Does anyone here have experience with these so-called "assisted opening" knives, such as the SOG Flash ditchfield mentioned?

As an officer, I've handled many automatic knives, and I wouldn't rely on their mechanisms to work in the field...especially in a survival situation. However, some of my fellow officers swear by their Dieter CQD Automatics . I've never handled an assisted opening knife though. Any opinions?

John McIntire

I own a Böker Speedlock. It´s mechanism is reliable. It has a helical spring to open the knife. That spring is not prone to breaking and it will open the knife completely even when the blade is stopped before locking.
The knife can be closed with one hand a it can be disassembled for cleaning (it´s pretty easy to reassemble it too <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />). Like most switchblade knifes it´s intended for righthanded use. I can use it with my left hand too.
I can recommend this knife. It´s one of my favorites.
If you´re going to buy an assisted opening knife you should stay away from the ones with a flat spring in the back (prone to breaking and the spring can lose power when you store the knife closed) and those that push the blade out of the front (they don´t lock reliably)

So would they be legal for EDC, as they are something like a switch blade?

Hi Pete,
it depends on your location. In mine they´re legal.
If switchblades are illegal in England the answer to your question will be "no, they are not".

Evidently this post got lost, so forgive the repetition.

I've used and trust the Ken Onion / Kershaw Whirlwind series. However, I think they would be difficult for a left hander to open. If the cam-assist fails, the thumb stud will open the knife. Blade design and materials are fine for a production knife.

Legality is NOT so clear. John, being a LEO, probably wouldn't have any trouble. However there is dispute in interpreting statutes regarding whether this type of knife would be classified as an "automatic" knife: the dispute has not been resolved across jurisdictions, and case law is slim. Some areas are considering it a switchblade, other areas are not.

John, how would you and your patrol officers in St. Charles treat the "cam opening" knives like Onion's if you discovered one on a guy?

In NYC if the knife is so loose that it can be open by the flick of the wrist it is illegal, not to mention an automatic knife. BUT as I've been told it all depends on the circumstances the knife has been found on you.

Neil,

To be honest with you, it all really depends on the situation. Because the law is still "cloudy" on the assisted opening knifes, I can use discretion. If I see a normaly law-abiding citizen (like us <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />), I wouldn't confiscate it or cite/arrest him. However, if I find it on a known drug dealer, someone under the influence, a kid under 18...well, then we have problems.

Full-blown automatic knives, however, are strictly illegal in Missouri, and I am forced to do what the law tells me to.

Thanks to all for your advice! I think I'm going to go ahead and get the Dieter CQD Auto I mentioned in my original post. Since I am an LEO, they are legal for me to own. I'll post some pics up when I get it.

John McIntire

John
Don't post pics. Don't tell us how much you like it. Pretend you didn't go ahead with the buy, or you bought it and it sucks... I already want one and jealosy is a terrible thing.

LMAO <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It will be a good while before I save up enough money (and cajones) to get one.

John McIntire