Would You Carry a Switchblade? We Rank the Best EDC Options

Рет қаралды 105,971

Күн бұрын

Does an automatic knife make for a good EDC? Check out some great options here: kcoti.com/3J4M5nA
Vote for what knife you think David will chose in the poll on our community tab: / @knifecenter
If your jurisdiction allows, there are a few things to look for in a switchblade you plan to make your everyday carry. From blade shape to handle ergonomics, there’s plenty to consider when choosing the right out-the-front or side-opening automatic for you.
Want to know which knife David picked? Check out KniFAQ #90: • KnifeCenter FAQ #90: K...
Featured Knives
0:00 David wants to buy an automatic EDC
3:58 Kershaw Launch: kcoti.com/3Bj57EP
4:51 Microtech Exocet: kcoti.com/3PQm39E
5:20 Buck 112 Elite Auto: kcoti.com/3PROe8j
6:25 Pro-Tech TR-3: kcoti.com/3b4mpL4
7:14 Hogue Ballista: kcoti.com/3oBU1TD
8:17 Boker Karakurt: kcoti.com/3zzYQmI
9:53 Benchmade Claymore Auto: kcoti.com/3vfTs5W
10:58 Benchmade CLA: kcoti.com/3JdEYJt
11:50 Heretic Medusa: kcoti.com/3PA5GhH
13:12 SOG-TAC AU: kcoti.com/3PDcEm6
15:34 Microtech Ultratech: kcoti.com/3b57P6f
17:09 Heretic Manticore S: kcoti.com/3RXimB7
17:37 Hogue Exploit: kcoti.com/3S1Iuux
17:57 Hogue Compound: kcoti.com/3z7R2Ye
18:59 Guardian Tactical RECON-035: kcoti.com/3PBGEim
20:15 The Final Four
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Пікірлер: 567

@arrowheadguys7637 2 жыл бұрын

This is the video I've been waiting for! Not the automatics, but more of an impromptu rummaging through the warehouse for knives kind of thing. Even though it was obviously planned out the feel of randomness was excellent. I'm guessing the Hogue. Side-opening autos get old fast. Gotta have an OTF.

@excat 2 жыл бұрын

The answer is easy. All 4. There's 7 days in a week. 4 for auto - 1 for fixed - 2 for flippers/traditional, and if you carry a backup, that's 14 opportunities a week to mix it up!

@Tzodie 2 жыл бұрын

Well, this was pretty much an amazing video, and a great change of pace. Would love to see a prep video where you go through the knife choosing process when presented with questions and even new knives of the week.

@xmcerer Жыл бұрын

Knifecenter, just want to say thanks for educating me on Knives, I love your videos and look forward to them. Unlike some other KZfaqrs who post about Knives, you get straight to the point and are simple to understand. Thank you!

@DylanLey 2 жыл бұрын

Would love to see more of this type of video! I personally would go with the CLA!

@heavychevy4616 2 жыл бұрын

im just starting the video, but for myself, i recently purchased a gerber propel auto from u guys as a daily carry, to replace a crkt m16 (retiring the crkt for sentimental reasons as my late father gave it to me & hes gone now so im puttin it up) & i absolutly love the new gerber, & i love the safety feature of locking the blade closed, i didnt know i wanted that feature, but now i cant live without it... & the grip of that g10! ...this thing will never slip outta ur hands... i will admit, im a long time gerber fan, & they naile this one! thanx guys

@giu-gana 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this! Kinda reminds me of an extended version of the OG versus series. Keep it up DCA!

@Dan-ko9hn 2 жыл бұрын

I love the field trip to the warehouse! This was a treat, thank you! Also LOOK AT ALL THOSE KNIVES!!!

@jerrypomroy2375 2 жыл бұрын

I think this would be a good Segway into a new running segment. “What would DCA choose?” This was fun and similar to something I asked for a few KniFAQs back (Having DCA, Seth & even Thomas present 3 knives of their fav choices for a specific reason). Thanks, this was fun. I voted the SOG because I tend to think side opening Autos are more practical for EDC AND David now has a little one running around and that mechanism seems very small childproof. But I would choose the Hogue personally for myself. I don’t have an OTF.

