Tiger USA .40 Cal Spring Assisted

Sometimes, all you want is a fun, interesting knife.  Something to slate that thirst for knives between bigger knife purchases.  A good conversation starter.  Something affordable, and fun to look at.  The Tiger USA .40 Cal is exactly that kind of knife and more.  Costing only $14.99, this fun knife is a steal.  Perfect for someone looking to add a unique novelty item to their collection, or for the new collector looking for a fun spring assisted.

40-cal-blog-2

The obvious eye catcher would have to be the handgun-shaped handle.  Coming with a plethora of fun graphics for you to choose from.  You can stick with the classic Camo designs like Woodland Camo, Autumn Morning Camo or Black and white Camo.  Or you can step outside of the box with the chilling skull designs.  With colors like black and white, Skull Green, or Vampire Green.   Now this is not exactly the most comfortable knife to hold, however what it lacks in ergonomics it makes up for in the fact that it is a fun conversation piece that will add a uniqueness to your collection.  The handle material is made from aluminum, with a length of 4.50”.  So while this knife is not exactly tactical, it is a great novelty item, making a perfect gift for the knife or gun enthusiast in your life.

The blade is a black finished, hollow, drop point design, with a plain edge and a length of 3.50”.  Bringing the entire length to a total of 8.00”   Made from a sturdy 1065 metal, this novelty knife can still stand up to a lot.  A very reliable metal for a novelty knife like this.

The Tiger USA .40 Cal comes with an uncommon nylon sheath specifically made to fit it’s less than normal design, making it an easy, hassle free EDC.  Tiger USA has been making novelty knives for a while now.  They know how to make an enjoyable, unique knife.  So while this may not be a knife you use every day, you can be confident that you are getting it from a company who has been creating intriguing knives for years.

Please remember this knife is not a toy.  While it makes a great gift, it is not for all ages.  The blade itself is very sharp and if handled improperly it can cause serious injury.   Please do not, under any circumstances, allow a child to play with this knife.

Do you plan on getting the Tiger USA .40 Cal?  What’s your favorite novelty knife?  Let us know in the comments!

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Anatomy of a Manual / Spring Assisted Folding Knife

Anatomy of a Manual / Assisted knife

Anatomy of a Manual / Spring Assisted Folding Knife Manual knives are legal in most areas, which means they are extremely common. Often, this type of knife is also recognized as a “pocket knife.” Spring assisted knives are roughly the same as manual knives, but they have a spring inside the handle that helps deploy the blade much faster. Spring assisted knives typically have a … Continue reading

Zero Tolerance Spring Assisted Knives

Zero Tolerance spring assisted knives are very high quality, and because of that, they can be a little more expensive. While there are cheaper brands out there, a ZT is a great option if you want a spring assisted knife that’s going to be high quality, sturdy, and dependable. Here’s a look at two Zero Tolerance knives that are great options if you’re in the … Continue reading

Buck Spring Assisted Knives

So far, we’ve talked about Kershaw, CRKT, SOG, and Gerber spring assisted knives. Here’s a look at some of the spring assisted knives Buck has to offer. Rush   This one-hand deployer features Buck’s patented ASAP Technology. ASAP Technology has two release stages; first, the safety has to be released, and then the blade can be opened. This offers a higher level of safety. This … Continue reading

Kershaw SpringSafe Assisted Line

I feel that all these knives will give you the satisfaction you want in an everyday carry (EDC) knife. It just depends on how big your pockets are. Yes, literally and metaphorically. I feel that the SpeedSafe line gives you a great diversity in style, price and cool factor.

ASSET

I feel this is a great knife for fishing and hunting with it’s unique fillet look on the blade. Definitely a great quality steel to give you a strong, hard, long lasting edge.

 

Kershaw Asset Spring Assisted Knife (3.25" Bead Blast Plain) 1930

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.825″
Blade Length: 3.25″
Closed Length: 4.625″
Weight: 3.8 oz.

