Advantages to Auto Knives

[SlideTechnik]

What are the advantages to an auto knife over a standard folding knife? I don't get to play with these so I don't get to figure out why people are attracted to them.

I understand that the deployment of the blade would certainly be faster, but the difference seems like it might be negligable, and at the expense of more parts to fail in a knife as well as possible accidental deployment.

Are they all for style points or is there something more to them?


Thanks

[FreeRider67]

it's mainly for fast deployment. especially if you're in a one handed situation. I have a few autos, and a couple of out-the-front

[SlideTechnik]

Interesting. Is the faster opening worth the compromises?

[cosmo7809]

Honestly for me they are for a cool factor... They mostly do not leave the house and if they do, its for something like a quick run to the store.

As far as the advantages, I think fast deployment and for sure an intimidation factor (If you need to use in that type of situation :eek: )

[SlideTechnik]

Does spyderco make automatic knives? I haven't seen any on their site. I feel like I've heard talk of them though.

[cosmo7809]

http://spyderco.com/catalog/2009SpydercoSAS.pdf :D

[SlideTechnik]

Haha thanks. Google answered my question as well soon after I posted it lol.

[genius5th]

i believe autos are definitly cool factor gadgets and good for opening quickly if you have limited hand movement but comprimises are easy to get junk into and complcated mechanics may make it fail.

[The Deacon]

IMHO, for anyone without a medical condition which makes using one more difficult than pushing a button the Spyderhole opener has reduced automatics to the status of toys. Something to play with, or make one feel like a bit of a badass. No way to prove it, but I would not be surprised if, in the USA, more automatics are owned illegally than legally. There is a certain thrill to breaking a silly law. I'd also bet that a higher percentage of cops in states where they are the only ones who can legally carry an auto carry one than do cops in states where anyone can carry one.

That said, I would rank a classic stag handled Italian switchblade, such as those made by Frank Betrame, among both the ten best looking, and ten most iconic, knives in the world.

[jujigatame]

One advantage some folks may like is that, along with fast opening once pressed, a button lock with a safety is designed not to open until you complete two actions to set it in motion. Pulling on the blade with your fingers, flinging it hard in an arc with your wrist or arm, dropping it on the floor, etc., should not budge it. Liner locks, back locks, BB/Axis-style locks all possess a bias towards closing to varying degrees but there is greater potential it can be overcome by any of the above actions compared to a safetied auto, IMO.

[Cave Dave]

I assume they are harder to close, since you have to work against the spring. Is that correct or is it negligible?

[The Deacon]

I assume they are harder to close, since you have to work against the spring. Is that correct or is it negligible?In my (admittedly extremely limited) experience, yes. Any that I've ever handled required considerably more effort to close than a conventional locking folder. Can't say I've ever handled one which could be easily closed one handed.

One advantage some folks may like is that, along with fast opening once pressed, a button lock with a safety is designed not to open until you complete two actions to set it in motion. Pulling on the blade with your fingers, flinging it hard in an arc with your wrist or arm, dropping it on the floor, etc., should not budge it. Liner locks, back locks, BB/Axis-style locks all possess a bias towards closing to varying degrees but there is greater potential it can be overcome by any of the above actions compared to a safetied auto, IMO.I have to think it would be possible to build a conventional locking folder with a safety to prevent unintentional opening. The fact few, if any, exist makes me guess there is limited need and/or limited interest. That, in turn, makes me think problems from accidental opening are fairly rare and not very serious. Otherwise, we'd be seeing ads something like "Have you, or someone you love, been injured when an Acme Dingbat folder opened without warning? If so, contact the law firm of Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe immediately!" on TV.

Of the three examples you give, two are conscious actions, which can be avoided rather easily and, if the blade of a dropped knife were to open, that action would normally not endanger the owner.

Personally, I'd consider almost any Spyderco midlock, carried tip down, to be about as safe as an auto carried with the safety on, faster to deploy, and a heck of a lot less complex. I'm not sure, but tend to doubt, anyone could survive a landing which caused a Stretch carried that way to open far enough to cause injury. I know I've carried a locking folder, be it Buck, Schrade, or Spyderco, loose in my back pocket for at least forty years without ever having one open.

On the other hand, without a safety engaged, autos, especially those which are triggered by a button, are an accident waiting to happen. An act as simple as leaning against a railing can release the blade and, if that happens, the strong opening action increases the risk of self inflicted injury considerably. Carrying one the way I carry my Stretch would be idiotic. IMHO, if anyone has benefited even a little over the past fifty years from the restrictions on automatics, it's been the health insurance industry.

