Mark Greene
The knife has been a pivotal tool in human history. It started off as a simple blade made of stone. Today there are all sorts of knives, and none is better suited for survivalists and combatants than an automatic knife.
Automatic knives are designed to do more than just cut – they come with a variety of accessories and features that are indispensable to survivalists. There are so many automatic knives today that you will be spoilt for choice. I, however, have reviewed numerous knives and settled on eight that truly stand out, and one that qualifies for the best automatic knife of 2020.
The Best Automatic Knife
1. Our Pick: Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Strong and Durable Blade
- Firm and Secure Grip
- Multi-Purpose Use
- Split-Second Opening and Closing
PROS
- Strong, secure, and durable
- Multi-purpose use
CONS
- Weighing at 7.5 ounces, this knife is a bit heavier than average
DETAILS
The Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS is our personal favorite for several reasons. It looks good and performs even better. It features all the hallmarks of an outstanding automatic knife:
- Strong and Durable Blade
The blade is made from 4034 black oxide S.S. The material is strong enough to cut through tough materials and still stay intact for years. The rest of the components are equally strong and durable.
- Firm and Secure Grip
This knife’s handle is made from aluminum and encased in a rubber inlay. The aluminum is strong enough to withstand heavy pressure and stress while the rubber inlay ensures a firm grip so it doesn’t slip.
- Multi-Purpose Use
While the blade on this knife is sharp and strong enough to slice through the toughest materials, it is also serrated at the lower edge for other purposes such as sawing. Additionally, the handle features a glass breaker that may come in handy in case you need to break your way out of a windshield in case of an accident.
- Split-Second Opening and Closing
The blade on this knife is simple to open and retract thanks to the M.A.G.I.C. safety lock and finger actuator. It also features a pocket clip as well as a liner and safety lock to keep the blade secure when not in use.
2. Premium Pick: Grandway 6681
PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Razor-Sharp Blade
- Quick Release Mechanism
- Easy Carry and Concealment
- Multi-purpose Use
PROS
- Strong and sturdy blade
- Non-slip grip
- Quick and safety automatic release mechanism
- Light and easy to carry and conceal
CONS
- Limited tactical capabilities
- Does not come with a pocket clip
DETAILS
The Grandway 6681 is our budget pick and a favorite among many knife enthusiasts. It is both affordable and effective with features designed to suit multi-purpose uses. It is ideal for survivalists, fishing and hunting, scouts, and urban use for defense.
Its features include:
- Razor-Sharp Blade
This knife’s blade is constructed using 440-stainless steel, which is thermal-treated and coated with black oxide to make it exceptionally strong and durable. The metal is also easy to sharpen to razor-precision, and it doesn’t blunt easily.
- Quick Release Mechanism
A release button conveniently located on the handle of this knife releases the blade in an instant by utilizing a spring-release mechanism. The blade also stays in place during use as accidental retraction is prevented by the liner-lock mechanism. What’s more, you can still retrieve and retract the blade when the spring fails, which is convenient for stressful, survivalist/scouting situations.
- Easy Carry and Concealment
Weighing at only 4.4 ounces and measuring about 7.75 inches, the Grandway 6681 is easy to carry around and conceal. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a manufacturer-issued pocket clip.
- Multi-purpose Use
This knife’s design makes it ideal for a wide range of uses. Survivalists and scouts will find it handy for use outdoors while those concerned about their safety will find it an ideal defense weapon. However, its tactical use is somewhat limited.
3. Best Value: Boker Kalashnikov
BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Stainless-Steel Blade
- Molded Grip
- Fast and Secure Opening
- Slim and Light
PROS
- Slim and light for easy concealment
- Safe and secure deployment
- Strong and durable blade
CONS
- No multi-purpose features
DETAILS
The Boker Kalashnikov is designed to suit its name as it looks like an AK-47 magazine – it also feels like one. Besides the good looks, this knife is also designed to get the job done in a safe and secure manner.
Its features include:
- Stainless-Steel Blade
The blade on this knife is made from AUS-8 steel, one of the hardest and most durable materials. It will not break or crack under pressure, and you don’t have to worry about it getting wet as it is stainless – just sharpen it once in a while and you’re good to go.
- Molded Grip
This knife’s handle is molded to ensure that it doesn’t slip even under extreme pressure. The handle is also just as strong and durable as the blade.
