Automatic Knives (Switchblades)

[roasted]

So all this recent talk of knives has me considering buying an automatic (switchblade) knife. After somebody (I'll edit this post and give said member props when I have time to look up who) re-recommended Spyderco I was browsing their website and came across this knife: The Sypderco Embassy

Spyderco Embassy

Spyderco Embassy
Video: click to display

From what I can tell its pretty awesome, but the price tag is hefty (~$160), so I want to make an informed decision before I buy. Any thoughts?


PS-In my locale automatic knives are legal to carry and possess (wikipedia tells me, so it must be 100% true)

[Mantikore]

-S30V
-U.S. made
-Auto
-Spyderco

for $160 its actually not that bad. Never handled it myself, nor have I seen a lot of reviews on it, but looking at the specs and overall design, it seems pretty good. The deployment button is in a good place, there is some high traction G-10 inserted into the otherwise alu handles. The blade style isnt exactly to my liking, but everyone is different. Definitely try to find some reviews on it, although in terms of construction quality, Spyderco generally does a good job.

[944]

$160 is cheap for a good auto

[LSDaamn]

I just bought a spring assisted knife with a bright little flashlight on it. It's pretty useful knife and it only cost me 10$.

[roasted]

Originally Posted by Mantikore

-S30V
-U.S. made
-Auto
-Spyderco

for $160 its actually not that bad. Never handled it myself, nor have I seen a lot of reviews on it, but looking at the specs and overall design, it seems pretty good. The deployment button is in a good place, there is some high traction G-10 inserted into the otherwise alu handles. The blade style isnt exactly to my liking, but everyone is different. Definitely try to find some reviews on it, although in terms of construction quality, Spyderco generally does a good job.

Some of the reasons this one stuck out was because of the materials used, overall design, and the attached video. The open mechanism looks pretty slick (above average).

I know the blade design is a little different, but I dont think I'd use this knife in the same manner as a general utility knife (it would get some utility use, but I dont think I would be cutting open cardboard boxes with it).

Originally Posted by 944

$160 is cheap for a good auto

Maybe cheap for a good auto, but still pretty expensive for me (since I'm not a huge knife guy)

Originally Posted by LSDaamn

I just bought a spring assisted knife with a bright little flashlight on it. It's pretty useful knife and it only cost me 10$.

The Spyderco Embassy is an Automatic (ie Switchblade) knife, not spring assisted. Almost every folder I own is spring assisted (see this post).

Also, I'm sure your knife is useful, but when you get into the more expensive knives, you get higher quality materials and better build quality.





Another question for the board: Spyderco advertises this knife as a "handgun retention tool"---what does that mean?

(Is it designed to poke people?)

[skygear]

Microtek Makora 2

I like OTF's

Had/ have both of these in all black

MicroTech Makora II vs. Benchmade Infidel 3300BK - YouTube

MicroTech Makora II vs. Benchmade Infidel 3300BK - YouTube
Video: click to display

I Mod'd them both. High polished the switch and put Ruby in one and a Diamond in the other. came out nice.

[1983]

www.knifezilla.com

Poke around there... Might be a few cheaper knifes to your liking.

Al

[mrbarbwir3]

i used to have an older cheap godfather style switchblade, but i broke it fucking around with it. i got one of these for the 80's
my dad gave it to me because it wouldn't auto anymore so i took it apart and fixed a spring oiled it and its as good as new, i had to cover the handle with grip tape because i was using it as a utility knife like he did.

my buddy had a pretty sweet antique leveritto. I like the concept of the switch blade. and my italian heritage almost makes me feel entitled to own one and i i will once again.

[1983]

Originally Posted by mrbarbwir3

i used to have an older cheap godfather style switchblade, but i broke it fucking around with it. i got one of these for the 80's
my dad gave it to me because it wouldn't auto anymore so i took it apart and fixed a spring oiled it and its as good as new, i had to cover the handle with grip tape because i was using it as a utility knife like he did.

my buddy had a pretty sweet antique leveritto. I like the concept of the switch blade. and my italian heritage almost makes me feel entitled to own one and i i will once again.

