There is a pervasive myth that an assisted opening knife is a “switchblade” and in common parlance, sometimes they are referred to as such. 

But, a true switchblade is an automatic knife that deploys fully with the press of a button or a small lever or switch (hence the name). An assisted opening knife must be partially opened by a user before the blade deploys the rest of the way. 

They’re not exactly the same. Here’s what you should know about each. 

How Are They the Same?

Both assisted opening knives and automatic knives can be used with one hand, with a little practice. That makes them very similar. 

But, an automatic knife contains an internal mechanism that fully deploys the blade when the user presses a button or a switch. In the case of a double action knife, the same mechanism can be used to retract the blade. 

An assisted opening knife contains a spring that holds the blade closed; the user must actually work against this spring to open the blade slightly, after which point the spring will exert pressure on the blade to deploy it fully. 

Lockup with both automatic knives and assisted opening knives is automatic. However, an assisted opening knife does not have a mechanism to withdraw the blade. 

With this being said, there are some key differences between these patterns as well that should be understood so you know what you’re dealing with, and, in some event, buying. 

How Are They Different?

There are a few ways in which an assisted opening knife will differ from an automatic knife. 

The main one is that though the assisted opening knife can be deployed with one hand, and in some cases can be folded with one hand, that latter part must be done manually. There is no mechanism to withdraw an assisted opening knife’s blade automatically. 

Also, you must open the blade part of the way with an assisted opening knife before the internal mechanism will take over. The same is not the case for an auto, which can be fully deployed and in some cases retracted with the push of a button. 

Automatic knives and assisted openers are also regulated differently. It is legal to own an assisted opening knife in all 50 states, but there are some areas in which automatic knives are not legal. Check a lawyer in your area if you are not sure of the legal status in your area. 

Where to Get a New Automatic or Assisted Opening Knife 

All in all there is more in common between automatic knives and assisted openers than there is different between them. All the same, if you landed here because you’re looking for either a new assisted opening knife or an auto, visit BUDK. They carry an immense assortment of folding knives and plenty of the options are either automatic knives or assisted openers. Check out their collection and get in touch with them if you have any questions.

For more information about Crossbows and Bayonets Please visit: BudK Worldwide Inc.