BLACKOUT 1550

Here is another popular Ken Onion, murdered out, black knife. This is a great everyday carry knife due to its very light glass-filled nylon textured handle. Just like the name—with a black handle and a tungsten DLC coated 14C28N stainless steel blade with a plain or partially serrated edge—this knifes looks great with the black on black design. There removable tip-down pocket clip is comfortable with everyday carry.

Kershaw Blackout Assisted Opening Knife (3.25" Black Plain) 1550

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.625″
Blade Length: 3.25″
Closed Length: 4.375″
Weight: 3.5 oz.
Made in USA

 

BLUR

The SpeedSafe design already makes this a great knife for quick response to any task, and now with a unique handle design with Trak-Tek inserts allows superior grip every time – even under extreme conditions. My favorite unique design is the angled cut on the thumb stud allowing for a firm placement for quick yet safe firing. A Ken Onion design. Can come with a partially serrated blade.

Kershaw Knives Blur Knife 1670S30V (3.375" Stonewash Plain)

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.875″
Blade Length: 3.375″
Closed Length: 4.5″
Steel: S30V Stainless Steel
Handle: 6061-T6 Aluminum w/Trac-Tec inserts
Weight: 4 oz.

BRAWLER

This is an awesome low budget knife. It definitely looks like it is up for any job and its performance is up to par. The lines on the handle give it a great look and nice comfort. It is thicker giving a better sure grip for me.

Kershaw Brawler Assisted Opening Knife (3.25" Black Plain) 1990

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.25
Blade Length: 3.25″
Blade Steel: 8CR13MOV stainless steel
Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon Closed
Length: 4.125″
Weight: 4 oz.

BURST

A very conventional and great looking knife. The rounded handle gives a nice tight fit in hand. The notch on the spine of the blade provides additional use for prying up nails and such, making this knife a very handy knife. I like the sharp line making its way all the way down to the flipper for an extra touch of craftsmanship. Can come with a partially serrated blade.

Kershaw Burst Assisted Opening Knife (3" Stonewash Plain) 1970

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.125″ (18 cm)
Blade Length: 3″ (7.6 cm)
Blade Steel: 8CR13MOV stainless steel
Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon
Closed Length: 4.125″ (10.5 cm)
Weight: 3.4 oz.

CRYO

Are you a fan of the Hinderer? Well you’ll want to get your hands on this classic Rick Hinderer design SpeedSafe spring assisted knife. It has a nice touch with both the steel and handle having a titanium carbo-nitride coating. It is a framelock folding knife with a Hinderer Lockbar stabilizer.

Kershaw Cryo Spring Assisted Opening Knife (2.75" Black Plain) 1555TI

Specifications:
Blade Length: 2.75″
Closed Length: 3.75″
Steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
Handle: Matte gray titanium-carbo-nitride coated stainless steel

 

CHIVE

Perhaps the smallest member of the Onion family is the Chive (get it? Onion chives). This knife is a great EDC that will fit comfortably in your pocket. The quick response of the spring assist gives this little knife a boost to quickly handle those small cutting tasks.

Kershaw Black Chive Spring Assist Knife (Damascus) 1600DAMBK

Specifications:
Overall: 4.875″
Blade: 1.94″
Weight: 1.9 oz.

 

CLASH

One of the favorites in the SpeedSafe line is the Clash. I feel very comfortable having this knife as an EDC. No hesitation to get dirty with this knife. It is a great knife for the cost and for its design. The handle gives you a great fit in hand. The blade has been made and treated to ensure strength, hardness, and ability to hold a keen edge. Can come with a plain edge blade.

Kershaw Clash Spring Assisted Knife (Black SER) 1605CKTST

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.25″
Blade Length: 3″
Cutting Edge: 3.25″
Steel: 8CR13MoV
Closed Length: 4.25″
Handle: Black injection-molded Polyimide®
Weight: 4 oz.

COMPOUND

Here is a great versatile knife with a lot of strength. The narrowing G-10 handle gives a great comfortable feel in hand, and a strong sharp knife with a razor sharp edge. There is a lot of blade to work with and get to work with. Comes with a plain or partially serrated blade.

