Which auto-knife to purchase?

[PUMC_TomG]

The Florida legislature just made it legal for civilians to own/purchase/carry automatic knives... as long as it isn't concealed.

Now the question is, which auto to buy?

I like good quality knives... my usual carry is the Emerson Commander or the Benchmade Leopard. I'd like something along those lines.

Knives I'm considering:
Microtech LCC D/A
Microtech Halo III

I know Benchmade and MOD both make some good autos... anyone want to suggest some? I like decent sized knives too, I have fairly large hands... the Commander is just right.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Bruz]

Since we can not carry them here I am no expert, but I really like my Microtech LCC D/A allot. Feels great in the hand, has a good heavy feel, thick blade.

 

[444]

Just for the sake of discussion, why would you want an auto as opposed to your Emerson Commander ? I used to carry various autos until I got my first spring assisted knife and went from that to the Emerson Commander which is much faster. I am not really interested in the self defense aspect of knives, but rather use them at work and sometimes really need a knife when I have only one hand. I am not sure of the legality of the whole thing, but I have always been able to buy autos and have opened them many times with police officers standing right in front of me. The best quality auto I ever had was a Buck 110 converted to automatic. But, I am looking more for rugged design than I am looks.

 

[PUMC_TomG]

Don't get me wrong, I know all about deployment of my Commander. And how it stacks up to an auto.

However, I think it would be nice to have it for the "cool" factor... and the fact that who knows if they will go back on the law and ban them again... might as well get it while I can, right?

I've used the LCC D/A before, and really liked it. Great functionality as a folder, almost nobody can find the auto release unless they know what they're looking for, and just all around quality construction. I'm leaning towards it, but am curious what else is out there.

 

[Drjones]

I have a MT UT D/E and lemme tell you, it rates pretty darn high on the "cool factor" scale.

The Ultratechs are double action out-the-fronts, which means that the blade comes out of the front of the handle. I'm sure you've probably seen cheapo crapo ones before.

Well, the MTs are the real thing, and MAN did they do a heck of a job!

I'll admit that the D/E (Double Edged) version isn't the most utilitarian, but it sure is the coolest! They do have different blade shapes that might be more useful than the D/E. (Though not as cool of course!)

Yessir, a Double Action Out-The-Front is about as high on the cool factor as it gets, IMO.

FYI, the D/E UTs have been discontinued so if you want one, you'll have to look around on the secondary market. They do have a couple new OTFs: the Scarab and the Makora. The Makora actually is a Double Edger, but is WAY ugly, IMO, because of the "skate tape" handle inserts. Look and see: Makora

You can see some other MT autos at TAD's Site

 

[Drjones]

One thing to keep in mind:

The HALO you mention is a single-action OTF, which means that you push a button to deploy the blade, but then have to retract it manually, which IMO would be a hassle.

Yet another reason to get an UT!

 

[Tamara]

I have an LCC D/A and an Exodus. The OTF knife is cool, but the Lightfoot is much more useful as a knife.

Some others to look at might be Benchmade's Stryker or MOD's CQD. I settled on examples of each one as being the representative knife from their respective makers.

 

[444]

"However, I think it would be nice to have it for the "cool" factor... and the fact that who knows if they will go back on the law and ban them again... might as well get it while I can, right?"

Right. I am with you 110%

 

[PUMC_TomG]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

I'm still leaning towards Microtech... just stinks that their website doesn't list all of thier products, so it is a real guessing game as to what my local dealer can acquire and for how much.

I still like the LCC D/A.... but that Ultratech looks uber cool.... just gotta see how good my dealer is.... I haven't quite decided yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Also - what kind of force do the Microtech OTF open with? (Aka, if it is released while in contact with a "soft target" will the blade still deploywith enough force to penetrate said target?) Just curious.

 

[The-Distinctive-Edge]

The MT LCC is quite the great knife! The Ultratech's and Makora's are otally great. For the money, I personal love the Protech TR3's! They are great! Paul

 

[hso]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=688
http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB53

Are two very active auto knife forums.

http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB5

Is the "authorized" MT forum.

