Automatic knives, also known as switchblades, are a handy tool to have for their ease of use, durability, and the quick access they provide.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a professional who needs a reliable tool, or just someone who appreciates the convenience of an automatic knife, there’s a model out there that’s perfect for you.
In this article, we’ve tested and reviewed some of the top automatic knives on the market based on their performance, design, and user feedback.
How We Picked the Best Automatic Knives
Our selection process involved extensive research and hands-on testing. We considered factors such as the blade material, handle design, opening mechanism, safety features, and overall build quality.
We also took into account user reviews and ratings to get a real-world perspective on these products. Each knife in our list has been evaluated for its performance, durability, ergonomics, and value for money.
Best Automatic Knives: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Benchmade Claymore
Product Description
The Benchmade Claymore is a high-quality automatic knife that excels in both design and performance. It features a robust CPM-D2 steel blade that offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
The dual-edge blade is perfect for versatile cutting tasks. The Grivory handle is durable and lightweight, providing a comfortable grip even in wet conditions.
The push-button automatic opening mechanism allows for quick and easy access to the blade, making the Claymore a reliable tool for any situation.
This knife is designed with practicality and efficiency in mind. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and the reversible pocket clip ensures that it’s always within reach when you need it.
Whether you’re camping, hiking, or simply need a dependable everyday carry, the Benchmade Claymore is a top-notch choice.
Key Features
- Durable CPM-D2 steel blade with excellent edge retention
- Grivory handle for a comfortable grip
- Push-button automatic opening mechanism for quick and easy access
- Compact and lightweight design for easy carry
- Reversible pocket clip for convenient access
- Dual-edge blade for versatile cutting tasks
- High-quality construction for long-lasting use
Best Stiletto: Kershaw Launch 8
Product Description
If you’re a fan of Italian design with a modern twist, the Kershaw Launch 8 is the automatic knife for you.
This knife carries the classic stiletto look but combines it with contemporary materials and craftsmanship.
The blade is made from CPM 154 steel, which guarantees excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall durability.
The handle is crafted from anodized aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy grip.
The Kershaw Launch 8 is not only about style; it’s also about performance. Its sleek and slim design makes it easy to carry, while the automatic push-button opening ensures quick and easy access to the blade.
With its carbon fiber inlays and a reversible pocket clip, this knife offers both aesthetics and practicality.
Key Features
- CPM 154 steel blade for excellent edge retention and durability
- Anodized aluminum handle for a lightweight yet sturdy grip
- Automatic push-button opening for quick access to the blade
- Carbon fiber inlays for enhanced aesthetics
- Reversible pocket clip for convenient carry
Best With Push Button: Kershaw Launch 6
Product Description
The Kershaw Launch 6 stands out as one of the best push-button automatic knives on the market. It features a long, straight blade made from high-quality CPM 154 steel, known for its toughness, corrosion resistance, and sharpness. The black anodized aluminum handle provides a secure, comfortable grip and enhances the knife’s overall durability.
The Launch 6 is designed for users who need quick and reliable blade deployment. The push-button release makes it easy to open with one hand, while the lock ensures the blade stays in place when in use. With its sleek design and high-performance features, the Kershaw Launch 6 is a reliable tool for a wide range of tasks.
Key Features
- CPM 154 steel blade for toughness and sharpness
- Black anodized aluminum handle for a secure grip
- Push-button release for easy one-handed opening
- Lock feature to ensure blade stability during use
- Sleek design suitable for a variety of tasks
Best OTF: SOG Pentagon OTF – Blackout
Product Description
The SOG Pentagon OTF – Blackout is a top-tier out-the-front (OTF) automatic knife that offers excellent performance and reliability. It features a double-edge spear point blade made from CPM S35VN steel, known for its superior toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The handle is constructed with 6061-T6 aluminum, ensuring durability and a comfortable grip.
The SOG Pentagon OTF stands out with its dual-action automatic opening and closing mechanism, offering quick and easy access to the blade. With its blackout finish and sleek design, it’s not only a high-performance tool but also a stylish addition to your collection. Whether for self-defense, tactical use, or everyday carry, this knife delivers on all fronts.
