Best Switchblades & Automatic Knives

As more and more states have changed their laws in recent years, automatic knives (aka switchblades) have seen a surge in popularity. As a result, more and more manufacturers are jumping into the market, so now is a perfect time to examine the options for those looking to jump into the waters of automatic knife ownership.

Are assisted opening knives the same as switchblades?

No, at least not as recognized within the industry or at a federal level (disclaimer) in the USA but local laws can sometimes muddy the waters. Assisted Opening knives feature a “spring assist” that completes the opening action of a blade after the user has manually started the motion on the blade either with a flipper or thumbstuds. Automatic Knives feature either a button or switch on the handle instead, which when activated, triggers a spring to completely open the blade.

What are the different types of automatic knives?

Autos can typically be divided into two main categories. Side-Opening or Folding Automatics are, put simply, folding knives with an automatic mechanism built-in, and Out-the-front (OTF) Automatics that feature a sliding blade that extends from and retracts back into the handle.

With a side opener, the blade is under tension when in the closed position and is typically activated by pressing a button. This releases the blade and allows the loaded spring to open the knife. Most often, that button also functions as the lock release when you close the blade as well. Since most side-openers are single action, the blade must be closed manually much like a traditional folding knife.

Most OTFs are activated with a sliding switch and are double-action in nature, meaning the blade can extend and retract by sliding the switch. Unlike a side-opener, when the blade of a double-action OTF is at rest it is not under tension. The spring is “loaded” gradually as you slide the switch forward or backward, eventually crossing over the point in its travel where the spring is released and allows the blade to move to its locked position.

Single-action OTFs are rarer today and operate a little differently. The blade will be under tension when it is closed and typically opens with the press of a button. Closing the blade and resetting the spring will be achieved manually with some type of charging handle.

Top 10 Best Automatic Knives

• Best Stiletto: Pro-Tech Godfather
• Best EDC Auto: Kershaw Launch 1
• Best Old School Auto: Buck 110
• Best Combat Auto: Gerber 06
• Best Rescue Auto: Benchmade Triage
• Best Side-Switch OTF: Microtech Combat Troodon
• Best Cover-Switch OTF: Benchmade Infidel
• Best Lightweight OTF: Hogue Compound
• Best CA-Compliant OTF: Microtech Exocet
• Best CA-Compliant Folding Auto: Hogue A01 Microswitch

Best Stiletto: Pro-Tech Godfather

The classic Italian stiletto is practically seared into our consciousness when we think of switchblades, so it is no surprise that Pro-Tech, the market leader in side-opening autos, would have their own spin on it with the Godfather. While their Don model may look more like a traditional stiletto, the modernized lines of the Godfather (and smaller Godson) are even more attractive and their push-button action is second to none.

Like most Pro-Tech models, the body of this knife is milled from solid aluminum and the blade sports 154CM steel. Fancier versions of this knife add inlays for added flair and collectibility, with the large frame providing the perfect foundation to showcase creativity. Look for exotic versions with inlaid release buttons and exotic inlays that will satisfy any collector.

Best EDC Auto: Kershaw Launch 1

Kershaw’s entire Launch Series is a fantastic value, offering competitively priced models with a standard material combination that brings a lot of performance to the table. Aluminum forms the backbone of these knives as well, and while their action may not be quite as authoritative as a Pro-Tech, it is nonetheless among the best. The blades themselves feature CPM-154, the powder metallurgy version of 154CM, for a coveted degree of performance.

Perhaps our favorite, and one of the best daily-carry automatics, is the Launch 1. It boasts curvy good looks and a highly effective blade shape. At close to 3.5” and not too thick, it also carries a high flat grind and a continuous curve to the edge for slicing efficiency. The smooth texture makes it an easy passenger while pocketed, but the shape itself offers a secure hold when you are ready to work.

Best Old School Auto: Buck 110 Folding Hunter

For classic vibes with modern action, look no further than the 110 Auto (or the smaller 112 Auto). Featuring the same classic proportions as the original Folding Hunter, this model adds a small shield on the front side. It may look like an old-school pocket knife inlay, but a quick press on the shield snaps the blade into the open position. Unlike most push-button autos, this knife is still a lockback and will require two hands to close it.

Materials are the same as the classic Buck knife, with Bos Heat Treated 420HC stainless steel for the 3.75” blade and the vintage combo of brass bolsters and ebony wood inlays on the handle. If higher performance is desired, look to the Elite model which upgrades to S30V steel, nickel silver bolsters, and black textured G10 for more grip.

Best Combat Auto: Gerber 06 Auto

Robust automatics have a long history with the armed forces, and perhaps the most recognizable today is the 06 Auto from Gerber, a dependable design available with drop point or tanto profiles nearly four inches in length. They are not known for having the fastest action in the world, but they have proven to be reliable companions to those in uniform.