Edited to add: In spite of all that, part of me wants to believe that, since some fairly intelligent people carry them, there must be some rational benefit, and not just macho "Joe Cool" BS, involved.

[VashHash]

i just find autos complicate things i never was much for the law so i buy what i think looks good doesn't mean i carry it or have intentions to carry it but it doesn't make it right either but they'res just too many things that can go south on an auto i want something dependable everytime not having to worry if my spring is sprung or broken or my button is jammed give me the spyderhole abimdextrous and reliable autos usually have one button that can only be accessed from one side

[jzmtl]

IMHO, for anyone without a medical condition which makes using one more difficult than pushing a button the Spyderhole opener has reduced automatics to the status of toys.

I've had a few times that it's so cold, I lost most of the motor skills in my hand, one hand opening a blade with either hole or stud is out of the question, even open an assisted opener is doubtful. I'd imagine push a button would be possible in that situation, but since I can't have one I won't be able to find out.

[Tecun]

SlideTechnik, I think auto Spyderco knives are some of the best in the industry. I have used a bunch of different brands and Spyderco has really done a great job. Biggest benefit for an auto knife = one hand deployment. Sure, you can do this with the Spyderco hole but it is so much quicker and easier with the button. Plus, in quite a few combat situations, you have big work gloves on that make it easier to mash a button than to plug your fingertip into a hole. I haven't had any issues with the reliability, but I take good care of it also.

[KaliGman]

SlideTechnik, I think auto Spyderco knives are some of the best in the industry. I have used a bunch of different brands and Spyderco has really done a great job. Biggest benefit for an auto knife = one hand deployment. Sure, you can do this with the Spyderco hole but it is so much quicker and easier with the button. Plus, in quite a few combat situations, you have big work gloves on that make it easier to mash a button than to plug your fingertip into a hole. I haven't had any issues with the reliability, but I take good care of it also.

I have owned autos. I still own two--both collector pieces. Having done quite a few years training in and teaching the combative uses of knives and how to defend against knives, as well as having been "out in the real world" and getting in quite a few scrapes in over 17 years of law enforcement, I have found the advantages of automatic knives to be exactly--NONE. I have never worn gloves that were heavy enough to keep me from deploying a larger Spyderco (such as a Military) while engaged in law enforcement--and that includes when wearing Nomex gloves in SWAT operations. Also, after years of doing combative stuff with knives, I have come to the conclusion that the Spyderco "Spyderhole" opening system is far more reliable under stress than is the button on an auto. Autos can be used defensively and in everyday cutting. I just find them more toys than tools in my usage, and far less reliable and slower in deployment than a Spyderco Military, ATR, Barong, etc.

[Ed Schempp]

A couple of my friends are glass guys or glazers. They found the automatic knife to be handy when they would do installations of replacements glass. They had to develop a habit of deploying the blade with the opening toward the ground. They ran into the problem of hitting the glass with a quick releasing blade.

I turned these guys onto waved Delicas and they haven't carried the autos since...Take care...Ed

[nuubee]

I don't normally visit this area, but just happened to notice that the most recent post was by Ed Schempp, so I thought I'd check it out. I think that civilians here in Oregon may be able to own - but not carry concealed - auto folders, but I have never been tempted to possess one. I have a hard time conceiving of an appreciable speed difference over a regular Spydiehole, and what seems more important, springs that are left either 'stretched', or 'compressed' over long periods of time, tend to lose their 'springiness' (Mr. Schempp, please excuse my imprecise language). Since the spring of a closed auto folder is left 'stretched' most of the time, it might cause some of the same theoretical problems encountered as leaving a firearm magazine fully loaded for long periods of time. Do military/LE people ever leave their auto folders open while they are sleeping, just to give the spring a rest, just as people are supposed to rotate which of their magazines they keep loaded? I'm not denying the 'bling' factor (a corrections officer once let me play with his), but spring 'tensility issues' would concern me. I have read that in the years before the New York gang violence became a public issue in the '50s, that there were companies that made sporting switchblades for hunters in duck blinds with cold, wet fingers, and that there were also fancy, feminine switchblades with chased/embossed sterling silver handles for ladies' sewing kits, so that they wouldn't have to risk chipping a fingernail...

