Thoughts on Springs in Knives

I pretty much like them all, I use assisted openers a lot simply because its easier to open with one hand wearing gloves while I'm working on something. I carry and use switchblades as well. Even OTF's are very useful simply because they open and close just with the switch.
 
cricketdave said:
I pretty much like them all, I use assisted openers a lot simply because its easier to open with one hand wearing gloves while I'm working on something. I carry and use switchblades as well. Even OTF's are very useful simply because they open and close just with the switch.
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I've often considered an OTF for ease of use while working with gloves (esp. thick gloves in winter), but they are very expensive and utterly banned in WI. Then I bought a Gerber Propel and removed the torsion-bar - it is the MOST user-friendly work folder I've ever handled! The thumb-studs stand proud of the scales for an easy catch with my gloves on, or I can simply depress the lock-button and swing the blade open or closed :thumbup: My axis-lock knives are harder to manipulate with gloves on, and the Triad-lock is slower and a little less user-friendly, neither hold a candle to that button-lock. For durability over time, I'll bet this Gerber wears down faster than the axis or triad do, but the Gerber will get more use!

[video=youtube;vEGP9yAigYg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEGP9yAigYg[/video]
 
I like opening assisted knives, I just hate closing them :mad: I love the way that axis lock knives allow one handed closing. The only knife that I have de-assisted and love now, is my Gerber Propel AO. The button lock makes it is as easy as an Axis lock know. :thumbup:
 
I own two autos and one AO, all ProTech. The knives (TR-2, TR-4 and Ciabatta) are really neat, well made devices that are fun to play with but the springs are detrimental for day to day use. They can open in pocket (OUCH!) if not locked and are fiddly to open if locked. The spring that snaps them open also resists closing; doing so with one hand is a crap-shoot with the loser possibly losing some blood.

Again, they are fun to own and play with but when I feel I may need to deploy quickly I carry my Endura Wave.
 
I do like assisted or auto knives but I no longer have any. They were not any more useful then a decent frame lock or liner lock really and if I am wearing gloves I am likely to be using a fixed blade anyway on the farm. So I never needed an auto or assist but they were fun to flick just for the childish ooh wow factor even though I am 50 plus. I only really want one when I read a thread like this and think about the swish sound they used to make. Perhaps it is just nostalgia on my part.
 
It really depends on the knife or type of knife. Overall I have changed and prefer smooth and fast manual action knives, especially flippers. Assisted knives are ok with me but I do not prefer them but they can be handy in certain situations. I like autos as well, but autos have a place in my collection separate from others where I really want an auto that comes out fast. OTFs and others.
 
I have a ZT with AO, it's a handy feature to have when cutting away straps or plastic off building supplies when your other hand is supporting or pushing/pulling stuff away.
 
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