assisted openers with flipper, but without internal AO-mechanisms?

[Dekz]

One of my friends has a Blur that broke last fall, He's been carrying without the torsion bar for a few months without any problems (tip down).

Don't carry tip up, and if you are really concerned most Kershaws have a safety, you just have to remember to use it.

I have to agree it would be a risk to carry without closing resistance, what you have to determine is if it's a reasonable risk.

There is also a legal issue in addition to safety. I guess laws must vary state to state, but in Canada I'm sure that a knife modified in this way would be considered a gravity knife, and therefore an illegal weapon.

 

[Joshua J.]

There is also a legal issue in addition to safety. I guess laws must vary state to state, but in Canada I'm sure that a knife modified in this way would be considered a gravity knife, and therefore an illegal weapon.

In my opinion that is more of an issue in the states.
Depending on your interpretation of the law all folding knives are already illegal in Canada.
Unless your knife locks closed it CAN be flicked open, they never mention how much force can be used and therefore any amount counts, which could get any knife open, thus the ridiculous throwing motions some officers use to get the "prohibited weapon" charge.

In practice it's all about whether the officer you're talking to wants you charged, or what they think is reasonable. Chances are they wouldn't like any sort of AO or flipper knife to begin with so it's kind of a no-win situation.

Speaking of knives that lock closed, I'd like to see what a LEO thinks of the Kershaw Mini Mojito, which has an automatic safety on the flipper (the black bit).
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4819
Just to avoid confusion, Kershaw changed the name from "Mini Mojo" to "Mini Mojito" last year sometime, I think it was for legal reasons.
The correct name is listed on their website.
http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=69

 

[Dekz]

In my opinion that is more of an issue in the states.
Depending on your interpretation of the law all folding knives are already illegal in Canada.
Unless your knife locks closed it CAN be flicked open, they never mention how much force can be used and therefore any amount counts, which could get any knife open, thus the ridiculous throwing motions some officers use to get the "prohibited weapon" charge.

My M16 and Groove can NOT be flicked open no matter how hard you swing it around. You're not going to get them open unless you use the flipper.

I've never taken apart one of my AO knives, but fom what I understand the torsion bar is what holds them closed, and therefore if it was removed I would imagine they would swing open quite freely.

I'm wary of carrying around any of my AO's, I fully admit that they are legal by a very small technicality. I could definitely see myself having problems convincing an officer that it is technically legal. I carry my M16 or Groove worry-free, by design they are quite firmly held shut.

 

[Joshua J.]

My M16 and Groove can NOT be flicked open no matter how hard you swing it around.

I highly doubt that. not that I think you are lying, but I can flick open just about anything that isn't a pain to open, and with practice you probably could too.
And I assure you that many police officers can as well.

Oh, and I checked with my buddy yesterday, he carries his Blur tip up with the blade facing back, so that when you reach into your pocket your hand slides along the back of the handle (I still recommend tip down though). His knife seems to stay closed fairly well with just resistance from the pivot, and it's still very smooth.
The only worry that I can see is if it opens part way and cuts as you draw it from your pocket. Once again, it is a risk, but it doesn't seem to be a huge one when carried properly.

 

[Nick Hyle]

@cdf: probably right, i likely won't be happy with CRKT quality. typically i'm a fan of benchmades and spydercos. that kind of quality is my fave' stuff. some of the kershaw folders i've handled in stores didn't live up to my quality expectations either.....felt flimsy (leek, storm, ......)

Dennis, if you already like and are willing to pay a little more for quality, I'm with Daniel and Mud Dog - the ZT 0200 is a great, top quality folder, real high speed low drag stuff. Spend the $130, and get a knife you'll love, and trust.