The 12 Best Automatic Knives

If you are looking for an efficient portable cutting tool that you can take with you on your next outdoor adventure, then an automatic knife would be a perfect investment.

Automatic knives or switchblades are designed and used for many purposes. The best thing about them is that they fit in every pocket, and when needed, this compact tool can be turned into the blade you want with just a press of a button.

To save you time researching, we have compiled a list of the 12 best automatic knives, along with their specifications and descriptions to help you choose the perfect one to suit your needs.

Benchmade Presidio II Automatic Knife

Benchmade is a company that set out on its adventure in 1988, seeking to make the best knives in the world, and indeed, they have proven a lot throughout the years. They have since grown to provide elite tools for tactical operators, first responders, and collectors.

Coming from a line of excellent products, this Presidio II has received significant performance upgrades to make it even faster, stronger, and easier to use. It’s a combat legend in the making.

This knife is an amazingly durable tool with a wide-angle drop point tip that is exceptionally strong to handle tough jobs. The handle fits the hand well both in standard and reverse gripping positions. In hand, the overall weight and rigidity at the pivot inspires a lot of confidence in the blade. It feels fantastic in the hand.

This automatic knife deploys lightning fast with Axis lock integrated safety. Its razor-sharp blade is made from CPM-S30V steel, which is tough and durable. As expected of Benchmade products, this knife is built to be high-quality and offer real value for your money.

For more cool blades like this, check out our guide to the best Damascus EDC knives.

Smith and Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6-Inch Automatic Knife

Whether you are a collector, a responder, or a survivalist, you can surely put your trust in this sturdy and reliable automatic knife.

Smith and Wesson pride themselves on making high-quality, durable self-defense knives or multi-use tools. They create knives that are ready for all situations.

The Magic Assisted Opening System in this model helps fold open the blade with only one hand. Its blade is made of 4034 Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel, so you can be sure that it is durable and reliable. The pocket clip, flipper/finger actuator, and M.A.G.I.C assisted opening makes it quick and easy to use and ideal for everyday carry. It comes with a non-slip liner lock and safety lock, making it secure and safe to handle. At the end of the knife handle and thumb plate, you can find a glass breaker, which means you’ll be ready for any situation.

OTF Double Action Safety Knife

Made from premium quality 440c steel for the blade, the OTF (Out the Front) Double Action Safety Knife is built for hard use. Its razor-sharp blade can be quickly deployed and retraced with the built-in thumb slide. You can also be assured of a smooth and solid action as it is crafted to withstand the wear and tear of repeated use.

This automatic knife is also ultra-lightweight and easy to use. It’s aluminum smooth contoured handle ensures comfort during use. Plus, it’s slim and compact design fits in every pocket.

You may also be interested in these top flipper knives from our list. Don’t miss them.

Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge, Full Flat Grind 8CR13MOV Steel Blade

This mid-sized automatic knife has a black G-10 laminate handle, specially crafted with long term stress-free cutting in mind. Skeletonized steel liners increase the handle’s strength, making it rigid but light. It is equipped with a leaf-shaped 8Cr13MOV stainless steel blade. It also comes with an oversized Spyderco round hole and textured spine jimping to allow you to open the blade and position your thumb on the spine with slip-proof confidence.

It is manufactured by Spyderco, a company dedicated to developing innovative, reliable, ergonomic, and functional tools and gear.

If you are looking for tactical EDC tools, take a look at these top-rated tactical folding knives.

TacKnives Double Action Safety Knife

This amazing TacKnives Double Action Safety Knife springs open the blade at the push of a button. This is made possible by the OTF assist finger actuator located on its main body. Equipped with a double edge spear type blade and military camo colored body, this automatic EDC knife sports style and efficiency. The window breaker at the endpoint allows ease of carry and the improved design of its handle allows better grip and added style.

Specifications for this TacKnives model include:

Schrade Viper 3 OTF Blade

This cleverly designed double-edged automatic knife comes from the reputable Schrade Knives brand. It includes a strong safety lock, making it safe to carry in your pocket anywhere you go. The blade is sharp and durable, making it ideal for any cutting job you need it for. The OTF openers are well-made and super fast. The handle is dark gray finished aluminum with a glass breaker and safety pocket clip. On top of all this, this pocket knife is easy on the budget without compromising quality.

Kershaw Launch 4

If you prefer a shorter-bladed automatic knife, then the Kershaw Launch 4 is for you. A member of the Kershaw Launch series, this small but powerful automatic knife features a minimalist design. It is feather-light, reliable, and quick to use. Combined with great value and high-quality manufacturing, you can be assured that this knife will last for years and years.

