Top 5 Assisted Opening Knives: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Ever fumbled with a knife, struggling to get the blade out quickly? We’ve all been there! Sometimes you need a knife ready in a flash, whether you’re opening a package or handling a task outdoors. That’s where assisted opening knives come in handy.

Choosing the right assisted opening knife can be tricky. There are so many different brands, blade shapes, and handle materials. How do you know which one is best for you? What features are important? This guide will help you understand what makes a good assisted opening knife and what to look for. We’ll break down the key features, explain the different mechanisms, and give you tips to find the perfect knife for your needs.

By reading on, you’ll learn how to choose a safe and reliable assisted opening knife. You’ll also discover the differences between various models and understand the important features. Get ready to become a smart knife shopper! Let’s dive into the world of assisted opening knives and find the perfect blade for you.

Our Top 5 Assisted Opening Knives Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Assisted Opening Knives Detailed Reviews

1. Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6in S.S. Assisted Folding Knife with 3.6in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor Tactical Survival and EDC

Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6in S.S. Assisted Folding Knife with 3.6in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor Tactical Survival and EDC , Black

Rating: 9.2/10

The Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS is a tough folding knife built for everyday carry and survival situations. This black knife is ready for action. It has a serrated clip point blade that opens fast. The blade is made of strong stainless steel. The handle is made of black aluminum with rubber for a good grip. This knife is good for outdoor adventures and daily tasks. It also has a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, just in case.

What We Like:

  • Quick and easy to open. The M.A.G.I.C. assisted opening is great.
  • The pocket clip makes it easy to carry.
  • The safety lock keeps the blade secure.
  • It has a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter. This makes it useful in emergencies.
  • The handle feels good in your hand with the rubber inlay.
  • It is built to last with a limited lifetime warranty.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users may prefer a different blade steel for even tougher tasks.

The Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS is a reliable knife. It’s a good choice for anyone who needs a strong and dependable tool. This knife is ready for anything.

2. Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife; 2.9 in. 4Cr13 Black-Oxide Blackwash Finish Blade

Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife; 2.9 in. 4Cr13 Black-Oxide Blackwash Finish Blade, Stainless Steel Stonewash Finish Handle Equipped with SpeedSafe Assisted Opening, Flipper and Frame Lock (1365)

Rating: 9.1/10

The Kershaw Misdirect pocketknife is a handy tool! It’s designed for everyday tasks and outdoor fun. This folding pocketknife is made by Kershaw, a well-known brand. It’s a budget-friendly option that’s great for many jobs. With its compact size, it fits easily in your pocket or bag. It has a sharp blade and is ready for action.

What We Like:

  • It’s a Kershaw knife, so you know it’s a good brand.
  • The knife is a good size for carrying around.
  • It opens quickly with SpeedSafe assisted opening.
  • You can carry it in different ways with the 3-position pocket clip.
  • It’s great for many tasks, like cutting cord and opening packages.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This review doesn’t include the cons of the product.

The Kershaw Misdirect is a useful and affordable pocketknife for many people. It’s a good choice if you need a reliable knife for daily use or outdoor adventures.

3. Kershaw Grid Pocketknife

Kershaw Grid Pocketknife, 3.7" 8Cr13MoV Steel Drop Point Plain Edge Blade, Assisted One-Handed Flipper or Thumb Stud Opening, Frame Lock EDC,Grey/Black

Rating: 8.7/10

The Kershaw Grid Pocketknife is a tough and stylish tool. It is great for everyday carry (EDC). This knife has a unique look and is built for performance. The drop-point blade is ready for any task. It has a comfortable grip and opens easily with one hand.

What We Like:

  • The blade is made from 8Cr13MoV steel. This steel holds a good edge and sharpens easily.
  • The black-oxide coating on the blade reduces glare and helps prevent rust.
  • The stainless steel handle is strong and feels good in your hand.
  • It opens fast using the flipper or thumb stud with assisted opening.
  • The frame lock keeps the blade safely open.
  • It comes with Kershaw’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users might prefer a different blade shape.

The Kershaw Grid Pocketknife is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable EDC knife. It offers great features and performance at a good price.

4. Kershaw Conduit Folding Pocket Knife

Kershaw Conduit Folding Pocket Knife, 2.9 inch Assisted Opening Blade, Black Spearpoint Blade, Liner Lock, Pocketclip,grey

Rating: 8.7/10

The Kershaw Conduit is a tough folding pocket knife. It is made for work. The knife has a blacked-out design. It also has a custom handle texture. The 2.9-inch black spearpoint blade opens fast. It uses Kershaw’s assisted opening and a flipper. The knife is easy to carry. It has a pocket clip that you can change for left or right carry. This knife is a good choice for everyday tasks.

