Hello all, new poster. I'm looking for info on assisted openers. I'm looking for an EDC that blends well in suit and tie wear and is easy to carry. So nothing to Camo or Shiney. I currently carry a Boker B.N. MCS Fixed Blade around the neck. But now I'm wanting a partial serrated thin AO with moveable clip for pocket or jacket carry. Any opinions?
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New guy seeking opinions about A.O.'s
- Thread starter ssx1
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Check your local laws - in some states ( Wisconsin for instance ) there is a blanket prohibition on auto open knives - not only can't you carry -you can't own - period.Federal switchblade law allows true autos for LE and serving members of the armed forces - but if your state has outlawed them - they are out.
assisted openers are a different deal - but again -check your local laws. You don't need to turn a minor brush with the law into a big deal because of a knife.
IMHO - it's hard to beat the Kershaw/Onions.
assisted openers are a different deal - but again -check your local laws. You don't need to turn a minor brush with the law into a big deal because of a knife.
IMHO - it's hard to beat the Kershaw/Onions.
Hey guys thanks for the replies, I appreciate your time. I'm located in Oklahoma were I believe it is legal to own automatic knives. However, the catch is you cannot possess, nor conceal upon or about your person the automatic knife, unless your a LEO or in the Service. I think. Lol. Now as far as assisted openers, and I maybe wrong, but as long as it does not have button activation along the side I think its legal to carry (upon or about your person). One of the A.O.'s I've taken notice of the Kershaw Spec Bump any thoughts on it?
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A few AOs I like - and I'm not a big fan of them in general - are the Kershaw Blur in
S30V (they have a new limited run version coming out in S60V which looks great too) and the Buck Tempest in 154CM.
Also the Benchmade Nitrous Stryker (bladesteel on that is D2).
The Buck is a slim profile knife with an action that's very much like an auto.
S30V (they have a new limited run version coming out in S60V which looks great too) and the Buck Tempest in 154CM.
Also the Benchmade Nitrous Stryker (bladesteel on that is D2).
The Buck is a slim profile knife with an action that's very much like an auto.
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Here's one that meets your criteria. This knife is better looking in person than in the photo...the OD color of the anodized aluminum scales actually has a faint bronze hint to it.
It's a Kershaw Leek, with SpeedSafe assisted opening using either thumbstuds or a flipper. The model number is 1660OLBLKST.
It's one of my favorites...
Welcome to bladeforums!
Ray
Edit: I'm adding some additional information to address concerns raised farther down in this thread...the added information is Kershaw-specific, because that's the brand I recommended:
A/O reliability/speed:
The torsion bar in Kershaw's SpeedSafe mechanism is the only additional part...the only other part that moves is the blade, which moves on any folder, obviously. The torsion bar is tensioned in a controlled arc when closed, and straightens out during opening, when all tension is removed. The number of torsion bars that break in use is miniscule when compared to the number of knives sold equipped with this mechanism, and the design itself is tested to 10,000 openings. They're easy to replace, or Kershaw will do it for you. Failure during a life-or-death situation? That's not what's being discussed here, but I'd trust any of my Kershaws in any situation. With respect to speed, I believe that there are situations, especially under stress, where you can get an A/O open quicker than a manual, regardless of what others say. The point is that they're usually chosen for convenience, not speed, and I think that's the issue here.
Handle/frame weakness in a SpeedSafe equipped knife:
Here's what I see in the Kershaw's I've dissambled. The cavity that holds the torsion bar is only wide and deep enough to just contain it, plus it's held in that cavity by a steel liner that adds additional rigidity. The handle material exterior to the cavity is not that much thinner than the rest of the handle. The handle area immediately surrounding the pivot is of normal thickness i.e. the pivot shaft is still surrounded by handle and liner material and does not sit in the space of the cavity.
On a handle with scales (e.g. the G10 Leek), the liner retaining the torsion bar is the full-length handle liner on that side, with the torsion bar cavity contained in both liner and handle, lessening any potential impact if it was just recessed into either one or the other. The solid handles with torsion bars (e.g. the aluminum-handled Blur) have a liner recessed into the solid handle but still longer and wider than the torsion bar cavity itself for extra strength.
Weakness is just not an issue.
Stud-lock strength/reliability:
Kershaw's stud-lock out-performs any liner lock and the number of pounds of pressure needed to break one is far beyond anything encountered even in extreme use. Even frame locks have an inherent weakness in the machined-out area...no lock is perfect. A slip-joint with no lock with a strong enough blade can be driven through the hood of a car without folding if the striking angle is properly controlled. Lock strength tests like that are only good for oohs and ahhs and are technically meaningless.
It's a Kershaw Leek, with SpeedSafe assisted opening using either thumbstuds or a flipper. The model number is 1660OLBLKST.
It's one of my favorites...
Welcome to bladeforums!
