Automatic or switchblade knives refer to a class of knives as wrongly maligned as so-called assault weapons or dangerous dog breeds. They terrify the low-information types and have been banned or restricted to various degrees based on uninformed fear mongering. People in the know about these knives, however, find them useful (and downright fun). 

Surprising to many is the fact that these knives are legal in 46 states, although some of the nanny states in that mix impose restrictions on blade length, carry, or transfer.

Originally, automatic knives were designed for housewives, so they could conveniently open the knife by the click of a button as opposed to breaking a fingernail on the ironically named “nail nick” common to many pocketknives in the early 20th century. The convenience and utility caught on, and autos became popular with policemen, firemen, scouts, soldiers, sailors, tradesman, and pretty much anyone who wanted the convenience of opening a blade at the click of a button.

Unfortunately, they were used in movies and television shows for dramatic effect — because let’s face it, they are pretty cool. In the early 1960s, handwringing criminal stories spread, eliciting a nationwide panic over switchblade knives.

Contrary to popular belief, not one Federal law bans the ownership or the carrying of automatic knives. There is one Federal law that pertains only to importation, U.S. mail, and interstate commerce. States are a different story, but many states have now repealed their ill-guided statutes on automatic knives with the help of KnifeRights.org. (I also gave testimony in the Senate and Assembly Judiciary Committees to help repeal these unjust laws in my adopted home state of Nevada alongside them.) Let’s hope they get after the Federal law while they may have a chance.

Yet still, before picking one up, carefully research your state’s laws regarding ownership, possession, or carry of an automatic knife.

The automatic knives we looked at this time out are the side-opening types. They tend to be a bit more rugged than the OTF versions, because they usually employ a lock bar or other system common among pocketknives.

BEST AUTOMATIC KNIVES FOR EDC

Work Sharp RMX

Work Sharp is a legend when it comes to sharpening systems, and now they’ve released their first knife, the RMX (Replaceable Mechanism Exchange).

This design represents a unique take regarding automatic knives. It ships as a manual folder with a second pivot. With the tools included, the user can swap the pivot out and transform a button-lock knife into a fast-firing auto in a matter of minutes.

That fact alone deals with the issue of shipping an auto across state lines, but also if you travel to an area where autos may be restricted but you’re fond of the RMX.

It performs well on all fronts.

WorkSharpTools

$140

Pro-Tech Knives Strider PT

Pro-Tech makes some of the toughest working automatic knives out there. The Strider PT is a collaboration between Pro-Tech and Strider Knives. Pro-Tech took one of Strider’s most pocket-friendly designs, the PT, and made a switchblade out of it.

The PT is a scaled-down version of Strider’s popular SnG and SMF frame-lock folders. It was at one time the smallest knife offered by the company. Pro-Tech shrunk it down slightly and then refined it a little bit more before adding a deep-carry pocket clip.

It performs well being a small automatic knife due to the quality of materials that Pro-Tech used in the building of this one. 

BladeHQ

$450

CRKT Michaca Automatic

The Michaca Automatic is a new U.S.-made offering from CRKT that deploys by a unique method. There is no button in the traditional sense; it’s a scale release.

Designed by custom knifemaker Philip Booth, the Michaca is named for his hometown of Ithaca, Michigan. The drop-point blade is made from MagnaCut steel with a stonewash finish, and the handle is black G-10.

The knife performed well in a variety of daily tasks, although some might find its look a bit too dressy for that.

BladeHQ

$325

Microtech LUDT

Back when autos were for the most part considered to be cheap junk, Microtech helped change that dynamic by building quality tools that were a cut above the rest.

The LUDT is a full-sized tactical EDC knife based on the smaller UDT model. That version was an auto originally developed for use by the U.S. Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams, now known as Navy SEALs. Those little knives were about an inch smaller, and people wanted a heftier blade for EDC. 

The push-button mechanism is solid and easy to manipulate even while wearing gloves. Its aluminum handles are grooved and shaped very well for easy handling in most situations, but the strength here is in the Boehler M390 steel.

BladeHQ

$300

SOG Knives TAC AU Straight Edge

SOG is relatively new to automatics, but the company has been building military style working knives for nearly 40 years.

The SOG-TAC AU is a fast-opening ambidextrous auto because the firing mechanism is on both sides of the nicely textured and contoured aluminum handle. The blade is cryo-treated D2 with a black DLC coating. The butt of the handle features a reversible pocket clip.

The contours make for a very comfortable and secure grip that won’t create hot spots if you’re working hard with it.

The straight edge is one version. There is also a tanto model, and either style can be had with serrations if that’s your preference.

SOGKnives

$150

Mikov 241 Predator

Mikov has been making knives in the Czech Republic since 1794. They began making automatics in 1989, and their Predator model was featured in the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale, in a prominent scene.

This is a classic lever lock type of automatic. The knife is opened using a small lever near the top of the knife. This lever rests flush in the handle when not in use and acts as a safety when the blade is deployed.

The dagger-style blade is a bit on the thicker side than most modern pocketknives, probably because of the use of 420 stainless steel. The lock has a bit of a retro look and feel to it.

BladeHQ

$90

Spyderco Autonomy G-10 Orange

The Spyderco Autonomy was developed in response to a request from the U.S. Coast Guard for a rescue swimmer cutting tool. They needed a high-performance knife that could be easily deployed one-handed while wearing heavy gloves, impervious to salt water, could be easily maintained, and, above all, would cut with extreme authority. 

This version of the knife has a safety, which the original Coast Guard version lacks. The heart of this knife is its voracious Spyder Edge blade, which is ground from H-2 steel — an extraordinary nitrogen-based alloy that is extremely corrosion resistant. Its bright orange handle makes it visible if dropped.

BladeHQ

$262

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