"Auto" knives vs. manual

[LtUSMC]

How do "auto" knives such as those by Paragon, Microtech, Benchmade, etc. compare to regular folding knives (i.e. Spyderco Military) in terms of ruggedness and strength?

Does having more complicated mechanisms make the autos less practical?

 

[christoper wardlow]

It depends on the Auto and manual. I normally find more play in an Auto than in my manual carry pieces (Microtech is an exception though). Autos maintenance is a little more demanding because of the more complicated workings. If you are debating on what to carry I would recommend for an Auto a Microtec Combat Talon or a HALO III.
For a manual an Emerson CQC-7b or Commander are great. I carry these on a regular basis.

------------------
SSgt Christopher Wardlow
USAF Security Forces
425th ABS Izmir Turkey

 

[Frank Castle]

Sir,

In my opinion a folder is more functional in the field enviornments that you will put it through.( extreme cold, ICE, sandy shores,mud, all the chemicals field day inspections :eek

The autos are more prone to fail when the button gets gunked up. Double that for the OTF models. If you must go auto the D/A socom has the manual mode as a back-up.

A spyderco model folder will serve you better and its cheaper. Its just a gadget thing. Just my opinion. I love autos don't get me wrong. I have a Halo 3, GT, Dalton, CTII, MOD Tempest,UDT etc etc.

Semper Fi,
Former Cpl 2nd Mar div 1/6 wpns co 81mm.

[This message has been edited by Frank Castle (edited 08-22-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Frank Castle (edited 08-22-2000).]

 

[LtUSMC]

I like the idea of the D/A socom. Cpl, I think you're right that a regular folding knife is more appropriate for the field environment. I may get an auto just as a carry knife.

So many good knives out there. One will go mad if he tries to find his personal Excalibur, so to speak.

Semper Fi.

 

[Frank Castle]

Excalibre??

Marma luke devil dog.

 

[icarian]

LT,

Also check your local base regs...a call to the Provost Marshal should yield some results...quite a few local commanders have put restrictions against autos or gravity knives in their "crime prevention/physical security" regs. Been to several places with that attitude (Ft. Campbell even makes their soldiers register CROSSBOWS), went on and took that personal risk...spend two hundred on an auto, just doesn't seem right to have to keep it locked away

Just be advised that it might be a personal judgement call to selectively non-comply...hopefully Quantico doesn't care.