Ray
Edit: I'm adding some additional information to address concerns raised farther down in this thread...the added information is Kershaw-specific, because that's the brand I recommended:
A/O reliability/speed:
The torsion bar in Kershaw's SpeedSafe mechanism is the only additional part...the only other part that moves is the blade, which moves on any folder, obviously. The torsion bar is tensioned in a controlled arc when closed, and straightens out during opening, when all tension is removed. The number of torsion bars that break in use is miniscule when compared to the number of knives sold equipped with this mechanism, and the design itself is tested to 10,000 openings. They're easy to replace, or Kershaw will do it for you. Failure during a life-or-death situation? That's not what's being discussed here, but I'd trust any of my Kershaws in any situation. With respect to speed, I believe that there are situations, especially under stress, where you can get an A/O open quicker than a manual, regardless of what others say. The point is that they're usually chosen for convenience, not speed, and I think that's the issue here.
Handle/frame weakness in a SpeedSafe equipped knife:
Here's what I see in the Kershaw's I've dissambled. The cavity that holds the torsion bar is only wide and deep enough to just contain it, plus it's held in that cavity by a steel liner that adds additional rigidity. The handle material exterior to the cavity is not that much thinner than the rest of the handle. The handle area immediately surrounding the pivot is of normal thickness i.e. the pivot shaft is still surrounded by handle and liner material and does not sit in the space of the cavity.
On a handle with scales (e.g. the G10 Leek), the liner retaining the torsion bar is the full-length handle liner on that side, with the torsion bar cavity contained in both liner and handle, lessening any potential impact if it was just recessed into either one or the other. The solid handles with torsion bars (e.g. the aluminum-handled Blur) have a liner recessed into the solid handle but still longer and wider than the torsion bar cavity itself for extra strength.
Weakness is just not an issue.
Stud-lock strength/reliability:
Kershaw's stud-lock out-performs any liner lock and the number of pounds of pressure needed to break one is far beyond anything encountered even in extreme use. Even frame locks have an inherent weakness in the machined-out area...no lock is perfect. A slip-joint with no lock with a strong enough blade can be driven through the hood of a car without folding if the striking angle is properly controlled. Lock strength tests like that are only good for oohs and ahhs and are technically meaningless.
kershaw rules in ao knives i really like the leek myself. but keep in mind sooner or later the spring will break and that sucks, of course kershaw will take care of it so no problem. you ought to look at a small spyderco manual opener just as fast and no spring to break.
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The Spec Bump is a beautiful knife that might blend well with a dark ensemble, but it isn't exactly thin. In fact, it's quite a large tactical knife, not a gent's folder by any stretch. I would have one myself by now, but I'm skeptical of the locking mechanism; it's yet to prove its mettle in a practical hard-use environment.
The Leeks are more reasonably sized knives for a formal dress, and they have the style to match, while the Spec Bump is considerably more sinister. The Leeks are fairly well-designed knives and the AO mechanism is quite strongly built.
On the other hand, I would also look at the SOG Twitch Series of knives; these are very streamlined, very slim little lockbacks with AO and a flipper on the back, just like the Leeks, but their construction is (in my experience) even more solid.
I would also look at Columbia River Knife and Tool's new line-up; they now produce a wide variety of AO pocketknives, some of which have quite compelling designs.
Lastly, I agree with ahgar - the manual openers are definitely worth a look. Assisted opening - not just the mechanisms but the entire concept - is neat, but it's pure flash; a mostly stylistic option. I think they're fine on smaller gent's folders and stylish pocket knives, of which I have several, but on workhorses and larger tactical folders they're the lesser of practical options:
-No AO with a spring or torsion bar is going to open as fast as a knife with an Emmerson Wave on it. For that matter, few tactical folders are faster than others at all, AO or otherwise, when you put enough practice into it.
-An AO device in a knife means more moving parts, metal under tension, and so on. Greater mechanical complexity means a greater chance of something breaking, failing, or otherwise going wrong.
-On top of that, those extra parts are usually accomodated by holes or wells machined into the frame; this decreases the overall strength of the knife.
So AO mechanisms are neat and novel, and damned if they aren't fun, but I wouldn't want one in any knife that I had to depend on. My workhorse folders and bush folders are just that; folding knives that are simple in design and construction, with a minimum of bells and whistles.
The Leeks are more reasonably sized knives for a formal dress, and they have the style to match, while the Spec Bump is considerably more sinister. The Leeks are fairly well-designed knives and the AO mechanism is quite strongly built.
On the other hand, I would also look at the SOG Twitch Series of knives; these are very streamlined, very slim little lockbacks with AO and a flipper on the back, just like the Leeks, but their construction is (in my experience) even more solid.
I would also look at Columbia River Knife and Tool's new line-up; they now produce a wide variety of AO pocketknives, some of which have quite compelling designs.
Lastly, I agree with ahgar - the manual openers are definitely worth a look. Assisted opening - not just the mechanisms but the entire concept - is neat, but it's pure flash; a mostly stylistic option. I think they're fine on smaller gent's folders and stylish pocket knives, of which I have several, but on workhorses and larger tactical folders they're the lesser of practical options:
-No AO with a spring or torsion bar is going to open as fast as a knife with an Emmerson Wave on it. For that matter, few tactical folders are faster than others at all, AO or otherwise, when you put enough practice into it.