What We Like:

  • The 8Cr13MoV blade holds a sharp edge.
  • It is easy to sharpen the blade.
  • The black-oxide finish helps the knife work better.
  • The assisted opening is fast and easy.
  • The pocket clip is reversible for left or right-handed users.
  • It has a lanyard hole.
  • It is lightweight at only 2.6 ounces.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The blade may need frequent sharpening depending on use.
  • The handle material might not be as grippy as some other knives.

The Kershaw Conduit is a solid choice for a work knife. It’s a great value with many useful features. This knife is perfect for anyone who needs a dependable blade.

5. Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife

Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife, SpeedSafe Opening, 2.75 inch Black Blade and Handle, Small, Lightweight Every Day Carry

Rating: 9.1/10

The Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife is a small, tough knife. It’s designed for everyday carry. This knife has a black 2.75-inch blade that opens quickly. The Appa is lightweight and easy to use for cutting tasks. You can cut tape, boxes, rope, and more with this knife.

What We Like:

  • The Appa is lightweight but strong.
  • It has a sharp blade for easy cutting.
  • SpeedSafe makes opening the knife simple and fast.
  • You can open the knife with one hand.
  • The liner lock keeps the blade open safely.
  • It has a reversible pocketclip for different carry options.
  • There is a lanyard hole for more carrying choices.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The handle cut outs could possibly be a weak point.

The Kershaw Appa is a great everyday carry knife. It’s a reliable tool for many different tasks.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Assisted Opening Knives

Are you looking for a fast and safe knife? Assisted opening knives might be perfect for you! This guide will help you pick the right one.

Q: What are the main Key Features?

A: Assisted opening knives have special features. The main feature is the spring. This spring helps the blade open quickly. You will also see a thumb stud or flipper. You use these to start opening the blade. Some knives also have a safety lock. This stops the blade from closing by accident.

Key Features to Look For

You need to know what to look for.

  • Opening Mechanism: Look for a smooth and reliable opening. Does it open easily? Is it fast? Test it!
  • Blade Lock: Check the locking mechanism. It should hold the blade open securely. You don’t want the blade to close on your fingers!
  • Handle Design: A good handle is important. It should fit your hand well. It should also be comfortable to hold. Look for a handle that gives you a good grip.
  • Pocket Clip: Many knives have a pocket clip. This lets you carry the knife easily. Make sure the clip is strong. It should also hold the knife securely in your pocket.

Important Materials

The materials of a knife make a big difference.

Blade Materials:

The blade material is very important. The best blades are made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong. It also resists rust. Some common blade steels are:

  • Stainless Steel: This is a good choice. It is easy to sharpen. It resists rust.
  • High Carbon Steel: This steel is very strong. It can be hard to sharpen. It also rusts easier.

Handle Materials:

The handle material affects how the knife feels. It also affects how long the knife lasts.

  • G10: G10 is a strong and durable material. It is made from fiberglass. It is also water-resistant.
  • Aluminum: Aluminum is light. It is also strong. It is a good choice for everyday use.
  • Wood: Wood handles look nice. They can be slippery when wet.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make a knife better. Other things make a knife worse.

Quality Boosters:

  • Good Steel: High-quality steel makes a better blade.
  • Solid Construction: A well-made knife lasts longer. Check the joints. Make sure everything fits together well.
  • Smooth Action: The blade should open and close easily.

Quality Reducers:

  • Cheap Materials: Low-quality materials lead to a bad knife.
  • Poor Design: A poorly designed knife can be hard to use. It might even be dangerous.
  • Loose Parts: Loose screws or a wobbly blade show poor quality.

User Experience and Use Cases

How will you use your new knife? This matters!

Assisted opening knives are great for many jobs. You can use them for cutting boxes. You can also use them for opening packages. They are useful for outdoor activities. They are great for camping or hiking. They are also good for everyday tasks.

Q: Are assisted opening knives legal everywhere?

A: No. Knife laws change. Check your local laws before buying one.

Q: How do I care for my assisted opening knife?

A: Clean it regularly. Keep the blade sharp. Oil the pivot point. This keeps it working smoothly.

Q: How do I sharpen an assisted opening knife?

A: Use a sharpening stone. Follow the angle of the blade. Be careful!

Q: What is the difference between an assisted opening knife and a switchblade?

A: Switchblades open with a button. Assisted opening knives need a little push to start the blade.

Q: Can the spring in an assisted opening knife break?

A: Yes, it can. Springs can break over time. You might need to replace it.

Q: How do I open an assisted opening knife safely?

A: Always point the blade away from yourself and others. Use the thumb stud or flipper. Open it in a safe space.

Q: What if the blade won’t open?

A: Make sure the blade isn’t blocked. Check for dirt or debris. Try oiling the pivot.

Q: How do I close an assisted opening knife safely?

A: Use the lock release. Then close the blade carefully. Make sure your fingers are clear.

Q: Where can I buy an assisted opening knife?

A: You can find them at sporting goods stores. You can also buy them online.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.