Key Features
- Double-edge spear point blade made from CPM S35VN steel
- 6061-T6 aluminum handle for durability and comfort
- Dual-action automatic opening and closing mechanism
- Blackout finish for a sleek, stylish look
- Versatile use, perfect for self-defense, tactical use, or everyday carry
Best EDC: Buck Knives Paradigm Shift 3
Product Description
For those in search of the best everyday carry (EDC) automatic knife, the Buck Knives Paradigm Shift 3 is an excellent choice. This knife features a drop-point blade made from premium S30V steel, offering exceptional sharpness, durability, and edge retention. The handle is crafted from G10 material, providing a secure and comfortable grip.
The Paradigm Shift 3 is designed with a unique shift mechanism that allows for safe deployment and retraction of the blade. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around every day. With its balance of functionality, safety, and portability, the Buck Knives Paradigm Shift 3 is a reliable tool for any daily task.
Key Features
- Drop-point blade made from premium S30V steel
- G10 handle material for a secure and comfortable grip
- Unique shift mechanism for safe blade deployment and retraction
- Compact and lightweight design for everyday carry
- Reliable performance for various daily tasks
Best Assisted Opening: CRKT Squid
Product Description
For those who prefer assisted opening knives, the CRKT Squid is a standout choice. This compact folding knife features a drop-point blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel, known for its excellent sharpness and good edge retention. The handle is made from stainless steel, providing a sturdy grip while adding to the overall durability of the knife.
What sets the CRKT Squid apart is its assisted opening mechanism, which allows for quick and easy one-handed opening. Despite its small size, this knife offers reliable performance for a variety of tasks, making it an ideal everyday carry. With its solid construction, compact design, and user-friendly features, the CRKT Squid is a practical tool that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Key Features
- Drop-point blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel for sharpness and good edge retention
- Stainless steel handle for a sturdy grip and durability
- Assisted opening mechanism for quick and easy one-handed opening
- Compact design ideal for everyday carry
- Reliable performance for a variety of tasks
What to Consider When Choosing an Automatic Knife
When it comes to selecting the perfect automatic knife, there are several factors you need to consider. From understanding the different types of auto knives to knowing the laws surrounding their possession and carry, this guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Auto Knife Definitions
Automatic knives, often referred to as switchblades, deploy the blade automatically with the press of a button, lever, or switch that’s usually located on the handle of the knife. These knives are popular due to their convenience and ease of use, allowing for fast and easy blade deployment with one hand.
Out-The-Front (OTF) knives are a type of automatic knife where the blade deploys from the front of the handle. These knives typically come in two variants: single-action, where the blade deploys automatically but needs to be manually retracted, and double-action, where both deployment and retraction are powered by the push button or lever.
Assisted opening knives, while not fully automatic, have a spring mechanism that helps open the blade once the user has partially opened it manually. These knives are generally easier to own legally due to their semi-automatic nature.
Laws on Possession and Carry
It’s important to note that laws regarding the possession and carry of automatic knives vary greatly from one jurisdiction to another.
In some places, these knives are completely legal, while in others they might be restricted or entirely banned.
Therefore, before purchasing an automatic knife, it’s crucial to understand your local laws and regulations.
FAQs
Q: Is an OTF knife the same as an automatic?
Yes, an OTF knife is a type of automatic knife. However, not all automatic knives are OTF. The defining feature of an OTF knife is that the blade deploys directly out of the front of the handle.
Q: What is the difference between an automatic and an assisted knife?
The main difference lies in the mechanism for blade deployment. An automatic knife opens fully on its own with the press of a button, whereas an assisted knife requires an initial manual push before the spring mechanism completes the opening process.
Q: Are automatic knives the same as switchblades?
Yes, automatic knives are often referred to as switchblades. The terms are used interchangeably in everyday language.
Best Automatic Knives: Final Thoughts
Choosing the best automatic knife boils down to personal preference, intended use, and local laws.
Whether you prefer the full automation of a switchblade, the controlled opening of an assisted knife, or the forward deployment of an OTF knife, there’s an automatic knife out there to suit your needs.
Always remember to use and carry your knife responsibly and in accordance with your local laws.
