Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
Armory Sponsor
8/5/2016 5:36:49 PM EDT
I have been looking at picking up my first auto knife, due recently losing my Doug Ritter mini griptilian I'm in the market for a new edc blade.
I have narrowed it down to two that I like.
HK PATROL

Banchmade CLA drop point

My question for those that own autos, what is practicality of owning one for every day pocket knife shit?  Would the lock up on the two that I linked be as good as the mini griptilian?
8/5/2016 6:00:32 PM EDT
[#1]
I have a SOG mini auto.  It is a great knife and I found it convenient to operate when only one hand is free.  Well worth the purchase.
8/5/2016 6:12:31 PM EDT
[#2]
I just got the Benchmade CLA last week. I don't think I'll be carrying my Mini Grip, or full size Grip much anymore.
8/6/2016 10:31:08 AM EDT
[#3]
With all the other features of knives available today, auto opening is just a different way to get the blade out. If I had to choose between a clipped manual opener or a non clipped auto, I'd take the clip every time. No digging in my pocket or a sheath to get it out.

How easy it is to close the knife one handed is also part of the decision. I prefer frame or buttons to the Axis - just easier to close for me.

For all the hype about auto - which seems to be the main reason they are double the price - I'd worry more about the steel alloy, blade grind, and what scales you prefer. You work with them intimately, how the blade flips open these days  by stud, AO, or auto is - for me - just incrementally different. Bad steel, bulky weird grind, slick handles, no clip - there are a lot of autos I won't ever buy for the same reason I won't buy the same thing as a manual.

Other things are more important but it did take me awhile to get to this point.

Carrying a Ganzo OD and stonewashed 7212 lately. Nice knife, heavy spring, handles work well. Solid machined liners and a nice slim style with recessed clip for a low ride. Features aside from the spring make the knife - auto and the price just iced the cake.
8/6/2016 9:23:00 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for the info!
8/6/2016 9:55:35 PM EDT
[#5]
My main three EDC knive that I rotate through are

Benchmade AFO ll auto

Boker Kalashnikov auto

Kershaw Blur assisted open

I like all three. They all function and lock open just fine.

The autos are handy but the Blur is just as easy to open one handed and actually seems to open faster.

That CLA Drop point looks really nice. I need to get my hands on one to see how I like it. It might get added to the rotation.

The only down side to the autos is the various laws in different states. They are not legal everywhere and I have heard that you can run into issues sending them for repairs or warranty work with some companies.
8/9/2016 7:55:49 PM EDT
[#6]
My wife suprised me with the CLA yesterday after she saw me looking at them.
I'm impressed at how thin it is closed and the over all build of it. Seems like it's going to be a solid knife.
8/10/2016 12:28:51 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
My main three EDC knive that I rotate through are

Benchmade AFO ll auto

Boker Kalashnikov auto

Kershaw Blur assisted open

I like all three. They all function and lock open just fine.

The autos are handy but the Blur is just as easy to open one handed and actually seems to open faster.

That CLA Drop point looks really nice. I need to get my hands on one to see how I like it. It might get added to the rotation.

The only down side to the autos is the various laws in different states. They are not legal everywhere and I have heard that you can run into issues sending them for repairs or warranty work with some companies.
View Quote



I've carried the Benchmade AFO ll for years now as my edc, love it never failed keeps it's edge.
8/11/2016 10:28:50 AM EDT
[#8]
I like the looks of the Kershaw Launch 5 auto, (Emerson/Kershaw collaboration).  

For around $115.00 looks like a nice knife.
Armory Sponsor