Who makes the BEST automatics?

[BladeHQ]

SO free Protechs in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of your post?

Hmmm... not a bad idea! Our actual 10 year anniversary will be in October. Keep your eyes peeled.

-Cam

[Blais]

Hmmm... not a bad idea! Our actual 10 year anniversary will be in October. Keep your eyes peeled.

-Cam

[rjdepedro]

There are some excellent automatics out there.

Microtech's blades are certainly good, but so are Benchmade automatics. I have an AFO, with utility combo blade in black finish, that was recommended by a Coast Guard buddy who was an Aviation Survivalman (rescue swimmer), and it has been a true workhorse. It has put up with a lot of a abuse and keeps a good edge that is easily restored. There's also the Al Mar Auto SERE, which is one of my favorite knives for going out in the field. And I can't leave out the the Spyderco Citadel 92mm. This is an awesome blade that displays a vestigial thumb hole, and has a safety and opening placement that allows control of both functions with the same finger. And all are made in the USA.

I'm also quite fond of my small Pro Tech Stingers (plain and combo edges), which are the sturdiest small autos I have used. They're very tough, accessible in my watch pocket, and unobtrusive at the same time. They've become a frequent EDC option.

To sum it up, I'd be hard put to name just one company as the top maker of automatics. All these different knives are top-rate blades (commercial, non-custom) made by great cutlery makers.

[rjdepedro]

BTW, I'll be checking the Blade HQ site, and this thread, for the 10th Anniversary in October. Just in case...

[PG5768]

Cam,

Congrats on turning your love in to a money making business. Absolutely love your store. Thank goodness I don't live closer.

The few times I've stopped in it has been a great experience. So many knives to look at and everyone is so knowledgeable and friendly. Hope you have many years of continued success.

Mark

Hmmm... not a bad idea! Our actual 10 year anniversary will be in October. Keep your eyes peeled.

-Cam

[Professor]

Cam, after 10 years, and your handling of many, many autos, what's your opinion/response on your original query?

I'm intrigued, and respect your opinion greatly.

[Blais]

Cam, after 10 years, and your handling of many, many autos, what's your opinion/response on your original query?

I'm intrigued, and respect your opinion greatly.

+1
Good question!

[BladeHQ]

Cam, after 10 years, and your handling of many, many autos, what's your opinion/response on your original query?

Oh, that could be dangerous. But I'll bite and answer my original question: Which company makes the best automatic knives; side opening and OTF (my preference).

First though, here's the fine print. I'm leaving custom knives out of the equation. Also cost to quality ratio, company ethics and customer service are not a factor with regard to my response. And lastly, this is my opinion and does not reflect the opinion of Blade HQ.

After handling tens of thousands of knives over the last decade I think Microtech makes the best production automatic knives, both OTF and side opening. This is generally speaking, of course. I would also venture to say Protech is a very close second for side opening autos.

-Cam

[Blais]

Oh, that could be dangerous. But I'll bite and answer my original question: Which company makes the best automatic knives; side opening and OTF (my preference).

First though, here's the fine print. I'm leaving custom knives out of the equation. Also cost to quality ratio, company ethics and customer service are not a factor with regard to my response. And lastly, this is my opinion and does not reflect the opinion of Blade HQ.

After handling tens of thousands of knives over the last decade I think Microtech makes the best production automatic knives, both OTF and side opening. This is generally speaking, of course. I would also venture to say Protech is a very close second for side opening autos.

-Cam

That's honestly what I thought you'd say. I agree with you under the terms;

...cost to quality ratio, company ethics and customer service are not a factor...

[Professor]

Cam, I think most folks would agree with your opinion. Not so dangerous after all. We value your opinion!

Prof.