[The Deacon]

I've had a few times that it's so cold, I lost most of the motor skills in my hand, one hand opening a blade with either hole or stud is out of the question, even open an assisted opener is doubtful. I'd imagine push a button would be possible in that situation, but since I can't have one I won't be able to find out.Ok, that's valid to some extent, but it presumes that you'd be willing to carry one without the safety engaged. With numb hands and the mental state which normally accompanies them, I'd think the chances of "premature discharge" would at least as high as those of being able to deploy it intentionally.

I have read that in the years before the New York gang violence became a public issue in the '50s, that there were companies that made sporting switchblades for hunters in duck blinds with cold, wet fingers, and that there were also fancy, feminine switchblades with chased/embossed sterling silver handles for ladies' sewing kits, so that they wouldn't have to risk chipping a fingernail...The two original "target audiences" for automatics in the late 1800's were amputees, of which there were a sizable number prior to weapons technology advancing at a faster pace than medical science, and "the fair sex", to protect their fingernails when sewing, sharpening a pencil, or making/repairing a quill pen. Yes, incredible as it sounds, genteel schoolgirls once carried these evil implements into the classroom. :eek:;):D

For the record, the "connection" between automatics and gang violence in New York City and elsewhere was almost pure fiction created by yellow journalists in order to sell papers. Baseball bats and lengths of chain (sometimes with a padlock on the end), and iron pipe just didn't make great villains, since they're darn hard to "do something about".

[nuubee]

Fascinating, Deacon. Thank you for the information.

[MaxStatic]

I can offer my $0.02. In my job, I carry autos. In fact they were, until just recently, a required item of kit. I'm an active duty military helicopter pilot. Unlike fast movers, we have no "ohh ish handle" i.e. ejection seat and therefor go down with the aircraft. If we are still alive at the bottom, getting out is priority number one most of the time. Granted our seat belts are quick release design but I've had them bind on my several times. For this, I carry an auto knife and a fix blade on my vest.

The biggest disadvantage I see for autos is it usually takes two hands to close. I can do mine with one but it takes practice. This is a moot point though because if the knife comes out, chances are I don't need to put it back in a hurry. Worst case is I'm cutting and running. If I have to ditch the knife, so be it.

Things that the auto give me that a manual does not in this situation is minimal effort required for deployment. There is a very good chance that if I go down I will sustain some sort of back injury. It's the nature of the beast. I would rather have a button to push than a knife to flick or open by other means. I also do not carry my knife with the safety on. The design of the knife I carry does not concern me carrying it this way.

I don't discount the fact they are fun to play with but for me, in my line of work, I look at them as a incredibly valuable tool.

[RyanA]

One advantage is that a plunge lock side opener is actually a very safe and reliable knife design. With some manual knives there are complaints about weak detent and knives opening in the pocket. With a plunge lock side opener, due to the design, the blade cannot open or close unless the button is fully depressed (or the knife is severely abused). With a proper clip (one that places the button facing the thigh) it is extremely unlikely that a plunge lock auto will ever open unintentionally in one's pocket. A safety is not really necessary.

[ToneGrail]

Here's my 2 cents:

To deploy a non-stiletto type auto, it takes 3 steps in order to be sure that it won't close on your fingers:

1) disable the safety
2) push the button
3) enable the safety (to prevent the button from being accidentally pushed)

Seems like a lot of steps to me. With an assisted, all you do it flip the flipper or thumb stud and you're ready to go. That's one step as opposed to three. The locking mechanism is usually a liner, axis lock, or some other mechanism that can't be accidentally pressed (like a button) while the knife is open.

I personally prefer my Endura Wave 4. It's way faster than any auto or assisted, has no complicated moving parts and I can deploy it manually via the thumb hole just as fast as an auto or AO knife if I choose not to use the wave feature.

...and that's not even considering the extra moving parts in an auto.

The only exception to this rule are the Benchmade Auto Axis knives. On those, the release mechanism isn't a button, but the Axis lock itself.

[RyanA]

That is a somewhat fallacious statement. Using the safety is not required. Many autos don't even have them.
And by that reasoning, you'd need a safety on every kind of folder to prevent from accidentally hitting the release mechanism (most are variations of buttons or levers, designed to be depressed, like a button). The placement of the button on a knife like the citadel or similar design makes it very unlikely that it will be pushed while in use. Probably less likely than accidentally depressing a liner lock. The safety is really only for peace of mind.

To be sure, a plunge lock auto has one more major moving part than an endura 4, the coil spring.

Also because of the U spring design, an axis knife (auto or otherwise) is probably less reliable than an AO.

