Socom Elite Auto

[sigsauer]

I have only had one auto, a BM Mel Pardue. It was a good knife but I'd like to get something a little bigger.
I do like my knives to be able to take a beating, so the MT is definitely a cantidate. It is also the perfect size for what I want, never really cared for small knives, when there is always a bigger one available.
I don't know to much about the internals of the auto's though, so my question is how does it compare to other locks, liner, axis, mono, etc.
I was also wondering what people feel about this perticular model and would you rather have it in the auto or manual. The reason for the knife is everyday use as well as defense.
Thanks.

 

[Bronco]

Sig,
Most single action autos, such as the MT SOCOM Elite Auto, employ the button lock mechanism. Now I can't claim to have ever had any folder's locking devise fail on me (possibly because I tend to use a fixed blade for any really rigorous cutting chores), so I'm not speaking from personal experience, but from what I've seen most folks seem to rate a good button lock somewhere slightly below the axis/rolling lock and slighly above the liner lock in terms of reliability. In any case, the button lock on the SE Auto is big and strong. So, if you have your heart set on an auto, this is definitely a good one to get.

As to whether I would prefer the auto or manual version of the SE, that's a tough call. The auto has the gadget factor going for it (a lot of people really like to hear that thwack sound

), plus the very strong and reliable lock up mechanism previously described. Others, however, view the spring as an unnecessary item that's in violation of the KISS principle and is yet one more thing that can fail.

The manual version benefits from its design simplicity and an extremely smooth opening action. I actually prefer a smooth opening manual, but that's just me. Maybe it's because you can more easily feel the quality construction and fit and finish when operating the blade in a manual version. And it's worth noting that some tactical types believe they can actually deploy the blade on a manual faster than an auto. The manual version of the SE achieves its locks up by virtue of MT's proprietary MicroBar lock which is similar in functioning to a liner lock but reputedly much stronger. Another factor which may or may not be a concern to you is that the manual is far more sheeple friendly. If it were me, I'd probably go with the manual again, but I really believe that either is a solid choice.

------------------
Semper Fi

-Bill