Help selecting folding knife for son

ModelBreaker ^ | 11/8/2018 | ModelBreaker

[ModelBreaker]

Looking for recommendations for a high quality folding knife as a gift for my son. He likes knives that kind-of spring open. I'm not sure what to call the mechanism that springs open but is not a switchblade.

3.5 inches is legal where I live. I put a link to Spyderco as I understand they are one of the good companies.

[yarddog]

It is actually uncommon to find a bad pocket knife as long as it is a name brand.

Spyderco is as good as any.

My carry knife for at least thirty years is a Swiss Army knife. Before that it was a Puma stockman. When I was a kid, it was a Queen steel.

Don’t limit yourself to a lockblade or assisted opening knife.

[Teflonic]

The Kershaw knives have the slickest assisted opening mechanisms I've come across. The Kershaw Leek has a 3" blade but the smaller Chive has a 1.9" blade that can comfortably fit on a keychain. I really like the shape of the blades as well, strong and useful.

[niteowl77]

I usually recommend a Benchmade Mini Griptilian or a Spyderco Delica for a smaller folder, as I have had nothing but good luck with them, but those are both thumb-openers. Some of the Kershaws are very good folders for the money. The Kershaw Leek line (there are many variants available) are assisted openers that are a bit TOO assisted for my taste, but I do carry one once in a while.

Mr. niteowl77

[SauronOfMordor]

The term is “assisted opening” knife. But thumb hole is much more reliable.

[EEGator]

I carry a Benchmade Freek

[RandallFlagg]

I’ve been using the SOG Flash 2 Tanto after a Marine buddy recommended it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I9XACY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[W.]

I have a Buck folder and a no-name switchblade that’s fun for all. Folks freak when I pop it out. I’m ordering a Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife next. Just for S+G... $50.

[1FreeAmerican]

I have a Klein 44001 Lockback 21/2” drop point. Pricey at $56 on amazon. I paid about $43 from the electrical supply store. Best pocket/working knife I’ve ever had.

https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/pocket-knives/lockback-knife-2-12-inch-drop-point-blade

[RandallFlagg]

OH! The SOG is spring assisted and only $50.

[waterhill]

Kershaw Leek, he will love it!

[Tunehead54]

Here's a site that carries Kershaw "Assisted Opening" knives at 1/2 price. They're well made knives that hold their edge.

Ken Onion Knives @ blade HQ - LOTA to chose from ... ;-)

Assisted opening means that right or left-handed owners can begin opening the knife with their thumb by pushing against a raised button and then complete opening to a locked position with a flick of the wrist. It is not a switchblade which are illegal in several states. Another "button" is pressed down to unlock the open blade and be closed safely - also a one-handed operation.

One handed operation is handy especially if that's all you have available. I'd get one with a serrated section at the base for sawing.

[Eagles6]

As others have said for assisted opening... Kershaw. $25-50.

Zero Tolerance is their premium line, still not bad starting around $100.

[Ronald_Magnus]

If he wants to wow the girls....

[marktwain]

I believe the term you wish is “assisted opener” or “spring assisted”.

Most Cold Steel folders are easily opened with one hand, after a little practice.

Cold Steel does have an assisted opener called the Swift, but it has a 4” blade.

Kind of pricey.

I prefer the Voyager. The Cold Steel Medium Voyager has a 3” blade.

Lots of other choices. I have had good luck with spyderco and benchmade, as well as Cold Steel.

[MRadtke]

I like my Benchmade Mini-Barrage that I carry every day.

[Hardastarboard]

+1, or more, on the Benchmade knives. I've got one that's been very reliable. Get one of the ones that have a "one hand opening" feature (nib on the top of the blade), so you can open it while holding whatever it is that you're getting ready to cut. I've had mine for about 15 years, and love it.

I tend to like a stainless blade, but that's me.

[Pennsyltucky Boy]

Kershaw Onion. Thin, strong, nice opening action with a lock feature. Wide variety of colors and finishes. Perfect for the pocket.

[tallyhoe]

Buck, if they have the mechanism you describe.

Buck!

[LibWhacker]

Top 10 spring assisted knives
You can find many other such videos on YouTube

You didn't mention how old your son is or how much you want to spend but some of the top brands to look for are:
Al Mar
Cold Steel
CRKT
Kershaw
SOG
Spyderco
Zero Tolerance

and...

Benchmade, Benchmade, Benchmade!!

Can you tell which one I like most? I've been collecting knives for over 40 years and when it comes to production knives (vs. truly handmade, one-of-a-kind knives), I'll go with Benchmade everytime.

Of course, almost all of these companies I've recommended have their own websites where you can buy direct.

I recommend the "Ken Onion" assisted opening knives. It's a very highly-rated opening mechanism. But there are other good ones, too. Watch the video and look for others on YouTube.

Where to buy (four recommendations):
-The Cutlery Shoppe... I've probably purchased close to 50 knives from this company. They are top-notch.
-Amazon, of course
-The Knife Center... I have less experience with these guys, but their selection is pretty amazing and they have a pretty good reputation
Nordic Knives... Here's where you can get some truly collectible knives, but also many ultra nice brand new knives you won't see anywhere else. I've spent more than I care to admit at Nordic Knives.

[Vermont Lt]

Kabar?

Just kidding.