Kershaw Compound Spring Assisted Knife (3.5" Bead Blast Plain) 1940

Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.125″
Blade Length: 3.5″
Closed Length: 4.625″
Weight: 3.8 oz.

 

DRONE

A classic look on the blade and a very light and convenient handle make this Tim Galyean designed knife a great every day pocket knife. A solid classic piece with the modern convention of the SpeedSafe assisted opening. Your choice of plain or partially serrated blade.

Kershaw Knives Drone Spring Assist Knife (2.75" Bead Blast Serr) 1960ST

Specifications:
Overall Length: 6.875″
Blade Length: 2.75″
Closed Length: 4.125″
Weight: 3.4 oz

 

ECHELON

Looking and using this knife gives reminds me of a ghost. With how fast and easy you can deploy, do the job, and put it away, you’ll want to look twice to see what just did that. It has a very unique look on the handle and thumb-stud making this a great knife to show off in your every day carry.

Kershaw Echelon Assisted Opening Knife (3.25" Satin Plain) 1880

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.25″ (18.4 cm)
Blade Length: 3.25″ (8.3 cm)
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel
Handle Material: Machined G-10
Closed Length: 4″ (10.2 cm)
Weight: 3 oz.
Made in the USA

KNOCKOUT

The Knockout is an awesome knife with Kershaw’s patented sub-frame lock, giving it an awesome very lightweight feel with the strength and lock of a frame lock folding knife. A very comfortable knife to carry right, left, tip-up, or tip-down, and ready to quickly answer the call to any cutting task.

Kershaw Knockout Spring Assisted Knife (3.25" Stonewash Plain) 1870

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.875″ (20 cm)
Blade Length: 3.25″ (8.3 cm)
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel
Handle Material: Machined G10
Closed Length: 4.625″ (14.3 cm)
Weight: 3.6 oz.
Made in the USA

KURO

Japanese for black, the Kuro is an all black, SpeedSafe and ready to spring into action, top of the line knife. The modified tanto blade gives it a unique design accompanied with partial serrations and a solid glass-filled nylon scales. What needs to be cut, gets cut.

Kershaw Kuro Tanto Spring Assisted Knife (3.125" Black Serr) 1835TBLKST

Specifications:
Blade Length: 3.125″
Closed Length: 4.125″
Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Handle: Glass-Filled Nylon

LEEK

The Leek is an even more sleek design, yet still gives you a lot of blade to work with. A very comfortable fit for a EDC carry with a speedy response thanks to the SpeedSafe design.

Kershaw Onion Titanium Leek Knife (Satin PLN) 1660TIZDP

Specifications:
Overall: 7.0″
Blade: 3.0″
Closed: 4.0″
Weight: 3.0 oz.

NEEDS WORK

This knife is certainly awesome as is, but it will go to work on anything that needs it. Not only is it patented with SpeedSafe performance, but the unique design on the blade shape makes it very multitask worthy. The lightweight handle also gives it great response and a comfortable, secure grip.

Kershaw Needs Work Assisted Opening Knife 1820 (3" Bead Blast Plain)

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7″
Blade Length: 3″
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon (GFN) Closed Length: 4.125″
Weight: 3.5 oz.
Made in USA

OSO SWEET

The OSO sweet is ideal for many jobs with a very lightweight handle and plenty of blade to take on any job. The steel is hard and strong 8Cr13Mov steel. A very popular knife in the SpeedSafe line.

Kershaw Oso Sweet Spring Assisted Knife (3.05" Satin Plain) 1830

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.25″
Blade Length: 3.05″
Cutting Edge: 3.20″br>
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Handle Material: Glass-filled Nylon (GFN)
Closed Length: 4.125″
Weight: 3.2 oz.

PISTON

Not out yet, but bound to be one of the top selling SpeedSafe knives. With a 3.5” blade and 5” handle, it is sure to be a large knife yet light with anodized aluminum handles and sharp cuts and lines to give it a cool good look.

