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

Top 6 Kershaw Spring Assisted Knives

Kershaw Cryo Spring Assisted Knife at BladeHQ.com

Today, we are going to take a look at some of the Kershaw spring assisted knives. When people talk knives and want a good spring assist knife, but they have a budget, I always recommend Kershaw. There are 6 Kershaw spring assisted knives that I would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat. #6 Kershaw Tremor This has to be one of the most ergonomically friendly knives … Continue reading

The Top 7 Spring Assisted Knives by Benchmade

 

Spring assisted knives are a great choice if you live in an area that has restrictions on fully automatic knives. Because you have to use your finger to activate the blade rather than a firing button, they are not considered full automatics. Some of the best spring assisted knives are made by Benchmade. Benchmade is known for their high quality automatics and folding knives but they also have a few impressive spring assisted models available for sale.

The Best of Benchmade Spring Assisted Knives

Nitrous Stryker Mini-Barrage Torrent Subrosa Barrage 581 Aphid Emissary

Benchmade 913SD2 Nitrous Stryker Spring Assisted Knife (3.7" Satin Serr)

Nitrous Stryker

 

This first knife on the list is the Benchmade Nitrous Stryker. This unique version of the Stryker knife features the Nitrous Assist mechanism. The spring is actuated by moving the blade out slightly with your hand or the thumb stud. This will forcefully fire the blade into locked position. Benchmade equipped this knife with a modified titanium liner lock frame, G-10 handle scales, thicker liners and thumb studs for easy use. The Nitrous Stryker is a little harder to find than other Benchmades but its unique design and powerful spring action make it a great choice.

 

Return to Top

Benchmade Warn 587-1 Mini-Barrage Knife Spring Assist Tanto (Satin PLN)

Warn Mini-Barrage

 

The Benchmade Warn Mini Barrage is the perfect size for an EDC knife and it comes equipped with a powerful spring assist mechanism. Benchmade teamed up with Warn Industries to create a knife that combines speed and strength into one easy to carry knife. This knife includes a safety switch on the back and a fully reversible clip. Benchmade and Warn products are known for their durability and strength and this is reflected in the Mini Barrage.

 

Return to Top

Benchmade 890BK Torrent Spring Assist Knife (Black / PLN)

Torrent

 

The Benchmade Torrent is a slim, light knife that makes for the perfect EDC spring assisted knife. This knife is a special design by Ken Steigerwalt that has a streamlined look and amazing spring action. You just have to slightly nudge the thumb stud to activate the Nitrous spring assisted system and lock the blade into place. The torrent comes equipped with G-10 handles, steel liner locks, lanyard hold, and an extended pocket clip for deep pocket carrying. If you’re looking for something small and lightweight that still has a lot of power, the Benchmade Torrent is a great choice.

 

Return to Top

Benchmade 790 Subrosa Titanium Knife Spring Assist Monolock (Satin / PLN)

Subrosa

 

The Benchmade Subrosa is the first titanium monolock that Benchmade has released with a spring assist feature. Like other Benchmade models it is equipped with the Nitrous spring assisted feature that will require the lightest touch to spring the blade into place. The handles are made of machined titanium that makes the knife extremely strong but not too heavy. The knife also has a thumb stud for quick release, S30v stainless steel blade and a steel clip. The Benchmade Subrosa has a unique design that makes it a great choice for collectors and a flawless construction that makes it a good choice for everyday use.

 

Return to Top

Benchmade Barrage 581 Knife Spring Assist Axis G10 Handle (3.6" Satin Plain)

Barrage 581

 

The 581 version of the Benchmade Barrage has some special additions that make it stand apart from other Barrage models. This model features a combo G-10/ Aluminum handle with a new M390 super steel blade. It comes with a safety on the back of the knife, Axis-Lock, spring assist mechanism, ambidextrous thumb studs and a fully reversible pocket clip that makes for easy carrying. The Benchmade Barrage is a beautiful knife that is powerful and comfortable to carry.

 

Return to Top

Benchmade Aphid Spring Assisted Knife 340 (2.38" Satin Plain)

Aphid

 

The Benchmade Aphid is a small lightweight knife with a powerful spring assist feature. This knife is equipped with the Benchmade Optimiser Assist mechanism. It has a locking liner and a 440C stainless steel blade. The slim Valox handles make the knife very light and easy carry. It also comes with an ambidextrous thumb stud and a reversible pocket clip. This is a great choice for anybody looking for a every day carry knife that can still spring quickly into action when necessary.

 

Return to Top

Benchmade 470 Emissary Knife Axis Spring Assist (3" Satin Plain)

Emissary

One of the best all around spring assisted knives is the Benchmade Emissary. It has a beautiful streamlined design and a compact, smooth firing action. This one of a kind knife comes equipped with a S30V steel blade, reversible tip up pocket clip, safety lock and ambidextrous thumb studs for quick opening. The handle is made of an aluminum alloy that is strong without being to heavy. The Emissary combines all of the best features of spring assisted and EDC knives into one small convenient package.

 

Return to Top

No matter which spring assisted knife you choose you will always get the highest quality from Benchmade spring assisted knives. This includes knife design, construction, materials and most importantly functionality. In addition to all of this you will also get Benchmade’s lifetime warranty in case any issues arise with your knife. These things make Benchmade one of the best brands out there for spring assisted or any other type of knife. At Bladehq you can find all the best Benchmade spring assisted knives available.

Which is your favorite Benchmade Spring Assist?

Shop Blade HQ

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.

Shop Blade HQ