[2cha]

I can't speak to the history other than to say there are as many historical truths as there are writers and readers. I can definitely say that I'm ok with auto knives being illegal. My belief is based on what I've observed in myself and other young males. I just don't want young males to be able to easily and cheaply purchase cheap concealable weapons that are toylike. I had a pile of switchblades that my parents brought home from european trips. Carrying one of those puppies felt a lot different than carrying a Buck 110. In hind sight, the "felt a lot different" was not a good or neutral "felt a little different," but a "felt a little different" that was not good for anyone. I'm also perfectly happy that "brass" knuckles are illegal for the same reason. Sure, one can still get autos, butterfly knives and brass knuckles, but they're not generally for sale in street stalls for $5.00--just waiting to catch the eyes and wallets of some hormone ridden jackass (like I was). In all due respect, a bat or a weighted chain is not particularly concealable and both are susceptible to uses other than physical harm (though I do have a yard sale bat in my trunk).

A collectible and curio exception would be nice--would likely keep price point high enough to prevent the demographic I worry about and who commit most violent acts--males under 25--from commonly carrying them.

I don't like either autos or assisted openers for use. For toys or collecting, different story. In my limited experience they require more care and maintenance to ensure smooth opening. They may make sense for some like our pilot friend above or for LEOs with dedicated knife pockets or pouches. For the .5 second saved, I'd rather carry a knife that will open whether or not it is clogged with pocket lint.

[RyanA]

Is it safe to assume that most posts speaking of litmited experince actually mean no experience? If one understands the mechanical layout of an auto (assuming a quality design) then they also undersand that there is really no chance of debris entering any areas that would impede the knife's function. A good auto is no less reliable than a manual knife, and in some cases may actually be more reliable.

[2cha]

Is it safe to assume that most posts speaking of litmited experince actually mean no experience? If one understands the mechanical layout of an auto (assuming a quality design) then they also undersand that there is really no chance of debris entering any areas that would impede the knife's function. A good auto is no less reliable than a manual knife, and in some cases may actually be more reliable.

I used and carried this BM daily for two years when I lived in AZ. I used it for hard. I did construction/renovations. My experience is limited b/c I did not carry it in a sheath but in my lint and trash filled pockets. I carried it to use, not as a back-up or emergency deployment tool--perfectly legitimate uses. So, in my limited experience, the knife is susceptible to binding do to lint that prevents full deployment. Owning my limited experience was just straight up honesty.

[RyanA]

What part of the knife bound up: safety, lock or action?

As far as opinions go,
I do not personally consider a Benchmade to be a quality knife.

[2cha]

This was 14 years ago, long before I became interested in spyderco--if I knew then what I know now, I would have bought a manual spydie. That being said, I think BM makes a good product--I have that auto and a nak-lok that I don't carry and a mini grip that I do. I think that spyderco makes a better product for my purposes. I haven't tried any of the BM gold class and don't plan on it.

The knife would open about 1/3 quickly and then slowly continue to varying point. To cure the problem I'd blow it out with air compressor and then spray with WD. I haven't even used it to open mail in over a decade.

[Blerv]

I know this thread is getting old but here are a few things possibly not taken into consideration:

1.) Under duress it's easier to push a button than manipulate a thumb stud or hole. More importantly, it's consistent and cant be fumbled. eg: gunfire in the background or someone actually trying to kill you...not flipping infront of the mirror like a Youtube reviewer.

2.) Deploying a thumb hole/stud requires opening the grip more on the handle. In some cases like Microtech a double-edged blade shoots straight forward and your grip doesn't even need to change. Sweaty palms, fear, etc increases chance to drop the knife or at least slows the speed getting back into a proper grip.

I've sure never been in a life or death situation but think pushing a button and popping back into grip would be less risky. It would also be that much more terrifying to anyone around you. The best knife fight is the one you never have to fight.

Yes but 99% is probably cool factor. It's the main reason fancy gyms and dog purses exist.
Just random thoughts on a bored Monday night :). They might be BS as they are purely speculative.

[jzmtl]

Ok, that's valid to some extent, but it presumes that you'd be willing to carry one without the safety engaged. With numb hands and the mental state which normally accompanies them, I'd think the chances of "premature discharge" would at least as high as those of being able to deploy it intentionally.

The two original "target audiences" for automatics in the late 1800's were amputees, of which there were a sizable number prior to weapons technology advancing at a faster pace than medical science, and "the fair sex", to protect their fingernails when sewing, sharpening a pencil, or making/repairing a quill pen. Yes, incredible as it sounds, genteel schoolgirls once carried these evil implements into the classroom. :eek:;):D

For the record, the "connection" between automatics and gang violence in New York City and elsewhere was almost pure fiction created by yellow journalists in order to sell papers. Baseball bats and lengths of chain (sometimes with a padlock on the end), and iron pipe just didn't make great villains, since they're darn hard to "do something about".

