EDC an automatic?

Blowpop

Blowpop

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Dec 21, 2014
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Hey everyone, I am wanting to try something... "outside the box". I have noticed around the forums people seem to conform to what the most vocal people say, as far as what works and what does not work for an everyday carry knife.

I feel as though it has become somewhat rigid through the forums on what is an acceptable edc, although everyone has a different need or appeal. Now, most of the general concensous I would say is accurate, although it leaves out the fun in finding your own style.

I have decided to fully buck the trend. Typically I carry either a sebenza or umnumzaan but I wanted to really try a knife that felt like me (without anyones opinions of it). I ordered a benchmade infidel which arrived yesterday.

There is a stygma that otf knives will not work or be reliable as an edc and I plan to put that to the test. I will be shipping out in May/June depending on a few things, and plan to carry this as my edc until then.

I will post updates to what I have found through-out my time carrying this knife. (Every week or so) And depending on how soon of notice I have before shipping, I will write my final thoughts.

Enjoy the trials of a double edge, double action OTF, as an edc knife.....

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I like autos and have a few in my EDC rotation. A few from Kershaw's Launch series (lovely knives for the money), some Protechs (Godfather, Monaco and TR4) and my only OTF, a Microtech Scarab Executive.

The Scarab has a very nice, practical blade and it does everything I need from a folding knife just fine with the exception of any messy tasks that might get gunk into the handle. It's not an easy knife to clean and any debris in the mechanism can hinder blade deployment. I pair it with a SAK, which I'm not afraid to beat up or get dirty.

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OP, I don't know exactly what your knife needs are but an OTF will do what any regular folding knife will do. You just have to try not to drag refuse into the handle upon retraction and if you do, clean it out at the earliest opportunity. Also, keep it lubed per manufacturer specs without overdoing it. As far as the blade itself, personally, I'm skeptical about the utility value of a DE blade. YMMV
 
I've had 3 MT OTFs: 1 S/E Ultratech (the edge grind is too obtuse) 1 S/E UTX-70 (This one had terrible blade play, and is really small) and 1 T/E Ultratech Tri-Grip (I love this knife, the T/E is ground thinner than the S/E. The pocket clip is outstanding.)

I carry the T/E a lot, and have cut lots of different stuff with it. I always make sure to wipe the blade on my pants before retracting it. If I cut food stuff, I wash the blade carefully.
 
I have a feeling you're going to be fine with it! I have a mini Infidel and that thing takes whatever I throw at it.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Be safe!
Joe
 
I look forward to seeing what you think.

I have recently been bitten by the auto bug, and I now have 4; 2 MT's & 2 Pro-Tech's. I tend to carry the Pro-Tech's.
 
If it were legal, I'd totally carry an auto.

If you worry about reliability (I wouldn't) then consider a "double action" auto. Microtech used to offer some Vallotton, Terzuola, and Lightfoot designs in DA.
 
I don't EDC an OTF auto I do generally EDC an OTS auto and always have one in my bag. It's really unusual for find me without one of my AFO's, TR-4, or sprint in my pocket. My Mikov sit's clipped to the sun visor of my car since it's more staby than functional. My TR-4 is headed to Protech for some service and since I'll be without it for who knows how long I ordered a Protech Brend yesterday to tide me over :D I'm just a big fan of the convenience of autos and if Spyderco would make a plain or combo edge of the Autonomy I'd have one of those too.
 
I've been thinking about getting some sort of OTF to EDC. I've never handled one except for a very cheaply made one many years ago so have been wondering what they can take. It seems like sometimes I read they are plenty sturdy and then other times I read that they all have some sort of blade play when open. I guess a little blade play doesn't mean it's not sturdy and reliable but doesn't sound great either. So I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on it and it would be nice if you could give some examples of the tasks you do with it and a few pictures would be great as well. Though I realize when you are working that taking a picture is the last thing you're thinking about.

If anyone else has any thoughts on what an OTF can reasonably be expected to do I would love to hear about it. And also what the most reliable brand or model is. I imagine they all have a very similar internal mechanism with just minor variations in design? I was thinking about one of the Benchmade H&K models as a first while they are still available but would rather buy once than having to go thru a half dozen to figure out what's good.