Then all you have to do is put two pounds of grease in your hair and talk like you know everything.

Fuckin Italians.

Al

[mrbarbwir3]

lol im a self hating Italian i just like the switchblade. whats your beef with Italy? i do tend to slick back my hair.... i may be a greaser. O_O

[1983]

Originally Posted by mrbarbwir3

lol im a self hating Italian i just like the switchblade. whats your beef with Italy? i do tend to slick back my hair.... i may be a greaser. O_O

Nothing really... I half of one myself I just wanted to set someone off... Kinda a little disappointing.

Meh though... I'll just Bug my friend frank. He's a full blood and he'll get pissed at the drop of a hat.

Al

[Mantikore]

To be more correct, the term switchblade should not be confused with the term stiletto, although popular culture has made the stiletto switchblade pretty iconic

[ArmsMerchant]

Originally Posted by Mantikore

To be more correct, the term switchblade should not be confused with the term stiletto, although popular culture has made the stiletto switchblade pretty iconic

Some switchblades are stilettos; some stilettos are manual.

Many folks refer to OTFs as stilettos, I dunno why.

[888]

Whats the point in buying an expensive knife ? , What are you going to do with it beside keep it around the house collecting dust ?

[944]

Originally Posted by 888

Whats the point in buying an expensive knife ? , What are you going to do with it beside keep it around the house collecting dust ?

Cut shit

[1983]

Originally Posted by 888

Whats the point in buying an expensive knife ? , What are you going to do with it beside keep it around the house collecting dust ?

When I used to work as a roofer I used a butterfly knife to cut the shingles with.

For some odd reason I kept getting complaints..

Al

[888]

Originally Posted by 1983

When I used to work as a roofer I used a butterfly knife to cut the shingles with.

For some odd reason I kept getting complaints..

Al

lol , nice ... did you make a scene and flip it open every time you needed a cut ?

[1983]

Originally Posted by 888

lol , nice ... did you make a scene and flip it open every time you needed a cut ?

Only when I knew people were watching... I'd act like I didn't mean to though.

Al

[Fetish69]

Mikov is a well made Czech knife made in 440. I have owned three and here is my favoritehttp://http://www.mikovknives.com/Im...1nd1teb700.jpg

[dephdiddy]

i have a magnum all black auto, are these any good?
i dont know shit about knives.

[Mantikore]

Originally Posted by 888

Whats the point in buying an expensive knife ? , What are you going to do with it beside keep it around the house collecting dust ?

How expensive is expensive? I would consider $50 quite pricey for a knife, but youve also got knives that range in the ~$120 for good quality production knives, and even up to the $400-$700 range for premium brands and customs (ZT, CRK, Rick Hinderer etc).

While it is true that some people buy expensive knives for collection (which is perfectly good reason in itself), there are quite a few people out there who would use these high end knives often. These often have superior blade steel, meaning it will hold its edge for a long time, as well as very sturdy construction. Its a lot like a really nice car, and much of it is just pride of ownership.

Although when it comes to things like automatics being expensive, theyre often people who want a knife that is quick (and perhaps deployable with gloves, but also has reliable construction. And good quality autos are often quite expensive.

Originally Posted by dephdiddy

i have a magnum all black auto, are these any good?
i dont know shit about knives.

Are you talking about Magnum, as in the subsidiary company of Boker? That is: the company with this logo:


??

theyre overall considered kind of crappy, and the blade steel is usually made of 440A. But dont let that put you off. The crappy knives produced by Magnum is adequate for the vast majority of people, who dont cut enough stuff to notice a difference between that and a higher end knife. Ive got the Great Knight model myself, and the construction is decent. The blades do come dull, but can be sharpened to a good edge, and will hold for a while if given the tasks that most people will use it for. They also give you an adequate lock and even have the decency to throw in a fiber reinforced handle on most of their models.