It features a high-performance blade made from COM154 steel. This material has a more uniformly distributed carbide, so it holds a superb edge with incredible toughness and resistance to corrosion and wear. It comes with a durable aluminum handle, which is light and handy.

The Launch 4 opens with a “low profile” push button, making it harder for the knife to accidentally deploy, especially while kept in the pocket. It is suitable for right-handed or left-handed use. It also comes with a single-position pocket clip and carries tip-up.

Here are the best-selling fixed blade knives on the market right now. Check them out.

Gerber Mini Covert F.A.S.T Knife

This mini tactical clip folding knife is a spectacular release in the market. It is a smaller version of its predecessor, the Gerber 22-01967, but has proven to be quicker when it comes to deploying the blade.

It is designed for single-hand opening and convenient carrying, thanks to its sleek design. The 2.9-inch blade is made of stainless steel and coated with aluminum, making it resistant to corrosion. Its G-10 handle provides a safe and firm grip, so you can be confident of carrying it and handling it in any situation or weather condition. Backed by the speedy F.A.S.T technology, this minimalist knife is built with reliable and easy use in mind.

Gerber Empower Automatic Opening Knife

This brilliant brand new product was specially designed for everyday carry. It is easy to operate and safe to stow. The Armored Grip handle scales of this Empower model offer a striking design and provide a quick and confident no-slip grip. Whether your hands are dry or wet, you’ll be able to stay in control of this blade with ease.

As the name suggests, this automatic knife is sure to empower the one who carries it. You can even decide how to carry it as it comes with a reversible pocket clip that can be positioned tip down or tip-up.

You will find more cool blades like this by checking out our guide on the best-selling USA-made fixed blade knives.

Buck 110 Auto Folding Hunter Knife

Made by one of America’s best-selling knife companies, this amazing automatic folding hunting knife is created to fit every outdoors activity. With just a simple push of a button, the 420HC blade quickly deploys and gets you ready for action. The blade has undergone Buck’s heat-treat process, which enables it to be of superior quality and durability. Plus, it is very easy to sharpen.

Its handle is made from genuine ebony hardwood, ethically sourced from the Congo Basin rainforest. You can be sure that the quality is indestructible. Plus, the crescent-shaped tip of the clip point blade makes the blade thinner with a sharper point. This provides good control for detail work and enables cutting in tight places.

Made from premium materials and superb craftsmanship, you simply can’t go wrong with this product, as well as with these highly rated ultralight EDC pocket knives.

Anvil Bladesmiths Bullshark G10 Knife

This folding EDC knife under $100 comes with a precision glass breaker and a seatbelt and paracord cutter. It has a sturdy design and is the perfect size to carry in your pocket. It features a one-hand assisted opening mechanism to allow for easy deployment. Its G-10 handle makes it light-weight without compromising durability. It also maintains good grip in dry or wet conditions.

The razor-sharp blade ensures absolutely no wobble and locks securely in place while being extended. It opens smoothly and super fast. The knife also comes with a sturdy belt clip, making it even more convenient to carry. The glass breaker and seatbelt/paracord cutter are also nice additions to this life-saving tool.

TAC Force TF-719BK Assisted Opening Folding Tactical Knife

If you are looking for a hunting knife that offers exceptional value for your money, then this is one of the best options for you. Manufactured by one of the most popular automatic knife brands, you can be assured of its quality and reliability.

This knife comes with a spring assist opening, which makes it able to be deployed using only one hand. It opens rapidly and securely in place with its liner lock. Made from stainless steel, this blade is as durable as it gets and is definitely suitable for daily multipurpose use. The ergonomic handle allows for easy use and provides a sturdy grip.

The TF-719BK also includes a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, which can make it an absolute lifesaver in emergencies. It also comes with a pocket clip, so it is easy and safe to carry anywhere.

Automatic Knife Guide

Before you consider buying a knife, it is very important to make sure that it is legal to carry one in your area. The laws pertaining to the use of automatic knives vary from state to state. It is best to understand the laws regarding the ownership, use, and concealment of any kind of knife. Some states allow the use of knives during certain outdoor activities like hunting or fishing, while other states have stricter restrictions. Because laws and regulations are constantly changing, it is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the regulations that apply in their local area.

One of the first things to consider when buying an automatic knife is whether it suits your purpose for having one. From choosing good quality blades to the most handy features, it is vital to consider its strength and longevity.

With the massive number of automatic knives on the market, it is sometimes difficult to make a decision on which one to buy. Look for good quality blades, the handiest features for your purposes, the strength and longevity of the entire knife, and the value for your money. A lot of what makes a good automatic knife depends on the blade quality, safety features, and resistance to wear and tear over continued use.