Hi everyone. I just joined this forum recently, although I've been lurking a while and learning a lot. Anyway, I posted this on the Knifeforums, but wanted to get opinions from here as well. I've been looking at all the various assisted opening knives available now (e.g., SOG Flash, the Kershaw Speed-Safe knives, etc.) and wondering whether that feature is really necessary. I own a Kershaw Chive, and it's fun to pop open and use, but I'm still a little nervous about carrying it in my pocket (I'm always checking the safety catch).

So what are people's opinions, is speed assisted opening a useful feature or a gimmick?

the beakman