Kershaw Piston Assisted Opening Knife (3.5" Satin Plain) 1860

Specifications:
Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel
Handle: Anodized aluminum
Blade Length: 3.5″ (8.9 cm)
Closed Length: 5″ (12.7 cm)
Overall Length: 8.5″ (21.6 cm)

RAKE

The beautiful feature on the Rake will be the composite blade. It features tough, wear-resistant D2 on the cutting edge and high-performance Sandvik 14 C28N on the spine. The combination of the blade design with SpeedSafe and an ergonomic handle makes this a great knife to own.

Kershaw Rake Composite Blade Spring Assisted Knife (Bead Blast PLN) 1780CB

Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.125″
Blade Length: 3.5″
Steel: Composite; Crucible CPM-D2 / Sandvik 14C28N
Closed Length: 4.625″
Handle: Black G-10
Weight: 4.8 oz.

RANDOM TASK II

The Random Task II pays homage to the original Random Task designed by custom knife-maker Ken Onion. The Random is a very friendly knife in the sense that it is great for right or left hand EDC. The SpeedSafe spring assist mechanism makes it quick to respond to any task. It has a stone wash finished 14C28N stainless steel reverse tanto blade with either a plain edge or partially serrated edge. The Random Task II is opened with a push of the dual thumb studs that activated the SpeedSafe assisted opening action. The pocket clip is reversible for left-hand carry with tip-up or tip-down.

Kershaw Random Task II Assisted Opening Knife 1515 (3.25" Stonewash Plain)

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.625″
Blade Length: 3.25″
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
andle Material: G-10
Closed Length: 4.5″
Weight: 3.8 oz.
Made in USA

RJ I & RJII

 

The big brother to the RJII is the RJI. The two are identical in style and design, and only differentiate in size. Have your pick of this great every day carry pocket knife. One of the few SpeedSafe knives that come in the awesome conventional tanto style.

Kershaw RJ I Spring Assisted Knife (3.5" Black Serr) 1985ST

Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.125″ (20.6 cm)
Blade Length: 3.5″ (8.9 cm)
Blade Steel: 8CR13MOV stainless steel
Handle Material: Machined G-10
Closed Length: 4.625″ (14.3 cm)
Weight: 4.6 o

SCALLION

The Scallion makes a great fit for a smaller, sleeker EDC knife. The blade is built of high-carbon 420HC stainless steel for good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance. The Scallion will secure itself as a solid knife to handle any simple task you can find lying around.

Kershaw Damascus Scallion Knife Assisted Opening (Black) 1620DAM

Specifications:
Blade: 2.25″
Closed: 3.45″
Weight: 2.3oz

SHALLOT

The Shallot is designed as the largest of the “Onion” series purposefully in the handle to provide a more comfortable fit in a bigger hand. The frame lock provides a secure lock to handle any task.

Kershaw Shallot Black Spring Assisted Knife (3.5" Black Serr) 1840CKTST

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.875″
Blade Length: 3.5″
Weight: 4.2 oz.
Made in the USA

TREMOR

The tremor gives a much more comfortable feel with a very large ergonomic curved handle. I feel this provides a great grip even with gloves on, making it a very strong and sturdy outdoor knife. The blade feels strong as well.

Kershaw Tremor Spring Assisted Knife (3.75" Stonewash Plain) 1950

Specifications:
Overall Length: 9″
Blade Length: 3.75″
Closed Length: 5.25″
Weight: 6 oz

TURBULENCE

The Turbulence offers modified tactical styling in a convenient size. A solid G-10 handle will provide an incredible ergonomic grip for a blade ready to go to work and fast.

Kershaw Turbulence TG1 Assisted Opening Knife (3.25" Black Plain) 1790CKT

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.75″
Blade Length: 3.25″
Cutting Edge: 3.5″
Closed Length: 4.5″
Handle Thickness: .52″
Weight: 4.4 oz.
Made in the USA

 

VOLT II

The Volt II is the same versatile knife with the same handle style as its predecessor, the Volt I, but at a value price. A great pocket knife with the liner lock, light handle, and jimping and curving on it to give you a solid hold.