@FoxMacLeod2501 2 жыл бұрын

I like this idea. Also, "Segway" is the weird scooter, and "segue" is the word for conversational transition.

@imaginewhirledpeas6696 2 жыл бұрын

believe it or not OTF knives ,for the most part,have a rather "stiff" opening mechanism..depends on the knife.

@jerrypomroy2375 2 жыл бұрын

@@FoxMacLeod2501 thanks, I just let auto spell do its thing…lol.

@FoxMacLeod2501 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed getting to follow David around during knife selection!

@pretentiousname01 2 жыл бұрын

This behind the scenes change up to the formula is really neat. Its fun to see how the sausage is made

@lenneavy 2 жыл бұрын

Oh that's great idea for the vid series and I hope this is also an awesome warmup for the fixies.

@stevendunnuck 2 жыл бұрын

Cool seeing you grab the knives and see the behind the scenes knife center . Liked it!

@kevinschlub5872 2 жыл бұрын

First off, congrats for getting moved in, a very major life event that I hope I never have to go through again, ever! As for the pick, I’ll keep it short and sweet. I love my black/black CLA, best knife I’ve ever owned, and I’ve had a few in my almost 70 years on this strange planet. Stay well.

@fredminpin Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video as always. Also possibly tempted to add another one of these to the collection. I'll have to peruse the site pages for options. Love the smooth and snappy autos

@wtrlaw 2 жыл бұрын

Its a thrill to see the inside of the Knife Center.

@glenngoins3100 2 жыл бұрын

I love the automatics. This is really a great video! Thanks!! And do more of them like this!

@woodentulike2no 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the shopping adventure! Should do that more often. Just caused me to make a purchase!😊

@Techsupportguy111 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks David, just bought the Kershaw Launch. Already have 5 knives getting delivered this week, was trying to let the card cool off. Knew I shouldn't have watched this video lol. Thanks for the great content keep it up!!!

@j.hardesty446 2 жыл бұрын

Slow down 😂 it's a marathon not a sprint 🤪😅

@bradleychilders811 Жыл бұрын

Best review I have seen in a long while!

@phantom6knight 2 жыл бұрын

This was great to see the inner working of your knife buying mindset! And I loved the sneak peak of KnifeCenter HQ! I’d rock the SOG + Guardian Tactical.

@tipandachris7814 2 жыл бұрын

Love this video. Love seeing how you narrow down choosing a blade. I always wonder what kind of folders you like and what you look for. I think ergos, open/close experience, and blade shape/stock really do matter possibly the most. Awesome, buy more knives please DCA. Thanks

@poncho151 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve wondered for years why 154cm and aluminum had settled in as the standard for side opening autos. That said, it’s nice to see more options in steel over the last couple years from brands like Protech. Also I appreciate Benchmade going with the more lightweight handle options although the price doesn’t exactly reflect it with something like the shootout.

@user-kn6my6yv2t Ай бұрын

Fun video, My everyday carry is an Emerson with the hook. One handed opens upon deployment, no button to play with or spring to wear out. Just love it , try it you’ll like it.

@cab927 2 жыл бұрын

That CLA is beautiful I've never seen that before.

@JustGorilla 2 жыл бұрын

Also a VA resident, I had the same decision to make. I went with the Ballista. It’s pretty good. Now it’s time for an OTF.

@TheHiplainsdrifter 2 жыл бұрын

This is great! Thank you!

@LadyPictureShow72 Жыл бұрын

Had a cla 4300, I bought on impulse after handling it for the first time. Loved it. Carried it every day, everywhere. So light, quick, smooth, and comfortable that I completely forgot about her when I was in line at the airport security line. Panicked and got out of line to ask a security guard what to do. He replied, "Do you want to catch your flight? Give it here." That's been about 6 months ago. I'm tempted by the godson, but I'm sure on the CLA.

@caseyparker6375 Жыл бұрын

I believe I would choose the SOG-Terminus AU. I really like cross-bar locks and the fact that it's an auto is an added bonus.

@M1911jln 2 жыл бұрын

I would go with the Benchmade CLA. I just like the lines of the knife overall and the appearance of the scales.

