best ao knives

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Bennyv81

Joined
Apr 15, 2009
Messages
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i know that there is a thread about assisted openers but i figured i'd start a new one. I am looking for a good ao but have a few questions. first i like the s30v leeks, and a few other kershaws but really like the mini-griptilians but can't find it anywhere that they are ao's ? any other suggestions or coments would be helpful. i leave it up the the good people of this forum to help out! thanks
 
The mini-grips are not assisted openers, but the leeks are, if that's what you're wondering.

Hope that's the info you were looking for!
 
Well, the Griptilian and the Mini grip are not AO, but they are almost as quick in deployment. Check out the Benchmade Barrage. It's and AO axis lock (i love that) and it comes in mini, too. It's much sturdier than the bendable Leek. Also, SOG makes quite a few assisted knives like the Aegis, Flash, and Trident. However, the SOG knives tend to have lock problems, and are made of inferior steels.

Also, I think that the Benchmade 940/943 is faster than an AO.
 
i only thought the mini-grip was from the last post i saw on ao knives. some guy kept bringing it up. is the leek really that flimsy ? or just pretty good for the price. also is it worth spending the extra $20 or so for a benchmade than a kershaw ? i'd like to stay under $100 shipped but a sturdy blade is preferable. is the composite d2/whatever the number is on the kershaw, junk yard or leek any good ?
 
i forgot about the aegis thanks. is it pretty sturdy. i mean i love all my other sogs but haven't gotten a folder from them yet.
 
I second the barrage, but specifically the mini-barrage. I carry it almost everyday. its sturdy, 154cm steel, and very quick. the axis lock is amazing.
 
I think you'll find that the Leek fulfills a different role than the mini grip or the barrage.

The leek is slim, light and quite discreet - I think of it as more of a gentleman's knife than a hard use knife. To answer your question, no; it's not flimsy, but if you're looking to cut down trees and hack through paint cans or something with your knife, you should probably look elsewhere. I use a stainless Leek for general, everyday use and it's excellent - I just wouldn't use it as a work knife.

The other two seem to be more geared toward hard use and work than the leek. Broader, thicker blades, sturdier points, generally heavier and much bulkier.

I'd say it's a question of what you're looking to do with your a/o knife: How are you going to be using your knife?
 
My current favorite AO is a Kershaw G-10 Needs Work. Great EDC and work knife.

Griptilians are popular knives, definitely not AO, but quick to open and close due to the Axis lock. Some people don't like then, though, because the Noryl scales aren't fully lined and feel hollow. Some folks even say they feel cheap. Never had a problem with my Ritter Grip's handles or anything else on the knife.

I've owned a SOG Flash II for a day. I wasn't very impressed. Took it back to the store and traded it for a Kershaw Blur. The Blur is another excellent choice for an AO knife.

For under a $100 the G-10 Tyrade is a fantastic knife. AO, composite blade, solid lock-up. They were a limited production run, so there are only a few left at the on-line retailers.
 
thanks for the input. so for a "hard use" knife stick with the benchmade or a thicker kershaw. new to the forum but i love knives and the info. always open to suggestions.
 
Personally for "hard use" I'd start with the ZT line, then look at the bigger Kershaws like the Tyrade. I don't think that BM makes anything quite that heavy duty.
 
The only BM heavy duty AO I can recall is last year's Shot Show special LE AO Rukus.
In my mind ZT is the only way to go if you want a dependable, easy to find AO knife that will handle any job and will still beg for more.
 
Take a look at the Benchmade Strykers. Well made, not bulky, smooth opening and in D2 steel. I have the 907 and 913 in spear points. They are my favorite Benchmades. Also have the large Barrage.
 
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