Kershaw Volt II Spring Assisted Knife (Black PLN) 3650CKT

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7″
Blade Length: 3.125″
Cutting Edge: 3″ Steel: 8CR13MoV
Closed Length: 3.875″
Handle: Black injection-molded Polyimide®
Weight: 3.4 oz.

 

WHIRLWIND

 

With a push of the thumb stud this knife whirls into action.  It has a 14C28N satin finished blade with a plain cutting edge or partially serrated edge. Black finished tip-down pocket clip for EDC. This is one of the first SpeedSafe folders and still one of the best.

 

Kershaw Knives Whirlwind Knife (3.25" Satin Serr) 1560ST

Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.75″
Blade Length: 3.25″
Closed Length: 4.5″
Handle Thickness: .52″ (approx.)
Weight: 3.5 oz.

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Must See Custom Spring Assisted Knives

Spring assisted knives have brought a new perspective to the knife industry. Many people live in places where automatic knives are illegal, and spring assisted knives have become a legal alternative. Now, top knife makers such as Darrel Ralph, Ken Onion, and Pat Crawford have made custom versions of these pace changing knives.

Here are a few custom spring assisted knives we all wish we could get our hands on:

First up, we have the Custom Crawford Triumph designed by the one and only, Pat Crawford:

From top to bottom, this knife is guaranteed to be a life-long friend. For you micarta lovers, it features very sleek brownish-red micarta scales. Not only does it look good, Pat Crawford designed this bad-boy to last! It features titanium liners with a high satin finished blade, and this knife will turn heads anywhere you go.

Next, take a look at the Rare Ken Onion Studlock Bump (made for members of his forum):

Ken Onion has designed many spring assisted knives, like the Kershaw Leek, but here is a very cool spring assisted custom. The coolest thing about this knife is the 440C “Stud Lock” mechanism. The handle is a very durable but lightweight textured 6al4v titanium with a mirror polished diamond finish. It’s a limited edition originally only available to members of his forum. This knife might not be full-custom, but it is sure to be above a semi-custom. Don’t act like you aren’t impressed by Ken Onion’s work on this rare piece.

Here is one more Ken Onion, the Melee:

The spring assisted Melee seen above features a carved titanium framelock and pocket clip with a custom finish. The back spacer is G10 with twenty blue sapphires! The S30V blade is hand satin rubbed and opens with a push of the flipper. This is one sweet looking knife!

Try this on for size, it’s a Darrel Ralph Custom Gun Hammer:

A custom version of Darrel Ralph’s Gun Hammer! The damascus blade and handle are from the one and only Chad Nichols. To me this looks like the scrambled damascus stainless steel that he does. The inlay on the handle is a mammoth crackle ivory with heat treated hardware. You won’t find a knife that is as smooth and locks up as well as this knife, it’s very solid.

Quite simply, spring assisted knives can be more than just your average knife. They are also a platform to make some beautiful works of art. Good luck on getting your hands on one of these.

If you can find one, buy it. I wouldn’t pass it up.

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SOG Spring Assisted Knives

There are quite a few companies that make excellent spring assisted knives, but the company on our mind today is SOG Knives. They have a sizable offering of assisted knives in enough configurations that there’s certain to be something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of their models:

SOG Flash Series : The Flash comes in two sizes. The small size (the Flash I) has a blade length of 2.5″ and the larger model (the Flash II has a blade length of 3.5″. The Flash series knives come with a ton of great options including aluminum or Zytel handles, plain or serrated blades, and numerous blade coatings.

 

 

SOG Aegis Series: Like the Flash the Aegis comes in two sizes. The small Aegis has a 3″ blade and the larger Aegis has a blade length of 3.5″. Options abound with drop point and tanto blades and various color configurations.

 

 

 

SOG Blink Series: This is an older series, but it’s shape makes it stand out. With a 2.5″ blade this assisted knife is smaller, but still very versatile.

