Folding or Automatic?

[JokersFaceLifter]

Side-opening coil spring automatics shouldn't "fail to fire". The spring is "wound" past the arc of it opening, so there's always enough tension to open it all the way. If it doesn't open all the way then the pivot is cranked down to tight or there's gunk or grit or something inhibiting the action. I've heard of some instances of "bounce back", where the action is so strong that smacks against the stop and bounces back a bit; if the user doesn't hold the button until the blade locks, it might get "stuck" in a not-quite-open position. This could be a manufacturing default, or again, might be because of grit or lack of lube.

If an auto has this problem despite cleaning/lubing/adjusting, then it needs to go back for service or replacement. However, even one that functions perfectly in practice will always be less reliable than a manual opener, by its own nature (and all will be less reliable than a fixed blade, but that's a different topic of discussion). In typical daily, urban use, a side-opening auto will be sufficiently reliable. If it's for self defense, there's many, many arguments against carrying an auto that go beyond mechanical reliability. If you're in the military and deploying to a sandbox, the extra dirt and grit and whatnot can certainly impede reliability, but that's true for anything you might rely on.

ive read too many reviews on protech and gathered most of the basics, unfortunately, they are mostly collectors and "fondlers" and not users, im much more familiar with manual openers, maybe consider me be-dazzled by their star-spangled reputation, thank you for the information, i didn't know the mechanics of the auto, just the spring and button

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I carry autos all of the time and treat them no different than my regular folders, they all hold up great.

 

[JokersFaceLifter]

I carry autos all of the time and treat them no different than my regular folders, they all hold up great.

i was looking at the piranha prowler for a while, then stumbled upon the protech section of the site, wasn't able to leave since D;

 

[Kaizen1]

OTFs can be fun for a while, but over time, manual folders are much more preferred for me. Many manual folders can open just as fast as autos, but you also have more control over manuals.

 

[JokersFaceLifter]

OTFs can be fun for a while, but over time, manual folders are much more preferred for me. Many manual folders can open just as fast as autos, but you also have more control over manuals.

i see skin flakes on your otf. lol just giving you a hard time --- i see your point, another issue is optics, the loud "snap" of an auto and the visual deployment will make lots of people possibly uncomfortable

 

[Grizzm@n]

As has been stated, a design that has fewer components has fewer points of failure.

I've never owned (nor had any desire to own) an assisted or automatic knife, but I handled several Benchmade assisteds and autos this weekend. Yep, they're fast to open, but so is a full sized Spyderco or Benchmade manual.

I still consider the decrease in durability enough of a reason to avoid them.

 

[JokersFaceLifter]

As has been stated, a design that has fewer components has fewer points of failure.

I've never owned (nor had any desire to own) an assisted or automatic knife, but I handled several Benchmade assisteds and autos this weekend. Yep, they're fast to open, but so is a full sized Spyderco or Benchmade manual.

I still consider the decrease in durability enough of a reason to avoid them.

i have a blur and leek, im not too sold on the assisted opening, because honestly i don't need a knife to deploy that fast, that and i have a strong preference for 154cm, n690 and s30v

 

[Grizzm@n]

I wish I could give feedback specific to the Turret, but neither of the dealers I visited had one in stock.

It's still on my list.

 

[JokersFaceLifter]

I wish I could give feedback specific to the Turret, but neither of the dealers I visited had one in stock.

It's still on my list.

of course, i research the dealers before i buy, i shall never be duped by a counterfeit, im not sure if listing the dealers i go to is allowed here? but there is a list of verified dealers i shop at.

 

[Detroit1980]

Autos are not for me, but I support the right to own and carry one.

A Benchmade with an axis lock opens and closes pretty efficiently. If speed and one hand opening and closing were a priority. Benchmade is the way to go.

I have to disagree. Unless there are legal issues involved I really don't understand how you could recommend a Benchmade axis lock over something like a Protech auto for durability and reliability. I feel the spring in the axis lock is just as likely to break as the spring in an auto, especially with the quality of Protech.

With that said, for overall reliability I'd have to recommend a folder with a frame lock, liner lock or a Spyderco compression lock. I feel like the Spyderco compression lock might be the way to go for a unique 1 handed open and closing mechanism that's proved to be reliable. The compression lock seems to be just as reliable as a liner lock and you can still use it to flick it open and closed 1 handed as you can with a Benchmade axis lock.

