Automatic knives are often considered the best knives for self-defense. Their button/slide-ejected blades allow the user to safely conceal the blade in the knife’s handle and quickly deploy it when needed. Because of this, these types of knives are often used by police officers, EMTs, the military, and in emergencies. However, not every automatic knife is the same! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the four key features to look for when buying an automatic knife so you can be sure you’re purchasing the right one. Let’s begin!
Check that the knife is legal where you live
First things first, before buying yourself an automatic knife, make sure it’s legal to own and carry where you live. Every state varies in its knife laws. Doing a quick google search for “(your state here) automatic knife laws” can save you a lot of trouble!
Research the handle and blade material
Knives can often look the same, but the materials used really set them apart. When shopping for an auto, it’s important that you look for blades made from quality steel. With hundreds of different steels out there, this can get confusing. Any good knife seller will tell you the steel used in the blade. From there, you can look up how hard the steel is on the Rockwell hardness scale (HRC), which can give you an idea of the quality. Premium steels typically score a 59-66 on the HRC scale. Next, make sure the handle is made from a high-quality material as well. Titanium, aluminum, or carbon fiber are excellent materials to look for in a knife’s handle.
Check the action and deployment of the blade
In addition to the blade and handle materials, how the blade deploys can set apart the premium autos from the cheaper options. Autos come in two variations: OTS (Out-the-side) and OTF (Out-the-front). OTS autos have a blade that deploys from the side, whereas OTFs have blades that spring out the front of the knife. OTS is typically better for utility use, and OTF is better for self-defense. It’s essential to check how the spring action feels. When deploying the blade, it should feel firm, be fast, and never jam up. Look for quality springs to ensure you’re buying a reliable auto.
Analyze the aesthetics of the knife
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to note the overall design of the knife and choose one that fits your style. With so many color variations, handle types, blade lengths, and deployment types (OTS, OTF), you’ll have thousands of options to choose from. After doing the recommended research on the knife’s materials, deployment, and legality, have some fun and buy a knife that you enjoy looking at!
There you have it. Keep this list in mind next time you’re shopping for an automatic knife, and you can be sure you’re buying the right one!