-An AO device in a knife means more moving parts, metal under tension, and so on. Greater mechanical complexity means a greater chance of something breaking, failing, or otherwise going wrong.
-On top of that, those extra parts are usually accomodated by holes or wells machined into the frame; this decreases the overall strength of the knife.
So AO mechanisms are neat and novel, and damned if they aren't fun,
but I wouldn't want one in any knife that I had to depend on. My workhorse folders and bush folders are just that; folding knives that are simple in design and construction, with a minimum of bells and whistles.
Pointshoot777
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Not a fan. Bought a Buck version at the factory awhile back and I find it slower to operate and with more motions needed - and often in the opposite direction from one another (unlock, open, lock) than other more simple designs. (Maybe the Kershaw uses a different system that is faster/easier to use.) - - I love the blade on the thing, its ATS-34 heat treated and marked with the Paul Bos logo. Takes a wicked edge. Wish that blade was in a lockback and I could trade it for the AO. Regards, - -
P.S. - - also generally less useful if circumstance are such that 'sheeple' are around. I can only imagine the looks you'd get if you opened it in the city or had to explain it to a non knife-knut police officer who didn't know how it was different from a switchblade. Mine spends its career in a desk drawer opening letters once in a while. YMMV. Of course, if youre like me you may get one anyway "just to try it out".
P.S. - - also generally less useful if circumstance are such that 'sheeple' are around. I can only imagine the looks you'd get if you opened it in the city or had to explain it to a non knife-knut police officer who didn't know how it was different from a switchblade. Mine spends its career in a desk drawer opening letters once in a while. YMMV. Of course, if youre like me you may get one anyway "just to try it out".
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Sog twitch 2?
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Correct on the Spec Bump being large (thick, too) but the Speed Bump in alunimum handles (1595ALBLK) is very thin and I have carried mine inside by suit breast pocket. As for the locking system, the stud lock is solid. Missin hobo feels a knife lock is unsafe if it might fail when stabbing car hoods: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=491992
I've owned one SOG AO folder, the TF1, and it is cheap in materials, fit, finish and feel compared to any Kershaws I own. No experience with the Twitch, and I do own 2 SOG fixed blades.
It appears a lot of manufacturers are looking to get into the AO category, as you reference CRKT. Kershaw is years ahead of all competition in this area, as they have exclusve rights to Ken Onion's patented SpeedSafe AO system.
Pure speculation on hobo's part. I have no problems getting my Kershaw AO's to fire extremely quickly. Open an AO assisted ZT0301, and tell me you can wave faster than that. And that's a big tactical folder.
Kershaw's AO's are tested to 10,000 cycles. If they do fail, they are covered by a lifetime warranty.
Bunk. I would like to see the data that supports this, or again, pure opinion. Thomas W, the National Sales Manager for Kershaw has addressed this already.
So AO mechanisms are neat and novel, and damned if they aren't fun,
Take hobo's opinions with a grain of salt...
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^^Excellent post SPX.
I'd definitely stick with Kershaw, and it looks like you'd probably use the leek more often for your suit and tie wear. If you want the Bump style blade, go for what SPX said.
Oh, and I don't know if anyone else said this, but welcome to bladeforums!
I'd definitely stick with Kershaw, and it looks like you'd probably use the leek more often for your suit and tie wear. If you want the Bump style blade, go for what SPX said.
Oh, and I don't know if anyone else said this, but welcome to bladeforums!
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Welcome to the forums.
One of the various Leeks will definitely suit your needs, for something a bit bigger, you might look at the Shallot. Currently it is only the stainless finish, but an all black version is due soon (this month or next).
Don't let anyone scare you away from the studlocks. It is a very simple and strong lock, the entire mechanism is visible at all times, so in the off chance it isn't going to work you'll be able to see it and do something about it.
The Spec or Speed Bumps are great knives. The blade shape is actually very useful. It has a nice fine point for control with good size straight edge behind it, moving into a good belly. Might be a bit big for what you want, though the Aluminum Speed Bumps are definitely thin enough.
The Mini Mojito is an amazing knife that'll let you try out the studlock in a smaller package. No serration though.
I EDC'd the Spec Bump and Mini Mojito for over a year and have never had any issues with either.
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Keep being skeptical, means more for me.
15-20 other manufacturers would disagree with you on that point.
You can verify this fact? Or is this your opinion?
This has been gone over and over again. There is no decrease in overall
strength of the knife. Autos are made in very much the same fashion.
I'm sure Microtech and Benchmade auto owners don't think their knives
are going to fail because there is a hole or cutout for the spring mechanism.
What are your workhorse and bush folders? I'd like to know.
*****************************************************
ssx1,
You would be very happy with any of the Kershaw Leeks. Expect to spend
between $35-75 depending on handle and blade options
You could also look at the Buck Rush series with 154CM. Around $60-75.
Good luck in your hunt.
mike