Automatic vs. Assisted Opening

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Nephron44

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2015
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977
Hey everyone!

To start off, I know the difference between an auto and and assisted open knife; I know that's been explained plenty of times before, and I am clear on the differences...

What I need help with is deciding if it is worth it to get an auto or just stick with assisted opening. I have plenty of flippers and manual openers that can open as quickly if not quicker than an auto/assisted, but there is something appealing to the snap of an assisted opener. I've never had a push button auto, but is it really work the extra cost to get an auto vs. an assisted opener? Is it that much more satisfying? I'm just looking for what people prefer between autos and assisted openers. Thanks!
 
Nephron,

Just my opinion, but there is something extremely satisfying about a push button automatic. I have never been a fan of assisted opening knives, but I really like my protech and benchmade automatics. I agree on the "can open my flippers just as fast" argument, but carrying or owning an automatic is more of a "fun" factor. It's really up to you if it is worth it, but if it is legal for someone to own I think every collection needs at least one. :) My suggestion would be a Protech TR-2. To me, it is a perfect size for EDC.

Obligatory pictures:

IMG_20160123_221305876_zpsh37ks4dm.jpg


IMG_20160123_221321196_zpsn8uc3s6y.jpg
 
robertl said:
Nephron,

Just my opinion, but there is something extremely satisfying about a push button automatic. I have never been a fan of assisted opening knives, but I really like my protech and benchmade automatics. I agree on the "can open my flippers just as fast" argument, but carrying or owning an automatic is more of a "fun" factor. It's really up to you if it is worth it, but if it is legal for someone to own I think every collection needs at least one. :) My suggestion would be a Protech TR-2. To me, it is a perfect size for EDC.

Obligatory pictures:

IMG_20160123_221305876_zpsh37ks4dm.jpg


IMG_20160123_221321196_zpsn8uc3s6y.jpg
Click to expand...


I agree with what you said. I would really like to own one, but what made me second guess was the federal law against transporting autos across state lines, which would prohibit me to send anything back for warranty work :/ I figured if there wasn't a huge perk to having an auto, then it wouldn't be worth the headache.
 
I managed to buy my benchmade directly from the shop in Oregon (my family lives on the west coast, I fly into Portland to visit them), so if I had a warranty issue I could either send it to the family or take it to the store when I visited. I will say that I have never had any issue with either knives, and I watch TV and play with both pretty often. If I remember correctly I bought the Protech in Oregon as well.

I guess it comes down to personal preference. I carry the Protech pretty often, and have used the Benchmade to open boxes and around the house. I am lucky enough to live in a state where auto's are legal to own and carry.

I'm not sure on the laws in your area, but if you wanted one and they were legal to own, I'd say find someone who was willing to sell locally or find someone who'd sell in person and drive there.

I'll also say that I played with a Benchmade CLA at the factory last time I was home, and the Benchmade representative said that my dad could buy it and ship it to me to get around the laws. I'm not recommending it, but it is always an option.
 
A bolster-release auto is extremely satisfying. Check out the Pro-Tech Magic BR-1 Whiskers auto.
 
If you are relying soley on an assisted or a automatic knife in life or death situation you are screwed.
Automatic knives are fun to play with but when the shtf it is just another toy in the over priced prepper world.
 
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If you are relying soley on an assisted or a automatic knife in life or death situation you are screwed.
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Coop,

I am of the belief that "if you are relying solely on a knife" you are screwed, or better have a lot of training. It's why I carry a Walther PPS when I am legally allowed. :) However, if it is all you have, I don't quite understand why a well executed auto knife would be any more or less effective than a well executed manual knife.

Also, please disregard any grammer or speelling errors. I have been drinking whiskey. :)
 
Buy a cheap fake switchblade comb thing and open it till it breaks they will break and decide if you like push nuyton
 
The only reason I can think of for an A/O is arthritis. You still have to put out the effort to open them, and in closing it something always pokes back.

Of those I've tried (many), the one that did the best on closing is a Leek, but it still offers resistance when closing. I say buy an auto or stick with manual.

The feel of an auto firing is far different from that of an A/O.
 
coop1957 said:
If you are relying soley on an assisted or a automatic knife in life or death situation you are screwed.
Automatic knives are fun to play with but when the shtf it is just another toy in the over priced prepper world.
Click to expand...