@williampowelliii956 2 жыл бұрын

⁹

@knifedaddy5791 2 жыл бұрын

What no mediator?

@jessec11 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I have the Boker Karakurt made by Hogue, so it's USA made, and its awesome. It's small enough not to scare anyone but the the handle and ergos are amazing. Can't ever go wrong with Vox.

@ericsimon1630 2 жыл бұрын

I vote for the Benchmade CLA- mainly because I bought one from you last year, and it is easy to carry (thin and light), great blade shape, and has held an edge well.

@bennyc409 2 жыл бұрын

Great video guys! Love this format. Next up should be what would Thomas and what would Seth choose for some other purposes. As for the knife choice, the Hogue seems like the winner of the OTF category. And the Benchmade for the side opening.

@moleb6341 2 жыл бұрын

I'd get the Hogue Compound. Hogues are ground to perfection, have good ergos, and I must admit I'm a sucker for their clip point! Unfortunately, autos are completely illegal here in Germany (but a man can dream...).

@ramonvelasquez8431 10 ай бұрын

All of those knives are definitely cool and worthy enough of carrying. In personal opinion I think the Hogue Compound and the SOG TAC are both excellent choices for each opening type correspondingly.

@anthonym6078 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, i was the 420th like lol. Another great video, DCA and Knifecenter have def found the perfect recipe. Keep the great videos coming. As a side note, I’ve been getting into carrying OTFs as one of my EDCs so this is literally perfect timing.

@paulthelefty 2 жыл бұрын

If you’re gonna go auto, go full monte and get an OTF! 😎

@johnboyd7158 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Im going with the Benchmade CLA. Mostly I am gonna guess that DCA may tend towards a side opening for EDC. This was fun!

@henrychua7451 2 жыл бұрын

I'd call the last two: CLA and compound. Between those, it's a toss up.

@JakeSmith-ps4vr 2 жыл бұрын

Sog. You were gushing over it. And an awesome price point;)

@Barry-Sweaty 2 жыл бұрын

I love the DCA moving Saga. So dang thrilling.

@Molonlabe07 2 жыл бұрын

I have a compound and a 035. Iove them both but the action on the recon is what edges it out, it's so smooth.

@abc456f Жыл бұрын

Have a recon 040 and don't think I'll be buying another Microtech otf. The recon is so easy to deploy/retract.

@charlesdudek7713 2 жыл бұрын

I think DCA will go with the Benchmade CLA. To me it looks like the nicest of the final 4.

@benm1324 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a nice way to buy a knife, you got to try them all and compare them side by side. All I can do is select from a screen after watching several reviews on them on KZfaq

@sal1964 2 жыл бұрын

Great video o enjoy it 👍

@joshuawhite8631 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a fan of VA's knife laws. I carry the Gerber Auto 06 tanto, not a fan of tanto blades but it was a gift. S30V and its a fun fidget knife. Also not too heavy. On another note, never realized you were in VA. Great video!

@Bigdaddyslasher 2 жыл бұрын

I have for years because I live in Texas and we can open carry everything including swords.

@jeremynedrow7003 2 жыл бұрын

I would go with the Houge.

@vaughnmoore4950 2 жыл бұрын

Double edge dagger otf’s are great with serrated on one side and reg grind on the other ,a lot of utility.

@somecatchyphrase3341 2 жыл бұрын

I liked this format. DCA, Thomas, and Seth should buy more knives from a category for personal use and tell us why. It was educational to listen to DCA work through his reasoning.

@matthewp-ton3616 Жыл бұрын

surprised there wasn't mention of the Benchmade Phaeton. It's a single edge OTF. A colleague of mine uses one as a EDC and loves it. Only drawback for OTF is everyone around wants to take the knife from you and play with it endlessly.

@wisesage3289 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video style. Liked hearing a bit about your choice points. Plus I love autos. With the Pro-tech out, Hogue for the win.

@sverresteinsland5582 2 жыл бұрын

TR-3 all the way, nothing else on the table comes close imo. Mega bonus with magnacut too! Because, novelty factor.

