assisted opening folders?

new2guns · 10-11-2007, 11:47 PM

hey i'm looking for a good assisted opening folder. anyone have any suggestions? it seems that some sites dont tell you whether or not its an assisted opening folder, or if its just a plain folder. any help? thanks.

gunney_m · 10-11-2007, 11:52 PM

No idea what so ever at all but, hey hows it going new2guns?

.22guy · 10-12-2007, 12:03 AM

I have a SOG Flash II and I like it alot. It's easy to carry, pretty good quality and I got it for only 45 bucks or so. I've never been one to carry very expensive knives because I've lost too many knives in the past.

Big Dog · 10-12-2007, 05:13 AM

I like my little Benchmade autoknife - but it's a bit steeply priced. Got mine as a gift.

Triggerjerk · 10-12-2007, 05:49 AM

The only problem that I see with these is that some have been arrested for carrying a switchblade. I had a newsleter from The American Knife and Tool Institute (which I cannot now find) where an assisted opener was found not to be a switchblade in a trial. Problem with that is...the person was arrested and had to go through the trouble and expense and emotional turmoil of a trial. If the arresting officer acted in good faith, you really have no recourse against him or her.

This may be more of a problem for a young person with a knife clipped in a pocket where an officer can see it and ask questions. Also, just because one court did not find it to be a switchblade does not mean that another won't.

I guess that I should also say that I have seen the Gerbers and think that they are inexpensively built...

Kershaw's Ken Onion line have a little gadget at the bottom of the handle where the tip of the blade is when closed. This is a sliding lock that keeps the blade from accidently springing open. Now you have to manipulate the knife to flick the lock on one end and flick the blade open at the other end. More trouble than opening a pocket knife! I tried to do it one handed on several sizes of these, and could not do it one handed.

Gio · 10-12-2007, 06:54 AM

I've got an Sog trident Tanto and love it.

Dallas · 10-12-2007, 06:58 AM

I also have the Kershaw Ken Onion knife. I thought it was neat when I first got it. But Triggerjerk is correct the little safety bar is a pain to have to open before you can open the knife. You can't use the knife one handed. If you don't use the safety on the knife you face the real possibility of the blade opening in your pocket. I've pretty much stopped carrying this knife.

You might want to take a look at the Leatherman 300 series pocket knives with the "blade launch" function. The knife has a small metal ball on it that can be positioned to make the knife either be opened by hand only or it can be positioned so that you push the ball down and slighly flick the wrist and wham the blade is open and locked. This is the knife that I know carry on a regular basis.

dave375hh · 10-12-2007, 09:32 AM

I've had two Kershaw Ken Onion knives, both assisted openers. A Whirlwind & a Blur neither one has a lock on the tip. And neither one has ever opened on it's own. The question was about assisted opening folders not self openers, if this is what your talking about. Unfortunatly I lost the whirlwind and replaced it with the Blur, both were excelent knives for general use, and hold a great edge.

Rave · 10-19-2007, 02:30 PM

Just in case there is a question... a switchblade opens when the retaining mechanism is released.
The assisted opener opens when the blade is manually partially opened to a certain point and a spring opens it from there.

SilverRun · 10-19-2007, 03:11 PM

Benchmade has some nice ones. Although, I carry the normal benchmades - I don't care for the autos - personal opinion.

Rave · 10-24-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverRun

Benchmade has some nice ones. Although, I carry the normal benchmades - I don't care for the autos - personal opinion.

I have been interested in autos since I was a kid-personal preferance and inquireing mind.
Never thought of them as being inherently evil or not.

Waiting for the brochures and advertizment to begin on my switchblade idea,hope to make millions.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

SilentSoul · 10-24-2007, 08:40 PM

I also have a kershaw blur tanto edge. In my opinion you cannot beat Kershaw. I have had them replace just about everything except the blade(it is a work knife) They have no problem with it. Last time they sent me a new belt clip and the screws for the entire knife they even sent a little tool with the correct bits inside it says kershaw on it. Very cool of them.

Rave · 10-25-2007, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentSoul

I also have a kershaw blur tanto edge. In my opinion you cannot beat Kershaw. I have had them replace just about everything except the blade(it is a work knife) They have no problem with it. Last time they sent me a new belt clip and the screws for the entire knife they even sent a little tool with the correct bits inside it says kershaw on it. Very cool of them.

Sounds good!

