Thoughts on Springs in Knives

E

ElectricHampster

Joined
Dec 4, 2013
Messages
9
Hey all, I wanted to know what you think about springs in knives. Personally, I don't think they add anything of value to a knife and only tend to freak out non knife people. I also just prefer a smooth non-assisted opening (even pulled the springs out of my Leeks). This is of course a personal opinion of mine and I don't want to start any arguments- just a collection of people's own opinions.

So, do you like a spring in your knife? If so, why? If not, why not? What conditions do you prefer one over the other?

EDIT:
Shotgun said:
Most pocket knives have springs in them. Are you talking about autos in particular? I personally have no need for them.
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I am talking about both autos and spring assisted, sorry for the mixup
 
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Most pocket knives have springs in them. Are you talking about autos in particular? I personally have no need for them.
 
I wear gloves on patrol so a spring assisted flipper is a major asset for me. Otherwise, I don't really care as long as it opens easy.

On the other hand I will never buy any out the front knife as anything other than a novelty.
 
I will not buy an assisted opening knife, partially because I live in a state with a very vague switchblade law, and partially because I see no difference between the .0003 second it takes to open an assisted folder vs the .0005 seconds it takes to open a non assisted folder.

Simple is better, I also don't like locks that require springs. It just seems over complicated when a liner or compression lock is very secure and uses no springs whatsoever.
 
Shotgun said:
Most pocket knives have springs in them. Are you talking about autos in particular? I personally have no need for them.
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I am going to assume the springs in a spring assist..:confused:...because I believe lockbacks have springs in them also...

ElectricHampster said:
Sorry if I confused you with my lock style preference-
I'm fine with a frame/liner lock, I just like lockback better.
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As far as assists...I'm in no big rush to "deploy."
 
MatthewSB said:
I also don't like locks that require springs. It just seems over complicated when a liner or compression lock is very secure and uses no springs whatsoever.
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Umm, Liner/frame and compression-locks ARE springs :p WHy do you think you have to bend them out of the way to close the knife and they spring back into place to lock the knife open?
 
I strongly prefer that my knives open manually, but it isn't an absolute deal breaker for me.
 
I like AO knives, Kershaw speedsafe in particular, but it doesn't really seem to make opening the knife easier or faster and sometimes can even make it difficult to close. A manual with a flipper is just fine by me.
 
I'll say that my feelings are similar to others who have posted so far. I would prefer that every folder was manual. So far, I've avoided purchasing any models with spring assists, but couldn't say definitively that I "wouldn't" purchase any with a spring assist. Its just another thing that could break IMO.

I just don't feel any need to open the knife any faster than I can already do it. But I guess I could understand why some people might like it.
 
ocnLogan said:
I just don't feel any need to open the knife any faster than I can already do it. But I guess I could understand why some people might like it.
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Same here. IME having the knife close easily one handed has been a lot more desireable then quick opening. I'm sure some people like spring assists but I wouldn't order one.
 
I've got two AO knives and honestly I can deploy similar non-AO knives close enough to as fast to make no difference. I also appreciate one handed closing and feel more secure with an unassisted knife in my pocket; I figure an unassisted knife carried tip up with the spine facing my pocket seam has the lowest risk of inadvertant opening and stitches...
 
I like them all my taste seems to change. I would have more automatics, but in my state they are aloud only on your property. AO are nice too but over time they do lose some of there speed. Right now I'm into spydercos.
 
I've had a few pass through my hands ;), and every time, after a few days of really enjoying the novelty, the AO just turns me off. For me, I just prefer a nice smooth manual opening knife of the Hinderer XM-18, ZT 0560, or CRK variety. And I love my Alan Davis custom flipper, it's so smooth to open...
 
For me ao has no benefit. Ao may even cause a problem w LE. I have de assisted two knives that I really wanted and will try to de assist my last ao blade next week.
 
What's not to like on having options. I like them all. Traditionals, modern one hand openers, balisongs, switchblades/autos, assisted, etc.

While I can legally conceal carry an auto....I prefer a traditional or modern one hand opener. No particular reason......just do.
 
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