Automatic knives, valid for use?

[ampdude]

I've personally never really understood why anyone would feel the need for a switchblade, and assisted opener, or even a flipper. Both of my 20+ year old Gerber AirFrames have none of these things, yet still open easily with a flick of my wrist.

Are you disabled? Some people may not have the use of all of their limbs or may have limited use/mobility.

 

[Lumen83]

I've personally never really understood why anyone would feel the need for a switchblade, and assisted opener, or even a flipper. Both of my 20+ year old Gerber AirFrames have none of these things, yet still open easily with a flick of my wrist.View attachment 19277

A lot of people don't feel the need for an electric tooth brush either. You can just gyrate your hand back and forth really fast with a brush and some paste in your mouth for a couple minutes and be good to go. But some of us prefer a mechanism built into the tool that does it automatically. Lucky for both types of people, both types of tools have been invented.

 

[kerneldrop]

A lot of people don't feel the need for an electric tooth brush either. You can just gyrate your hand back and forth really fast with a brush and some paste in your mouth for a couple minutes and be good to go. But some of us prefer a mechanism built into the tool that does it automatically. Lucky for both types of people, both types of tools have been invented.

haha. Best reply yet to such a silly topic.
Electric toothbrushes clean better. Automatic knives perform better.
The number of toothpaste options is really mindblowing. It takes a good 30 minutes to pick out a tube of toothpaste.

 

[Renegadethreads]

I carry and OTF from Hawk & Hawk that I highly recommend as the only OTF I've found to be solid enough to use for more than poking holes in someone. Before it I always carried an Emerson wave design that opens as fast once you learn to use it and is legally acceptable as it's fully manual.

 

[knucklegary]

Do you mean G&G Hawk OTF?

 

[Cree XHP 70 LED]

I've carried Benchmade autos since before Microtech was actually a company. The Benchmades I liked the most were the reflex and mini reflex. When Microtech became a company I mainly bought manual socoms. The locks would fail spine whacking them in tha palm of your hand. I had 3 all did it. So an auto would have been a better option. I believe that to this day. I would only buy a socom auto. I've had ultratechs and a couple dozen other Microtech OTF knives. Combat Troodons being my favorite. Side opening autos are okay but there is no advantage over a manual knife with a good lock. You still need your leg to close it or your other hand. The OTF knives I see more of a really great option if you need to stab someone, other than that there sharpening is not worth it for me. I only buy the dagger blades 4 edges with steep angles. So for me, owning literally thousands of knives in my life, (way more than flashlights) I see the OTF's as a gimmicky type of knife but has it's uses. Side openers are okay, my next knife will be another murdered out Socom Elite Auto actually, and another Busse fixed blade in INFI. I had 2 of the first 300 Battle Mistresses ever made. I doubled my money even after beating on them, but they are probably several thousand now. Now I only have pics of them. The good news is they are made better now except for the handle rivots they can be bent. I was a Chris Reeve dealer 24 years ago, they never made an auto but it would be interesting if they ever did. That was when they were the best of the best. Now many other companies surpass them, Rockstead is nice. I'm rambling now.

 

[knucklegary]

Socom Elite autos, when can be found, are a large investment. For most folks that edc the manual folders are more affordable option from a great company

 

[ZMZ67]

Putting aside the legal gray area that surrounds switchblades to begin with, the prices I see make me lose interest. There are so many lock options now you are likely to find a non-auto that works well for you one handed anyway and there are a lot of really good options under $200 and even sub $100.I suppose there are probably a few good deals out there but for the most part the same doesn't seem to be true with switchblades.

Maybe if we ever get rid of all the legaleze (not at all likely) I will jump in and get one someday.

 

[nbp]

If you're in Colorado, you can concealed carry anything under 3.5 inches except ballistic knives, and open carry anything. Looks like the only places that prohibit automatics in CO are a couple of major cities like Denver and Boulder. Easy enough to carry a folder if you have to spend time in the city. More and more states are permitting automatic carry lately.

 

[kerneldrop]

Hogue EX-A01 should receive serious consideration for an all-around user if you're in the market for a side-folding auto.
Look at the Hogue lock compared to another USA well-loved auto

Hogue EX-A01

NOT Hogue: other USA very popular auto

 

[ZMZ67]

If you're in Colorado, you can concealed carry anything under 3.5 inches except ballistic knives, and open carry anything. Looks like the only places that prohibit automatics in CO are a couple of major cities like Denver and Boulder. Easy enough to carry a folder if you have to spend time in the city. More and more states are permitting automatic carry lately.

