Switchblade Or Assisted Opening Knives - How to tell the difference?

Posted by JeffersonJose256 on April 24th, 2019

Automatic knives, which are also known as switchblades, and assisted opening knives are often confused with one another, thanks to the similar looking design and mechanism. If you are not a pro, it would be difficult for you to distinguish between the two. Understanding the difference between these two knives is important because switchblades are difficult to find in most states in America, and the ones that you find are mostly duplicates ripped-off assisted opening knives. You may have bought an item thinking it to be a Germany automatic switchblade flick knife to add to your collection, but actually you have been deceived. To avoid this kind of a situation, this guide has been created, to help you understand the differences between a switchblade and an assisted opening knife. This will let you make an informed decision while you are planning to purchase one of them.

How Switchblades Work

Invented around the 1850s, it was only after 100 years that switchblades started gaining popularity. American entertainment industry has regularly shown many lead characters use switchblades as a defense weapon. In layman language, a switchblade is a knife that features a blade that springs out of the handle when a button is pressed. When the knife is closed, tension from an inner spring is applied on the blade. When fully closed, this tension is separated from the knife with the help of a button. With the press of the button, the tension in the spring gets released, flick opening the blade without much effort.

How Assisted Opening Knives Work

An assisted opening knife, is also known as a spring-assisted knife. It opens up only after the blade is pushed with a mild force. As the user begins opening up the blade with his thumb, the spring bar catches the knife, keeping it intact where it gets perfectly locked.

Difference Between The Two

A good idea to make a distinction between the two knives is to start with the resting position of the blade. If you are able to open the blade without any kind of obstruction, it must be a switchblade. If there is nothing blocking the blade and it stays closed, the knife is an assisted opener.

If you are able to open the blade without actually exerting any effort, that’s a switchblade. An assisted opening knife will require you to put some pressure on the actual blade, before the opening mechanism comes into play. Last but not least, a switchblade has to have a button to trigger the blade. An assisted opening knife will have none.

Keeping these points in mind, now you can buy switchblades from a variety of online stores with assurance and also feel confident of not getting tricked this time around.

Author: The author is a blogger and the article is about switchblades.