Arkiemike · 11-21-2007, 06:48 PM

I carry a Gerber Valotten(sp?) every day. It has a safety on the side of the handle that I find easy to operate. It had a pocket clip that I removed so I could carry it in my pocket. I am an electrician, and sometimes need to hang on to something and get a knife at the same time.

ArkansasHunter · 11-21-2007, 08:28 PM

New2guns steer clear of Kershaw some of our LEO's use or were useing one of the KerShaw models they break to often.
My son is on his 4th.
They'll replace them when you send them in from breaking but you have to wait on them.
My 2 cents...A.H

redhed · 12-01-2007, 03:05 PM

Watch for local gun and knife shows. I picked up two inexpensive assisted open knives at one recently. They're 'China' knives, but okay to use for general utility knives and if you break or loose them, as I have been known to do, you're not out any great amount of money. I really like the assisted open knives and carry mine with me all the time.

dave375hh · 12-02-2007, 10:44 AM

A.H.
What part broke and what did they do to break them? Were they using them as a pry bar or what. No Flames, I'd really like to know.

ArkansasHunter · 12-02-2007, 05:09 PM

Hi dave my sons on his 3rd KerShaw they are all the same model and the quick assist
feature fails.
He has sent them back and they replace them, they have excellent service and instead of fixing they replace them.
As far as how they get broke is he reachs in his pocket and finds it has quit working and as far as prying and the like he does'nt do that with a knife like that.
They just quit working. And from time to time they get a shot of Break Free and a big blast of compressed air...A.H

dave375hh · 12-03-2007, 09:29 AM

A.H.
Thanks for the info, I'll watch mine.

mrkwns · 12-16-2007, 03:10 PM

I have had excellent luck with Kershaw. As long as I keep them semi-clean, and use a little silicon spray to keep them lubed, I have had no problems with the asisted opening mechanism. I've found that any kind of oil really makes them bind, silicon is the way to go.

They come with a very good edge, and they retain it well. The model I currently carry everyday is the Leek, and I love it.

10-11-2007, 11:47 PM	#1
new2guns Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 31 Trader Rating: (0)	assisted opening folders? hey i'm looking for a good assisted opening folder. anyone have any suggestions? it seems that some sites dont tell you whether or not its an assisted opening folder, or if its just a plain folder. any help? thanks.

10-12-2007, 12:03 AM	#3
.22guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,066 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a SOG Flash II and I like it alot. It's easy to carry, pretty good quality and I got it for only 45 bucks or so. I've never been one to carry very expensive knives because I've lost too many knives in the past. __________________ Guns: they are like baseball cards except they are cool and you can kill things with em. -Billy

10-12-2007, 05:13 AM	#4
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,069 Trader Rating: (0)	I like my little Benchmade autoknife - but it's a bit steeply priced. Got mine as a gift. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

10-12-2007, 05:49 AM	#5
Triggerjerk Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 978 Trader Rating: (0)	The only problem that I see with these is that some have been arrested for carrying a switchblade. I had a newsleter from The American Knife and Tool Institute (which I cannot now find) where an assisted opener was found not to be a switchblade in a trial. Problem with that is...the person was arrested and had to go through the trouble and expense and emotional turmoil of a trial. If the arresting officer acted in good faith, you really have no recourse against him or her. This may be more of a problem for a young person with a knife clipped in a pocket where an officer can see it and ask questions. Also, just because one court did not find it to be a switchblade does not mean that another won't. I guess that I should also say that I have seen the Gerbers and think that they are inexpensively built... Kershaw's Ken Onion line have a little gadget at the bottom of the handle where the tip of the blade is when closed. This is a sliding lock that keeps the blade from accidently springing open. Now you have to manipulate the knife to flick the lock on one end and flick the blade open at the other end. More trouble than opening a pocket knife! I tried to do it one handed on several sizes of these, and could not do it one handed. __________________ We old dogs can learn new tricks. We just may not like performng them. TJ Last edited by Triggerjerk; 10-12-2007 at 06:16 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

10-12-2007, 06:54 AM	#6
Gio Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 804 Trader Rating: (0)	I've got an Sog trident Tanto and love it. __________________ Blow you up.

10-11-2007, 11:52 PM	#2
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931 Trader Rating: (0)	No idea what so ever at all but, hey hows it going new2guns?

