I’ve been fascinated with automatic knives since I was a wee lad. Part of that wonderment no doubt stemmed from an inability to easily source the object of my affection. I lived fairly rurally as a kid, and the best I could do was switchblade combs found at flea markets. As an adult who makes a decent living playing with knives, I still have a soft spot for the ones that go SNICK at the touch of a button. Let’s look at some.
Are Automatic Knives Legal?
Automatic knives come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors. Side-opening autos are perhaps a bit more traditional, but OTF (out the front) models are a whole lot of fun.
One of the first questions that typically crops up in discussions about automatic knives is legality. Are you risking a ticket, or worse, by carrying one? Well, it depends. Thanks to the efforts of Doug Ritter and the folks at Knife Rights, automatic knives aren’t as verboten as they once were.
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Since 2010, the efforts of the Knife Rights organization have led to 53 bills repealing knife bans in 32 different states and somewhere around 200 cities and towns. Here is a great summary of what Knife Rights has accomplished to date.
They’ve also created a free app called Legal Blade. It includes the current knife laws in all 50 states, as well as numerous cities and towns. Easy-to-understand color-coded tables will tell you at a glance what’s legal and what isn’t in your area. It includes restrictions regarding knife length as well as the age of the user.
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As it stands right now, 45 states allow the possession of automatic knives in some way or another, with 36 states allowing for open carry and 29 allowing for concealed carry.
With all of that out of the way, let’s look at some great automatic knives.
Kershaw Livewire
The Livewire was the first OTF knife I ever bought. As such, it’s garnered a lot of pocket time in the last year. It comes in a wide range of colors, and I was torn between a few of them. The price points vary a bit among the color options. I landed on blue for visibility more than anything else. If I set it down outside, it isn’t going to blend in with the surrounding area.
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Livewire Specs
I’d classify this as a medium-sized knife. Closed, it measures 4.8 inches. Add the 3.3-inch blade, and when opened, it stretches 8.1 inches from end to end. The MagnaCut blade has a very appealing Blackwash finish. It’s a spearpoint shape, but only single-edged.
The handle is blue aluminum. It’s contoured nicely and has some traction in various spots around the handle. The end result is a very comfortable knife that’s easy to deploy and use. A deep carry reversible pocket clip keeps the knife right where you want it until it’s needed. At just three ounces, it doesn’t feel like an anchor in your pocket, either.
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Livewire Performance
The Livewire is addictive. Any automatic knife, but especially OTF models, tends to become a fidget toy. Firing it open and closed, over and over, it doesn’t take long before those you live with start to give you some side eye. The blade on the Livewire snaps into position with some force and retracts just as quickly.
I’ve used the Livewire for innumerable tasks. Everything from breaking down boxes to slicing sausage and cheese has been made easy. I’m always careful to clean the blade thoroughly if there’s anything left on it, such as glue residue. Being MagnaCut, the blade retains a great edge and requires minimal maintenance.
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It is possible for pocket lint or similar materials to work their way into the handle over time. When this happens, the blade may not fire open completely. To clean this knife, you unscrew the pocket clip, then use canned air to blow out the handle. This is a process that only takes a couple of minutes, and it works like a charm.
Livewire Verdict
I couldn’t be more pleased with the Livewire. It’s become a frequent flier in my EDC rotation. It’s reliable and oh so much fun.
| Overall Length | 8.1 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.3 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $269.99 (as shown) |
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Benchmade Auto Fact
I first heard about the Benchmade Auto Fact from another knife writer I know. He had written up a review of it for another publication, and I was enthralled with the knife’s design. I reached out to him to see if he’d be willing to trade or sell it, but no dice. When I finally got one in hand, I wasn’t disappointed.
Auto Fact Specs
Styled after an Italian Stiletto, this is not a small knife. It runs 8.74 inches when open, with the blade being nearly four full inches. It’s a narrow spearpoint design that terminates in a needle-sharp tip.
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The handle is aircraft-grade aluminum with carbon fiber inlays. It’s almost five inches long when closed, but narrow so it never feels bulky or awkward. There’s a sliding safety switch on the back of the handle, but I’d be shocked if this knife were to accidentally deploy in a pocket.
To open the knife, the release is an ambidextrous sliding AXIS lock. Pull it back, and the blade leaps into position. To close, pull the lock back and manually fold the blade into the handle.
Auto Fact Performance
I’d wanted the Auto Fact for so long before I finally got one that I was afraid I’d be disappointed. You know how that goes, where you build something up in your mind for weeks on end, only to be kind of meh about it when it finally arrives. I’m pleased to report that didn’t happen here.
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The action on the Auto Fact is snappy, but not so hard that you feel like it’s going to jump out of your hand. When opened, the lock-up is solid as a rock, with no wiggle at all. Closing the knife is smooth and easy.
