Spring Assisted Knife News Archives - Page 5 of 5

Buck Spring Assisted Knives

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Kurtis

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 →

Popular CRKT Spring Assisted Knives

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Tyson

Columbia River Knife and Tool is an Oregon based company that has been around since 1994. Their knives are a collaboration of several different knife designers; such as Kit Carson and Ken Onion . CRKT focuses on making decent affordable knives for the average everyday user, outdoors-man, hunter or fisherman. CRKT offers several different types of knives at varying levels of price for all sorts of enthusiasts! Here are a few of CRKT’s most popular spring assisted models.

CRKT Carson M4-02

This knife comes in several different finishes, but my favorite is the White Bone finish. As with the CRKT Hissatsu, once partially deployed the blade springs out and locks into place. This is a very clean looking gentleman’s knife, It too fits comfortably in the hands and looks great with the white bone and black finish up top.

CRKT Ignitor T

This knife although small is quite comfortable in the hands and locks up good and tight. The G-10 handles provide a great grip, and the Titanium coated blade looks amazing with the wavy serrations. A great knife for under $50

CRKT Lift-off

This is another great budget spring assisted CRKT knife. It has a combo blade so you have the convenience of having serrations as well as a decent chunk of plain edge. The finish is nice and shiny and the scales have some style and flair.

CRKT Vertex

This knife flips open with some serious force! And it locks up good and tight! The finish on the blade and on the scales both look great, the blade is plain with a great satin finish so it should be easy to sharpen.

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How does a Spring Assisted Knife work?

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Nate

Spring Assisted Knife vs Automatic Knives

If you live in an area that restricts the use and carry of automatic knives you may want to consider a spring assisted knife. These knives differ from automatic knives in that you use your hand to partially open the blade rather than a button or lever. Anything with a button on the handle is considered an automatic switchblade and is subject to stricter regulations. The mechanism inside the knife is what makes a spring assisted knife a spring assisted knife and not an automatic knife. Despite the difference in the mechanism, the overall deployment of a spring assist knife is very similar to that of an automatic knife.

Most spring assisted knives have a thumb stud so you can partially open the blade before the spring takes over and springs it into locked position. These knives require you to open the blade out (up to 10%) before the spring engages and fires the blade. Spring assisted knives may also have a flipper on the back of the handle that will flip the blade into place. Carrying a spring assist knife is a great choice if you live in a location that is strict on automatic knives.

There are many different variations on the mechanism that makes a spring assist knife work. But typically they will have a spring or tension bar that is designed to spring open the blade into locked position (see diagram below). What makes them different from an automatic knife is there is resistance after the blade is closed that will keep it closed until the resistance is overcome. Once the resistance is overcome – by manually pushing (ie pushing the blade open with your finger) the blade past the resistance point—the spring engages and does the rest of the work opening the knife for you. Spring assisted knives function much in the same way an automatic knife does. However due the different opening mechanism, a spring assisted knife is not subjected to the same strict laws. If you want to learn more about the spring mechanisms of spring assisted knives I highly recommend our Knife Locking Mechanisms: Spring Assisted Knives post.

The quickest and easiest spring assisted knives to open are ones featuring a flipper. This is an extra piece of steel at the back of the blade that can be used to flip the knife into place. You push the flipper past the point of resistance and the spring takes over and fires the blade into place. There are knives that open with thumb studs (a piece of stainless steel on the bottom side of the knife), the Spyderco Opening Hole (literally a hole that allows your thumb to ‘grip’ the blade to open), and flipper (explained above). You can easily get these knives to open as fast or faster than an average automatic knife.

If you’re wanting an automatic knife but live in a state where automatics are illegal, I definitely suggest to get a spring assisted knife instead. Spring assisted knives are available at Bladehq as side opening knives or out-the-front knives.

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Kershaw SpringSafe Assisted Line

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Kurtis

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Kurtis

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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Spring Assisted Knife Manufacturers

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Kurtis

Below is a list of manufacturers who product spring assisted knives. This is not a comprehensive list, but we did try and include all major manufacturers who product assisted knives. We have listed all assisted models made by the companies as of July 2011 (we’ll do our best to keep this list up to date, but can’t make any guarantees). We’re not going to delve into the specifics of company histories, so if you want more info about a company (as opposed to products) we suggest you visit their actual website.

Benchmade Knives: Excellent quality products, most manufactured within the USA. Their spring assisted product lines includes the Aphid, Emissary, Barrage, Subrosa, Torrent and Nitrou Stryker series knives. Vist Benchmade Spring Assited Knives.

