Wasabi

I'm looking for a small auto knife with some sort of safety mechanism. I've got a couple of cheaper autos but I'm weary of carrying them in my pocket because with just a push of the button, they come flying open. That doesn't make me feel real comfy when I'm moving around a lot and taking stuff in and out of my pocket so I usually stick with either of my Spyderco Natives or Kerhsaw Chive. They're great knives but I want a small auto option as well.

I'd like something around 4" closed and with around a 3" or under blade (give or take a .25"). The main one that I have a bead on is the Benchmade 3550:
3550 Details | Benchmade

Anyone have this Benchmade? If so, how's the quality and how well does the safety and opening mechanism work?

I've spotted deals on the Benchmade for under $150, sometimes around $100. I'd like to keep this around $125 or under if I can. Any higher than that and I'd rather spend my money on some other toy.

Any others out there I should consider?

Thanks for any input.

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PackerBackerToo

Your requirements were similar to mine when I purchased this knife.
5500 Details | Benchmade

I don't know if you saw the link on the page for the knife you cited, but it explains the lock function. Locking Mechanisms | Benchmade

I find the quality of the knife to be the best I've ever owned. I paid about $170 at Mark's Outdoors in Birmingham, AL.

Opening and closing work smoothly and safely. The button is not pressed, it is pulled/slid back, withdrawing the bolt from the detent on blade allowing the spring mechanism to push the blade open. The safety blocks the bolt from moving out of the detent, you literally cannot pull the bolt back.

I hope this is of some help.

Wasabi

Thanks for the input,

The 5500 looks nice also and that's good that the 3550 has the same safety/locking mechanism. Having that easy to use safety there while still having a quick opening auto action is a very nice feature. That's great news about the quality also. With autos, I'm worried about too much play or looseness in the blade mechanism.

Thanks again for the input, I think I've found the auto I want.

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Superhouse 15

Just from the title of your post I was going to recommend the 3550.

Wasabi

Thanks Superhouse,

From digging around on the web, it looked the one I'm looking for but I wanted to make sure there weren't any others to check out also.

Thanks for the input.

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"Life's tough......It's even tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne

ThrillSeeker

The Blackhawk 875 automatic version is a quality product at a reasonable price point ($99 or less, got mine for $78 last year on the Internet).

The 875 is an affordable, full-service folding knife that is ideal for both utility and defensive purposes. Available in three striking blade profiles - a Clip-Point Bowie, a Japanese-Style Tanto, and a Double-Ground Fighter. The 875 features stout stainless steel liners, non-slip, glass-filled nylon handle scales, and a high-strength push-button plunge lock mechanism. Both the manual and automatic versions of the 875 include a sliding secondary safety that prevents unintentional operation of the lock button and a spring-steel pocket clip that is reversible for tip-up or tip-down carry.

I have had one of these for about a year. I carry it on weekends alot and the quality is very good like most of their stuff.

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cphilip

Full auto with a safety lock? SOG -Tac

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redbird

What about a Lone wolf knife.

Holdcard

I have the 2550 Min-Reflex and I really like it. It fits my hand well (small hands) and does the job just fine.

Benchmade's warranty is the best too with a fast turn a round.

Holdcard

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hip2bsquare

I have the H&K 14750....it's similar to the 3550, and I LOVE it, I used to carry my kershaw everywhere, but now, I'm not even sure if I could tell you where my kershaw is.

The locking mechanism is flawless, the blade is thick, and probably stronger than I will ever need, and even the serations have stayed suprisingly sharp after over 2 years of use. The finish is rough, but not abrasive, and gives me a good grip on the knife even with oil all over my hands