D/A OTF Automatics

[im2smrt4u]

Anyone else love D/A OTF Autos? I finally got a hold of one:



Microtech QD Scarab. Killer action!

[Moonduck]

I used to think autos were cool. I hated having to use a second hand to open a knife when I was deep in something that I was trying to fix/modify/whatever. They were just illegal to own, so I never really got into them. Then the thumb-stud concept started becoming popular, and I am a very happy camper. So now, instead of seeing automatics as a scenario-useful tool that I can't own, I just see them as an interesting technological curiousity.

It would be somewhat tough to come up with a scenario where a thumb-stud knife would not be as useful as an automatic. Not impossible, of course.

(im2smrt4u is probably cursing at me for being a Philistine with no appreciation of a fine blade again)

[Draconis]

Anything where your wrist is restrained from moving. This could include a situation where someone is holding your arm while robbing you after they saw you get the knife out. Provided you've got the auto, you could just deploy it while stabbing back into their abdomen in one fell swoop instead of giving the perp time to prepare when they see you flip the blade out and make sure it gets locked out.

[Moonduck]

You miss my point. I'm not talking about a limited single position wherein you might be restrained. I mean a scenario, something that might be plausible enough to justify the extra expense and chance of failure. An example would be German paratroopers carrying gravity knives to cut themselves out of tangled lines. You cannot move much in a situation like that, and a knife that is openable with minimum movement is handy. This ignores the fact that said knife is probably not in hand when the incident occurs, but that's another argument.

The idea that someone might be restraining my wrist is insufficient motivation. In the first case, it is just not all that likely that someone is going to get to your wrist when your knife is in your hand. Secondly, the automatic that I own is too weak to punch through anything on opening, and a wrist restrain like you are thinking has a very high chance of obscuring the exit of the blade.

What I am looking for is, in essence, an occupational need for an automatic. I want to say that they are somewhat popular with SWAT/Entry Teams, from what I hear. That would be something of an occupational need, though I still see a thumb stud knife being virtually as effective and a LOT more reliable.

[im2smrt4u]

Moonduck: I understand your sentiments towards autos. I'm in the same boat. I can't legally carry this knife. It is very cool, and lots of fun, but I know I can use a one-handed opening knife just as well as this auto.

FYI, even this $600 automatic doesn't open with enough force to pierce. No double action auto can do that. Now single actions on the other hand...you can fire the Microtech HALO through a kevlar vest no sweat!

[cheeterbo]

i have a halo iii and like it alot. i really dont think it could go through a kevlar vest though.

i am trying to acquire a double-action otf. looking at an ultratech.

any recommendations?

[im2smrt4u]

I happen to like my Scarab quite a bit.

Feels fuller in the hand than the UltraTechs.

[saigon1965]

I love OTF's , I have 6 from Microtech, bought them more for collectibles than for use, you guys should check out microholics.org.

im2smrt4u, that scarab is my next purchase, enjoy.

[cheeterbo]

well, i popped for an ultratech2, it is pretty nice. the scarab seems to wide, i would have to see it in person first.

also, thanx for the microholics tip, great site.