It's possible, I've never seen an auto so I don't know how easy it is to accidentally deploy.

Very interesting history on auto too, never knew that.

[RyanA]

It's possible, I've never seen an auto so I don't know how easy it is to accidentally deploy.

Very interesting history on auto too, never knew that.

Typically the buttons are recessed and have a fair amount of travel. Accidental deployment is somewhat unlikely.

[TrojanDonkey]

For a fast "bad ass knife" I would go with a fixed blade if legal.If not -Spyderco does make a few waved knives.I only have ghetto waves-need to check out the real deal.So many Spyderco knives are on my list-just need extra $$ haha.

[Buffalohump]

I personally feel that if the laws weren't so irrational with regards to autos in the USA and elsewhere, they might well outsell regular knives. A good quality side opening auto can do everything a regular knife can, but quicker and easier. If you look at the famous Spyder hole, this was put in place to make the blade easier and quicker to open one handed. Well, there aint nothing quicker and easier than pushing a button. Granted an auto is not designed to be closed one handed, like many Spydies can be (liner locks and back locks especially) but when it comes to fast one hand opening, autos rule supreme.

[The Deacon]

I personally feel that if the laws weren't so irrational with regards to autos in the USA and elsewhere, they might well outsell regular knives. A good quality side opening auto can do everything a regular knife can, but quicker and easier. If you look at the famous Spyder hole, this was put in place to make the blade easier and quicker to open one handed. Well, there aint nothing quicker and easier than pushing a button. Granted an auto is not designed to be closed one handed, like many Spydies can be (liner locks and back locks especially) but when it comes to fast one hand opening, autos rule supreme.I guess that would depend on whether the average user felt a marginal increase in deployment speed gained by carrying an auto with the safety off was worth the added complexity, risk of injury from accidental discharge, shorter life cycle, and higher price. Engage the safety and any claims of faster deployment go right out the window. Even without the safety on, I'd question whether one would beat an Emerson or an Spyderco with an Emerson opener.

Frankly, I think they would probably kill off AO's. Why settle for a half-assed auto wannabe if you can legally own a real one. Don't see them gaining much market share beyond that. I do, however, wish we'd be given the chance to find out. :)

[ChrisR]

Yeah, I love AOs with a 'flipper', like the Kershaws, but I'd never pocket one without the safety on - been there, done that, seen the knife come open when caught on something ... not worth the risk. A nice Spyderco folder with a smooth action is plenty easy and fast enough for me ... I am not into SD and any job I need a knife for can wait 5 seconds. The Emerson wave seems the ideal method if you're into that kind of speed-drawing but I can live without one :)

Hey ... just thought ... what about a waved FRN SLIPIT? :D

[Buffalohump]

The difference is that 'waving' a knife open is very hard on the locking mechanism whereas autos are designed to be opened that way. Waving is also not foolproof. It works better on some pants than others. ;)

[The Deacon]

The difference is that 'waving' a knife open is very hard on the locking mechanism whereas autos are designed to be opened that way. Sorry, but I find that incredibly hard to believe. First because it implies that two companies which make both autos and waved openers consistently put better engineering into one than the other. Second because I do not see waved opening of a Spyderco to be any more harsh than "Spydie drop" or thumb flick opening while every modern auto I've ever handled, and even a few of the "old school" Italian jobs, would literally jump out of your hand if not gripped securely when fired. That simply has to take its toll over time.

Autos are fun. Humans seem to have a soft spot for things that jump out at them. A jack-in-the-box will bring smiles to a one year old, and there's still a market for those spring loaded "worm in a can" gags. I will even concede that there may be a few very limited applications where an auto is the best possible choice, or at least an equally good choice. But, while I'm sure there would be an initial rush to buy them if they were legalized, to suggest they'd outsell non assisted knives for more than those first few months is something I just can't buy.

[ChrisR]

Yes, I've always maintained that I just can't believe that they would be a problem if they were legalized - they are mainly a novelty piece and, even with semi-autos being legal to own in a lot of places, they seem to be statistically insignificant to knife crime. When the police arrest thugs over here they're almost always carrying fixed-blade kitchen knives because they're cheap and look scary. :(

[The Deacon]

I agree fully Chris. Heck, even if a few did wind up being used by the "bad guys", so what. Not as if they'd be singing in the church choir or helping out at an animal shelter if it weren't for those damn evil flick knives. Nor is it a question of a kitchen knife being less dangerous than an auto in the hands of someone looking to do harm.

