If you have been looking for the best assisted opening knife to add to your collection, we have a list you can’t afford to miss. Each of these phenomenal EDC knives has their own unique qualities that make them special. Even better? All of them have a reasonable price, with the most expensive one topping out at $75.
Table of Contents:
- What is an assisted opening knife?
- Is an assisted opening knife a switch blade?
- 5 best assisted opening knives
- Are assisted opening knives good?
- What are assisted opening knives used for?
- Are assisted opening knives legal?
Quick Take of Our Top Picks
What is an assisted opening pocket knife?
Assisted opening knives are a type of folding knife. They operate by using an internal apparatus to finish the opening of the blade once it is partway out.
A flipper or thumb peg on the blade acts as an opening aid. From there, the knife’s opening completes via a spring-loaded component located in the handle.
Is an assisted opening knife a switchblade?
An assisted opening knife is NOT a switchblade.
Switchblades are illegal in almost all states. While assisted opening knives are comparable to switchblades, they are not the same. Switchblades feature a button that, when pressed, opens the knife‘s blade automatically. Assisted opening knives do not automatically open the blade.
If you’re unsure what sort of knife you have, try this simple test.
Press down on your knife’s button. If the blade comes out without any effort, it is a switchblade.
On the other hand, assisted opening knives require a certain amount of pressure for the blade to open. This is usually in the form of a thumb stud or lever.
Let’s get into the top assisted opening knives you can buy right now.
5 Best Assisted Opening Knives
1. Kershaw Eris Folding Pocket Knife
Kershaw is a household name in the knife world. For over 45 years, they have proven to be dependable and trustworthy, with a rich history of superb knives.
The Eris folding knife is no exception. With a closed length of 4.1 inches and an overall length of 7.2 inches, this EDC blade is sleek and impactful, yet small enough to carry without bother. Opening the knife is seamless. You can unlock it with one hand thanks to Kershaw’s Assisted SpeedSafe® technology.
- Handle Material: Stainless steel
- Blade Size: 3 inches
2. Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS M&P M.A.G.I.C.
Smith & Wesson is well-known for its firearms, but their knife products are also excellent. The M&P (Military & Police) M.A.G.I.C. assisted opening knife is a top-notch choice for anyone looking to add an EDC knife to their collection.
Opening the knife is easy and swift thanks to M.A.G.I.C. (Multipurpose, Assisted, Generational, Innovative Cutlery). This is the dual patented assisted opening component inside the M&P. There are two options to expose the blade: the thumb stud on top or the lever on the side of the handle. The blade is drop point and partially serrated.
Made from 4034 black oxide high carbon stainless steel, the M&P M.A.G.I.C. is a dependable tool. The closed length is 5 inches and the overall length is 8.6 inches. Lastly, the knife has a built-in glass breaker.
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Blade Size: 3.6 inches
3. CRKT PSD EDC Folding Pocket Knife
The CRKT P.S.D. EDC Folding Knife is a phenomenal assisted opening knife featuring a black carbon fiber handle. It has a subtle blue back spacer and accents, which add a visually appealing touch. The PSD is the creation of distinguished knife maker Jim Hammond in Birmingham, Alabama.
P.S.D.™ stands for (PARTICLE. SEPARATION. DEVICE.)
The P.S.D. is accurate. The blade’s unmistakable re-curve excels at slicing and deep cuts, while the double grind enhances the effectiveness of pushing. The unexpectedly small G10 and carbon fiber handle fits a sturdy four-finger grip and has an electric blue pivot and pocket clip as its finishing touches.
This is one of the top CRKT EDC’s thanks to its seamless opening, robust blade, and safe liner lock. It is a reliable lightweight carry at around 4.6 ounces.
- Handle Material: Carbon Fiber, G-10
- Blade Size: 3.63 inches
4. SOG Flare Folding Knife
Headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington, SOG has been in business since 1986. Their knives are reliable and respected. The SOG Flare is a durable and versatile folding knife that features SOG’s patented SOG Assisted Technology (SAT) opening system.
With a closed length of 4.5 inches, this assisted opening pocket knife is big enough to feel forceful, yet small enough to easily carry. The blade has a straight edge with a clip point shape.
- Handle Material: Glass reinforced nylon
- Blade Size: 3.5 inches
5. Grand Way Spring Assisted Knife
At $10, this is the most affordable knife on our list. The Grand Way uses a thumb stud to assist the blade opening.
The knife has a blade length of 3.42 inches and a total length of 7.75 inches. It is lightweight at 4.4 ounces and easy to carry wherever you need to take it. The blade is made from 440 stainless steel with an aluminum handle.
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Blade Size: 3.42 inches
Are assisted opening knives good?
Assisted opening knives are definitely a good choice for an EDC knife.
They are a perfect compromise between manual and automatic open. Assisted opens are quicker than manual, but less dangerous than the switchblade.
What are assisted opening knives used for?
The cool thing about assisted opening knives is that they are versatile and can be used for anything you need. A few common everyday uses include:
- opening boxes
- cutting tags
- sharpening pencils
- removing staples
- cutting loose threads
- opening a bottle
Are assisted opening pocket knives legal?
Spring assisted opening knives are not illegal under federal law.
That said, state laws can differ from one to the next. For instance, in certain states, any knife that has a blade length of more than 2.5 inches is illegal to carry.
When in doubt, check with your local police department to ensure you are acting in accordance with local laws.
Where are spring assisted knives legal?
The American Knife & Tool Institute has a great break down for each of the 50 states. A note of caution: never carry a knife into a courthouse, federal building, airport, or school.
Are assisted opening knives dangerous?
Any knife can be dangerous. Assisted opening knives activate at a faster speed than non-assisted knives. Because of that, they could be considered more dangerous. However, if you are mindful of the opening, you are not in any more danger than a standard pocket knife.
With that said, any time you are handling a knife, it is best to exercise safety and caution.
Who makes the best assisted opening knives?
Kershaw is a very reliable and trusted brand. They do a great job with their assisted opening technology, and their craftsmanship is top-notch.
As with any product, the best assisted opening knife is up to your preference and specific needs.
When choosing, always check reviews. Research the specs and features you want or care about most. It always makes sense to take time to vet the following:
- Quality of material
- Sturdiness
- Durability
- Craftsmanship
- Ergonomics
Takeaway
Assisted opening pocket knives are an essential everyday carry item. They are perfect for the various daily duties every man encounters. From camping to grilling and every task in-between, a quick and efficient knife is the best tool to do the trick.
