Looking for a new assisted open folding knife

[BlazinBWF]

Hi all,
I am looking for a new assisted open folding knife. I really like Kershaws speed safe system because you can open them with your index finger...however, the blade materials are not quite as good as what can be found on knives made by Benchmade and Microtech. How much better are the steels like 154CM or D2 tool steel compared with Sandvik 13C26, and S30V that can be found on Kershaw knives? Also are there any other brands out there make a assited open mechanism similar to the Speed Safe that can be opened with an index finger?

thanks

 

[TexasNativeDRJH]

I would say that S30V is a step or so above 154CM, and D2 will be hard to find on an assisted opening folder. D2 is IMO the best blade steel that you have mentioned; it takes a crummy edge, but holds it a veeerrrry long time. Me personally, I would go with a Kershaw Spec Bump as I dont know of any other assisted opening knives with better blade steel. S30V is some good stuff

 

[SOLEIL]

Welcome to the forum!

Try using the search function, you will find tons of info on your topic.
You will find that preference of blade steel depends mainly on the needs of each individual user. What will you be using it for? All of the blade steels mentioned will work very well depending on your useage. There are also a large amount of other steels and AO systems out there that are better or worse than the ones you mentioned. Doing a search can be tedious, but you will find more than enough info to help make your decision.

Welcome and have fun!

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Welcome to Bladeforums!

You will not find better materials than Kershaw's S30V Leek or the new Titanium Handle and ZDP-189 version.

Don't get too hung up on the specific steel, especially in a small folder that will not see serious stress on the blade. At that level, even AUS-8 is a good performer, and all the newer high-tech steels are all but indistinguishable.

Different companies tend to use different steels because they've learned to properly heat treat and grind their choice over the years.

 

[CMSpeedy]

The S30V/G10 Leek is one of my favorite knives. It's got all the winning attributes - Great edge holding, easy to grip, awesome AO action, rugged, small in the pocket, not too expensive, not threatening to normal people and VERY fast to deploy.

AWESOME KNIFE!!! My current EDC.

 

[cybrok]

If ATS34 is good enough for you, try a Camillus Heat

There is also the Dominator in S30V with Ti handles, but a little more expensive

 

[Artfully Martial]

Kershaw offers totally comparable materials on their high end. I personally like Kershaw's work with G10 and titanium better than benchmade's equivalents. In general, S30V is perceived to be the best normally used steel, although that will probably change when you can buy ZDP commonly. Now, what is the best steel for each application is a highly contested topic that I'll leave to Stamp.

Here are my top five AOs:
Blue Bump:
S30V/Anodized titanium framelock
170 dollars

Random Leek:
S30V/SS framelock
120ish dollars

Spec Bump and Pseudo bump
S30V or 13C26/ G10 studlock
115/75 dollars

Avalanche
S30V/G10
90 dollars

Mini Mojo
440A/SS+G10
50 dollars