Think of them as being one of those cheaper Japanese small cars that wont win you any races, but will get you where you want to go

[roasted]

Originally Posted by 944

Cut people

fixd

[roasted]

Originally Posted by skygear

Microtek Makora 2

I like OTF's

I (briefly) checked out that knife. Seems like a decent knife, although I'm not looking for a stiletto blade.

To be honest, I've never used a OTF before. I'm not crazy about the concept (mostly because of the inconvenience of puttting them away), but I want to keep an open mind before I buy.

Why did you decide on an OTF? (I value your opinion Skygear, it will be considered)

Originally Posted by 1983

www.knifezilla.com

Poke around there... Might be a few cheaper knifes to your liking.

Al

That site has a pretty good selection, but I'm unsure of the quality (I'm just basing this off the price of some of the knives)

I found this site: http://www.bladehq.com/ They seem to have reasonable pricing (maybe not the absolute best) and they carry reputable brands. For some reason, Spyderco wont sell me the Embassy knife directly (its one of their "restricted" knives) even though my state allows auto knives.

Originally Posted by Mantikore

To be more correct, the term switchblade should not be confused with the term stiletto, although popular culture has made the stiletto switchblade pretty iconic

I know what you mean. For a long time (when I was a kid) I thought switchblade meant this:


Side-note: my first switchblade was this exact knife, same color and all. A shitty Chinese knife I bought off some Spanish gypsies when I was 15....oh what I have learned since then....

Originally Posted by Mantikore

How expensive is expensive? I would consider $50 quite pricey for a knife, but youve also got knives that range in the ~$120 for good quality production knives, and even up to the $400-$700 range for premium brands and customs (ZT, CRK, Rick Hinderer etc).

I dont know everything about knives (although I'm learning everyday), but I never knew the difference between a $20 Walmart Gerber and "nice" knife until I bought one. Even though my SOG isnt amazing, I can definitely see a difference between a $60 SOG and a $20 Gerber. I feel like I'm out of me element a little bit looking at a $160 knife, but you guise help me learn

[dephdiddy]

Originally Posted by Mantikore

Are you talking about Magnum, as in the subsidiary company of Boker? That is: the company with this logo:


??

theyre overall considered kind of crappy, and the blade steel is usually made of 440A. But dont let that put you off. The crappy knives produced by Magnum is adequate for the vast majority of people, who dont cut enough stuff to notice a difference between that and a higher end knife. Ive got the Great Knight model myself, and the construction is decent. The blades do come dull, but can be sharpened to a good edge, and will hold for a while if given the tasks that most people will use it for. They also give you an adequate lock and even have the decency to throw in a fiber reinforced handle on most of their models.

Think of them as being one of those cheaper Japanese small cars that wont win you any races, but will get you where you want to go

thats the one... all black 440a... I was thinking of selling it I just don't know for what price.

[skygear]

I went with an Out The Front. For couple reasons
1. One handed action. At the time I was making the decision, I was climbing a lot and was recovering from a broken hand. The range of motion was limited and frankly i didn't trust my hand.

With an out the front knife, you slide a buton in one direction and the blade is out. Slide it in the opposite direction the blade is in. Full control from deploying the blade to sheathing in one hand.

2. I like full sized knives and double edged blades. With this style of knife you xan get pretty large

blades in a compact place.
3. If it were an out the side auto, in whatever form, you run the risk of false deployment. I had this happen too often in my poxket with various brands. From Boker to Benchmade, Spyder co etc. It happens. Qhen it does , there's the issue of knowing what just happened and how fast you react so you don't get hurt. I hada friends father borrow one of mine for aday so he could decide what he wanted to buy. Sure enough he ended up in the er ans needed stitches. Deployed in his pocket. cut his leg and finger.

4. If it can fail it will. All the side loading knives I've had have all failed to lock out properly at one point. Some have even failed while in use and closed on my fingers causing lacerations.

Anyone can put a spring and a buton on a side loader. It takes real thought to make a simple and effective action for an out the front. Like a shotgun slide action. The distinct 'click' action lets whomever know shit has just hit the fan.

[skygear]

http://www.microtechknives.com

I always chuckle when the term Automatic knife ti tossed around in reference to the the folders. To me Automatic translates to both directions - open and close.