- Fast and Secure Opening
The deployment button on this knife opens the blade in an instant for quick reaction. The button is also flush-mounted to prevent accidental opening while the locking mechanism is solid and stiff to prevent accidental retraction, which can be just as dangerous.
- Slim and Light
This knife is exceptionally slim and light, which makes it easy to conceal and carry around.
4. Gerber Covert Knife
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Stainless-Steel, Titanium Coated Blade
- Applegate-Fairbairn Design
- F.A.S.T Patented Technology
- Easy Carry and Concealment
PROS
- Strong and sturdy blade
- Good looks appealing for collector
- Patented F.A.S.T. patented technology for instant release
- Safety lock
- Serrated edge for multi-purpose use
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a pocket clip
- Has limited use for survivalists
DETAILS
Gerber has been making automatic knives for decades, and the Gerber Covert knife is its best yet. It is designed for multi-purpose, everyday use and features a range of high-end features that you will not find in most automatic knives.
- Stainless-Steel, Titanium Coated Blade
Gerber utilizes stainless steel to make this knife’s blade thanks to its strength and durability. The blade is serrated at the edge for multi-purpose use. It is also coated with titanium, further adding to its strength and durability and making it look sleek and lethal.
- Applegate-Fairbairn Design
The Applegate-Fairbairn design utilized for this model gives it an overall sleek and lethal appearance. It also makes it easy and comfortable to use thanks to its ergonomic handle design and textured grip that prevents accidental slips.
- F.A.S.T Patented Technology
The Forward Action Spring Technology (F.A.S.T) utilized on this knife enable split-second release and retraction of its blade. The release mechanism also features a safety lock that prevents accidental opening and retraction to ensure your safety when not in active use.
- Easy Carry and Concealment
This knife is easy to carry while concealed as it measures 3.7 inches with the blade concealed and weighs less than 7 ounces. It doesn’t come with a pocket clip but it is compatible with many standard pocket clips.
5. Schrade Viper 3
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Stainless Steel Blade
- Ergonomic Aluminum Handle
- Quick Release Mechanism
- Pocket Clip
PROS
- Good looks
- Ergonomic handle design
- Strong and durable blade
- Safe and quick release mechanism
CONS
- Shines in the dark
DETAILS
The Schrade Viper 3 has the looks that every knife collector fancies as well as the lethality to suit a military combatant.
It is ideal for all-round use thanks for its wide range of features:
- Stainless Steel Blade
The blade on this knife is made from reinforced stainless steel for unmatched strength and durability. The blade is double-edged and features a spear point capable of piercing and cutting through tough materials.
- Ergonomic Aluminum Handle
The handle is the most notable part of this knife thanks to its good looks and sturdy build. The intricate design on the handle makes it easy and comfortable to hold and prevents accidental slips.
- Quick Release Mechanism
The handle features a button mechanism that releases the blade in a split-second once pushed. The button is also reinforced with a safety lock to prevent accidental release and retraction.
- Pocket Clip
The Schrade Viper 3 comes with a pocket clip that holds it safely in place for concealed carry. It is also light enough to carry in your pocket for greater concealment.
6. Infidel OTF
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Double-Edged
- Thumb Slider Release Mechanism
- Stepped-Style Handle Grip
- Pocket Clip
PROS
- Double-edged with a spear point for tactical use
- Durable
CONS
- Designed primarily for right-handed users
DETAILS
Classified as a double-action OTF automatic knife, the 3300 Infidel OTF by Benchmade is designed for tactical use. All the features on this knife blend to make it both a lethal weapon as well as a convenient survival tool.
- Double-Edged
This knife’s blade is made from D2 steel which is renowned for its strength and durability. The blade is double-edged so that it cuts both ways, and it features a spear-point which makes it even more lethal and handy in case of dangerous, long-range confrontations.
- Thumb Slider Release Mechanism
The blade is released at the press of a button on the sliding mechanism situated on the aluminum-made handle. The sliding mechanism is not only easy and quick to operate but also safe to ensure that the blade does not release or retract by accident.
- Stepped-Style Handle Grip
The handle on the 3300 Infidel OTF features a unique ‘stepped-style’ grip that makes it both easy and comfortable to hold as well as difficult to slip when in use.
- Pocket Clip
This knife comes with a tip-down pocket clip that it easy to attach and conceal, thus making the knife easy to carry around. The knife is also light enough to carry in your pocket.