The blade is thin enough to handle impromptu food prep, like slicing an apple at lunch, without turning it into an ordeal. I’ve used the very fine tip to dig out a splinter or two. Edge retention is excellent with the Auto Fact, too.
Auto Fact Verdict
I look at this as something akin to a gentleman’s knife. It isn’t something I’d carry with me on a hike or a camping trip. It’s a little more…elegant…for such rough work. That said, if I were looking for a backup defense option, the Auto Fact would rank pretty high on the list.
| Overall Length | 8.74 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.95 inches |
| Steel | S90V |
| MSRP | $430.00 |
Buck 110 Auto
Growing up, the Buck 110 Folding Hunter was just called a Buck Knife. It was probably the most commonly carried knife around my area, though I suppose some flavor of Swiss Army Knife would have been neck and neck with it. The Buck 110 was my first decent knife, gifted to me by an older cousin.
An automatic Buck 110 was something of an urban legend back then. We all knew someone who claimed their brother or uncle had seen one. But none of us had any personal experience with one. It wasn’t until 2017 that Buck Knives came out with the Buck 110 Auto. And it was everything we’d dreamed of way back when.
110 Auto Specs
If you’ve held or used the standard Buck 110, you’re already familiar with the automatic version. It’s virtually the same size. The hardware to turn it into an automatic hasn’t added any appreciable weight to the mix. At a hair over seven ounces, it’s always been a hefty pocket knife, which is why so many people carry it in a belt pouch.
Buck’s standard 420HC steel is used here. It might not be a so-called super steel, but it’s done the job for generations of Buck users. It holds a great edge and isn’t impossible to touch up when you’re out and about.
The deployment switch is on the side of the handle. There’s no safety lock to keep the blade closed, but it really isn’t necessary with this design. Press the button and the blade swings open. The blade opens a bit more slowly than on most other automatic knives I’ve owned. It locks in place, with the lock release on the underside of the handle, just like a standard 110 Folding Hunter.
110 Auto Performance
I like this one a fair bit. It has a solidity that some knives lack. The lock-up is tight, giving you confidence while using the knife. This is a heavy-duty tool, not a flimsy piece of junk.
Over the last several years, I’ve used it for carving and whittling, slicing steak at the kitchen table, and cutting innumerable feet of cordage. It’s like an old friend, one who has gone along on any number of outdoor adventures. It’s comfortable and easy to use.
The pivot does need to be cleaned from time to time, as it seems to be a little more finicky than some other autos I’ve used. A drop of dish soap, some hot water, and a toothbrush do the trick. Rinse it well and blow it dry with canned air.
110 Auto Verdict
This is a great knife, particularly for those who have carried the traditional 110 for years. The action isn’t lightning quick, but it doesn’t need to be. The lock-up is tight, giving you confidence while using the knife.
The pivot does need to be cleaned from time to time. A drop of dish soap, some hot water, and a toothbrush do the trick. Rinse it well and blow it dry with canned air. All in all, it’s a great addition to the collection.
| Overall Length | 8.625 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.75 inches |
| Steel | 420HC |
| MSRP | $199.99 |
Automatic Knives Speed Round
Microtech UTX-85
It might be 85% the size of the Ultratech, but don’t mistake it for an undersized toy. The UTX-85 is a great EDC option that carries comfortably in any pocket. This OTF is snappy, opening and closing with authority. It’s available in a range of colors and blade finishes.
| Overall Length | 7.52 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.12 inches |
| Steel | M390MK |
| MSRP | $357 (as shown) |
Microtech Ultratech Gen IV
Debuting in 1999, the Ultratech has set the standard for Microtech. This 4th-generation model comes with a reversible pocket clip and an updated glass breaker. The Zero Blade Play (ZBP) system eliminates all blade movement aside from opening and closing.
| Overall Length | 8.55 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.55 inches |
| Steel | M390MK |
| MSRP | $299.00 (as shown) |
Kershaw Launch 4
If you live in an area where blade length is a potential issue, Kershaw has you covered with the Launch 4. Its sub-two-inch blade is handy, but will keep you out of trouble. Lightweight and easy to carry, with a low-profile push button for safety.
| Overall Length | 5.1 inches |
| Blade Length | 1.9 inches |
| Steel | CPM 154 |
| MSRP | $179.99 |
Kershaw Launch 19
This tactical work knife is constructed with black-anodized aluminum and brown G10. The CPM 154 steel blade has a two-tone Cerakote finish. A finger choil allows you to choke up when you’re doing detail work. The Launch 19 also features a reversible deep carry pocket clip.