10-12-2007, 06:58 AM	#7
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,591 Trader Rating: (0)	I also have the Kershaw Ken Onion knife. I thought it was neat when I first got it. But Triggerjerk is correct the little safety bar is a pain to have to open before you can open the knife. You can't use the knife one handed. If you don't use the safety on the knife you face the real possibility of the blade opening in your pocket. I've pretty much stopped carrying this knife. You might want to take a look at the Leatherman 300 series pocket knives with the "blade launch" function. The knife has a small metal ball on it that can be positioned to make the knife either be opened by hand only or it can be positioned so that you push the ball down and slighly flick the wrist and wham the blade is open and locked. This is the knife that I know carry on a regular basis. __________________ Those who forget History are condemed to repeat it. Last edited by Dallas; 10-12-2007 at 07:02 AM.

10-12-2007, 09:32 AM	#8
dave375hh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 587 Trader Rating: (0)	I've had two Kershaw Ken Onion knives, both assisted openers. A Whirlwind & a Blur neither one has a lock on the tip. And neither one has ever opened on it's own. The question was about assisted opening folders not self openers, if this is what your talking about. Unfortunatly I lost the whirlwind and replaced it with the Blur, both were excelent knives for general use, and hold a great edge. __________________ Dave 375 H&H

10-19-2007, 02:30 PM	#9
Rave Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 6,744 Trader Rating: (0)	Just in case there is a question... a switchblade opens when the retaining mechanism is released. The assisted opener opens when the blade is manually partially opened to a certain point and a spring opens it from there. __________________ USAF '62-'66 .

10-19-2007, 03:11 PM	#10
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,659 Trader Rating: (0)	Benchmade has some nice ones. Although, I carry the normal benchmades - I don't care for the autos - personal opinion.

10-24-2007, 08:40 PM	#12
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Trader Rating: (0)	I also have a kershaw blur tanto edge. In my opinion you cannot beat Kershaw. I have had them replace just about everything except the blade(it is a work knife) They have no problem with it. Last time they sent me a new belt clip and the screws for the entire knife they even sent a little tool with the correct bits inside it says kershaw on it. Very cool of them.

11-21-2007, 06:48 PM	#14
Arkiemike Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: SW Arkansas Posts: 60 Trader Rating: (0)	I carry a Gerber Valotten(sp?) every day. It has a safety on the side of the handle that I find easy to operate. It had a pocket clip that I removed so I could carry it in my pocket. I am an electrician, and sometimes need to hang on to something and get a knife at the same time.

11-21-2007, 08:28 PM	#15
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,524 Trader Rating: (0)	New2guns steer clear of Kershaw some of our LEO's use or were useing one of the KerShaw models they break to often. My son is on his 4th. They'll replace them when you send them in from breaking but you have to wait on them. My 2 cents...A.H

12-01-2007, 03:05 PM	#16
redhed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Armpit, Illinois, USA Posts: 325 Trader Rating: (0)	Watch for local gun and knife shows. I picked up two inexpensive assisted open knives at one recently. They're 'China' knives, but okay to use for general utility knives and if you break or loose them, as I have been known to do, you're not out any great amount of money. I really like the assisted open knives and carry mine with me all the time.

12-02-2007, 10:44 AM	#17
dave375hh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 587 Trader Rating: (0)	A.H. What part broke and what did they do to break them? Were they using them as a pry bar or what. No Flames, I'd really like to know. __________________ Dave 375 H&H

12-02-2007, 05:09 PM	#18
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,524 Trader Rating: (0)	Hi dave my sons on his 3rd KerShaw they are all the same model and the quick assist feature fails. He has sent them back and they replace them, they have excellent service and instead of fixing they replace them. As far as how they get broke is he reachs in his pocket and finds it has quit working and as far as prying and the like he does'nt do that with a knife like that. They just quit working. And from time to time they get a shot of Break Free and a big blast of compressed air...A.H

12-03-2007, 09:29 AM	#19
dave375hh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 587 Trader Rating: (0)	A.H. Thanks for the info, I'll watch mine. __________________ Dave 375 H&H

12-16-2007, 03:10 PM	#20
mrkwns Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MN Posts: 7 Trader Rating: (0)	I have had excellent luck with Kershaw. As long as I keep them semi-clean, and use a little silicon spray to keep them lubed, I have had no problems with the asisted opening mechanism. I've found that any kind of oil really makes them bind, silicon is the way to go. They come with a very good edge, and they retain it well. The model I currently carry everyday is the Leek, and I love it.