There are three common questions asked by the majority of knife lovers: What are the distinctive features of spring assisted knives and automatic switchblades? Why is one of the knives illegal; whereas, the other is sold nearly everywhere?
Are all automatic knives illegal? It is true that switchblades are not openly available to the general public; they seem to be reserved for the use of military personals alone. However, a variety of spring assisted knives is readily available across most of the online stores and markets. In this article, I will attempt to describe how both mentioned knives are different as well as similar to each other.
1. Essential Features of Switchblades
Switchblades are EDC knives which open smoothly and instantly with the press of a button. This "wow factor" is being accompanied with its sleek and rather elegant design. However, the instant opening of this knife is the specific factor which leads to certain safety risks and causes legal issues with the authorities.
Switchblades have two versions: manual and spring loaded. The manual version requires the blade to be pushed out either through an opening at the front or at the side of the knife. The spring-loaded version requires a simple button press which makes the blade appear suddenly and instantly. Most of the switchblades do not have safety locks which makes them dangerous tools as an accidental button press can cause the blade shooting out of nowhere and cause serious injury.
2. Essential Features of Spring Assisted Knives
Spring assisted knives are semi-automatic knives which require the initiating of an opening process to open the blade ‘before' it is fully opened by the springing action. These knives are popular pocket knives as they do not require to be opened manually as in the case of conventional pocket knives. This feature makes it perfect for a single-handed knife deployment.
Many of the spring assisted knives do have safety locks on them which makes them user safe and user-friendly. Spring assisted knives are also the best selling pocket knives in the world.
3. Similarities
Both knives have portable blades and contain a spring-loaded action for their deployment. With the help of spring-loaded action, the blades of both knives go from ‘closed' to ‘open' almost immediately.
4. Differences
In contrast to spring assisted knives, switchblades have a constant pressure on them and can readily be deployed with the slightest push of the button. On the contrary, in spring assisted knives, the pressure on the blade is applied only after it gets past a certain point and the spring mechanism takes over.