In spite of referring you to the other locations, I'll ask a couple of questions. Do you want the knife for cool or should it also serve as an EDC when you want to carry something other than your Commander? If you're going primarily for cool factor out-the-fronts and in-and-outs like the HALO and UT are great. Don't forget other makers like MOD with it's new Harkins IAO and Desert Knife Works with their Sandshark. Bolster releases and scale releases like the LCC DA and the Sidewinder are lots of fun also. Makers like Vallotton, Dalton, Jones Brothers, SWAT, and ProTech make great knives of all sorts of release methods (Butch and Rainey Vallotton make all of them).

I wouldn't worry about trying to figure out what the guys at MT do and don't have. No one can predict what, when, or even if they are producing any given model. As a result there are lots of folks that buy what they can when they can from them and resell as demand fluctuates. This also goes for price. There is little that is predictable about the prices of their knives. Unlike Benchmade there is little schedule to MT's production. Just look on the net and ask which knives have good lock up, are sturdy and then hope your dealer can find one for you.

BTW, I've got several and MT is one of my favorite auto makers also.

 

[PUMC_TomG]

hso - thanks for the reply...

I guess my best answer to your main question is I am primarilylooking for a hefty auto that can serve as a "backup/in the mood" backup to my Commander. However, I would kinda like it to have some cool factor as well. So a secure lockup, good quality razor sharp blade are essential.

I've seemed to notice that MT is kind of a "we'll make this today and that tomorrow" type of company. No worries, they are great knives, but it makes it difficult on the consumer.

I am not familiar with some of these other companies you speak of, so I will look around.

 

[The-Distinctive-Edge]

We will have some new Vallottons in a couple of weeks. Good knives. Check out the Protech's if you don't know much about them. paul

 

[ouchman7]

bigghands?

big hands? the combat troodon is excellent . the dkw sandshark is 2nd to none. if you like sideopeners then i done you no good. listen dude ,don't rack your brain over a decision like this.i know first hand that big $$$ money is involved ,but that is something you sacrifice for quality. all these guys sound like they know what they are saying about knives. probablly more than I. most likely in fact. but combine the big hand factor and the wanting the best quality factor and the cool factor and it all = dkw sandshark (hard to get but worth the time and effort) & combat troodon ,easy to get and there is no cooler heavier larger piece. you should really get the combat troodon first. then relax ,enjoy ,show it off and take your time looking and saving for a sandshark. they can be found. i have one a long time and just the other day i said ,"they are getting more rare now so i think i want another one ,but it is not worth the hassle hunting and hunting one down. low and behold ,i clicked on my favorite sellers store (horizon outdoors) and there was 2. one was sold the day before i found them. a beutiful red white and blue d/e damascus patriot. VERY RARE. and the other is a black satin ,drop point ,in mint condition that just came out of a conesure's collection safe. brand new , tube ,papers everyting you could want. the price was awsome .under $850.00. it gets here tommorow. just wish i could have grabbed both of them. but im happy . dkw is the real best. best in the world. so hang in there and follow my advise. you will thank me. and by the way , protech's and anyting else but the two i mentioned earlier ,are NOT the best. dkw and microtech are the best in the industry. you want the best or do you want to wish you spent the extra money??? ok ,good luck dude. and always remember ,you get what you pay for. its true. later. just had to add the fact that the sandshark has landed and better than i imagined. it is brand new. no nics rub lines on the blade ,and a deep satin finish. handle is pure . 100% mint. like it just left area 51 yesteday. WOW. want more .want more. anybody wanna make a profit on thier shark? just click [email protected] c/o mike instant money. no wait /next day. close up ,high resolution pictures needed first. just a quick look and you got the ca$h.

 

[loose cannon]

pumc;im envious of your new law.

in my state even ccw permitees cant carry autos which are "restricted weapons"

ive always liked the benchmade spike which has a single edge spear point blade of 4"s or so.they dont make these anylonger.

if missouri let us ccw'ers carry autos 1stop knife shop has a pro-tech godfather which is the closest thing to the old spike perhaps even superior to it.