Assisted Opening knives are special types of folding knives that use a specific mechanism for opening the blade once you partially open it using the holder. Typically, such knives incorporate a thumb stud or a flipper that are usually attached to the blade. These knives are often compared with the switchblades. Many people confuse these knives with switchblades, but they are completely different. Switchblades are not assisted opening, rather they follow an automatic mechanism. Switchblades include a button which opens the blade upon pressing.
The assisted opening knives look pretty similar to the switchblades. However, they need some force to be exerted in order to open the blade. Then, using a thumb stud, the blade completely opens up. The assisted opening knives are one of the controversial knives because of the never-ending debate on their advantages and disadvantages. Some argue that they offer more benefits, while the others often disclose their drawbacks. But, before we make a final decision, it is important to know the pros and cons of these knives.
Pros of Assisted Opening Knife
i) Easiest to Carry Knives
Assisted Opening knives are by far the easiest to carry knives. Due to a folding mechanism, their size can be reduced significantly. These knives have small blades as well that are hidden into the handle. The already small size of the knife is further reduced when it is folded. Therefore, the small size allows the users to carry them comfortably. Typically, the blades of such knives are around 2-3 inches, with relatively larger handle. However, they are still pretty smaller compared to fixed blade knives. So, a folded spring assisted knife can be placed in your pocket, bag or purse. Therefore, you can carry it easily even when you are on a longer voyage.
ii) Safe to Use
Assisted Opening knives are safest to use knives as well. Imagine, you are carrying a fixed blade knife in your pocket, the blade is uncovered, so, you are likely to cause yourself an injury. Similarly, switchblades are also dangerous; you are vulnerable to injuries when carrying switchblades. Because they are automatic, all you need to do is press a button, and the blade fully opens. What if you accidentally press the button? The blade will open to cause you an injury. So, how are the assisted opening knives safer?
Assisted Opening Knives are neither automatic, nor have the fixed blade. They have a folding mechanism and the blade can’t open unless you attempt to open it. It can only open once you put some effort to partially open it. Therefore, you are not vulnerable to causing an accidental injury to yourself.
iii) Better Closing and Opening Speed
What makes the assisted opening knives the best self defense knives is the opening and closing speed of the knives. They can be as quicker to be deployed as the automatic switchblades. You don’t need to push a button, rather just a slight assistance will open the blade. In switchblades, you need to press the button to deploy the blade. Hence, better opening and closing speed make them useful self defense knives.
Cons of Assisted Knife
i) Safety Lock
Assisted Opening knives come with safety lock which keeps the blade closed. This reduces the opening and closing speed of the blade. You need to unlock the safety lock first and then deploy the blade. This would become a huge disadvantage for you during self defense scenarios.
ii) Undurable
The biggest complaint made by the users against the assisted opening knives is their non-durability. They break more often as compared to fixed blades.
iii) Less Control Over the Knife
Spring Assisted knives provide less control. Sometimes, you don’t have control over the closing and opening speeds of the blades.
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