HELP: Cant decide on an EDC auto knife

The AFO is a good knife but isn't slim or light as a matter of fact my TR4 with a half inch longer blade is slimmer and feels a bit light than an AFO. Both Pro-Tech and Benchmade have outstanding warranties so just find the one you prefer and go with it you really can't make a wrong decision with either company.
 
I really can't recommend the CLA enough. It has been in my pocket almost exclusively for 2 years. I have a handful of other (best edc) benchmades I rotate through, but none of them hold a candle to the CLA. It has the lockup and feel of a fixed blade when opened. I have literally fired it thousands of times, and it still fires as hard as when it was new. It's just a great performer at every level. And the 4300-1 is one awesome looking knife to boot.
 
I'll also recommend a ProTech TR-3 (based on your preferences) over the others you've mentioned. The AFO 2 is a large and weighty knife. I like mine, but I wouldn't carry it every day. The CLA is a good light duty auto, but for a daily user that can see a wide range of uses, I prefer my TR-3 SWAT. Another plus is Protech's stellar CS. They're friendly and pretty quick.
 
I would love that my friend, BUT we listen to Zeppelin, not The Dead!!!
:D

T. Erdelyi said:
You know Joe, I gotta try one of those out. My only good autos are my BMW AFO first gen, no lock or pocket clip so very little pocket carry, mostly in a sheath. The BM Mini Reflex is another great one I have but again, first gen and no locks or clip = less pocket carry. I have a David Mosier Block Auto, a square little lever release auto with the kick of little mule. No lock and no clip but it doesn't need it, it's 1.75" blade is more than adequate for any gentlemanly duties required of it.

Might be time to hook up with you somewhere for a drink so I can check out your ProTech Joe, maybe even make a trade ;) . Seems I have no modern autos, everything I have is 30+ years old or older. Next time I'm in your neck of the woods I'll get in touch Joe.
Click to expand...
 
Kpem0711 said:
The godfather looks like a badass knife as well!! IDK about edc with that one though
Click to expand...

I have one! It is the most impractical knife ever!!! But it just oooozes coolness!! The Godson also.

Kpem0711 said:
Is everyone under the general consensus that Gerber american made knives are overpriced or just not good? I mean i know everyone has their own idea of whats "better" but im gathering that most arent a fan. I can get the covert auto for $98. I figured that was good but if its not going to last ill buy up to the benchmade or pro tech for $50 more
Click to expand...

I bought a Gerber auto, Fairburn something, gave it away. Not much quality feel at all.
Also, Microtech LUDT is a winner! Very cool auto, but I found the ergos on the TR3 are much better.
Joe
 
Im surprised and somewhat disappointed to hear that about gerber... Folder seems the way to go over an OTF, it was just a late night cool idea i guess haha

Looks like i can narrow it down to:
Protech TR-3
Microtech LUDT
BM Stimulus or CLA

Eliminated a couple but added two new, square one... hahaha
 
Murdamook said:
You should just make your signature,”Do you have some time to discuss our lord and savior, Matt Diskin?” I swear, every time I see a “recommend” thread, you post big dollar custom Diskins. It’s actually kind of weird.
Click to expand...


Anytime someone asks about an auto yes I recommend the autos I like and use ...... what’s weird about that ?

Big dollar ?

The op said there was no price point and there was a time when a Fire sold for a few hundred bucks

So yes there are other nice autos I prefer Matt’s work .... why do you have issue with that ?

I also have a few Microtechs amd think they are nice also but most don’t want out the fronts
 
Last edited:
Okay i should clarify, price in a reasonable limit is the limit. lol

Like i said i get a nice discount on BM and Gerber, hopefully microtech soon. I dont believe that protech has that option which wouldnt be a killer cause theyre already moderately priced. But IMO something is to be said about a company that offers a discount to those professionals that will rely on it when it really matters (not necessarily myself, but in general)
 
Kpem0711 said:
Okay i should clarify, price in a reasonable limit is the limit. lol

Like i said i get a nice discount on BM and Gerber, hopefully microtech soon. I dont believe that protech has that option which wouldnt be a killer cause theyre already moderately priced. But IMO something is to be said about a company that offers a discount to those professionals that will rely on it when it really matters (not necessarily myself, but in general)
Click to expand...


Got it

Come by the DISKIN Booth at Blade and I’ll give you a discount :)

DISKIN USA supports all active Service men and ladies

Of all the autos I’ve played with the DISKIN pieces have been the most reliable

I’ve been edcing the same one for over 5 years

I’ve sold hundreds at the shows and only received a few back for any issues and than Matt repairs them and makes things right quickly

Imagine the people that bought Fires for 300 bucks at first that now have a knife worth at times three times that amount ..... not a bad deal for a made in America sold by Americans knife.

Good luck in finding a new knife and like mentioned pro tech and microtech make a good prouduct and if you get to the shows can be bought on show specials
 
image.jpg
The gerber, no issues, great auto for under 100
Can't not but help liking the CLA , twice the $ of the gerber. Worth it.
Not an auto but acts like one, link in m390, finding it in my pocket more and more
 
Last edited:
Bought a Microtech UTX-85 last month, but then went back for an LUDT on Friday. LOVE IT. Planning to carry that as a user. NO blade play.
 
Protech TR3 no doubt about it.I own or have owned all the ones you listed. The Gerber has cheaper aluminum and you can not trust Gerber with their steel. Back in the 90's Gerber was trying to pass off an ATS34 EZ Out. Found out the steel was just 440A like in the standard EZ out. The Kershaw had problems with blade bounce . Mine wouldnt even lock open. The Cla is being replaced by a more expensive model. The Afo is nice but it is a pocket brick. All my smaller BMs springs broke......all of them. Of 5 Ludts all the springs broke and MT didnt know which springs I needed. They also have unusual screws. MT has had a poor CS rating for all of us that have done lots of warranty returns. I dont like fakes from china but sadly they are better. I have an ludt i paid $30 ish for and a Halo I paid $48 for. I feel as though I am ripping myself off if I buy a real microtech.PROS ABOUT THE PROTECHS- Flat coil spring and a military discount. You can also get most models for under $150.
 
Purchased a Hogue auto 4 inch blade. Just whacks open, almost enough to flip out of your hand. No wobble or movement when open.
Buck 110 Auto or Buck 898 Auto are both great knives as well.



S30v Buck 110 and 112

 
Last edited:
Do like some of us have done. Buy, sell, buy, sell & repeat till you've gone broke a few times, tried every blade you've had a fancy for, loved some, hated others, sold some that you had to have again...then by the grace of God, find those few blades that made you happier than that first purchase of that Transformer/Star Wars/He-man/Hot Wheels/GI Joe toy you loved as a kid.

My experience (crib notes, actual experience is much...much more):
Bought a few BM 950 rifts, sold em...bought my last one. Damn that thing is bliss. Gonna Rit dye it neon yellow.
Bought a CRK Lg Inkosi, sold it...looking for another. Damn that thing was good.
Bought a BM bugout...it's going nowhere.
Bought a BM 940, DOAT scales...My PRECIOUSSSSS!
 
palonej said:
I am auto freak and can confidently say get a Pro Tech TR3.
I have Microtechs, Benchmades and Pro Tech autos and the only auto I carry for work, HVAC, is a TR3.
It is extremely reliable, locks up stupid tight, very comfy in hand and fires like a pistol.
Whole bunch of styles to choose from, I have 3 of them. Definitely worth a look.
Also, PT is one of the smaller knife companies and offers excellent customer service.
Good luck & welcome!
Joe
Click to expand...

This man talks sense. Buy a Protech. I like the TR3 and TR5.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top