Just curious to know what your favorite auto knives are.
I'm partial to scale release autos myself.
Intregued by D/a's eventhough I'v never made one I would sell. :lol
Push buttons were my least favorite, but it was the locking mechanism that disturbed me.
I like a stronger lock.
I guess most are liner lock types, because they are fairly easy to make(another not so favorite of mine).
Out the fronts are slick, but few have the kick I like.Microtech has impressed me in this style.
I don't see many bolster releases, but I sure like them.
Anyone seen a wind up auto?
A handle cocking auto?
I want to hear from other auto lovers.
Alex has blessed us with a new playground to talk about an old taboo! :101

OTF D/A is my favorite by far. I consider it to be the safest form (auto or non-auto) to carry.

My button release folders stop against a heat treated solid back spacer, Gene. That way, the button lock is backed up with the solid backstop. With the blade closed, it's held in lock position only with the button plunger.

I use a titanium leaf spring to open the blade. This is stronger and less likely to break than a torsion spring.

In my design, there is no torsion spring partly inside the blade pivot like the scale release auto's I've seen. that means the pivot has full contact with the blade and bushing. :)

By the way, I don't even know what a D/A is. I assume it means double action. Can someone describe a D/A action for me? :confused:

Are double D/A's sick or what?

Yes, I agree with Gabe. OTF's are very cool, no doubt!

The only thing that I argue with on them is styling. I'm not sure why, but most of the ones I've seen look like a harmonica box with a blade hole in the end. I think there is a ton of room for OTF styling improvement, but I do like the function of those knives the best.

Alex

Ya Alex, kinda like a Pez dispensor with a blade in it. :lol

Well I guess it's a location thing, but I like hidden (stealth, covert whatever) DA's. I only have factory auto's. and only one is a stealh DA (A Microtech LCC) I also have a Microtech X70 (? I think) which is the mini version of their Makora model. Bu it's not a hidden realease.

I have handled a bunch of custom auto's though. Johnny Stout's Tornado (Les's Vanguard series), Larry Chews spitfires, An assortment of Darrel Ralph's, his assist opening mad max is very slick, I also like his traditional "italian" switch. That has an interesting realease.

Love those D/A's..........:)
http://fototime.com/BBCB9C6979E148B/standard.jpg

Hi Geno- I like them all, but from a style standpoint, I always fall hard for the classic stiletto design..I think it is one of the "sexiest" knives, but with a touch of meance thrown in. The hand made ones I have lock up very securely, (sometimes a pain to close...), with the pivot lock on top.. As far a snap on opening goes, some makers out there are known for their "wrist twister" openers.. Paul Panak is one that comes to mind..
I'm also in the front row for any "hidden" opening systems, bolster, scale etc..Gabe's choice of the DA OTF is also one of my favorites..Just showing those people who have any interest in things mechanical is so much fun, and younger guys look at you like you are some kind of James Bond type when you set them off...LOL..You asked about the handle cocking knives and I love those too.. The only ones I have ever seen are OTF's, but what is interesting is that without the DA mechanics, I tend to see much more variation in style which was mentioned by Alex and yourself as a personal drawback on the DA's.. I have only handled three or so of the cocking knives, but all of them were very impressive opening wise.. The "Viper" I think was the first of this design and it has perhaps one of the most unique locks I have seen.. The blade locks when a small spring loaded insert in the bottom of the blade itself clears the frame.. Very cool, but I wouldn't trust it to be anywhere near to "full proof"... I look forward to seeing you and Don post some of your new auto's now and then.. Do me a favor though, don't post em on Friday's..(my payday....lol)... Best, Rich

I am partial to scale release from the few types of autos that I have played with. But for all around looks I would go for Nifmakr's Canoes! I have not got to play with one but when the day comes that I am at a show with one of his knives I will be playing.

1. Gene Osborn scale release w/coil spring action. :D (I will take a photo soon.) Very clean in black micarta.

2. Mike 'Whiskers' Allen (http://www.fototime.com/3D1D2CB7B91C709/orig.jpg) coil spring bolster release. Solid opener. Very cool action.

3. Butch Vallotton (http://www.fototime.com/43B319F6B0A1B53/orig.jpg) RCC Vanguard covert scale release D/A. Tension spring liner lock©.

4. James Brothers 'Cheyenne' (http://www.fototime.com/C3E04F78C5640C3/orig.jpg) coil spring button release/lock. The body is made of hi-grade aluminum, and the knife is light. The spring is STRONG, so the knife almost jumps out of your hand. What a ride! (My very first custom.)

5. Larry Davidson (http://www.fototime.com/5E7ECBD20562198/orig.jpg) tension spring loaded D/A. Liner Lock©.

I like them all, and like the variances.

Coop

When Johnny Stout was in the shop the other day, he showed me his "Tornado". I haven't been the same since!

1. Gene Osborn scale release w/coil spring action. :D (I will take a photo soon.) Very clean in black micarta.


As promised...

http://www.fototime.com/601063E7CBBE13C/orig.jpg

It's a nice one, Gene!

Coop

Robert, it was good visiting with you on Thursday and seeing your shop and all the new equipment you have built. Grat job. We'll have to make it longer next time. Thanks for the nice comment about my DA auto. By the way, it is my Zodiac model, the Tornado was a Limited Edition I did for Les for his Vanguard series a few years ago, no longer in production...the Zodiac will go up on my site tomorrow for sale.

Johnny, that's for the clarification, I know now that you told me it was a Zodiac, I have lots of senior moments lately :o) Please come back and stay a month!
Guys, are there any "plans" or tutorials out there for making these types of knives? Don, do you have something up your sleeve? I want to try one. After handling Johnnys, this is a "must try to build" knife on my list.

