Microtech Alternative

[knifephan]

So I would like to get my first auto, looking for an OTF type knife. I seem to see Microtech all over the place, they seem to be the de facto standard in this area. I have also seen a few Benchmade around the FS forums. My question for you experienced folks in Auto is, since I refuse to give Microtech any money (the 0777 thing pisses me right off), what is a comparable quality OTF? I would say a top end price of $500ish to get a feel for things, not looking to match one of the Microtech $2000 customs here, but more along the lines of a Halo or scarab.

Cheers!

Dan

[Bigfatts]

I would look at Piranha for DA knives. Got to handle one today at a gun show. It was nice, but I still like the Microtech's feel the best of all the autos I've handled. For SA maybe the Protech Dark Angel.

[Blais]

Any of the high-end manufacturers that produce OTFs are worth looking at. What sort of style and features are you looking for?

[gte217e]

The new ARS Gen III S/A OTF has a charging handle the way of the Halo's and is sized a little smaller than the Halo III.
I am getting an order of about 12 of these next week and the quality from the ones I've seen so far is top notch. Also no problem with warranty if there is ever a problem.
You are looking at a retail price of $450.

There was also some mention of a D/A OTF as well sometime in the future.

[knifephan]

Blais - I don't have a lot of idea on what style/features I want. I am not sure if I want d/a or s/a to be honest. I like the d/a idea/functionality a lot, but I am wondering how much quicker they will wear out. I saw some posts talking about the wear on d/a, but there was never a solid conclusion that they will wear out in a short time period. I know the larger MT autos seem to be mostly s/a. I would like a high quality steal, maybe s30v. Pocket clip would be nice, but not mandatory, especially on a knife the size of a halo. I like the glass breakers on a lot of the MTs, but probably not mandatory.

Oh, and I like tanto blades, and think I prefer single edged even if not a tanto. Seems like a single edge would be more useful than a dagger type deal.

gte217e - I am over seas, but my freight forwarder is in a state where autos are not legal. I am not sure about the legality of shipping one to me. I may have to find one over here or wait till I get back stateside. I am not mil or law enforcement so I don't meet that requirement. Maybe legal to ship to me since it is going over seas, and they are legal here, but I don't know with the crossing state lines business.

[Blais]

Blais - I don't have a lot of idea on what style/features I want. I am not sure if I want d/a or s/a to be honest. I like the d/a idea/functionality a lot, but I am wondering how much quicker they will wear out. I saw some posts talking about the wear on d/a, but there was never a solid conclusion that they will wear out in a short time period. I know the larger MT autos seem to be mostly s/a. I would like a high quality steal, maybe s30v. Pocket clip would be nice, but not mandatory, especially on a knife the size of a halo. I like the glass breakers on a lot of the MTs, but probably not mandatory.

Oh, and I like tanto blades, and think I prefer single edged even if not a tanto. Seems like a single edge would be more useful than a dagger type deal.

gte217e - I am over seas, but my freight forwarder is in a state where autos are not legal. I am not sure about the legality of shipping one to me. I may have to find one over here or wait till I get back stateside. I am not mil or law enforcement so I don't meet that requirement. Maybe legal to ship to me since it is going over seas, and they are legal here, but I don't know with the crossing state lines business.

Maybe an Asheville Steel Para-X would suit you. Single-action, available in tanto point, and has a clip for tip-down carry.


I would wait until you're back in the states, importing or exporting autos is a big no-no.

[knifephan]

Maybe an Asheville Steel Para-X would suit you. Single-action, available in tanto point, and has a clip for tip-down carry.


I would wait until you're back in the states, importing or exporting autos is a big no-no.

I didn't know exporting was a no-no, only saw importing was an issue in the statutes I read. I might be able to find a dealer over here who would take care of getting one for me, but it would cost me a lot more that way than waiting. I hear Switzerland is a good place to find autos as well, maybe I'll take a trip. Actually we are going to Dubai, but not sure on their knife laws or pricing. I have been keeping an eye out in our travels, but most the countries we have been have stricter laws than the US. I have even been leaving my para 2s behind on most trips.

Wow, those are really inexpensive, any idea on the quality? Blade HQ has them for under $200. I almost expected to pay $400-500.

[knifephan]

Kind of off topic, but when we move back to the US a large factor in where I am looking for jobs is the knife and gun laws. I was in VA, which is good on guns and ok on knives, but their auto knife laws are no good. People claim VA allows autos, but the local dealers will only sell to mil and leo, and the loophole is that they are "legal" to own, but not to sell and if you are caught with one they consider possession as intent to sell, so they are more or less illegal. I think it is a kind of BS way to make the law personally.

[button]

Switchblade/auto knife laws ARE BS!

[waldizal]

I would look for a Piranha. They make a solid OTF.

[knifephan]

Switchblade/auto knife laws ARE BS!

Totally agree, and I feel the same about automatic gun laws.

[Blais]

There are no knife laws in NH, you can carry whatever you like.
Also, open-carry of firearms is legal without a permit and NH is a 'shall-issue' state meaning permits to conceal are given as long as your record is clean.

[button]

New Hapshire has no laws because the population there does not cause the trouble that the populations of other states do.
But that too shall pass,unfortunitly.

[Blais]

New Hapshire has no laws because the population there does not cause the trouble that the populations of other states do.
But that too shall pass,unfortunitly.

New Hampshire has just as many irresponsible idiots as anywhere else, just less of them in public office.

[GatorFlash1]

protech-dark-angel-3211-steel-custom-satin-thumb.jpgPiranha would be my choice unless you want to go for some of the cheapies that can be had for $50 to mess around with.pk-01.jpg

I found a Protech Dark Angel custom that was originally $650 now $450 that is another good option.

[knifephan]

Looks like I may be moving to Ohio if the new job I want pans out, if so the autos are full legal from what I have read.

[emopunker2004]

Looks like I may be moving to Ohio if the new job I want pans out, if so the autos are full legal from what I have read.

Auto knives are NOT legal for carry in Ohio. You can own them though,

[knifephan]

Man, someone in another thread posted this link which claims OH is legal to own and carry, that seems to be the second time that site is utterly wrong. Guess I will delete that bookmark. From further reading it looks like carrying knives in general in OH may be an issue. Seems they do not allow it but certain municipalities allow smaller knives if not concealed. Man, that sucks.

[emopunker2004]

here's the problem with the link you listed

"Below are the laws regarding switchblades for each state. The source is the November 1998 issue of Tactical Knives. Be sure and check with the state governments to get the latest information. Also check out the Federal Switchblade Act for Federal rules and regulations"