If you have been looking for the best assisted opening pocket knife to add to your collection, we have a list you can’t afford to miss.
Each of these phenomenal EDC knives have their own unique qualities that make them special.
Even better? All these knives are reasonably priced with the most expensive topping out at $75.
What is an assisted opening pocket knife?
Assisted opening knives are a type of folding knife. They operate using an internal apparatus to finish the opening of the blade once it is partway out.
The opening assist comes from a thumb stud or flipper on the blade. From there, the knife open is finalized by 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. If you press a button and the blade comes out without any effort, it is a switchblade.
Assisted opening knives on the other hand require a certain amount of pressure for the blade to open. Again, this is usually in the form of a thumb stud or lever.
With that, let’s get into the top 5 assisted opening knives you can buy right now.
Top pick: Kershaw Eris
The household Kershaw name delivers an exceptional EDC knife with the Eris. Seamlessly open this blade with one hand.
Runner up: Smith & Wesson M&P M.A.G.I.C.
A Military and Police style assisted opening knife with two ways (thumb stud or lever) to open.
Also Great: SOG Flare
An excellent choice for a straightforward and sleek assisted opening knife.
Higher end: CRKT M4-02
CRKT comes through in a strong way with the M4-02. This lightweight EDC knife has a beautiful handle and stainless steel blade.
Most affordable: Grand Way
An affordable and quality-made assisted opening knife that will not break the bank.
Claim the Throne
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, this EDC blade is sleek and impactful, yet small enough to carry without bother. Opening the knife is seamless and can unlatch one-handed thanks to Kershaw’s Assisted SpeedSafe® technology.
Handle Material: Stainless steel
Blade Size: 3 inches
Price: $34
2. Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS M&P M.A.G.I.C.
Smith & Wesson are well-known for the 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 overall length is 8.6 inches. Lastly, the knife has a built-in glass breaker.
Handle Material: Aluminum
Blade Size: 3.6 inches
Price: $39
3. 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 is straight edge with a clip point shape.
Handle Material: Glass reinforced nylon
Blade Size: 3.5 inches
Price: $35
4. CRKT M4-02 EDC Folding Pocket Knife
Columbia River Knife & Tool, better known as CRKT has been in business since 1994. They are a premier knife brand and offer excellent products for knife enthusiasts. The CRKT M4-02 is a lightweight version of CRKT’s classic M4 design, which is the creation of knife designer Kit Carson from Vine Grove, Kentucky.
The overall knife length is 7 inches with a closed length of 3.75 inches. CRKT’s Outburst® technology allows for a smooth assisted opening, making the blade deploy quick and easy. The 3.25 inch blade is a high-hollow-grind drop point of premium 8Cr13MoV stainless steel in a bead-blast finish with a Razor-Sharp edge.
Handle Material: G10 bolster with white bone
Blade size: 3.25 inches
Price: $77
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.
Blade length of 3.42 inches and a total length of 7.75. It is lightweight at 4.4 ounces and easy to carry any where 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
Price: $10
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 of use 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 with faster speed than a non-assisted knife. 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 and CRKT are very reliable and trusted brands. They both 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 make 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.
Questions? Contact us here.