Buck Knives: This company needs no introduction. They have been making knives forever and have seral assisted models available. Their spring assisted product line includes the Impulse, Paradigm, Quickfire, Rush, Sirus and Tempest. Visit Buck Spring Assisted Knives.

Camillus Knives: Recently acquired and seems to be going through some transitions. They still offer a couple of imported models that are good quality. Their spring assisted product line includes the Wildfire and the Blaze. Visit Camillus Spring Assisted Knives.

CRKT: Primarily imported but exceptionally high quality. One of the larger assisted knife manufacturers known for their innovations and unique designs. Their spring assisted product line includes the Badger, Carson M4, Delegate, Fire Spark, Full Throttle, Heiho, Hissatsu, Horus, Ichi, Ignitor, K.I.S.S., Lift Off, My Tighe, The Natural, Notorious, Rave, Scarab, Triumph, Vertex and the Yea-Go. Visit CRKT Spring Assisted Knives.

Gerber Knives: Well known throughout the military Gerber enjoys a good reputation. They have a decent line of primarily imported assisted knives . Their spring assisted product line includes the Gerber 06, Gerber AO, Answer, Covert, Draw, Presto, Slate and the Statesman. Visit Gerber Spring Assisted Knives.

Kershaw Knives: Quite possibly the “gold standard” company when it comes to assisted knives. Kershaw makes most products in the USA and also offers some excellent imported models. Kershaw is well known for their Ken Onion designed Leek knives. Their spring assisted product line includes the Asset, Blackout, Blue, Brawler, Burst, Centofante, Chive, Clash, Compound, Diskin, Drone, Echelon, Knockout, Leek, Needs Work, Oso Sweet, Packrat, Piston, Rake, Random Task, RJ, Scallion, Shallot, Talon, Tremor, Turbulence, Volt and Whirlwind. Visit Kershaw Spring Assisted Knives.

Meyerco Knives: Produces some great low cost licensed designs of exceptional quality. Their spring assisted product line includes the Blackie Collins, Dirk Pinketon Wharning, Maxx-Q, Randal King Tsavo and the Kirby Lambert Shockwave. Visit Meyerco Spring Assisted Knives.

Schrade Knives: Schrade knives are manufactured by a licensed third party, but are inexpensive and well made (the entire line is imported). Their spring assisted product line includes the Extreme Survival, Nitro MAGIC and the Professionals 1st Response. Also, worth mention are the uniqe Schrade assisted opening OTF knives. Visit Schrade Spring Assisted Knives.

Smith & Wesson Knives: Like Schrade, Smith & Wesson knives are manufactured by a licensed third party, but are inexpensive and well made (the entire line is imported). Their spring assisted product line includes the Black Ops series (in different styles & colors), MAGIC series, SWAT MAGIC, S.O.R.T. series, and the SWEE knife lines. Also, of note are the unique Smith & Wesson assisted opening OTF knives. Visit Smith and Wesson Spring Assisted Knives.

SOG Knives: A company that makes most of it’s knives in the USA. Innovative, affordable and functional their spring assisted product line includes the Aegis, Blink, Bi-Polar, Flash, Meridian, Trident and the Twitch. Visit SOG Spring Assisted Knives.

Zero Tolerance Knives: ZT is a subdivision of Kershaw, but bears mentioning for their super tough line of assisted knives. Check out the Zero Tolerance assisted knives.

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Spring Assisted Knives

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Kurtis

We want to welcome to you SpringAssistedKnives.com. We’re very excited you’ve found us and we hope the content we provide here will be interesting, helpful and (maybe) even entertaining. Spring assisted knives are are a fun alternative to manual folders. We’ll show you who makes the best assisted knives and where to get them.

Be sure to have a look at our “About Spring Assisted Knives” page. It has useful info on the following topics:

What is a spring assisted knife?
How do spring assisted knives work?
Who manufactures spring assisted opening knives?
How much to these knives cost?
Are spring assisted knives the same as switchblades?
Are there any legality issues with spring assisted knives?
Where can I find spring assisted knives for sale?

Feel free to bookmark us, subscribe to our RSS feed, email us, post a comment. We’re developing several online sites to provide online resources to knife aficionados. Once we get the ball rolling (later this year) we’ll try to provide monthly updates about products, manufacturers, and industry news. Thank you for dropping by!

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Category Archives: Spring Assisted Knife News

Buck Spring Assisted Knives

Popular CRKT Spring Assisted Knives

How does a Spring Assisted Knife work?

Spring Assisted Knife vs Automatic Knives

Kershaw SpringSafe Assisted Line

Must See Custom Spring Assisted Knives

Spring Assisted Knife Manufacturers

Spring Assisted Knives