 

 

 

 

SOG Twitch Series: Like the Blink series this is an older model. There are currently three different sizes of the Twitch floating around (or twitching around). The small model (Twitch I) has a 2″ blade, the medium model (the Twitch II) has a 2.68″ blade and the large model (the Twitch XL) has a 3.25″ blade.

 

 

SOG BiPolar Series: If you’re looking for something with two blades then SOG has just the thing. The BiPolar models come with two assisted blade and they are available in three different configurations.

 

 

 

SOG Meridian Series: With it’s unique the Meridian is all SOG. Thee styles are available and the knife has a 3.25″ blade.

 

 

 

 

SOG Trident Series: The Trident series is one of SOG’s larger knives. With a 3.75″ blade the knife can handle any task and then some. There is now a mini version with a 3.15″ blade (still large for a “mini” version). Like most of SOG’s other models the Trident is available with different blade styles and comes in multiple color variations.

 

As previously mentioned there are numerous other companies who manufacturer excellent Spring assisted knives (Kershaw Knives, Benchmade Knives and Buck Knives, to name a few). But we dont’ feel like SOG gets enough credit for their outstanding Sprig assisted knife line so we wanted to put a little focus on them.

And good news SOG fans: BladeHQ.com has slashed prices on all your favorite SOG products making them even more affordable. Check out SOG Knives on BladeHQ.com today! 


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Posted by SAK, October 28, 2011

Intro to Gerber Spring Assisted Knives

Intro to Gerber Spring Assisted Knives

History:

Origins: In 1910, Joseph R. Gerber started a company, “Gerber Advertising” in Portland, Oregon.

In 1939, as Christmas gifts for clients, he commissioned a local knife maker to craft 25 sets of kitchen cutlery. The knives, along with the beautiful walnut boxes created for them were so popular that Mr. Gerber asked his sons, Ham and Pete, to begin a new business: Gerber Hand-Made Blades.

In 1947, Gerber Hand-Made Blades became Gerber Legendary Blades—the official name of Gerber to this day—and adopted the now-famous symbol of the sword in the stone (how appropriate for the lowly ad-agent-become-knife-legend!).

In 1966, Gerber introduced the MK II Combat Knife, which quickly became a military favorite during the Viet Nam war. It was modeled after the Roman Gladius, a smart move—after all, it was the weapon of choice for the most efficient army for over 600 years! It is still in production, but now mostly for collectors.

In 1968, they introduced the “Armorhide” handles—a tough covering for metal handles, specially developed for military.

In 1981, Gerber introduced the Micarta handles with their L.S.T. knives (I love the Micarta handles!).

In 1991, Kraton rubber inserted itself into their quality handles (I love Kraton!). And in this new millennium we’ve seen the advent of excellent multi-tools, LED lights, and more outdoor gear than ever.

And in 2005, Gerber introduced their first spring-assisted folding knives. The first on the market was the F.A.S.T. Draw (Forward Action Spring Technology), with a one-handed opening mechanism exclusive to Gerber, patented by Butch Vallotton.

Their commitment to quality is even acknowledged by the now-legendary extreme survivalist Bear Grylls (I love Bear Grylls!). (No, not in that way ;-) . . .)

What Does Spring-Assisted Mean?

A manual knife is one you have to open all the way yourself. Most common pocket knives are manuals, like the Swiss Army Knife, for example.

An automatic knife is one which immediately opens on its own when you push a button, lever, or other mechanism; some common examples are switchblades, stilettos, and out-the-front knives (OTFs). Spring-assisted knives (also called ‘assisted opening’) are in-between these two. Once you manually begin to open them, the spring action takes over and opens it the rest of the way.

 Some of the more popular Gerber Spring-Assisted knives:

The F.A.S.T. Draw: Has a G-10 handle for good grip even when wet, a sliding lock safety, pocket clip, and a solid, thicker handle. The blade is of high-carbon stainless steel. It’ll hold up well to tough use—as long as you don’t try turning it into a screwdriver, of course! It comes in black and silver blade (various finishes), with tanto or drop-point style, a plain or serrated blade and in standard and mini sizes.