| Overall Length | 7.7 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.3 inches |
| Steel | CPM 154 |
| MSRP | $289.99 |
CRKT Twist Tighe
Designed by knife maker Brian Tighe and produced by CRKT, this OTF is lightweight and built for comfort as well as durability. The double-edged spear point blade of the Twist Tighe is MagnaCut, while the handle is carbon fiber. It’s available in green, black, and rose quartz.
| Overall Length | 6.78 inches |
| Blade Length | 2.69 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $300.00 |
Benchmade Infidel
This double-edged dagger means business. Open, it is nearly nine full inches, and it fills the hand well. The D2 steel is high carbon and high chromium, providing excellent edge retention and strength. The Infidel is ready to take a beating and come back looking for more.
| Overall Length | 8.91 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.91 inches |
| Steel | D2 |
| MSRP | $550.00 |
Zero Tolerance 0512
The ZT 0512 works and plays hard. It snaps open with authority, and the CPM Cru-Wear clip point blade is made for real-world use. The brown canvas micarta handle is incredibly comfortable, providing plenty of grip no matter what you’re doing.
| Overall Length | 8.0 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.45 inches |
| Steel | Cru-Wear |
| MSRP | $320.00 |
Guardian Tactical Auto RECON-040
The RECON-040 is an OTF featuring a black anodized handle and stonewashed blade. It features a patented OTF mechanism that allows for a smooth opening action. The thumb slide is supported by a steel plate and ceramic balls, minimizing wear and tear.
| Overall Length | 9.75 inches |
| Blade Length | 4.0 inches |
| Steel | Elmax |
| MSRP | $389.00 |
Benchmade 9400 Osborne
The Osborne is a classic Benchmade model, and this automatic edition really pops. A push of the button sends the blade flying into position, while an integrated spine safety keeps the knife secure. The reverse tanto blade profile is incredibly useful, too.
| Overall Length | 7.87 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.4 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $340.00 |
Benchmade Shootout
The Shootout was designed to be lightweight and affordable, with tactical personnel and law enforcement as the primary users. The handles are CF-Elite, a carbon-filled nylon material that is perfect for this application. This is the perfect backup weapon, especially for the weak hand.
| Overall Length | 8.22 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.51 inches |
| Steel | Cru-Wear |
| MSRP | $325.00 |
Boker Plus USB OTF 2.0
Patterned after the ubiquitous USB stick, this little automatic knife is handy to have. It all but disappears in the pocket. A flat slider on the front of the handle deploys the clip point blade. The USB OTF 2.0 can be carried alone or attached to a key ring or lanyard.
| Overall Length | 4.72 inches |
| Blade Length | 1.77 inches |
| Steel | D2 |
| MSRP | $80.71 |
Hogue Knives Collector Series Counterstrike
Ideal for those who value a great-looking knife as much as one that performs perfectly, the Collector Series Counterstrike features a beautiful epoxy-laminated Cocobolo finish over an anodized aluminum handle. The double-edged blade is stone-tumbled, giving it a great appearance.
| Overall Length | 8.35 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.35 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $399.95 |
Defiant 7 Eagle
Designed and produced in Mississippi, the Eagle is an ideal EDC option. The 3D contoured aluminum handles have an anodized finish with a machined texture for grip. The S45VN stainless steel blade is razor sharp. The knife tips the scales at a modest 4.4 ounces.
| Overall Length | 8.5 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.75 inches |
| Steel | S45VN |
| MSRP | $285.00 |
Hogue Knives Ballista II
Featuring a 2.6-inch bayonet blade, the Ballista II is a great addition to the EDC lineup. It weighs just two ounces, so you’ll barely notice it. It’s a sleek design that’s combined with the precision craftsmanship that Hogue Knives is known for.
| Overall Length | 6.4 inches |
| Blade Length | 2.6 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $239.95 |
Hogue Knives Micro Counterstrike
It’s small and lightweight, but it punches well above its weight class. Featuring a 1.95-inch double-edged blade, the Micro Counterstrike is just 1.9 ounces. It features a removable carbide glass breaker with a replacement filler screw and a black carbon fiber cover.
| Overall Length | 4.875 inches |
| Blade Length | 1.95 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $339.95 |
Heretic Knives Medusa
The Medusa is a heavy-duty knife that’s ready for anything. It has a three-inch Tanto blade with a stonewashed finish. The G10 handle construction helps reduce weight while not sacrificing durability. The ergonomic contouring keeps the knife firmly in your grasp.
| Overall Length | 7.5 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.0 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $479.00 |
Heretic Knives Stabnana
Don’t let its looks fool you. This isn’t a toy. The Stabnana might very well be a fun take on an auto knife, but it’s a fully functioning, razor-sharp tool. This is an OTF automatic, with a slightly curved, DLC-coated MagnaCut blade.
| Overall Length | 7.75 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.18 inches |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $500.00 |
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