There is a lot of buzz going around automatic knives and Switchblades. Even though they seem similar, there are a few differences between a switchblade and an automatic knife. A lot of questions circle these two. Knife enthusiasts ask a lot of questions like:
- Why is one illegal?
- Are the automatic knives legal?
- Is an assisted opening blade different from the switchblade or automatic knife?
- Why is sold at every local knife store while the other is not?
Interestingly, most of the differences refer to laws dating back to more than 50 years.
What Are Switchblades?
A switchblade is a pocket or EDC knife. It is crafted to open with the press of a button. Though the switchblades are sleek and easy to carry, it often finds disputes with the law enforcement authorities. Switchblades immediately shift our thoughts to gags, knife fights, and stabbings. That is why switchblades are considered to be risky.
- The switchblades are generally reserved for law authorities and military personnel.
- Still, they are readily available in most of the markets.
- They might or might not have safety locks.
A fun fact is that Switchblades come in a manual version as well. The manual switchblades have a straight blade with an opening at the front of the knife. The blade is pushed out through a slide on the side of the knife.
What Are Automatic Knives?
Automatic knives are nothing but another name for switchblades. You will also find a variety of springs. With this variety, you have to press a button, and the blade will come out instantly, locking it into its position.
- The spring variant needs the user to press the thumb stud on the blade instead of the handle button.
- When the thumb stud is pressed, a spring or torsion bar holds the knife and pushes it open.
- The blade then gets locked into its place.
Know The Differences Between A Switchblade And An Automatic Knife:
A few of the most significant difference between a switchblade and an automatic knife can be listed as the following:
- Switchblades are illegal in the U.S., while spring-assisted are not.
- A switchblade has constant pressure placed on the blade, while the blade in the other variant is devoid of any pressure from the spring until it is past a certain point.
- In assisted blades, the knife swings open from the side. But, in switchblades, the knife can have a straight projection.
- Switchblades lack a safety quotient. But, spring assisted knives are relatively safe as they need the user to put pressure on the blade to open it.
- Switchblades come with a button that keeps the knife in position. However, there is no additional feature to hold down the knife in spring assisted knives in a closed position.
Check Out The Differences Between A Switchblade And An Automatic Knife:
Despite the difference between a switchblade and an automatic knife, you will find a few similarities linking the two together.
- They both are movable blades.
- Both of them have spring-loaded action to eject the blade.
- They act up swiftly.
- The blade ejection is almost instant.
A brief history of knives:
It will be incomplete to discuss the difference between a switchblade and an automatic knife without taking a brief sneak peek into knives’ history. Even though knives as weapons were widespread during Prehistoric Times, it is not only until recent times that the knives are specifically designed for the dining table. But, they continued to be an essential weapon.
- Knives were first used as a cutlery item almost more than 500 years ago.
- The earliest variant of knives was made of Flint.
- Copper was first used to craft symmetrical double-edged daggers.
- It was much later that metal knives came forth.
- The Bronze Age saw the first single-edged knife more than 4000 years ago.
Find The Best Knives:
Now that you know all the useful difference between a switchblade and an automatic knife, head to Knife Depot. We are a premier destination for you to grab hold of the best knives. We have the most robust knives laid out for fights, hunting, and your survival. We have stacked up on knives from all the leading manufacturers in the market. We dish out affordable options to meet your requirements. Get ready to be fully equipped with the finest tactical knives.
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