Best of "spring-assisted" folders...

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Glock_Racer

Joined
Jun 16, 2001
Messages
18
Well I really like the "spring-assisted", tactical type folders. I have an Emerson Commander and altough it is not spring-assisted it is pretty fast and nearly comparable to an automatic. Then I bought the Kershaw Boa, designed by Ken Onion and never looked back. You can open the blade with the simple flick of your index finger, it even has a safety, which is a cool feature.

What are your thoughts and recommendations on these kinds of knives?

BTW, I live in the commie state of Kalifornia so the autos are just out of the question for the moment (unless the blade is less than 2" in length)
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I'm sure the Ken Onion knives are great. But I like a lot of control over my knives, and I'm more concerned with lockup than opening speed. In fact even with my one-handers like the Vaquero Grande, Ares, and Sebenza, for three very different styles, I prefer to flick them half-open, and rotate them the rest of the way out.

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You have to remember in Cali you can legally own any automatic knife. You just can't Buy,sell,trade, or posess the knife outside your residence.

But its perfectly fine if the knife were to magically appear one night while you were asleep.
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With that said, I prefer my fully auto Benchmade Reflex when going to the, "spring Assisted" category.

It rides well on my pack strap while I'm deep in the Sierra Nevada.

I am a little defiant when it comes to stupid laws. I always throw in a good dose of common sense and I've never had a problem.

Besides, I highly doubt a ranger would ask me "Hey what knid of knife is that in your sheath" when I have a 9mm Glock on my hip.

Later, Jeff

[This message has been edited by salamander (edited 06-20-2001).]
 
I had a Kershaw Orion "semi auto" folder
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It was a great knife. It was very easy to put an edge ( a very sharp one at that) on. I just thought it was a little small (SIFU or Cold Steel Vaquero Grande
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) I gave it to my pop's he thought it was cool.
I tend to perfer to open my knives all by my little self with a little quick flick of the wrist. I still think I am faster with one of these than the assisted openers anyways.
I played around with the Timberline assisted openers at the same time I bought the Kershaw. The Tiberline knives looked pretty good but the assisted opening wasn't even close to the Kershaw.
 
I find the knife laws so absolutely F-ing silly. Any person 18 years of age or older, can with the right paperwork, a photo, a pair of fingerprint cards and two tax fees of now maybe $300 bucks each, can legally buy a fully supressed H&K MP5-SD. If he is cheap and only wants to pay uncle Sam just one tax fee, he can legally buy a selective fire (full auto) M-16. But try to buy an auto knife and FORGET it, Its illegal except if you are A B or C. Joe Honest citizen can buy a Bazooka after the dance of the red tape, but cannot buy one of the Wholesaledepot,I am a lawyer sell ya drugs and paraphenalia, and a cheap made in the dregs of Vietnam auto knifes legally, let alone a hi-quality real auto from a top shelve Maker/Dealer/collector/knifeknut!!!! Go figure, NO!!!!! I am going to fight this crap and get the Laws cleared up. THE NRA? Nope the I.K.K.T.L.S. ( I am a Knife Knut These Laws Suck) Wolf...Breathe, Breathe!!!!
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Have own a few "semi-automatics" like the Kershaw Random Task & Whirlwind, Meyerco Rascal, and Timberline Discovery. All of them are very addictive to use. Of all the models I have, the one that opens the fastest is the Timberline Discovery.
 
Went in to this shop about September last year and was carrying the Boa. The guy behind the counter seemed like a knife knut because he asked for, fondled and commented on the sweetness of the Boa. He then said that he was trying to get in the Boas, Whirlwinds and Avalanches for sale. He and I both know that the law specifically states that an auto, which is illegal for him to sell, has to have a button which "fires" the blade. Just having a spring assisted opening wouldn't do.

Fast forward to last weekend. Walked in to same shop, saw the Whirlwind and Avalanche on display, asked for and fondled both of them and commented "There isn't any assisted opening. What happened to the Ken Onion Speedsafe?" The salesman (different guy, probably not knife knut) made some comment about those not being legal, being a flick knife (exact term he used and also used in law books). I didn't reply but just continued to play with the knives for a little longer. They were very sad without the speed assist and the Whirlwind felt very cheap, like a $5 flea-market knife.

I just don't understand this country anymore. And I so wanted to buy in a few other assisted opening knives, but I'm afraid to do so having been blacklisted by Customs since the MD Shrike incident.

But back on topic, I own the Boa and it is one sweet knife. Very well constructed, solid lockup, no lateral blade play and a good feel to it. I'm still debating on whether to spring for the Timberline. I like the idea of the button lock but that might be mistaken for the "firing button" on the knife and get me into another heap of trouble with Customs. Fortunately, gentleman folders are taking up my time and finances at the moment, so that's keeping my cravings at bay.
 
There is obviously either a great deal of difference between individual examples of certain knives, or more likely, the tastes and sensations of different people.

I own a Kershaw Whirlwind. Its in a drawer somewhere. Should sell it, since I never carry or use it. Recently got the chance to handle a Timberline Discovery Lock. Much preferred it to my Whirlwind.

As my Dad used to say, "Every one to their own notions said the old lady as she kissed her cow."
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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
Folks keep your eyes out for Kershaw's Chive and Scallions, both with speed assist plus a safety. I saw a few makers with them around Blade show and got to play with them. Very cool little knives and I can't see them causing you any grief for carrying them anywhere. I couldn't resist I had to order a 1/2 dozen for gifts, at under $50 each these are going to be very hot.

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Will Work 4 Knives
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