The Statesman: Has a handle of anodized aluminum (a rather attractive finish) with wood inserts and a pocket clip. The blade is of surgical steel, so it holds an edge well and is very resistant to corrosion.

The Covert: The handle is also of anodized aluminum, only with a black finish; it tapers a bit from the hinge to the end of the handle, with an indentation near the hinge for better finger- and thumb-grip. The blade is of CPM S30V steel, which has a very fine grade and is quite hard and tough; don’t use a grinder belt to sharpen it, though—that will wear it down too quickly.

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Q. What is a Spring Assist Knife?

Q. What is a Spring Assist Knife?

Answer:

A Spring Assist knife (or Assisted knife) is not the same as an automatic knife. A Spring Assist does not fall under the definition of a switchblade (Federal Law). The legal definition of a switchblade is “a type of knife with a folding blade that springs out of the grip when a button or lever on the grip/handle is pressed. There are two basic types: side-opening and out-the-front (OTF).”

With spring assisted knives, you apply slight pressure to either the thumb-stud* or the flipper* to open it. Once the blade is opened about ¼ of the way, the spring then takes over and propels the blade the rest of the way. This type of knife uses a spring assisted mechanism behind the blade. This mechanism allows the knife to be a “one handed, fast opening knife.”  It’s a great alternative for automatics, which are not available to everyone***

Additionally, there are spring assisted OTF knives. Like side opening spring assisted knives they must have the blade opened ¼ of the way and then the spring takes over and pushes the blade the rest of the way out.

* Thumb-stud:  Located on the blade; a nub/screw protruding horizontally out of the blade
** Flipper:  Located in the spine of the handle, which is part of the blade itself (base of blade)
*** Please be aware that every county/city may have additional laws, so please check with your local Police Department before getting a Spring Assist knife. (Example: there may be blade restrictions, even for spring assist knives).

by Anna Gardiner

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Care and Maintenance for Spring Assisted Knives

 Care and Maintenance for Spring Assisted Knives

 Clean

Clean your knife regularly to keep it free from dust, dirt and other debris. The pivot area is the most important part to clean. You can use a cotton swab or soft knife care cloth to clear away most of the grime, and a can of compressed air may help with hard to reach spots. Don’t take your knife apart for cleaning – they can be hard to reassemble. If you’re determined to open it for cleaning, check with the manufacturer first to find out whether or not this will void the warranty.

 Lube

Properly lubricating your spring assisted knife will ensure that it fires quickly and correctly every time. Use a light lube that is made for metal. You can use either a “wet” or a “dry” lubricant. Dry lubes won’t attract as much dust and can be easier to work with than wet lubes, but usually cost more. We recommend either Sentry Solutions Tuf-Glide (dry), or Benchmade Blue Lube (wet).

 With the knife open, put a tiny drop on each side of blade at the pivot point on the spine, then open and close a few times to get the oil moving around. With the knife closed, put a tiny drop on each side of the blade at the pivot point on the top of knife, then open and close as before. Wipe away any excess oil with a soft cloth. Next you’ll want to oil the blade. This will protect it and prevent the metal from pitting and rusting. Put a drop on the front of the blade, and rub the oil into the blade with a soft cloth, being careful at the sharp edge. Wipe off any excess. Repeat with back of blade.

 Adjust Screws

Every time you clean and lube your knife, you should also adjust all of the screws. Tighten all the body screws, including pocket clip screws, using the appropriate tool: torx driver, allen/hex wrench, or regular screw drivers. You may need to adjust the pivot screw from time to time. Loosen or tighten it ¼ turn at a time, making small adjustments for precise movement.

 Sharpen

Sharpen your knife as soon as it takes any extra effort to make a cut. Use a sharpening system for the best results. We recommend the Spyderco Sharp-Maker, which comes with an instructional DVD to help you get the best edge.

By Amanda Carbajal

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