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