Knife blegging
SayUncle needs a new blade, since the TSA now has my old one (I’ll miss that knife). Anyway, I’m looking for one that has a four inch blade, preferably with assisted opening (though not a switchblade). So, if you got any advice or reviews, let me know.
As a side note, I was perusing various knife sites and decided that an automatic unfolding knife (aka switchblade) would be nice. They’re convenient, easy to operate with one hand and they’re cool. Then I started reading up on them. It is illegal to ship an automatic unfolding knife over state lines unless it’s for military, emergency workers, law enforcement and militia duty. Fortunately, being between the ages of 17 – 45 and a citizen, I am a member of the militia. The problem is that in Tennessee, it is illegal to carry a switchblade. I can carry a Glock 30 but not a knife that is convenient to open. May be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of.
May 11th, 2005 at 12:37 pm
Uncle,
If you have the means, an Al Mar folder is very nice, though not assisted.
Once you buy it though, the customer service sucks.
Good luck,
Benjamin
May 11th, 2005 at 12:43 pm
My favorite is a Benchmade AFCK. At 3.9 inches, they are under the 4 inch federal max. But may be longer than local law accepts. Not sure they are made anymore though.
May 11th, 2005 at 1:34 pm
Take a good, long look @ the Benchmade axis lock. It’s not spring assisted, NOR DOES IT NEED TO BE. In addition to easy, one handed opening of the knife, it also allows you to CLOSE the knife one handed, something that you can’t do with a spring loaded blade.
Luv my Osborne 943….:)
May 11th, 2005 at 1:35 pm
I would recommend the Folding Alpha Hunter by Buck. A strong, durable, easy to maintain knife. One hand open close, excellent weight balance and a very sharp sheath and overall look. These can be found at Wally world, and for an excellent price. Ordered from most knife companies they are 70.00+ and at Wally world it will run ya about 45-50.00.
May 11th, 2005 at 1:37 pm
DOH, Model #279BK… the 278 series are for gutting and have the gut hooks on the back. But the afore mentioned knife is my favorite all around folding knife I have ever purchased.
May 11th, 2005 at 1:51 pm
I love my CRKT M16-12LE. The M16-12LE is a little bulldog, packing a lot of power in a compact package. Each military knife features AUS 8 stainless steel blades, chosen for edge retention and durability, with black titanium nitride coating. Combined Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point serrated edges for rugged cutting tasks that break down standard cutting edges. All models feature “Carson Flipper” extension to the blade, which aids opening and acts as an additional blade guard. Mine has a 3.13 in. blade but you can get M16-14LE that has a 3.94 in. blade. You can pick one up for about $65.
May 11th, 2005 at 2:39 pm
You should try Pennsylvania. Auto knifes are illegal for most people, but legal for handicapped people and members of certain professions, such as dye makers.
May 11th, 2005 at 3:03 pm
Thanks for the suggestions. I like both the CRKT M16-12LE and the Osborne 943. Have to research some more.
May 11th, 2005 at 3:06 pm
I’ll pick up one of the $10 switchblades next time at the gunshow and send it to you. They are pretty ingenious — the opening mechanism is to put a little lateral pressure on the flat of the wood handle with your thumb. No button visible, so 99% of your LEO types won’t know what they are looking at, and the last 1% has one himself and thinks that everyone else should too.
May 11th, 2005 at 3:07 pm
And at $10 a piece, they are damned near disposable.
May 11th, 2005 at 3:14 pm
Gotta put in my $0.02 and advice on the Kershaw “Ken Onion” series… I’ve got a “Black Scallion” which I procured at Wally World for about $25. It’s got a smallish (less than 3″ blade) to be MA compliant, but there is a larger version available with a 3.5″ blade.
Very nice, very durable, very sharp…
May 11th, 2005 at 3:20 pm
(Dammit, I forgot that the “less than” sign is a code…)
Anyways…
The blade is under 3″, but there is a 3.5″ version available (can’t remember the name, sorry)
May 12th, 2005 at 8:35 am
If you wait long enough you might be able to get your old one back, once TSA sells it on ebay.
May 12th, 2005 at 3:57 pm
I also throw my vote in on the Kershaw “Ken Onion”. I have one of the Rainbow Chives (I should have gotten a Leek) and the speed safe opening method is quite nice. I enjoy my first assisted knife an awful lot…
Kirk
May 13th, 2005 at 2:10 am
Here’s another Kirk voting for the Kershaw onion series! I have the little one, which is perfectly handy for around town. I also bought my daughter the 3.5″ one (foget the name) for her summer trail-maintenace job with the Forest Service and she loves it!
May 16th, 2005 at 1:15 pm
.. hey, man… I carry a 4″ Cold Steel Recon I with a spear point blade… I love it so far.. check on the Cold Steel…