7. Casbah Drop Point Knife
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Drop Point Edge Blade
- Textured Grivory Handle
- Push-Button Release Mechanism
PROS
- A strong and durable blade made from stainless steel
- Textured grip
- Fast release at the push of a button
CONS
- Lack of a pocket clip
- Lacks tactical capabilities; limited to survivalists
DETAILS
Made by Benchmade, the Casbah Drop Point automatic knife is designed primarily for survivalists. It is simple yet effective.
Its features include:
- Drop Point Edge Blade
This knife’s blade is constructed from stainless-steel and coated with drop-point edge for added strength and durability. This makes it strong enough to cut through a variety of tough materials and stay intact for years to come.
- Textured Grivory Handle
The handle on this knife is colored black and covered with textured grivory which makes it easy to handle even in stressful situations.
- Push-Button Release Mechanism
The handle also features an easily-accessible button that releases the blade in an instant. The button also features a safety lock that prevents accidental release and retraction.
8. Piranha Bodyguard
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Deadly Blade
- Quick Release
- Comfortable Handle
- Easy Concealment
PROS
- Strong and sturdy
- Comfortable to handle and use
- Looks good
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a pocket clip
- Minimum features for outdoor use for survivalists and scouts
DETAILS
The Piranha Bodyguard is rightly named so as it is designed for optimal lethality for the security-conscious user.
It has all the hallmarks of the ideal security knife:
- Deadly Blade
The blade on this knife is made from CPM-S30V stainless steel, one of the strongest variants of steel, and reinforced with titanium for greater strength and durability.
- Quick Release
A release button located on the handle releases the blade in an instant and keeps it securely in place when in use. It also features a safety mechanism to prevent accidental release when carrying.
- Comfortable Handle
The handle is made of anodized 6061-T6 aluminum for optimal strength. It also features an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use. Finally, it is tweaked to ensure that it doesn’t slip even when wet.
- Easy Concealment
This automatic knife is small and light enough to conceal without much effort. It doesn’t come with a pocket clip but can fit many standardized pocket clips.
Automatic Knife Buying Guide – Factors to Consider
With so many options of automatic knives to choose from, it helps to know which factors count. Consider these factors when shopping for the ideal automatic knife:
- Blade Type
The blade is the most important component of any knife, and the material used is a determining factor. Most automatic knives are made of stainless steel as it is strong and durable, so do not settle for less – you should also understand that there are many variations of steel, so look for one with reinforced steel. High-end automatic knives are also reinforced with titanium to improve strength and durability.
- Release Mechanism
The speed at which your knife deploys can be a life-saver. Most automatic knives are designed to release in an instant, but this mostly depends on the type of release mechanism.
There are four types of release mechanisms: button release, hidden release, axis pull release, and lever. Button release is the most popular type as the button is easily accessible and thus quick to deploy. You should, however, ensure that the knife you choose has a safety mechanism to prevent accidental release when carrying. However, the release mechanism will depend on your intended use for the knife, so keep an open mind.
- Size
An automatic knife should be small enough to conceal and big enough to get the job done. The average size for most automatic knives when closed is about 4 inches. Anything smaller than that will not offer much maneuverability while knives longer than that will likely be difficult to carry and conceal. However, the size ultimately depends on your intended use, so keep an open mind here as well.
- Price
Automatic knives range in price from tens of dollars to hundreds. The price reflects the design and capabilities of course, but some automatic knives are simply overpriced. As such, avoid cheap automatic knives that will not amount to much but also do not splash your money on knives that are not really worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Automatic Knives
Q: Are automatic knives legal?
A: The answer to this question depends on the state where you reside. It is illegal to have an automatic knife on you in some states owing to the speed at which they deploy. It is also illegal to carry automatic knives into some institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings, among others.
Q: Do I need a permit to carry an automatic knife?
A: Yes, you may need a permit to carry an automatic knife in urban settings in most states. Lack of a permit may get you arrested.
Q: How effective is an automatic knife for protection?
A: Considering how easy it is to get and carry a gun, a knife doesn’t inspire much confidence. However, it is prudent to have one on you as an automatic knife can be just as lethal as a gun when used well. It may also come in handy for many more uses other than defense.
Conclusion
Whether you are a security-conscious individual, survivalist, scout member, or just a knife enthusiast, these automatic knives are guaranteed to meet all your needs. Each knife on the list has something unique to offer and some are suited for all-round use. However, your choice should depend on your preferences and intended use, so be sure to follow the buying guide before checking out. Additionally, be sure to read your local laws on automatic knives well to avoid being on the wrong side of justice.