Anyways, good luck with your new knife, and more importantly good luck with your training and future deployment! Thank you for your service!!!
 
Once you get used to carrying an auto, you look at manuals differently. Why would I want to take all the effort of moving my thumb all the way around a half circle to open a knife, when I can be totally lazy and hit a magic button that does all that for me effortlessly? So I find myself carrying an auto most days now.
 
My day job is construction, so this thing will get used for whatever I would typically carry a folding pocket knife for.

I had handled a couple Microtechs, as well as an Infidel a couple years back. I decided to try the Benchmade, since I live in Oregon. Compared to what I remember, it feels as though the spring in this new one is much stronger, nearly the same as the Microtechs. I have not been able to make it foul up yet without opening it into something.

My theory of the double edge blade is that I will use one side until it is dull, and then use the next side. I have never had a need to use the spine of my blade before, so twice the amount of edges may actually be good for edc.

Also, the button is very fun. It feels like a mini light saber. The first time I switced the blade open, I smiled like a kid in a candy shop.

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As a lifelong resident of MI, I never looked at autos since they are illegal to carry here. That is ok with me. One less type of toy to spend $ on.
 
Nothing wrong with carrying an infidel! Living in New Hampshire, we have no restrictions on what we can carry as far as knives are concerned. I frequently carry autos, though rarely otf's. I have carried my infidel on occasion. But more likely to carry a side opener. The ratworx mini mrx is a fantastic knife and I find that in my pocket most of the time. I have a microtech Daytona that I've never carried and a G&G Hawk Deadlock OTF that I intended to carry but just can't bring myself to do so. Enjoy your infidel. Great knife
 
Blowpop said:
My day job is construction, so this thing will get used for whatever I would typically carry a folding pocket knife for.

I had handled a couple Microtechs, as well as an Infidel a couple years back. I decided to try the Benchmade, since I live in Oregon. Compared to what I remember, it feels as though the spring in this new one is much stronger, nearly the same as the Microtechs. I have not been able to make it foul up yet without opening it into something.

My theory of the double edge blade is that I will use one side until it is dull, and then use the next side. I have never had a need to use the spine of my blade before, so twice the amount of edges may actually be good for edc.

Also, the button is very fun. It feels like a mini light saber. The first time I switced the blade open, I smiled like a kid in a candy shop.

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First off never let an edge go that dull, also if you have a double edge you really cant use your thumb for leverage on to of the blade for stronger cuts. Im sure it will still cut ok.

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Got an infidel going on its third year riding with me. It generally resides weak side where my Emerson karambit used to go-but I'm yet to be swarmed by ninjas trying to take my weapon so I've been carrying something more useful day to day. Lint and various muck are a non issue but I've gotten change stuck in it two or three times. Just takes a minute to work out.
 
I have no worries of the knife going dull on both edges, as it is not a defensive knife for me. It is simply being used as an edc knife would be. My CCW is always on me, so that is my defensive carry.

So far this week... I have opened a few packages, had to stab some drain holes into the bottom of a garbage bin, cut through some water proofing, cut some duct tape, and cut some rope. Also cleaned the underside of my fingernails with it. (Knife cuts like butter)

Here is a picture I took during work..

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I have definitely noticed how nice it is to just push a button to eject the blade, and then to retract it the same way. It is already making me lazy when I go to pick up my folders....[emoji15]

Lockup is super solid, almost no wiggle at all. No misfires.

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Love my mini Infidel just can't carry in California.



I also have 2 Lightnings and a UTX-70 that is Cali legal (blade under 2").

Surprisingly though, I bought this Delta tanto and it fires hard and has very little blade play. I carry it around the house. 2 3/4" blade.

 
I'd like to carry an OTF, but my distaste for Microtech and the fact that double edged knives are illegal in Texas limits me quite a bit.
 
You know T.L.E., if California every repeals the auto ban (wishful thinking) I still think DE OTF's would still be on the illegal list. They are already illegal for concealed carry. Open is fine.
So my Infidel may never see the inside of my pocket :(
That is until I move eventually.
 
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