@SamsungGalaxy-bx9jc 2 жыл бұрын

Benchmade CLA……….blade shape, blade size, geometry, cool handles, excellent action…..overall awesome Would be better if the blade steel was different and/or upgraded options.

@RichardSimpson25 2 жыл бұрын

Guardian Tactical had impressed me. All four you narrowed it down to are super solid choices. (Guardian Tactical is my guess)

@lionelangles5227 2 жыл бұрын

SOG. DCA likes the smoothness of the closing, and the drop point blade. That’s my guess.

@PoetFisherman 2 жыл бұрын

Good picks. My favorite side open auto in my collection: Spyderco Autonomy 2.

@N3wbMa5t3r 2 жыл бұрын

You like the button on that thing? It's massive. 😂

@PoetFisherman 2 жыл бұрын

@@N3wbMa5t3r I do.

@treyh0079 2 жыл бұрын

Go with the Hogue Compound, a truly underrated OTF!

@rjw7227 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@ryanmadison2894 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely need one of each type. The Benchmade and the Hogue are the winners in their respective categories.

@scottjones9307 2 жыл бұрын

One you did not put on here was the Buck Paradigm. That is one of my autos I enjoy. It is unique with the bolster deployment.

@ordinaryaverageguy3233 2 жыл бұрын

I’m digging that SOG. Might have to pick one up. Also the only side opener that was fully ambi for the Molly dookers.

@disturbedlife5691 8 ай бұрын

My go-to autos to edc are my auto Bedlam, Microtech Combat Troodon Bowie, Protech Godfather lefty, and my Ultratech with fitzedc tritium titanium button and Reese Wieland Interceptor blade. I have a rare 8-14 DLC Makora 2 in Elmax but that took 7 years to find and cost $1,000, so its only carried on special occasions

@kevinstryker6440 2 жыл бұрын

Go for the Claymore! If I had the money I would get one of those in a heartbeat.

@Ice_Berg 2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately in my state all autos are illegal to own, so carry one is not something I'm willing to do. I still have a few that I just keep at home to mess around with (shhh, don't tell anyone), but they're all pretty cheap because I have a hard time justifying getting a nice one when I wouldn't ever feel comfortable carrying it. If they're ever legalized here the first I'd want to get is probably a Guardian Tactical, I've heard a lot of fantastic things about the quality and the action on those. Even if they're never legalized: I love the look of the Hogue Ballista, I really hope they come out with a manual version.

@daveshikingandbiking8274 2 жыл бұрын

I have the Benchmade CLA and love it!! I think you're going with the Hogue Ballista.

@the_realist_John_Doe 2 жыл бұрын

I EDC a Microtech Ultratech. I still carry a Multitool which I use for utility use. If I'm expecting to do rough/harder work that day I might toss a more stout, hard-use knife in my pocket sometimes.

@LarryGanz 2 жыл бұрын

I already have the SOG, CLA, and 035, and the Hogue Compound is on my wish list, LOL. But, what's in my pocket right now is the Benchmade Shootout. The 035 is my second favorite.

@jonhughes2488 2 жыл бұрын

Hello DCA, top two contenders: Side opener - Benchmade CLA, OTF - Hogue Compound. Ant the Winner is Hoque Compound because OTF and blade quality

@jasonchatham4170 2 жыл бұрын

I EDC the Compound. It’s awesome.

@generalesdeath8180 Жыл бұрын

Obviously already chosen but if you're going side open auto gotta go with the TR-3 in magnacut! Since you eliminated that I have a SOG TAC-XR standard open and I love it. For the OTF you can't argue with the Guardian 035

@priority2 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on completing the MOVE DCA👍

@rubencortez9198 2 жыл бұрын

Go for the Benchmade CLA.

@JohnnySlapp 2 жыл бұрын

just bought a micro tech 85 from u guys yesterday.

