Manual knives vs. switchblades

A

Allen E. Treat

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Oct 4, 2001
Messages
498
To : ALL

Here's something I got going on the Spyderco homepage forum,
but should apply to all of us who(m) either favor the manual
opener or switch ( laws notwithstanding ;)) I myself like my
Spydies ; they're sharp as hell, open reliably with that hole,
and have that clip that Spyderco pioneered on production folders.

On the other hand....

Switches are a relic of the 50's ; a mechanical monstrosity
that will no doubt fail at the most critical moment. Switches of
late possess serrations & pocket clips that were pioneered by Spyderco. I DO like some of the designs that have come out by
Microtech & Pirahna, but I would NOT bet my life on them ;)
Better as "conversation" pieces, in my humble opinion. ;)

What about you forumite(s)?

A.E.T. ;)
 
I'm a known auto fan. Having said that I do see the argument that auto's are less reliable than folders. Then again, folders are less reliable than fixed.

It's the same as the firearm argument between revolvers and semi-autos.

To me it comes down to knowing your hardware's limitations, proper maintenance, and always having a backup, or "Plan B". Personally I wouldn't rely on any knife as a first defense.

If I did it'd have to be a big honkin' bowie from one of the better makers.
 
I've broken two coil springs in Benchmade autos. They are well made knives and they are alot of fun to play with. Nothing on any of my Spydercos has ever broken. In my opinion the lock system on most autos is not nearly as solid as a good Liner lock or back lock. And (I've actually timed this with a PACT timer) I can open a Spyderco faster than an auto with my strong hand. Considerably faster if the safety is engaged on any of my autos. The times are about the same weak hand with a slight edge (maybe) to the autos. IF you ever need a knife to defend yourself, no matter how much you are in the right, your attorney will charge you extra for having to deal with an switchblade because it most certainly is going to be a pain in the *ss....(kinda kidding about that, but it will be a problem)
 
Good point(s). Elvis there's alot of truth to knowing your
hardwares limitation(s), myself I'd say between auto & fixed blade
lies the folder, with it's inherent limitation(s). If I could chose the old "tried & true" fixed blade for carry I certainly would ;) (like my old Blackjack Highland Dirk II ;)) but, as it's either folder or auto, and I can't carry an auto :(( or in Florida legal parlance, a "ballistic knife";)) this leaves only the manual folder.
Kinda sad really, I rather would have carried my Highland Dirk II but
in Florida "dirks" are definitely a no-no. Sgt, I concur with regards to Spyderco's reliability & ease of deployment ;) I think Sal (Glesser) had a good, reliable, fast opening knife that would better
the auto in the long run when he designed the C01 "worker" over 20yrs
ago. I wish the AKTI would get off their cans & get the Federal Switchblade Act repealed, if only for those whom like auto's and want
to carry them, as, when the Act was passed 45yrs ago, even the Justice Dept. couldn't "..recommend the implementation or enforcement
of this legislation..." just to show what a stupid@$$ "law" it was.
Problem is, after the Federal comes State & local legislation! It
seems us knifenuts can't win for losing these days! :(

BTW Elvislives : Good bible quote! :)

A.E.T. ;)
 
It's like anything else as far as knives, or guns, there's an appropriate time for Autos, and Manuals in knives, just like there is an appropriate time for an Auto ,or a Revolver. The right tool for the right job.

If it was a life or death situation I'd probably choose a manual for dependability, much like a revolver, I can usually do a quick fix and I'm back in action, but than again there are some times an auto is a must in either format. Ever try to open a one hand opener with a broken wrist.:(
 
It's like anything else as far as knives, or guns, there's an appropriate time for Autos, and Manuals in knives, just like there is an appropriate time for an Auto ,or a Revolver. The right tool for the right job.

If it was a life or death situation I'd probably choose a manual for dependability, much like a revolver, I can usually do a quick fix and I'm back in action, but than again there are some times an auto is a must in either format. Ever try to open a one hand opener with a broken wrist.:(
 
It's like anything else as far as knives, or guns, there's an appropriate time for Autos, and Manuals in knives, just like there is an appropriate time for an Auto ,or a Revolver. The right tool for the right job.

If it was a life or death situation I'd probably choose a manual for dependability, much like a revolver, I can usually do a quick fix and I'm back in action, but than again there are some times an auto is a must in either format. Ever try to open a one hand opener with a broken wrist.:(
 
I used to be somewhat "anti-auto" and I still am in some regards, but I think the future of autos lies in assisted-openers like the Kershaw/Ken Onion Boa.
Manuals will always remain because of the reliability factor (like the good ol'lockback--no matter how many new locks are developed, the lockback remains).