The state law isn't bad but you nailed it with Denver and Boulder having their own laws. I don't live within the limits of either but I am in the Metro and it all runs together to some extent. I am not sure if all the Metro cities besides Denver go with just the state law either so I would rather not fool with it for now. On the plus side the Spyderco store is within 25 minutes,then again maybe that isn't such a good thing.......lol

 

[nbp]

Most times it seems the average law abiding person not waving their knives around never has a problem, especially when the state is a patchwork of laws and what is legal when you leave in the morning isn't legal if you drive into "town", but I definitely get what you're saying. I would definitely not try to bring an auto in any government buildings or schools or sports arenas if you are in the city (probably all knives are banned in those places anyways) but if you're just running errands or going to dinner I doubt anyone will worry about your pocket knife unless you're already acting like a threat. My uncle was an officer in DuPage County, just outside of Chicago and that was his take on knife laws too. He wasn't going to worry about a visible knife pocket clip unless he already had reason to stop that person.

 

[Lumen83]

My uncle was an officer in DuPage County, just outside of Chicago and that was his take on knife laws too. He wasn't going to worry about a visible knife pocket clip unless he already had reason to stop that person.

I've heard similar opinions from officers. I also am curious as to whether there have been any cases when someone is legally carrying a firearm, but carrying a knife that was deemed illegal due to local ordinance. Its kind of funny to be able to carry a pistol where you cannot carry a 3" pocket knife.

 

[Feamane]

I've heard similar opinions from officers. I also am curious as to whether there have been any cases when someone is legally carrying a firearm, but carrying a knife that was deemed illegal due to local ordinance. Its kind of funny to be able to carry a pistol where you cannot carry a 3" pocket knife.

Yup, locally I can carry a 17+1 9mm and a .380 BUG and a pepper spray, but can't add a pocket knife over 2.5" to the mix because then I'd be a dangerous threat to society. Go figure.

Oh, and the ironic part is I concider my pocket knives just useful tools for smallcutting tasks, not as weapons. I think you have to be fast, strong, athletic, and well trained (or incredibly lucky) prevail in a knife fight without receiving any serious damage--and I don't meet any of the criteria.

Regards,
DJ

 

[lion504]

I like to carry a larger knife. Usually a Para2, but since it's close to 4 oz, it's not the best in thinner material like suits and slacks. When I'm wearing business attire, I will often carry my Ultratech in a kydex sheath on a lanyard around my neck. Works really well. Keeps my pants up and pockets free.

 

[Lumen83]

Oh, and the ironic part is I concider my pocket knives just useful tools for smallcutting tasks, not as weapons. I think you have to be fast, strong, athletic, and well trained (or incredibly lucky) prevail in a knife fight without receiving any serious damage--and I don't meet any of the criteria.

Regards,
DJ

I totally get it. I would have no idea how to use a knife in self defense. I am sure I stand a much better chance at being able to defend myself without trying to use a knife to do it. It never even crosses my mind that the knife I EDC could be considered a weapon. It is simply a cutting tool.

 

[Lumen83]

I think another good use for automatic knives could be for someone wearing gloves. Unfortunately, I don't think theres a big enough market for many companies to produce what I'm looking for. But as someone who wears gloves in some hot situations, I can think of scenarios where I may not be able to take them off or access a tool with both hands at the same time. I wish auto knives were more prevalent and had better designs with this type of thing in mind.

 

[kelmo]

Hello,

I just got a SOG TAC AU CA Special with the tanto blade. It is an awesome knife. It is a my current favorite. I used to cut away a damaged serpentine belt on a boat motor and it made short work of the metal bands in the belt with no problems. It has a full size handle and a California compliant blade length, less than 2" for an auto. Not a bad price point either.

kelmo

 

[knucklegary]

Imo the "CA Special" blade was too stubby for anything. Glad you found good use.

Once upon a time I had family that lived in Mesa, AZ who would forward me OTF knives, and other items outlawed for the law abiding..

Something's just make no sense at all!

CA compliant makes me

 

[SCEMan]

I think another good use for automatic knives could be for someone wearing gloves. Unfortunately, I don't think theres a big enough market for many companies to produce what I'm looking for. But as someone who wears gloves in some hot situations, I can think of scenarios where I may not be able to take them off or access a tool with both hands at the same time. I wish auto knives were more prevalent and had better designs with this type of thing in mind.

I use mine a lot in cold weather when wearing gloves. Really convenient for one handed open/close under these conditions.