Why assisted opening?

D

darthsoaker

Joined
May 2, 2006
Messages
1,273
I don't really get it, tried it a few times, and I guess its sorta cool, but it seems like the coolness level would wear off after a bit.

Studs, disks, holes and Waves can all be just as fast, and in the waves case, faster. Is it just the cool factor, or is there a practical reason for it?

I'm not trying to "diss" any companies, so don't flame me to much.
 
Is there a practical reason for it? Yes, the maker's profit margin. But that's just my two cents' worth... :rolleyes:
 
I don't see any practical use for AO. I don't really care either way, but prefer non AO in general. One negative side of it is the possibility of it opening in your pocket.

However, BIG however, I can't judge those who do prefer it for whatever reason. If we just bought what we needed, the knife industry would be boring. No one would own over 10 knives max. The great majority of knife buyers as well as just about any industry, buy based on "wants", not "needs". Why do knives need to look appealing? Why is there a premium for Carbon Fiber over G-10? I bet if CF was cheaper and G-10 was given the same hype, it would be the "premium" material of the 2. Why do we need blade coatings?

If it came down to it, most of us could easily get by with an Opinel and a SAK. Let's not kid ourselves.
 
Just to open faster when knife that open with a wrist flick is illegal where you live.

If for whatever reason you have to open the knife with your weak hand, it's as easy that with your strong one.

I like my Heat :)
 
Its convenient and a matter of preference. I've been carrying a Kershaw AO knife for years and its still great mindless entertainment.
 
darthsoaker said:
I don't really get it, tried it a few times, and I guess its sorta cool, but it seems like the coolness level would wear off after a bit.
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It doesn't, not even a little bit. :D

Go play with a Leek for a while. The flipper style opening is FAR superior to using thumbstuds like most other AOs.

I don't see how you could possibly have an AO open in your pocket, most systems hold the knife closed until you open it part of the way, then it takes care of the rest.
 
Dekz said:
I don't see how you could possibly have an AO open in your pocket, most systems hold the knife closed until you open it part of the way, then it takes care of the rest.
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It can happen. I've read about people having this issue with AOs as well as Autos. Some knives like the Leek have an added security for this type of problem where they have a piece you can slideover the spine to prevent it from happening. If it wasn't an issue at all, the Leek wouldn't have that added security IMO.
 
Dekz said:
It doesn't, not even a little bit. :D

Go play with a Leek for a while. The flipper style opening is FAR superior to using thumbstuds like most other AOs.
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I agree with the cool factor and the flipper style, it's a good combo. I have a Mini Cyclone and it is very fast and very cool. I have the JYD II which ia non AO but flipper style and love that too. Yeah there are other styles that are fast, I like the Wave feature for example, but if you're not drawing from a pocket the Wave won't have anything to catch on to deploy, if you keep a knife on your desk or in your glove compartment for example the AO is better. To each their own, everyone's needs differ and there's no accounting for taste.
 
darthsoaker said:
I don't really get it, tried it a few times, and I guess its sorta cool, but it seems like the coolness level would wear off after a bit.
Click to expand...

I agree with you. Plus, I keep reading about broken springs. I don't see that with non-assisted openers.

When I look for fresh fodder to feed the need, Assisted Open is something I avoid.
 
I find that both studs and holes get in the way while cutting (holes drag on cardboard and stuff).
Flippers allow for a clean blade and reliable opening.

They're also a ton of fun.
 
For some it's "kind" of like having a switchblade. Being that Autos are pretty much illegal in most if not all states, it's a good compromise. Plus there's always the novelty or "cool" factor that plays in the mix too. I have several AO's and I like them all. But when it really comes down to it, I'm just as happy with my other folders without it.
 
pkdmslf said it right....they are mostly switchblade alternatives and have a cool factor....
 
knarfeng said:
I agree with you. Plus, I keep reading about broken springs. I don't see that with non-assisted openers.

When I look for fresh fodder to feed the need, Assisted Open is something I avoid.
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It depends on the brand. I've been using Kershaw's AO knives for years every day and have yet to have a spring failure. Even if it did fail thats covered under Kershaw's lifetime warranty.
 
dulleddown said:
Why not assisted opening?

yeah. :D
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1. Added goo gaws that can go wrong
2. Safety required to keep family jewels intact, which makes it slower and more fiddly.

Loves my Ciabatta, but when I feel swift deployment may be necessary I take my Endura Wave.
 
When we brought AO's on to the scene back in the late 90's, we saw plenty of potential with the feature. It is convenient and functional, helpful, fun, addicting, different, and yes cool. We brought a whole new category to the industry.

We never have promoted it offensively or said it was the fastest knife on the planet. We have also never pronounced the feature for SD, and never will. That is not why SpeedSafe was developed.

We offer flippers, nicks, and studs if AO isn't your thing. Even have a dual action to meet you in the middle (flipper/studs - AO/Manual).

GronK,
A safety is not always necessary with AO's, we have many that do not require one, and have had no issues with "family jewels"
 
;)As an additional side note. AO's are excellent for those who are "one hand coordinated deficient"(???). I quietly smile (laugh) at the amount of people who honestly cannot open a manual folder with thumbstuds, thumbhole, etc., with one hand, (my brother for instance). AO's make those kind of folks look better (more proficient), if you know what I mean.
 
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