As promised...

http://www.fototime.com/601063E7CBBE13C/orig.jpg

It's a nice one, Gene!

Coop

Man, that's a beauty, Gene. I like everything about it!!! :101


Very, very sleek.

Guys, are there any "plans" or tutorials out there for making these types of knives? Don, do you have something up your sleeve? I want to try one. After handling Johnnys, this is a "must try to build" knife on my list.


Robert, as I said in one of my posts above, I don't know what a "D/A" is. I've never handled one. I wish someone would enlighten me. :) Maybe Johnny will send me one of his. ;)


That said, yes, I have detailed plans for a button release folder on my web site, and pictures of one of the knives I've built to that design. I like it.

I have to send these plans out by mail since I lost my high speed cable. I'm on dial-up now. :(

Johnny, that's for the clarification, I know now that you told me it was a Zodiac, I have lots of senior moments lately :o) Please come back and stay a month!
Guys, are there any "plans" or tutorials out there for making these types of knives? Don, do you have something up your sleeve? I want to try one. After handling Johnnys, this is a "must try to build" knife on my list.

-----

Robert, I talked to Gene last night and we are trying to set a date to do a DA auto video soon, using my push button mechanism. Actually, it's a variation of Larry Chew's Voodoo. I have tentative date scheduled for later this month, or later in August, to re-shoot the Liner Lock video. If time allows we may try to shoot the DA video at the same time.

Thanks guys, that one takes me back, just looking at it. :101
Yes Robert, we have something under our sleeve.
I'm still trying to get Johnny to add that D/A of his on the video list,"coming soon". :lol

Gene, That Is A Magnificent Knife You Made For Coop.
Coop, You Are Very Fortunate To Own Such A Great
Knife. Happy For Both Of You!


Lynn Drury

:101 Here is one of Gene's double coil spring automatics. It has quite a kick. Sorry the photography pales in comparison to SharpByCoop's pic.
http://www.centercross.com/richauto.jpg

Don, I am not sure if your question is serious or not, but a D/A is for double action. It means an automatic that can be opened and closed without the use of the "spring" (or whatever mechanism) like a regular folder and also in automatic mode. If the "button" or whatever is hidden, in a torx screw or bolster or something that is not an obvious button. then it's a hidden release, and like a chinese menu you can mix and match :)

Don, I am not sure if your question is serious or not, but a D/A is for double action. It means an automatic that can be opened and closed without the use of the "spring" (or whatever mechanism) like a regular folder and also in automatic mode. If the "button" or whatever is hidden, in a torx screw or bolster or something that is not an obvious button. then it's a hidden release, and like a chinese menu you can mix and match :)



Thanks, Jerry. I was serious about not knowing. I was never interested in auto's until a customer asked me to build him one. I took his commission, did some research, and designed my present model. He and I were both pleased with the result and i've since built another one. Pictures of it are on my web site.

I'd like to know how a D/A works or handle one. I'm intrigued by the concept , but unable to visualize the mechanism. With my button release mechanism, there's no way to overide the button lock and open the knife unless the button is pushed.

I'm familiar with a scale release, but don't trust the design to be as rugged as other folders.

Hi Don,

The D/A I have is a Microtech LCC (lightfoot compact combat) it uses a leaf spring mechanism (back spacer /spring) and it kicks the blade open (hitting the back of the blade) when the bolster is pushed to the side. The bolster just moves a small lever out of the way of the spring. aftert opening this way, closing the blade pushes the spring back into "ready" position. The blade however can open without the spring assist, just like a regular linerlock.

I have to say that I am not a knifemaker and while what I wrote here makes sense to me, I'm not sure if a am explaining it correctly.

Thanks, Jerry. I understand a little better now.

I have to agree with Rich. I like just about all automatic knives, however, I do have a preference for really well made custom pieces. One thing that does it for me is a hidden release mechanism, especially on a double action piece. The only thing that can top that is a hidden release double action that's a good candidate for a full blown engraving job.
Rob

Hey Rob.. :).., good to see ya!

Yeah I love the hidden release D/A's also, but I do like a well made scale release as well.

Some great stuff on your site also!

Boy I can't wait to see that piece Ken Steigerwalt is making for you! :)

Mine is like this, but the scales are more elegant.

http://images.andale.com/f2/100/123/12699744/1083656455465_nato.jpg

real quick action, and it goes in too! lol :lol

Hi guys. This forum caught my eye. You're showing off some nice ones. Please don't laugh, but my favorite switchblade is in the pattern I collect: The Tickler, or texas toothpick. It's a very old Imperial Hammer candy stripe, in almost mint condition. I carry it daily. I'd love to have a nice custom made one with Pearl Handles, maybe someday.

I also have a Philip Booth, very tiny switch. A side note: Phil is the coolest dressed and most gentlemanly maker I've ever met! And I like how at most shows, his display table is elevated. Sorry to deviate from the subject.

Nice to meet you all!

Grace

Here's a MT LCC D/A that I had Reese Weiland 'dress up'..........

Before:
http://fototime.com/5063CAF895644C6/standard.jpg

After:
http://fototime.com/77333E1E16C32C2/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/C8F32DD7F247D1D/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/0F82AF7706AE681/standard.jpg

Before:
http://fototime.com/458A50A39069AF5/standard.jpg

After:
http://fototime.com/0364153A7A045C1/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/3EE3F24C7208F02/standard.jpg

Before:
http://fototime.com/52FE84816C78071/standard.jpg

After:
http://fototime.com/3BF38EEFC631454/standard.jpg

For a long time Ive always loved the scale release autos especially DALTON!
I have 4 otf 2 italian stilettos and 3 coil fired...My fav still scale release