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I've never had nor played with an auto. I imagine since I have such a hoot with my little Kershaw Chive that an auto from BM or Microtech would be a pretty neat toy.

Trouble is, when I needed a knife in the worst possible way... you know, to save my &ss or something.... I'd be in a world of legal trouble! (if I didn't have enough restraint to leave it in the safe).

I ain't all that scared of folders (even liner locks :rolleyes: )

I'll just stay missinformed, aand happy!

Joe Shmoe
 
My mother, when i was growing up, never let me play with knives, and certainly not guns, not even a BB gun, and living in NY, that was probably pretty common. NY is a state where auto knives are a big no-no, and as a kid, i wanted nothing more than a switchblade, though the only ones available, the black market ones, were $20 POS. Now, living in Florida, where autos are readily available, and not $20 POS either, the idea of owning autos becomes very appealing. Call it catching up on the dreams of my youth, or more likely, wanting to own something the gov't really doesnt want citizens to have, after all, forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.:)
 
On the subject of revolvers vs autos...

I have found a great solution. It's called the GLOCK. An auto with the reliability and simplicity of a revolver.:) :cool: ;) :) :cool: :)
 
Wow that's the first time thats ever happened to me, sorry about the multiple posts, my computer wigged out:confused:
 
I am right there with Megalobyte. I have been a Spyderco and Swiss Army Knife fan. I am now trying to "catch up on dreams of my youth" and am researching the purchase of my first auto.
One of the first things that struck me was the cost issue. It appears that for the same quality knife and blade steel you are going to pay at least 3 times more for an auto. This is obviously to be expected - I just wanted to throw it out as another point of consideration. If you only have $75(US) to spend on a knife for a "critical moment" then a manual is really your only choice.
 
Don't own an auto, but hopefully will soon. IMO, I would definitely NOT trust an auto for defense. The only auto I would trust is a Beretta 96! :D I'm sure there are plenty of great, top-notch autos out there, but trust my life to even the best? Riiiiiiiiight... With my luck, the one critical moment you actually need it, it would misfire, or catch on something. And from what I've read here, it's fairly easy to give yourself a wicked cut from one of those. Guess the springs are pretty strong...

I wouldn't even trust a folder. The only blade I'd trust my hide to is my Strider BT!:D I think that has even more "psychological" value than an auto! :p

SAK: Look at Microtech UT and the DKW Sand Shark. Excellent blades!

drjones
 
To "YoungGenious"

I just HAVE to ask, you do know that you have misspelled the word "Genious" in your screenname, if it's intentional, then i get the joke, sort of like saying "I am a perfetionist"... if not intentional, you might want to change it, or the joke will often be on you! :)
 
Originally posted by younggenious
On the subject of revolvers vs autos...

I have found a great solution. It's called the GLOCK. An auto with the reliability and simplicity of a revolver.:) :cool: ;) :) :cool: :)
Click to expand...

AMEN BROTHER! :D

I like to collect and play with autos.

If I carried an auto it would be a Microtech
UDT, but I carry a small Sebenza.

The neatest auto I have played with is the MT Nemesis. :)
 
Dalton Companion

.... OK, maybe two words
 
I've got to agree with SolidSoldier, if I were to carry an auto for self-defense it would have to be a Dalton Companion. I just got mine about a week ago and love it. Its got a good solid lock-up (liner lock) and an easy to use "quick" button with a super fast deployment. I've got several MT auto's and wouldn't even consider carrying them strictly for self defense.
 
I like all knives. Yes, we all agree that a fixed blade is the most reliable. There are quality auto's that are just as reliable as a folder.
While I hear talk about fears of an auto lock failing, I rarely hear of it actually happening on a quality auto. There are lots of folders with liner locks also.
Some auto's are dual action, so even if the spring does break, the knive is still operatable in manual.
Auto's are more fun. Great gadget factor. The only knife that is more fun is a Balisong.
Auto's are very collectable, many different styles and makers from many countries. Huge selection in both production and custom. How many of you own folders from the US, Italy, Germany, Russia, France, Japan, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, etc.?
Auto's have history lesson of their own.
I guess you could also say that a revolver is more reliable that an semi auto pistol, because it has less moving parts that could break or jam, but I would bet that the majority of the forum members carry an auto. How many Sig and/or Glock owners are reading this?
Want to try a quality auto? Check here.
http://www.knifecorner.com/larrychew/spitfire-sb.htm
 
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