Best assisted openers

M

MrPres

Joined
Sep 12, 2005
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I know that there are alot of mixed feelings on assisted openers, but I'm in the market for one right now. I'd like a blade length around 4". Any thoughts on which is the "best"?
 
I'm rapidly becoming a fan of the Benchmade Apparition, which I believe has more like a 3.5 inch blade. But it feels really tough in my hand (though a bit heavy), it looks amazing in real life, the ergonomics are great, and the action is powerful and versatile (you can open it slowly like a regular knife if you want to).

I've been dying to try CRKT's two new assisted openers but haven't run into them yet, the Voodoo and Wild Weasel, both of which look like excellent choices.

And of course, you can't mention assisted without Kershaw.
 
I have a Kershaw Blackout. Lightweight polymer handles, 3.25 inch blade. Its very good for the price I paid (around 40-45). The assist works fast and opens easily. Its awfully sharp. Kershaw does not use "wonder" steels in making its regular folders as far as I know, this one is 440A I think, but I haven't put it to any hard use anyways. I generally don't with folders.

I don't generally carry it now because although its light, its a bit bulky. I seem to be leaning towards small folders and big fixed blades, but I can't see a reason not to try it. I don't have any of the others mentioned. I'd like a Rainbow Leek for show off time, though.
 
i have the SOG Flash II and ive been carrying if for about a while now. i like it alot but its a little bulky and the blade tends to start wiggling from side to side.
 
I've only used one, my Camillus Heat.

It's a little too thick (grind-wise), but it's okay for a beater. Heat treatment is definitely much, much better than the piece of crap AUS8A EDC I have, so apparently Camillus can it okay when they actually try. :D
 
I don't know about bigger blades but the Scallion is very well made little knife.
 
When I had a choice between the Kershaw thumbopeners and Camillus Heat, I chose the Heat because having a flipper assited makes more sense to me. I think if you can locate the thumbstud, you can very well rotate it open. In any case, it doesn't leave the hand in a very good grip.

The Heat is not ground thick. The 3mm stock is ground high, better than the AFCK. With a 30 degree total edge, it cuts well, although I had a badly ground one; it's was almost chisel ground.

I like the 3.6 inch blade size, but the handle feels a bit bulky in the pocket. There are some aspects of the design which don't make sense to me and I think are superflous. But overall, I think it is a great package for the money.

Have you looked at the SOG Twitch XL? I say that because it is another flipper AO that I am considering myself.
 
Been trying to find the "perfect" edc folder (hahahahaha)

Went through most of the A/O's trying to find one I liked

Have:

Kershaw:

Chives nice little knife, a little too small for my hands, but do carry occasionally.
Scallion - larger than the chive, but too fat - not a favorite
Leek - seems like spends more time as my EDC than any other (have a Rainbow - gets a lot of oooh's and aaaah's)
Blur - have the anniversery edition - very nice knife, little bulky.
Blackout - too bulky
Bump - not sure what to do with this one, nice, but not something I want to carry.

Sog:

Twitch II - really like this one, like the blade shape, want to try the XL.
Flash - handles seem cheap

Camilus:

Heat - damn, too big, bulky, very fast and SHARP
Sizzle - too small, fat little knife for blade lenth.

Buck:

Sirus - really fast, solid A/O - really a nice knife, a little big - kind of freaked a few sheeple out.
Rush - ok, not sure I like the open frame.

CRKT:

Voodo - got to play with one of these and the Wild Weasel at a local knife store, seemed ok...might get one.

Benchmade:

Apparition - quality you would expect, bigger than I like to carry. (I don't own one of these, buddy loaned me one to try out for a week)

They all have their points (pun intended) mostly a matter of personal preference - think SOG is underrated on this forum, they really seem to make a good product, that said, I personally prefer the Leek for everyday carry A/O.

for non A/O - am still looking - got a CRKT M16-01 with titanium handle, that's a nice knife....might be replaced by a BM 960SLV I have on the way though, ..really looking forward to that one,
 
Kingfisher said:
They all have their points (pun intended) mostly a matter of personal preference - think SOG is underrated on this forum, they really seem to make a good product, that said, I personally prefer the Leek for everyday carry A/O.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the survey.

I too like the Leek - a LOT!
It is also my at home EDC.

Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK (pics)

Kershaw Rainbow Leek - a pictorial review

Black "boron" Leek

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
 
I think some of the new Bucks are available in ATS-34. If that's the case, my money is on them. I like their action much more than the Benchmade or the new CRKT's (those just don't feel very nice.) The construction on the Buck models are really something, so sturdy.
 
The kerhsaw and camillus ones (I have many of Both, avalanches, leeks, scallions, chives, and dominators) are very reliable. Ive tried the SOG ones, not too impressed. The apparition, I handled one, not very fast.
 
The new Kershaw SPec Bump is great. I like it so much I have two.

3D sculpted G10 scales, CPM154 blade, the new Stud Lock. You should check out this knife.

kershaw-specbump-s.jpg
 
Another vote for Kershaw Assisted Openers. I gave Leeks as groomsmen gifts, and they love them. I purchased the Scallion for myself as a sheeple-friendly knife.

I was chatting with a non-knifenut the other day about my little "hobby" ;) and he mentioned how he had always wanted a switchblade. After informing him it's illegal to carry in most places, I demonstrated with my Scallion that I happened to be carrying. One of the groomsmen at my wedding was also present, and demonstrated his Leek. The non-Knut was impressed!

Both Leek and Scallion have narrow handles, you'd forget you are even wearing them; and are 440C. The Scallion is too small for me to use the thumb-stud comfortably in my hand - it's Assisted Opening all-the-way!
 
Shann said:
Kershaw does not use "wonder" steels in making its regular folders as far as I know,
Click to expand...

Actually they do, but not in most of them. The Boa uses S60V and the Bump uses S30V.

You can't go wrong with either Kershaw or Camillus. My favorites in the sub-4" range are the Kershaw Bump and the Camillus Dominator.

--Bob Q
 
I have to put in a word for the Camillus Dominator (available with a Tanto blade). It was mentioned. It is my favorite assisted opener, with a Titanium framelock, S30V blade, and a VERY sturdy mechanism. I know the Heat, and Sizzle use the same mech, but I think the Ti and S30V upgrade is worth the extra $60. This is a knife that will be passed down to your grandkids!

I've yet to handle a Kershaw Ti Bump, but that one looks pretty cool, and I would like to see the Benchmade Apparition, as the style appeals to me, as well.

D2
 
Hmmm... I have never been a fan of assisted openers for some reason, but I just ordered a BM Apparition. I like how you can change it to be either assisted or non-assisted opening.

I'll let you know what I think in about a week ;)
 
Every time this subject comes up, the Boa seems to be forgotten about. It's a great knife. I've never owned one though, but I've never hear d a bad thing about it. It's also probably one of the best values for your money.
Having said that, I own a dominator, and since I got it I have never felt a need for another assisted opener or framelock.
 
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