Wrong, dude. In a life or death situation, the only time you're screwed is when you go in with NOTHING.
 
I used to be all about assisted knives. And then discovered if you have a nice manual opening knife (Benchmade,Spyderco) that it opens just as fast as an assisted knife. I like manuals just because they are unique.
 
Nephron44 said:
I agree with what you said. I would really like to own one, but what made me second guess was the federal law against transporting autos across state lines, which would prohibit me to send anything back for warranty work :/ I figured if there wasn't a huge perk to having an auto, then it wouldn't be worth the headache.
Click to expand...

Under the federal switchblade law section 1242, it is illegal to transport switchblades across state lines using the US postal service.

But section 1244 of the federal switchblade law clearly states that it is not illegal under federal law to transport switchblades across state lines using "common carriers" (Fedex, UPS, etc).

I've ordered several switchblades from other states with no problem whatsoever. And I had my attorney give me a full education regarding all relevant laws, both state and federal.

As long as you ship the knife using a "common carrier", you're fine.
 
My assisted barrage and volli are awesome to play around with and still one hand closeable! I love the snap and whoosh sound
 
Using button activated auto is very satisfying.
It is my favourite type of blade opening. Then it is thumb stud/hole manual, than assisted, flipper is last.

I like auto for work knives. I gives me certainty that knife is open and 100% ready for work even if I dont see it.
 
I would personally stick with assisted if i have to choose between the 2. Otherwise i would choose manual/flipper over anything else. Push button auto is kinda a paradox for me. If i have one, i will be constantly worried about accidentally pushing the button, so i'll turn the safety on. If i have to turn safety on, then it kinda defeats the purpose for an auto IMO, which is speed.
 
If you're undecided about getting an automatic, look at low-priced models to give them a try. Some of the bargain models are really pretty good. Ganzo makes several push-button autos for less than $25 and the quality is generally very good. Lightning double action OTF knives get excellent reviews and only cost about $40. Schrade makes several single action OTF models that are decent enough for the price. The Schrade models are listed as assisted opening but the lines between auto and assisted are sort of blurred with these knives. None of these brands are Benchmade or Microtech build quality but they're fine for the price.

Buying a cheap but still good quality model as an experiment will give you some idea as to whether or not an expensive model is worth the cost to you. When I was a kid, before they were made illegal, I owned a switchblade and thought they were cool. As an adult, I tried autos again and they didn't have that appeal any longer.

Just a thought....
 
My only auto is a launch 1. I would rather have a nice manual than auto. I believe it opens faster ymmv
 
killgar said:
Under the federal switchblade law section 1242, it is illegal to transport switchblades across state lines using the US postal service.

But section 1244 of the federal switchblade law clearly states that it is not illegal under federal law to transport switchblades across state lines using "common carriers" (Fedex, UPS, etc).

I've ordered several switchblades from other states with no problem whatsoever. And I had my attorney give me a full education regarding all relevant laws, both state and federal.

As long as you ship the knife using a "common carrier", you're fine.
Click to expand...

With all due respect to your lawyer, he and you are mistaken. The statute exempts the common carriers from liability, but not the person who introduces the switchblade into interstate commerce. Honestly, I'm glad that some dealers take the risk of shipping them, but make no mistake, they're taking a legal risk.
 
I own just about every type of auto system made. The one that gives me the biggest charge when deployed is my scale release Lone Wolf D/A Lobo. They didn't cheap on anything in the design and materials. They are hard to find now but worth the search.
 
I have a few of each and can tell you they are a ton of fun!!
Assisted: Benchmade 581 with Ketchen scales and coated blade......just amazing!
Benchmade 477-1.....super sexy with a great blade shape!! Both give a satisfying thwack and extremely well made!
Autos: Pro Tech Sprint....tiny and a blast to play with!
TR-3 BHQ exclusive....amazing action with a wicked coated blade.....hard to put down!
Godfather ash burl coated blade.....nuff said!
All of them are gorgeous with smooth and fast action!
Every collection should have one of each.....and I can definitely recommend any of the ones I listed!
Let us know which way you go!!
Joe
 
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