wlynn

As a collector, I have many switchblades. Useful in many applications for one hand, a stage hand on a scaffold, for instance. But many of us can deploy an assisted, or even non-assisted folder much quicker. The Crkt m-16 is a good one for speed.

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Too much of a good thing is not enough.

Ghostwarrior

If your looking for a great automatic at a good price go to Knife Mart Welcomes you. I have 2 KALS 74 auto's and they sell for around $ 40.00 they are great knife at a cheap price. I have alot of friends that have bought this knife and no complaints yet. I have owned mine for over a year and they both work great and the actions are tight and fast. Hpe this helps you out.

Hammurabi

Do you want a serious knife or a crappy knife-like novelty plaything? I ask because "affordable" means something entirely different depending on what you want. If you just want a toy and aren't worried about durability or blade quality you can surely find something fun either at a gun/knife show or online for dirt cheap. On the other hand if you want a simple no-frills knife you can do some real work with expect to spend over $100.

Here's some general pricings off the top of my head to give you a general idea of what the auto market is like:
Cheap Stiletto or Dalton/Microtech Knockoff: $10-35
Used Benchmade various models: $100-120
New Protech Godfather (Basic): $180
New Severtech Standard Model: $250
New Microtech Troodon: $315
New Microtech Scarab: $460

ExSoldier

You know, I had a "shot" at buying one of those Russian "SPETZNATZ" knives at Fort Benning back in the early 1980's for about $100. Wish I'd done it. But I saw it then for the gimmick it was -- The Blade is under extreme pressure via a spring and can launch at the press of a button right out of the grip!

I much prefer the "assisted opening" blades I've found from a number of companies. They're legal and just as fast. I especially like the one I got from CRKT called "The VooDoo." I do like the OTF type from Benchmade known as "The Infidel." That looks wicked. Still something like that...

My feeling is if you want something designed for combat or the stealthy kill, you might as well get a fixed blade designed for that and proven in a LOT of wars like the KA-BAR or Randall. If you want a knife that at first glance by anybody that matters sees a hunting or utility knife then something like a Buck Folding Hunter is a good rugged choice. But it's a little bit heavy. So I chose a Spyder Co and my voodoo. Perfectly innocuous and innocent. But you've got to know how you're going to use it.

First rule of knife fighting (as taught to me by my "Uncle") is EXPECT TO GET CUT. Unless you're taking out a sentry by stealth. Then it's easier except the stalk.... But now, in civilian mode we're talking first degree murder. So if that's your intent we're back to fixed blades designed for the purpose.....

I see an auto knife as having the purpose of use with one hand safely to cut something other than flesh. Rope, boxes, seat belts, whatever. Not so much as a defensive action. Also it looks really wicked cool.

For anybody that is basically sheep it will have a deterrent effect since sheep have an aversion to being slaughtered. They're kinda funny like that. But sheepdogs and worse, the wolves of society. Naaaaaaw. Producing a fast opening blade is only going to let them get ready for combat.

If I had my druthers going against a blade I'd take an ASP collapsible baton or even a Taser.

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Former Infantry Captain; 20 yrs as an NRA Certified Instructor; Avid practitioner of the martial art: KLIK-PAO.

Dakotaranger

My intent is just one hand use. I found a Boker which is just enough for what I need. I'm not a knife fighter, I have no training for that so the thought of a $400 knife is just not worth the money for me.

I have an assisted open knife that is pretty good, I just wanted an auto knife because I could have one and wanted one.

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"[T]he people are not to be disarmed of their weapons.
They are left in full possession of them."
Zacharia Johnson (speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention,25 June 1778)"The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed." ~Alexander Hamilton

Tazmss1

Benchmade....another maker worth looking into... There are models well within the price range that you want and the items that they make are rock solid. I carry one for EDC(and own two others)....great knife!!

AR zeroniner

Benchmade has the nicest autos I've seen. Personally, I carry a Gerber 09 auto.

If you want a more classsic look, try to find one of those switchblades that Paratroopers carried in WWII. Don't know what they're called but they're awesome.

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Only bring artillery when you intend to kill absolutely everything.

Redneck Repairs

Boker is making some fine little auto knives that dont look like switchblades . The steel is on par with Chicago Cutlery kitchen knives so it isnt the best , but not the worst either . I have had a few for a couple years , and so far if you keep them lubed they run . Note tho that i dont carry them in " public " . I carry them on the ranch to cut such things as bale twine , and an occasional piece of wire .

echobaby

nicnac.net

hudsonvalley

Kershaw Leek (Black & Gold, Plain) Knife at The Kershaw Store

Not an auto, but has an 'assist'. I have it and like it better than auto's...besides, in NY, only LE can buy an auto......
Ken Onion designs for Kershaw and his knives are sweet and not too expensive.

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Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it --
Ronald Reagan