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP1...nife-365-h-1-black-serrated-blade-g10-handles

Just an outstanding knife. Originally developed for US Coast Guard rescue swimmers. The most rust "proof" auto knife on the market. Not the best everyday knife, but very solid and would be a great tool in an emergency. The thought and engineering that went into the Autonomy is way ahead of most autos.

That said, honestly, I can open a regular spyderco faster than most autos.