Best Assisted Opening Knives in 2023

Assisted opening knives were first developed to be tactical so as to be used by marines and the army because they weighed much less what an ordinary knife did back then. Plus, when folded it was very compact and didn’t take much space in the backpack which was a crucial thing because the extra space could be used for other important things that were required for survival such as food provisions and clean water.

With time, the tactical folding knives became the go-to knives for campers and hikers because they are sharp and multi-functional too. Nowadays, you can find a wide range of the best open assisted knives on the market varying in shape, size, and price.

Top 7 Best Assisted Opening Knife Reviews in 2023

Grand Way Spring Assisted Folding Knife

Grand Way military knife manufacturer has been long known to produce high-quality products for camping, hiking, and other outdoor leisure activities. Moreover, it has a really nice design with a premium quality stainless blade and textured and reinforced ergonomic handle that is anti-slip and will make handling even during rainy weather a breeze.

Plus, the manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty and offers this spring assisted folding knife in two different colored handle options. However, the blade will need to be sharpened and this can potentially cause a problem because it requires a special grade knife sharpener that might not be easy to find as reported by some customers.

MTech USA Spring Assist Folding Knife

A very beautiful tactical knife in neon blue color with full tang stainless steel blade, that has a small section of the serrated blade for tasks that require it. It is very compact when closed and can be carried virtually anywhere with you plus it is available in several bright and beautiful colors. Moreover, it has a nylon-encased handle that is ergonomic and anti-slip hence you can use the knife anywhere and for any purpose including in rainy weather.

Customers have also reported liking the shipping time frames as well as customer support that was said to be very timely and supportive. Furthermore, the manufacturer offers a 60-day warranty hence if anything goes wrong at this time you can always return the MTECH knife without any questions being asked.

Smith & Wesson SWAT Assisted Knives

Smith and Wesson SWAT 7.5 inches is a very sleek and tactical designed knife with an aluminum handle that is ergonomic and comfortable is made from strong and superior stainless steel that makes this knife one of the best on the market of tactical open assisted knives. The blade has been reported to be very durable since it is made out of black oxide while the handle has Trac-Tec inserts.

Moreover, it is quick to open and has a very easy-to-pocket clip as well as a thumb knob. Also, the handle has been ergonomically designed and is very comfortable to use for cutting small firewood or other solid objects that are not hard to cut. Furthermore, it is very convenient to carry thanks to the pocket clips that can be used to attach the knife on the sides or upwards.

Tactical Legion Heavy Duty Folding Knife

This set can make a great gift for your loved ones as it features a durable and hardened knife as well as a nylon sheath for it. However, the knife is not very long but should be just fine for mundane and daily tasks that the outdoor requires.

The nylon sheath has an adjustable hand band that can be used to carry the knife around or you could use it to attach the sheath to your backpack or even belt. Moreover, the sheath is thick enough to protect the blade and the knife is generally from scratches, scuffs, and other damages.

Plus, it can be easily washed in the washing machine whenever it gets soiled Moreover, customers can choose from 3 different sheath colors. However, the knife will need to be sharpened right out of the box but customers did report that once it is sharpened then it stays sharp for quite some time.

Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 Knife

Benchmade knives are considered exceptionally durable and long-lasting ones by outdoor enthusiasts for several reasons. This sleek knife’s design has conquered the hearts of many campers, hikers, and knife collectors. Benchmade Mini Barrage knife’s blade is made out of high-quality 154CM stainless steel.

The medium-sized drop point blade with a satin finish holds its edge exceptionally well. It is also easy to sharpen thanks to the uncomplicated straight edge. The simple but effective blade is contrasted with a very well-balanced, ribbed Valox handle that is comfortable to hold for long periods.

The anti-slip property makes sure the knife is always secure in your grip despite its small side. Benchmade Mini Barrage has a unique locking technology that makes opening and folding very easy, plus its medium size blade makes the knife excellent for various tasks at home as well as in the woods.

TAC Force Assisted Opening Folding Knife

TAC Force Assisted Opening Folding Knives looks sleek and beautiful hence it will make a great gift for knife enthusiasts or outdoor lovers. Moreover, the blade tends to get narrower to the front thus becoming sharper; this makes it perfect for small and precise cuts.