 

[K.O.D.]

I carry autos all of the time and treat them no different than my regular folders, they all hold up great.

Exactly, I love all my knives, and deployment is not that much different IMO between automatic and manual.

I really like OTF's, for numerous reasons. Don't have to worry about my little nephews getting ahold of them, they aren't strong enough to open them. They also won't accidentally open when dropped. Here's a pic. The gray is a Hogue Exploit, red a Heretic Manticore E, blue a Brian Tighe and friends Twist Tighe.

I've used the Hogue a lot, never an issue. The other two are very new, but I have no qualms about using them.

I wouldn't worry unless you really beat the crap out of them.

 

[Gilbert G]

Get 1 knife that excels both as an auto and as a manual! Problem solved. Enter the Protech Strider SA5. There might even be one on the forums at the moment. Has a time tested design, super strong, great cutter and slicer than the original SNG's due to blade geometry, has incredible richness and build quality with 416 Stainless Steel and G10 handle and a breeze to pull in an out of pocket. Ignoring the rarity and limited edition factor and that you'll own something special most people don't get to try you'll have a high functioning auto when you want it and then you can switch over to manual when you are feeling more of that vibe. All that's needed is a quick disassemble, remove spring and re-assemble. The knife is surprisingly smooth in manual mode due to high tolerances and combination of the SS and G10 scales and the built in washers design. There are no washers so that's even less parts to deal with which also means you can take this thing in mud water and all the elements you name it and won't get gunked up. Super easy to clean and less parts means a stronger more durable knife as if SS and G10 aren't self explanatory.
Here in California also so you know legal to own autos while at residence but not open public carry. It isn't like a double edge dagger so even if you do run into issue with law enforcement, on your premises and have to use it in "a situation" you should be OK given it is legal to own. Then when you want to go out on the town or take it to work you got the manual bases covered also. Best of both worlds and too bad Protech didn't produce more of these.

 

[Weiss]

i want to know, is there any noticeable differences between a good folding knife versus a good automatic knife, in terms of durability, and which would last longer as an every day carry user?

I tip the durability hat to a good folding knife.

I say that having the vast experience of owning two switch blades: one Böker Kalashnikov (side opener) and one Microtech Cypher (dual action OTF). The Böker lasted way longer before breaking its spring. For many months after the breakage I used it as a button-locker before finally installing a new spring. (To use it as button-locker, I first had to remove the broken spring, otherwise the spring wreckage caused horrific drag on opening.)

The far more expensive Microtech busted after maybe a month of semi-regular carry and extremely light use and diligent oiling. I still haven't sent it back for service, though I probably will later this week. The nature of its break, however, means it's mostly useless since I don't have a tool to take it apart or new parts to make it work again. I can't fling the blade out and lock it without first jiggling the floppy button and yanking on the blade, and then I can't retract the blade without fiddling with the button and blade again. Those things said, what I'm also not keen on regarding automatics is that I have to be more diligent about quickly cleaning them after dirty cutting. I sliced an orange for breakfast one day and stuck the the Böker in my pocket. When I later hit the button to fire it open, the blade opened in super slo-mo, then stopped about halfway. I yanked it open from there. Evidently the juice overwhelmed it.

I have yet to suffer malfunctions with most of my folding knives, many of which I've had for years.

The one exception is a Spyderco Tenacious. The liner lock has worn out so much it moves 100% to the other side of the locking surface. There is abundant blade wiggle without serious tightening of the pivot. So serious, in fact, that it makes thumbing the thing open slow and uncomfortable.

TL/DR: Your choices are great. Choose the one that puts a smile on your face. Fix them when they break.* Play on.

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Note: Yes, I worry about Omega springs.

 

[Gilbert G]

The far more expensive Microtech busted after maybe a month of semi-regular carry and extremely light use and diligent oiling. I still haven't sent it back for service, though I probably will later this week. The nature of its break, however, means it's mostly useless since I don't have a tool to take it apart or new parts to make it work again. I can't fling the blade out and lock it without first jiggling the floppy button and yanking on the blade, and then I can't retract the blade without fiddling with the button and blade again.