S30V steel ensures a long lasting edge, and in addition to the two blade shapes, partial serrations are also available.The aluminum handles come with a secure and safe grip thanks to dual finger grooves and prominent integrated fore and rear guards. The combat utility is increased further thanks to the protruding pommel that provides a striking surface.

Best Rescue Auto: Benchmade Triage

Rescue personnel and first responders have long appreciated the reliable action of an automatic and the Triage is made exactly for them, although it is not a half-bad EDC either. It incorporates Benchmade’s highly successful AXIS-Lock into its automatic action. Simply pull back on the ambidextrous crossbar and the blade is released into place.

The 3.6” blade lends itself to safe cuts when trying to remove clothing, thanks to the upswept tip that is less likely to dig into the person being rescued. N680 steel provides the benefit of being highly corrosion-resistant, a boon to the rescuer who may have better things to worry about than blade maintenance. The aluminum handles on the knife are enhanced with more grip thanks to textured G10 inlays. Rounding out the knife on the backside is a glass breaker and a spring-loaded hook-shaped safety cutter made from 440C stainless steel.

Best Side-Switch OTF: Microtech Combat Troodon

Whereas Pro-Tech sets the standard for side openers, Microtech is the big dog in the world of OTFs, and none of their models are as impressive as their signature knife, the Combat Troodon. Named after the dinosaur whose name in Greek means “wounding tooth,” it certainly does its namesake proud.

While double-edged dagger blades are, by far, the most common blades seen in the OTF genre, Microtech doesn’t stop there, offering their flagship model in drop point, tanto, or compound recurve grinds as well, all coming in at the 3.75” mark. The bodies are aluminum and the clips are reversible for carry on either side, while a glass breaker is fixed at the tail of the knife. They don’t settle for just one steel either, offering the best available at the time. Steels like M390 and CTS-204P are commonly offered.

Best Cover-Switch OTF: Benchmade Infidel

While Microtech has only recently gotten into the cover-mounted switch genre, Benchmade has long been the foremost of this style of OTF with their Infidel. The benefit of this style, when paired with a double-edged blade, is that it can be completely ambidextrous with only a single-position pocket clip.

Like most, we again see aluminum construction, and the handle features heavy ridges on one side for tactical traction and smooth surfaces on the opposite side for pocket-friendliness. Two sizes are available with blade lengths just over 3 inches and just under 4 inches for the Mini and Full-Size versions. D2 tool steel is standard equipment but look for yearly special editions that bump up the steel and handle color, like 2021’s blue anodized S30V variant shown above.

Best Lightweight OTF: Hogue Compound

The Compound Series is slowly shifting the game in the OTF genre. Thanks to Hogue’s construction that utilizes aluminum internals and lighter weight G10 for the exterior, they have managed to keep the weight to just 3.6 ounces, as opposed to hovering around 5 ounces for the full aluminum models we just looked at. That makes for the knife nearly 30% lighter and it is a difference that is definitely felt in hand and in your pocket.

The performance doesn’t suffer as a result and the action is still superb. The 3.5” blades are a great length, feature high-performance S30V steel, and can be had in tanto or clip point profiles depending on your preference. Be sure to check out the versions they make for SIG Sauer as well, since they sport attractive finishes that coordinate with that famous firearm brand.

Best CA-Compliant OTF: Microtech Exocet

In California, automatics with blades under two inches in length have a different legal status than those with longer blades. As such, due in part to the large potential market there, many knifemakers have produced automatic models designed to be compliant in California. Of course, these models are useful far beyond the borders of that state.

Thanks to a money-clip-inspired design, the aluminum chassis of the Exocet offers a large amount of real estate for the user’s grip, allowing this small knife to feel more useful day-to-day and less like you are compromising performance. It still has Microtech’s famous action and two blade shapes to pick from. The tanto may be a little more EDC friendly, but the double-edged dagger profile really maximizes the amount of sharpened edge, making this two-inch knife have nearly four inches of sharpened edge, more than most daily-carry knives out there regardless of opening mechanism.

Best CA-Compliant Folding Auto: Hogue A01-Microswitch

For a CA-compliant side opener, the A01-Microswitch is a good option as, like the Exocet, this model still features a large enough handle to get real work done despite the smaller blade size. It has the same handle length as the longer-bladed X1 Microflip on which it is based, but because the blade is shorter on this model they incorporated a bottle opener into the now unused portion of the handle.

Hogue’s aluminum construction is precise and there are two choices of blade shape. The drop point offers versatility while the Wharncliffe version may just be the best utility knife you’ve ever used. Steel on each is CPM-154 and like all Hogues, the factory edges are impeccably sharp.