An Out the front is really the only "Automatic" knife there is. Well Dual action. There are plenty of OTF's that arent Stiletto's too.

Its really your preference. Some stuff to look into if you change your mind on stilletos though are 'Blood Groove' (to break suction) and or holes in the blades to serve the same purpose.

I brained a deer with my Makora 2 once. THey really know how to build a quality knife.

[roasted]

I never really considered an OTF automatic. I always thought that retracting them would be a PITA, but then again, my thoughts are based off incomplete and preconceived notions. I'll have to look into these in more depth before I buy

[skygear]

its as simple as sliding a button up or down. lots of the youtube videos are from people with little to no hand strength. As a climber, hand strength is a given.

weak ass (he needs to work on his strength) but great review

Microtech Makora II - YouTube

Microtech Makora II - YouTube
Video: click to display

how it actually operates

Microtech Makora II OTF Auto Knife! AMAZING Action! - YouTube

Microtech Makora II OTF Auto Knife! AMAZING Action! - YouTube
Video: click to display

it is out of production for this year but they're still floating around on the net. Other smaller versions are out too

I like these too

Microtech Troodon T/E - YouTube

Microtech Troodon T/E - YouTube
Video: click to display

[skygear]

I wanted this one, But I couldn't source one at the time. Only 200 were produced in this version with the water holes.

Microtech Navy Seal Scarab- Ultimate Tactical OTF - YouTube

Microtech Navy Seal Scarab- Ultimate Tactical OTF - YouTube
Video: click to display

just make sure whatever you decide on you look it up on youtube or other sites to see if there are any quirks

this guy hates them and is showing some knock offs

My OTF Automatic Knife collection - YouTube

My OTF Automatic Knife collection - YouTube
Video: click to display

still a favorite

Benchmade Infidel 3300BK - YouTube

Benchmade Infidel 3300BK - YouTube
Video: click to display

[skygear]

I forgot all about my Benchmade Mel Pardue
I like it and it works well. Holds an edge.\ Its 154cm steel

Benchmade 5000 Auto Presidio - YouTube

Benchmade 5000 Auto Presidio - YouTube
Video: click to display

[skygear]

Oh, and also. I looked into it since the stilettos were a no for you .


Theres plenty of OTF's in a traditional style blade and a combo edge.

I like spyderco too Just make sure no matter what you talk to the manufacturer first to see what deal you can get.

I called Benchmade once (long standing relationship) and ended up with a prototype.

[Mantikore]

Originally Posted by roasted

I never really considered an OTF automatic.

The legal definition of an auto is generally any folding knife that is both spring assisted, and deployed with a button or lever on the handle, which is true in this case. Although a lot of jurisdictions will also have an extra clause that lumps balisongs in that category too.

[skygear]

Originally Posted by Mantikore

The legal definition of an auto is generally any folding knife that is both spring assisted, and deployed with a button or lever on the handle, which is true in this case. Although a lot of jurisdictions will also have an extra clause that lumps balisongs in that category too.

Then there is the clause about EMS, govt, military and leo.... Those cat cards go a long way.

[1983]

Originally Posted by roasted

That site has a pretty good selection, but I'm unsure of the quality (I'm just basing this off the price of some of the knives)

All depends really... I bought a few knifes off of there and I but them through a hell of a beating. Usually the ones around the $25 rang worked best for me and the only issues I had was screws coming loose which a dab of lock tight would fix.

Only one I ever truly broke was a (name omitted for legal reasons) when I was practicing stabs, jabs, and cuts on a tree... I dug the blade in about 2" and twisted it and a nice chunk of the tip broke off in the tree.

A little disappointing but that same knife cut shingles all summer, skinned a deer, and did it's fair share of camping and woodcraft so I was defiantly happy with it.

I bought two more soon after. Since they're on the cheaper side I'm also not afraid of being a little rough with them. Having a tried and true blade that can keep a semi decent edge is usually priority for me in my knifes because I make my knifes do their fair share of work.

Al