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Note: Yes, I worry about Omega springs.

That's a damn shame after only about a month of regular carry. Sometimes the Microtech springs pop off or thing get off track or gunked up. Did you try shooting rem oil down the top blade hole opening for about 10-20 seconds then turn the knife upside down and attempt to fire? This can fix the problem sometimes. Otherwise they aren't that tricky if you get a tool from "other places" and unclog things. Hard to imagine a spring breaking with normal usage in such a short time as sounds like got clogged up. My ultratech did this and took apart and cleaned and re-assembled and oiled and now better than when I received.

 

[gazz98]

I'd highly suggest whatever you carry be legal in your area. The last thing you need in legal issues I'm sure.

I'd pick the Turret for now since I know the auto is illegal.

I've never had issues with a BM spring but several people on this forum had them break.

I'd also consider a Spyderco Para 2/3 (depending on the size of your hand) or the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter (quickly becoming one of my favorites).

 

[pnsxyr]

if i could have a couple of hard use folders, ill be happy, im not trying to drown in an ocean of knives, the presidio and turret would be a dynamic duo and would make sense, pairing optics alone. i don't do anything stupid like hack on trees or pry with a knife's tip, i am however creative with using a knife, that said, i try to use the right tool for the job, automatics are pretty touchy but what gets me is the many good things about protech, even if its a still young company

You really can't go wrong with Pro-Tech. When they make a design, they commit to it and they really follow through in execution. From a fit and finish perspective, my Pro-Tech Newport, custom Sprint, and TR-3 are top-notch. Good materials, great consistency, solid heat treatments, very good grinds, and solid longevity (while I've only used the Newport and Sprint lightly, I've used the TR-3 Integrity quite a bit.) I would also recommend checking out the TR-5. It's ergos are spectacular, it has a great blade shape, and it incorporates S35VN, which Pro-Tech heat treats very well (all three of mine are S35VN). You also noted you wanted a good company to deal with and Pro-Tech is top-notch.

All that said, as I noted previously, I am extremely biased towards the simplicity and serviceability of frame locks that don't rely on thinner springs, so do take account of my personal biases here FWIW.

 

[craytab]

If you are willing to carry a Benchmade Axis lock, an auto really is no more of a worry when considering reliability. I just got a TR3 and it is an awesome knife.

 

[K.O.D.]

I'd also like to add, I've had nearly every lock type out there. Only one I haven't had are the G&G Hawk locks, Cold Steel Scorpion lock, maybe a few others.

I've only had two with issues. Broken spring on an axis lock (Benchmade) within a couple weeks of ownership, and a CRKT M16 liner lock, which went to 100% and closed on me while cutting boxes.

I like spyderco's compression and ball bearing lock best.

Regardless, knives are a consumable commodity. Things break, they wear out. I wouldn't worry about buying an auto from a good company like Pro-Tech. I feel the likelihood of it breaking in an absolutely critical moment is very, very slim. And you could always use it as a blunt force weapon.

But I don't ever consider using a knife for personal protection. If you are really worried, you should get a CCW permit.

 

[craytab]

I wouldn't worry about buying an auto from a good company like Pro-Tech. I feel the likelihood of it breaking in an absolutely critical moment is very, very slim. And you could always use it as a blunt force weapon.

But I don't ever consider using a knife for personal protection. If you are really worried, you should get a CCW permit.

And I believe that if the spring breaks on your Pro-Tech, the knife will still stay closed and lock open. That's not the case with an axis lock. Yes they have two springs, but....

And yeah, gun over knife. Not so easily done in CA though. And with an auto being illegal too, I'm not sure why we are even having this discussion.

 

[Gilbert G]

Nice to hear the praises for Protech since born and raised can't help but feel a sense of pride I guess similar to how Chris Reeves feels on Idaho. #USAmade. Speaking of USA made I've owned various Benchmade's and the axis lock was a concern. Never had a problem with them but heard of cases where they failed. One thing about Protech is everything locks up tight and no shakes or wobbles where as in a few of the Benchmade's had the opposed and just felt more flimsy. There's pressure/stress testes to prove the axis locks but it is more of a personal feeling when in hand. Hard to go wrong with a Spyderco compression lock as never heard of one of them failing.