Who makes the BEST automatics?

**Megalobyte** · 10-19-2002, 09:40 PM

Cam. Yes, there most certainly is a world of custom autos out there, but, theyre not all super-fancy, dressed up, very expensive models, there are quite a few custom autos that are not ornate, fancy lookers, rather well made, smooth users, more along the lines of a tactical knife, like a Microtech, but arguably better made. Look at knives from guys like Larry Chew, Brad Duncan, Lightfoot, Kit Carson i believe made/makes a few, these guys make custom tactical geared autos, most are double action. See the picture below for a $600 Duncan DA auto. Looks pretty nice to me.

**GigOne** · 10-19-2002, 11:01 PM

At this particular moment. . .for "Productions" it's hands down Microtech. I'd love to toss in the Cutter Knife & Tool Brend #2 DA but I haven't laid hands on one (so I'm relyin' on what masterchef is claimin' ~ simply cuz. . .that boy knows his bladeware !). I've had and do have several TiNive auto's. . .and they too are very very nice !

As far as "Customs. . .

That's a hard one. There are so many fine auto makers on the slate today ! I throw out a few that I quite enjoy. . .

Charles Dake, Jim Minnick, Larry Chew, Harold Corby, Brad Duncan, Alan Elishewicz, Mel Pardue, Nathan Clark, Jeff Harkins, Jerry Corbit, Darrel Ralph, Michael Vagnino, The Vallotton's. . .

WOW. . .and the list goes on.

**RockytopZT** · 07-18-2012, 11:18 PM

I only have 2 auto's so im no expert by any means! My first was a Benchmade Adamas 2750 & my 2nd one which i actually just got today is Emerson-Pro Tech CQC-7A Tuxedo. The Benchmade is a very nice knife. Its definitely alot heavier knife its very sturdy knife! As for my newest knife it is alot lighter & little more on fancy side. Almost hate to carry it afraid i might scratch it or something. But im not spending $200+ on knife & not use it. Im not saying i think it wont handle use because im not. I think its going to be great knife it feels like its builf well. Only time will tell. For speed i have to say E/Protech knife is faster opening but the blade is also. 60 inches smaller so would only expect it to be a little faster. But Benchmade isnt far behind its pretty quick to. Well thats my 2 cents on It or guess i could say thats my 2 auto's.

**michaelm466** · 07-18-2012, 11:24 PM

Wow! A 10 year old resurrection.

**Alann45** · 07-19-2012, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by michaelm466

Wow! A 10 year old resurrection.

I did find in interesting to see a very early post by Cam.

I think in the last 10 years he has pretty much found the answer to his question.

**Robert Carter** · 07-20-2012, 12:20 AM

I'm a big fan of automatics. I have a Gerber 06 and Benchmade afo. I like both of them no complaints. High end custom autos are rare but I've seen a few works of art from dear old grand dad Mel Pardue that were absolutely amazing pieces of art. But there are several others to that make them there just hard to find and even harder to get the owner to sell them. Good luck with your search

**RobCamlin** · 07-20-2012, 12:25 AM

I'd have to say Microtech are the best autos out there.
But just to throw in another name since Microtech seems unanimous, I'd say Piranha makes a good auto too, if nothing else much more affordable.

**rattler12** · 07-20-2012, 03:40 AM

Protech.

**Blais** · 07-20-2012, 10:21 PM

I love that after it's pointed out that the OP posted this thread 10 years ago, there are still 3 replies to the question even though the OP now owns his own knife distribution company and sells some of the best production autos on the market.
Does no one read the whole thread before posting anymore?

**JParanee** · 07-20-2012, 11:05 PM

MT & I really like Diskens new Fire

I've been EDCing one and I am very pleased

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/6052e6f9.mp4

**Nixelplix** · 07-21-2012, 12:12 AM

I guess not!

**Myker** · 07-21-2012, 12:32 AM

Oops...

**Winston Smith** · 07-21-2012, 03:30 AM

wow, not sure who dug this up from the depths of the graveyard, but you have certainly come a long way cam... i'm glad you found your way considering the number of knives i've bought from you....

Winston

**Nostimos** · 07-21-2012, 05:56 AM

WOW! I didn't realize it at first Blais.
But you're right that was THE BladeHQ in an early post, before he started his company.

I thought it was just interesting that someone brought up a dead post after a whole decade. But seeing who the OP was is a bonus.

Kudos to the members that posted #4, 8, and 22. Cutters Knife and Tool was and still is one of the best autos ever made IMO.
I'm surprised there aren't more makers (custom OR factory) making D/A Titanium frame lock tactical knives.
I've handled a few other styles, but the CK&T just feels so much more solid and LOOKS mean as hell (well it is the famous Brend #2 folder Design).
And Tom at CK&T did/does? have the exclusive rights to use that design in a D/A.

**Blunt Forged Edge** · 07-22-2012, 01:57 PM

Answering the question some ten years later. . .These days, I'd say Pro-Tech Knives LLC. Workhorse autos to be sure with looks to boot!

**ilovekittens** · 07-22-2012, 07:56 PM

I'm pretty sure he probably doesn't need are advice anymore, seeing how he's handled more auto's than all of us put together.

ILK

**jeff303** · 07-23-2012, 10:03 AM

Pro-tech makes the best. Beautiful f&f, nice craftsmanship. Piranha makes a nice side opener I like a lot - the mini guard.

**Michael Vagnino** · 07-23-2012, 04:18 PM

Hey Guys, though I make only custom auto's I'm always on the look for really nice factory stuff. I think I have found the one that really makes me excited. It's Matt Diskins ( Vulcon Knives ) new scale release. Saw it and got to play with it at this years Blade show. He did a fantastic job with it. Fit and finish is custom quality. You need to check it out.

Take care

Michael