Not to mention that all the laws do, at least over here, is to keep them out of the hands of the most law abiding. I'd bet if it weren't for sales that are at least technically illegal, to otherwise law abiding citizens, most companies would have stopped making automatics years ago.

[Bushbadger]

I bought a Gerber automatic last year just to see what it was like, I had never tried an auto before and it was fun for a couple of days but the novelty soon wore off and it got relegated to the drawer until I eventually sold it. I prefer my folding knives to be simple, plus I could actually open the Military faster than the Gerber.

[Fdrotary]

i just got my first real auto like...10mins ago. It's a gerber and I really figured the opening mechanism would be different from the cheap ones you see in the flea market but it isn't, it is still the same and I am not all that impressed with it. It is too heavy, and I do not trust that the opening mechanism will last for years on end like a normal knife does. I think I can open my griptilian or Pacific Salt just as easy and quickly. I am going to test it out though, working in Afghanistan it will def. be tested. I am more interested in testing the s30v blade then the auto though.

[Dr Heelhook]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the original attraction with autos the mere fact that you could open them with one hand at all? Didn't the first automatic folding knife see the light of day during a time when manual one handed opening folding knives hadn't been invented quite yet and the only alternative was a two handed opening, nail nick folder or something of the sort? IMO, the opening quickness of an auto compared to a spydie hole is pretty marginal and I think the arrival of the spydie hole has rendered autos somewhat old fashioned.

[The Deacon]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the original attraction with autos the mere fact that you could open them with one hand at all? Didn't the first automatic folding knife see the light of day during a time when manual one handed opening folding knives hadn't been invented quite yet and the only alternative was a two handed opening, nail nick folder or something of the sort? IMO, the opening quickness of an auto compared to a spydie hole is pretty marginal and I think the arrival of the spydie hole has rendered autos somewhat old fashioned.Yes, they were. One of the original "target markets" for autos was amputees, which wars and pre-OSHA machinery, had create an abundant supply. Another, oddly enough was schoolgirls, since the term penknife still had its original meaning and young ladies then, as now, did not like breaking a nail.

[Dr. Snubnose]

The Deacon and Dr. Heel are correct in their accounts...Funny times have changes a great deal in the last 75 years...not only here in the good US of A but in other countries as well. In Japan for instance, every school child brought to class each day a Kiridashi in their pencil box...(their equivalent to an exacto knife) Used for cutting everything and making school projects...Times they sure have changed....Doc:D

[Firefighter880]

Honestly for me they are for a cool factor... They mostly do not leave the house and if they do, its for something like a quick run to the store.

As far as the advantages, I think fast deployment and for sure an intimidation factor (If you need to use in that type of situation :eek: )

This right here :)

Cool factor...... possibly intimidation factor I guess, but I think a spyder-dropped fully serrated Endura would have the same intimidation factor.

Honestly, its the cool factor. Id really like to say its more lol, but I can open up a Spyderco pretty darn quick with just one hand as well. Now, dont get me wrong, even though its not by very much, and auto is still probably faster and easier (push of a button lol), BUT it also has more parts to break, and more stuff on it to fail. I look at it that way.

:)

[LowSpeedHighDrag]

Ive been issued the Gerber 06 and BM AFO, both are autos. They are fun to play with, and have extremely fast blade deployment. But, the lock made deploying the blade slower than a normal spydiehole and certainly slower than a waved folder. They have their applications for people who may be in one-handed situations like paratroopers, medical personnel, etc, but the avg joe in the Military or Civ world would be much better suited with a one handed opener.

And they are much slower to close.

[ToneGrail]

This right here :)

Cool factor...... possibly intimidation factor I guess, but I think a spyder-dropped fully serrated Endura would have the same intimidation factor.

Honestly, its the cool factor. Id really like to say its more lol, but I can open up a Spyderco pretty darn quick with just one hand as well. Now, dont get me wrong, even though its not by very much, and auto is still probably faster and easier (push of a button lol), BUT it also has more parts to break, and more stuff on it to fail. I look at it that way.

:)

+1.

When I flick open my Tenacious, it's a lot louder and more intimidating than when I deploy any of my AO's or auto's.

[RyanA]

A safety-less single action side opening auto typically only has one more moving part than a typical lockback knife.