Furthermore, the deployment mechanism has been reported to be quick as well as flawless but will require some oiling from time to time to keep working well. Also, try and avoid keeping the knife wet or in humid conditions because it might start to rust especially where the deployment mechanism is.

The blade itself is forged from black titanium coated stainless steel for added strength and has a bearing lock system that fixes it in place thus making lifting an easy task with this knife. The blade has been reported to be sharp enough to be used straight from the box but will still need regular sharpening if you intend on using it frequently.

Kershaw Scallion Assisted Opening Knives

This Kershaw knife can become a great gift for individuals who enjoy the finer things in life plus it can be a valuable addition to a private knife collection that somebody from your friends or family could have. Moreover, it can only be hand washed with non-abrasive and harsh chemicals consequently being dried with a clean cloth immediately.

To added some hardness and strengthens to the knife, the manufacturer has opted for a blade that is made from stainless steel and cobalt. Furthermore, the blade is completely plain edges thus it is not very shard plus considering that the knife is gold plated sharpening it will destroy the gold layering.

What Length is the Best for Open Assisted Knives?

There is no best length because different individuals will have various needs for the knife. However, I would always advise buying a larger blade than a smaller one. Because this way you can get the benefits from both. Remember, that there are various coatings that manufacturers use to make the blade tougher and this can include titanium, carbon, or other coatings.

However, their primary duty is to take the extra blade vulnerability away but pay attention to the exact coating used because this will determine whether the knife can be sharpened using regular sharpeners or would require a special one.

Plus, you can easily wash carbon-coated blades can easily in the dishwasher. But you cannot do the same with a titanium-coated blade, because it will chip off when it comes in contact with high temperatures. Hence, do not use titanium-coated blades to cut hot meats that just came out of the fireplace or use them to cut anything else that is hot.

The Process of Choosing the Best Assisted Opening Knife

One of the best choices for yourself is being with a knife anytime you are going into the woods. You don’t know when disaster might strike, and you have to be ready. For EDC enthusiasts, you understand that aside from having portable flashlights and other tools, you need an assisted opening knife for various reasons. If you don’t know the best assisted opening knife to buy, you can decide the factors below.

Design of the Blade

There are several designs meant for various purposes. If you are an individual who is used to emergencies, you would prefer a model that comes with a curved blade. The blade is placed beneath the seat belts, and it allows you to cut straps and save whoever is in distress.

For hunters or those who need one for self-defense, you need a blade with a bloodline. The bloodline helps to prevent the blade from disrupting the blood flow, so the assailant or animal bleeds out. You can also opt for shorter blades to make your camping tasks easier.

Lightweight Materials

When you carry your assisted opening knife, you don’t want something that would weigh you down. What some people want is a knife that would make them forget they are carrying anything. Hence, it is advised to get something convenient that can easily fit into your pocket. It is ideal to opt for blades made with lightweight materials like carbon alloys and stainless steel.

Durability

The last thing anyone wants is to avoid purchasing a knife that would not last for a long time. To avoid this, it is best to purchase from a top manufacturer. Also, you need to take some proactive steps to keep the blade razor-sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Does an Assisted Opening Knife Work?

A: Just like it sounds, this knife has a mechanism that “assists” the user to open the blade. There’s usually a lever, a stud, or a notch that you use to tug out the blade partway, and then the assisted mechanism works to open the blade the rest of the way.

Q: Are Assisted Opening Knives Legal?

A: Yes, they are. Assisted opening knives are different from gravity knives and switchblades since you have to open the blade at least partially yourself. However, you should check out your state’s laws to figure out the rest of the technicalities of carrying an assisted opening knife.

Conclusion

This guide should have guided you to buying the best-assisted opening knives at a fair price with great features. Such as a carbon-coated blade for added durability and a Cordura sheath for storage purposes.

Moreover, keep in mind that regardless of the purpose that you are buying the knife for you need to look at its construction to determine how long it is going to last and whether the blade can be bent especially at the tip. Lastly, look at the handle and opt for one that is easy to hold and will not sleep away when your hands are wet.