@operibuscredite6164 2 жыл бұрын

There is really no other way out. DCA needs a Knife Center exclusive version of the Sog-Tac AU, with a stonewashed blade made of 14C28N and orange colored screws, lock bar and pocket clip. And i'll take one too! 😁 Oh, and a Becker BK16 in the same style!!!😍😍😍

@ScottSmith-lx5xb 2 жыл бұрын

FYI, Benchmade makes a small folding automatic knife. The mini reflex model is my favorite easy to carry quality auto. If you can get by with a 3.3" blade & trim size aluminum handle this is a good choice overall

@alienlizard855 2 жыл бұрын

this warehouse looks like heaven

@safromnc8616 2 жыл бұрын

I carry a Daggerr Koschei Slim fairly regularly and my daughter, who is in college, carries a smaller Launch w/her all the time.

@Dropkicksouthy 2 жыл бұрын

CLA it never gets the love it deserves. I love mine and was my first Benchmade.

@anthonyb5345 2 жыл бұрын

Great video DCA. Must be awesome to have the ability to feel them all out. As for which, we know you just moved and had a baby! (congrats on both btw). The SOG is the cheapest and checks all the boxes. grab that one!

@govic55 2 ай бұрын

The Launch 1 and the Boker Karakurt are two knives that I've purchased twice.

@fidhammer 2 жыл бұрын

That Benchmade is beautiful. The Guardian is really nice too

@marcusinfestus1333 2 жыл бұрын

I love a good auto knife; I just haven't had the urge since I discovered the Emerson "wave" feature and similarly designed knives.

@informedcitizen8687 2 жыл бұрын

The SOG Tac Au is probably the best value. The thin profile and ease of opening and closing make it a winner as an edc knife in my opinion.

@jager-fett 2 жыл бұрын

Benchmade is my vote. Mostly because its not black and you seemed to keep looking at it. I was too, haha!

@unfi6798 2 жыл бұрын

Hi DCA & Thomas. Firstly congrats on finally moved into your new pad. How about doing a New Pad vid showing off what the other half did to the house while you in between showing off your best favourite personal collection. Don't forget the full tang pls! As for the knives, reckon you will get the Hogue Compound after deliberating on the GT Recon 35. Also we think Thomas would pick the Heretic Medusa "Drop-To" knife. Great show...you teaser!! Greetings from Australia. Cowabunga.!

@Matthew-wn8oq Жыл бұрын

The Launch 13 is awesome!

@srsatlaf4730 2 жыл бұрын

Benchmade CLA. I have one and like it very much.

@chopperh4090 2 жыл бұрын

Love this video but sadly I can’t get autos where I live. Can you do similar video for a fixed blade edc and maybe a fixed camping?

@GOxHAM 2 жыл бұрын

Drop-to blade LMAO 🤣 My vote goes towards the Benchmade CLA. It seems to check all the boxes and is well made. It was really fun hearing you go over each knife via your on personal tastes.

@charlessalmond7076 2 жыл бұрын

Carried a Benchmade Mini Reflex for three years daily. Great knife.

@charlessalmond7076 2 жыл бұрын

I own the CLA. It resides in my safe now, after a few months of carry. Its a great knife but, I can't carry a auto at work. There legal in Georgia but, I do residential remodeling, I'm in peoples homes. Pulling out a auto to open a box can unfortunately make some people uncomfortable.

@knate44 2 жыл бұрын

So I don't live in a place where it is legal to own/carry, but if I could I'd love a mini Troodon, an exocet, or an automatic Protect-Boker Kwaiken are my top 3 picks. The lines on that button fired kwaiken in particular are just *chef's kiss*

@johnnyd667 2 жыл бұрын

Big fan of the SOG TAC-AU. The smaller version is an awesome EDC.

@levipankey 2 жыл бұрын

Hey from Kentucky, didn’t know you were so close

@Pharto_Stinkus 2 жыл бұрын

The Micro-Tech Utratech is THE first OTF. You have to own and use one, so that you have a basis of comparison for all the other auto's you look at in your life.

@abc456f Жыл бұрын

I got an ultratech a few years back and was happy with it. That was until I got my Guardian Tactical recon 040. The deployment and retraction is so much easier and smoother.

@AI_For_Realtors 2 жыл бұрын

I have a question for your next video. What is the best steel in terms of sharpness? I really enjoy having a scary sharp knife and don’t mind if I have to strop it all the time. Ps the cheaper the better. Congratulations on the new house 👍