Automatic recommendations

Like another post says, the Microtech LUDT is a good choice. Another option that falls way under your budget is the Benchmade AFO 2. Great action and built like a tank, it’s a little large and heavy though. Another one would be the Benchmade Stryker auto, this one is solid and would carry a little easier than the AFO, also falls way under budget.

I loved my old AFO II, but. Ow I wish I had that same basic knife but in a better steel like M390 or 20CV!
 
The Microtech Stitch looks decent. And I really like M390. But more expensive than other autos since its $399.
 
I'm also a Protech guy - really nice quality knives at a very reasonable price. Super snappy opening. I have a Godson (impractical) and a CQC7a. I'd like to check out a MRX at some point but I don't need another "hard use" knife at this point, I already have several and really no need for more than one. It's kept me from picking up a Hogue (manual) I've had my eye on too.
 
I'm also a Protech guy - really nice quality knives at a very reasonable price. Super snappy opening. I have a Godson (impractical) and a CQC7a.

I like ProTech as well. My Godson is wildly impractical and gets no pocket time, but it's awesome so I keep it. Their TR3 is truly an outstanding piece, and I'll probably add the Steampunk version to my stables next.

Green Beret buddy has a Benchmade AFO that went with him to hell, back, to hell again, back again, lather-rinse-repeat and it looks it. But it's still rock solid and fires as hard as when he bought it. A bit heavy and bulky for me, but he loves it. I myself prefer the BM Mini Reflex... smaller, lighter and ergonomic as all get-out.

Get something that is useful and will see some pocket time. Lots of choices out there, so enjoy.
 
Kershaw's Launch series is a good option if you're looking for a less expensive USA made line. I have the Launch 2
and It's a surprisingly nice EDC. Their 154cm is good stuff too.
 
I like ProTech as well. My Godson is wildly impractical and gets no pocket time, but it's awesome so I keep it. Their TR3 is truly an outstanding piece, and I'll probably add the Steampunk version to my stables next.

Green Beret buddy has a Benchmade AFO that went with him to hell, back, to hell again, back again, lather-rinse-repeat and it looks it. But it's still rock solid and fires as hard as when he bought it. A bit heavy and bulky for me, but he loves it. I myself prefer the BM Mini Reflex... smaller, lighter and ergonomic as all get-out.

Get something that is useful and will see some pocket time. Lots of choices out there, so enjoy.

I haven't been a fan of Benchmade for years now. But the AFO2 looks pretty nice. Especially to tanto blade version. I love me a nice tanto.
 
What is the purpose of the purchase? As something new to add to the collection? As an EDC user? If the former, then the Buck 110 auto is a great choice. If the latter is the goal, there are better options IMO. I loved the release of the auto version and am happy to have it part of the collection. But it would not be my recommendation for someone just interested in a general purpose EDC automatic. It's pretty heavy. There is no safety and the button WILL fire on you eventually if you just put it in your pocket--ask me how I know. Sheath use is a must if you don't want to ruin your jeans, or worse. I polished the blade and bolsters to a mirror finish, polished, oiled, and waxed the handles, and added mine to my display collection. I pretty much got it for the collection, as I already own a 110 standard. Its a beautiful, classic piece. But its just not a good EDC choice IMO. Can it make an EDC? Sure. There are just better options IMO if thats the primary goal.

Protech makes very well designed and built autos. I have a few in my collection. Consider what you will use it for, however. Majority of their lineup are generally light-use knives with relatively thin blades and fragile tips, so if they will see extensive, daily use, stick to their 'tactical response' model that's more rugged..Microtech makes very rugged and durable autos and if you want a decent OTF, they are tops in that area IMO.
 
Protech and Protech.

Some think they are plain ugly but another fantastic knife, from personal experience, the Rat Worx MRX mini. This thing is buttery smooth in the action department and built so precisely for a manufactured knife. Love mine!
 
What is the purpose of the purchase? As something new to add to the collection? As an EDC user? If the former, then the Buck 110 auto is a great choice. If the latter is the goal, there are better options IMO. I loved the release of the auto version and am happy to have it part of the collection. But it would not be my recommendation for someone just interested in a general purpose EDC automatic. It's pretty heavy. There is no safety and the button WILL fire on you eventually if you just put it in your pocket--ask me how I know. Sheath use is a must if you don't want to ruin your jeans, or worse. I polished the blade and bolsters to a mirror finish, polished, oiled, and waxed the handles, and added mine to my display collection. I pretty much got it for the collection, as I already own a 110 standard. Its a beautiful, classic piece. But its just not a good EDC choice IMO. Can it make an EDC? Sure. There are just better options IMO if thats the primary goal.

Protech makes very well designed and built autos. I have a few in my collection. Consider what you will use it for, however. Majority of their lineup are generally light-use knives with relatively thin blades and fragile tips, so if they will see extensive, daily use, stick to their 'tactical response' model that's more rugged..Microtech makes very rugged and durable autos and if you want a decent OTF, they are tops in that area IMO.

I'll be carrying it as an edc at least for a while so I can test it out. Good info on the Buck. I def don't want any accidents. The Microtech Stitch looks better and better every time I glance at it. I have yet check out Rat Worx. That's my next target to investigate,
 
Protech and Protech.

Some think they are plain ugly but another fantastic knife, from personal experience, the Rat Worx MRX mini. This thing is buttery smooth in the action department and built so precisely for a manufactured knife. Love mine!

I'm unfamiliar with Rat Worx. But I'm about to research them. How's their track record?
 
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I'll be carrying it as an edc at least for a while so I can test it out. Good info on the Buck. I def don't want any accidents. The Microtech Stitch looks better and better every time I glance at it. I have yet check out Rat Worx. That's my next target to investigate,

Don't own a stitch but can vouch for Microtech in general. Their knives are pretty durable and put together well. Most of their models definitely fall into the heavy use category for their class. Rat Worx looks like a good sturdy design as well although I dont own one. Boils down to what you like best. Lots of autos out there. Good luck and have fun with the search. In knife collecting, the journey is half the fun.
 
Don't own a stitch but can vouch for Microtech in general. Their knives are pretty durable and put together well. Most of their models definitely fall into the heavy use category for their class. Rat Worx looks like a good sturdy design as well although I dont own one. Boils down to what you like best. Lots of autos out there. Good luck and have fun with the search. In knife collecting, the journey is half the fun.

Yes sir , research is def half the fun for me. Right now I'm favoring the Stitch and the BM AFO2. Think I'm gonna pass on the Buck.
 
Yes sir , research is def half the fun for me. Right now I'm favoring the Stitch and the BM AFO2. Think I'm gonna pass on the Buck.
Obviously the Stitch drawback is the price. But it is a heavy duty knife, and you can get it plain edge, partially serrated, or full serrated with a wide variety of handle and blade finishes. I have the black handle in two of the "apocalyptic" finishes. Couple months of steady carry the only sign of wear is the pocket clip.

The caveat of all this is I just prefer a larger knife, I am sure that some people would find the Stitch too big.
 
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