What Is The Function Of An Automatic Or Assisted Opening Knife. What Purpose Does It Serve.

[mavracer]

The OP had a thumb stud to brace against.

I've tried opening my 110 as you showed and if there's any kind of oil on the blade it can slip right out of your hands

OK we've gotten pretty far from my point.
For the record my Buck 110 has been sitting in a box for over 30 years and probably hadn't been opened for 20 until I took those pictures. I switched to Spyderco close to 30 years ago and to Ken Onion designed assisted Kershaws probably 20 or so.
My point was easier is easier.
With an assisted opening knife by the time there's even room to fit a finger under the blade the spring is opening the blade, so really no chance of the blade closing because it didn't reach the lock.
Although apparently in the name of up most safety we should always use two hands to open a knife unless you're hanging from a parachute

 

[mavracer]

Short fingers shouldn't interfere with getting a strong pinch grip, in fact, they would probably make a pinch grip stronger. When I say a pinch grip, I mean that the four fingers are pinching the knife against the palm. So four fingers pushing on one side of the knife and the other side of the knife against the palm/base of the thumb with the thumb in position to push on the thumb stud/hole. It looks like in the third picture of post #71, you are doing this grip with no issues. This keeps everything out of the way of the blade so it can be pushed open by the thumb using the thumb stud or a hole.

As far as not being able to extend the thumb to lock, that would be fixed by getting a higher grip on the handle to start with, but I can't see that being a problem unless one's thumb is extremely short (as in actually handicapped--not just short within the realm of normal variation) or the knife is really large. Looking at your photos, that doesn't seem to be the case.

I think something's being lost in translation somehow. I can't picture how what you're describing could make sense after looking at the photos you posted.

 

[mavracer]

I'm sure you know how my hand works better than I do
I'm actually straining my wrist in some discomfort trying to pinch the knife against my palm with my thumb on the stud.

 

[gwpercle]

They allow me to open and close a knife with one hand .
I only have one hand and pulling a blade open with your teeth is getting old fast .
The Kershaw assisted openers have been a God Send to me .
I can use a belt knife but a lot of times you don't want to wear a knife on your belt .
My teeth are getting old now and I don't need the wear and tear of pulling open a pocket knife blade with them any more .
Even if you have two hands ... one is usually holding something so you only have one hand to get the knofe open with .
I probably have 20 Kershaw assisted openers ... my first was the Ken Onion "Chive" ....that started the ball rolling ... I have evry one of the Ken Onion series . My favorite at the moment is the Kershaw Fatback !
Gary

 

[Gun-Reck]

1. On principle I believe a person should be able to buy a Light Saber (assuming they ever exst)if that's what you want.

I also believe that an auto/assisted opener is just one more moving part to break.  I don't see any practical use for one and it's highly unlikely that I will ever buy one.

My question is "Is there something I'm missing?" "Is there a practical reason to pick an assisted opener over a similar knife that isn't an assisted opener?"

Say for instance a Benchmade Barrage V. A Griptilian.

What advantage does the assisted opener give me?

Have been carrying this inexpensive knife for quite a while.

​

It is simply outstanding.

 

[hso]

OP got his answer.