I like quality folders, especially automatics and assisted opening knives. I can open my Spydrco faster than I can fumble and find the button on a switchblade but there is just some sort of appeal to pushing a botton and watching the blade fly open. Now Spyderco is making an automatic and of course, I had to have one. I have a little collection of switchblades, maybe around forty of them and prefer the custom made ones; anybody else collect these fun knives? My favorites include an OTF Microtech, a Microtech Halo, and a Protech Godfather.
I had a Protech TR3. It failed (as in locked closed) in the desert. Protech was good about it- repaired, sharpened, and returned free of charge. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Ever since, I am about utter reliability in a folder. I prefer lockbacks or maybe some frame locks. I currently carry a Spyderco Manix. I do still like autos. I am eyeballing a Buck 110 that was converted. It will likely find it's way into my collection inside of a month. It's a double acion (you can push the button to open or open it like any other 110).
As I liked to roam alone in the ports of the Med, or outlying areas, I would buy 2 or 3 quality switchblades in the first port for personal protection. One to carry on my person each time ashore. By the time the cruise was over I usually would be down to one or none due to confiscations. I never did acquire a collection.... lol
I have the Gerber Emerson Design auto -I love it. Gerber Emerson Alliance Automatic Knife (Black / SER) 07158 - Blade HQ I also fancy my spring assist SOG Trident. SOG Trident Knife With Straight Edge From SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Go figure, Pennsylvania "code" prohibits "residents" from carrying them...but owning them isn't illegal.
I carry Benchmade Auto knive 9050. While still around 100.00 smackers they are no where near the cost of a Microtech.
while not a true automatic i have a Camillus "Lev-R-Lok" knife... totally legal to carry but no longer made... Camillus lever lock knife - Shop for gifts in Sports Equipment & Outdoor Gear
Partial to Spyderco's Too You caught my interest right away because of your comment about your Spyderco. Also, I was not aware that Spyderco is now making automatics; I'll definitely check that out.
Autos and switchblades are legal here in Florida - NO self-respecting Cubano will be without his switchblade! I have a nice little Benchmade auto, no idea the model number. Mom found it one day during her morning walk around the neighborhood. I used to carry it to work.
Here is my EDC knife for the past couple of months. It is a Gerber Fast assisted opener, I choose this over some other options because it looks a bit more PC for the benefit of some sheeple I come into contact with. It is a great blade for only being 35$. Also pictured is a my EDC light, a Surefire LX2 LumaMax.
I've never really cared for an automatic - was always leary of it opening when it wanted to not when I did. Lately makers have gotten on the auto bandwagon and have made big improvements in the operation and safety factor. I love CRKT folders - with carson flippers and thumbstud - they open easily with one hand and can be opened quickly.
I've got a couple, including one big bad one issued when I was still jumping ... the ones they used to give us jumpmasters were/are the best ever made imho. You never really appreciate an auto until you've had to cut a towed jumper or, heaven forbid, were ever a towed jumper yourself. You want your other hand on your reserve. There are other good reasons to own an auto.
No, but I know which one you are referring to ... they were known as belt cutters and they were used for getting out of a seat harness in a hurry. Ours were just big old automatics built like a darn sledge hammer. If you do not have a good grip on it it'll jump out of your hand. I have a large one, and a smaller one. I actually gave my elderly Dad the smaller one twenty years ago, he's still got it, it is his pride and joy. I wish they still made them or I wish I could get my hands on more of them because they are, without a doubt, the finest autos I have ever seen anywhere. Whatever the steel is, it is easy to sharpen and holds an edge like a fine old blade should.
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font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> I recently travelled to Prague and was introduced to the magnificent Mikov Automatics. Included in the range is a Damascus Steel blade, horn handle version which I very much regret not buying. The risk of losing a beautiful piece of art like that to the customs / pirates was too great. Just for the record, i didnt buy a cheaper model & didnt bring it back through customs in my suitcase.