Best cheap assisted opening knife?

J

J1427

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Sep 2, 2013
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Hey guys so what is the best assisted opening folder, that is decently affordable? I've been wanting to try one and was wondering what I should get. Preferably de-assistable but not a requirement. Is the cryo G10 too heavy/small to be a contender?
 
In my personal experience, I've found the best assisted opening knife to be the Kershaw Leek, in the affordable category. It is not de-assistable (I've tried...), but I consider it to set a standard in A/O knives. Of the four I've owned, they all wear in to be basically legal switchblades in speed.
 
Kershaw. Just find one you like at the price you want to spend and go for it. Some of their lower priced Chinese knives need a bit of tweaking from the factory to get things tight and centered, but it only requires the turning of a few screws, and you're good to go. I don't own a Cryo, but I'd think it'd be along the same lines of quality as the numerous lower priced Kershaws I do own. :thumbup:
 
If you go with the Cryo, go Cryo 2. I have a Cryo and NEVER carry it, it is (oddly) too small and too heavy, feels like a stone in my pocket with how concentrated the weight is. The Cryo 2 is only minimally heavier but is a much more useful size, although at that point I suggest going with the Thermite.
 
Wow I think you might have just made a sale on the thermite. I've seen it before but dismissed it as just another cheap tango. Really into the spanto tip right now, frame lock, flipper, a/o, deep carry clip and cheap! Just concerned about the weight. 4.9 oz!!!!!!
 
I really would recommend the Kershaw Blur for this role. It isn't the cheapest, but I do believe it is the best.

Tom
 
J1427 said:
Wow I think you might have just made a sale on the thermite. I've seen it before but dismissed it as just another cheap tango. Really into the spanto tip right now, frame lock, flipper, a/o, deep carry clip and cheap! Just concerned about the weight. 4.9 oz!!!!!!
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It doesn't feel excessively heavy, also take into consideration that it is 1.5oz lighter than the Cryo 2 but has a 0.5" longer blade. The new blackwashed Thermite looks really nice in person too, you're basically getting all the facets of a Hinderer knife but with more budget friendly materials and manufacturing.

And no, it cannot be deassisted, few of the new AO Kershaws can be (Cryos can't either).
 
We can all agree that Kershaw owns this market segment. I'm not into AO's, but Kershaw makes solid stuff at very attractive prices. I've never seen junk from them even at the $20 level, and I admire them for that.
 
Pick a speedsafe kershaw if you want a good budget spring assisted knife. I own the Cryo and Tremor which are speedsafe and it works quite good, though I personally would suggest just taking a look at what they have and making a decision based on your tastes.
 
As stated above, there's a plethora of Chinese Kershaws to choose from for a very cheap but high-quality assisted opener. I find the Cryo to be a bit heavy for my tastes. The Zing SS, however, would be of particular note, as it can be de-assisted and still flips pretty well.
 
Best = Blur and Cheap = Leek.
Nice compromise = Thermite.
I agree on the Cryo - nice, but a little wide and heavy for the blade length. Wound up gifting mine away.
Though I'm very curious to try an Amplitude when they come out.
 
JoepReinen said:
Cryo II G10!!!
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That knife does not exist. At least not from the factory.

Like someone suggested. Pick one of the inexpensive kershaws that has the other features you like. I have the Thermite and it is a great beater AO knife.

And no, it cannot be de-assisted.
 
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