Why not assisted opening?

I like them. But I have a friend who doesn't prefer them simply
because he likes the feeling of manually opening a knife rather
than assisted. I have to say that both have their unique "feel"
when opening. I like them both. I will say though that the ppl
I have shown my assisted have not liked the way they operate
and prefer manual.
 
I own 3 Kershaw's with AO. One PackRat and two Blurs. I like the AO because it allows me to hold onto the material with one hand and remove my knife from my pocket and open it very easily. Closing one handed is almost as simple.
I don't know about wear and tear on the AO spring. I can tell you that my 3 knives are very different. The PackRat practically slams open. One Blur opens with a little less enthusiasm than the other. I'm guessing that the PackRat is quicker because there is less blade mass to move?? Hopefully the one Blur is not slower because the spring is weakening. Time will tell.

I'm glad you asked the question "snorkem" because I too was wondering why so many disliked the AO.
 
It gains me nothing. There is never a situation where the fraction of a second I would gain with an assisted opener is ever going to matter. So if it gains me nothing, why would I want the extra cost, complexity, worry about it being considered a "weapon", or slim chance of it assisting itself open inside my pocket?


As others have said - AO is a solution looking for a problem. It serves absolutely no purpose for my uses, so I don't want it cluttering up my knife.
 
ElGuapo said:
I'm glad you asked the question "snorkem" because I too was wondering why so many disliked the AO.
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Just like any knife, you could hand it to 20 different people and get
20 different opinions, all valid because it's based on personal opinions
just like everyone posting in this thread.

Personally, I like AO's, along with manual flippers, thumb studs, slip joints
and auto's. I like variety and the freedom of choice. :thumbup:
 
BOrrell said:
Sort of of like they used to say about double action pistols; a solution to a problem that didn't exist. Once the novelty wears off I see little use for them.
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Emphasis on used to, eh?

The point stands, nevertheless. AOs indeed are really more for a novelty factor than anything.

My cheap manual folder takes all of a tiny push on the thumbstuck and a weak wrist snap to deploy; in any situation where I'd actually need the assisted opening just to get it open all the way would mean serious loss of function on my hands, and in such a situation the AO isn't exactly going to help.

Plus, I always get nervous about AOs since they're really just one legal loophole away from a switchblade. Cop magnets, the lot of them.
 
I dont like em because:

1) I find them dangerous. I had my leek open twice in my pocket, one time giving me a hole in my finger. After that I never used it again

2) I dont have use of opening a folder that quick. I thought it was kind of neat before, but now i really dont care for it. Live and learn.
 
I dislike them for the same reason I dislike autos. My manuals can be opened very slowly and deliberately. Sometimes conditions are presented when slow deliberate actions are preferred and with a manual there is very little chance that I will accidentally deploy the blade with shocking speed.

I am glad they exist for those people that do like them...I just do not like them as much as a manual.
 
IMO it really depends on the knife, some desinges work great with AO while some work best as a manual.
 
I don't like it so much because it makes closing harder. It's still cool though. And, a fast manual tends to be faster than an AO anyway.
 
it's not about breaking and it's not about closing being hard for me.

it's that I have to touch the blade, even if it's just the studs, and then a spring takes away my contact, i.e. my control, with the blade. if it's a flipper I dont care although I still prefer not to have it since I dont think it's necessary.

an auto, on the other hand, is a different story since Im using a button.
 
gundude73 said:
i think you should have both,
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Correct answer IMO.

BOrrell said:
a solution to a problem that didn't exist. Once the novelty wears off I see little use for them.
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I guess thumbstuds, thumblugs, thumbholes and different types of locks were also solutions to non-existent problems?
When Buck came out with the 110, it had everything you needed. A nail nick for opening and a locking blade.

Trying new things is what it's about. All of the different openings, locks, handle materials that have been designed
and made in the past 30 years are from doing something different.

I hope you can see what I'm saying.

And yes, the "novelty" factor you mentioned. Most novelties don't have a 12yr stint and continue to outsell the competition. ;)
 
Why not assisted opening?

They are not allowed for sale, possession or use in my country so I couldn't get one even if I wanted to.
 
If not AO, then get rid of thumb studs (which in MHO) messes with the cutting of the blade, and use nail nicks or spyde holes only. I had a thumb stud knife, removed the stud, and pounded in a piece of brass welding rod, sanded off the rod, and now have a symetrical blade. Now I need to grind in a nail nick (any suggestions)
 
Well I live in NY. So an assisted opener can actually get you a few days in jail. So no. I'll just open mine myself.
 
jackman2 said:
Well I live in NY. So an assisted opener can actually get you a few days in jail. So no. I'll just open mine myself.
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If you're talking about the People's Demokrat Republik of NYC, then yes. Anything that can be construed as a weapon (even a pencil) can technically be illegal. That place is like England when it comes to weapon laws.

Assisted openers are legal in the state of New York, but they do not have pre-emption, which is why localities can enact stricter laws banning weapons.
 
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