While looking for a knife in a co workers desk to open a package, I picked up a little knife. It sprang open when I pushed the lock button! Excellent! I want one. So I looked it up and found this little knife costs almost $200!! Then I looked up “auto-knives” and found them ranging from $11 USD to $3200!!
Where to buy a small auto-knife (about 5” OAL) without paying $200? Any recommendations?
I think that you’re looking for a small “auto-assisted” knife. If so, maybe look at the Kershaw Chive, which is reasonably priced. Or maybe something like the CRKT Koji Hara:
http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-CRKT-Koji-Ichi/dp/B00H5MFECA
An auto opening knife is a federal offense, treated like a silencer or machine gun. Cops can have em, civilians...it's a no no!
Ah, in USA too?
So, you can go out with guns in your pocket, but not with an automatic (little) knife…???
Well, here in Italy is much worse; if cops discover you with an innocent Victorinox, you have 80% of possibility to be denounced, then the process etc etc :~
I wouldn’t go that far. It really depends on how liberal your state is cough cough I mean whether or not you’re state allows you to have a freaking spring connected to a knife. Having a $75 weapon lisence opens up a lot of doors so to speak.
http://weaponlaws.wikidot.com/us-switchblade-laws
I have an “assisted open” SOG blade that I love. Legal in all 50. Doesnt open on its own, but with just a small flick it opens right up. Even comes with a safety…
http://www.sogknives.com/tactical/knives/flash-ii-partially-serrated-black-tini.html
The OP mentioned “in a co workers desk”, so I kind of assumed non-carry situation? Perhaps he/she can clarify (I don’t know if that makes a difference?).
I see lots of auto and OTF knives on Amazon that ship to my zip code, but a quick search didn’t yield any machine guns or silencers— at least not real ones. I’ve carried Balisongs, autos and assisted knives for more than a couple decades with no ill effects. While at some point I stopped considering knives self defense tools, I still carry some Kershaws that would probably get me hassled by the man if I was the type of person to get hassled by the man, which I’m not. As an older white guy with short hair and a butch mustache, people tell me I look like a cop, so I’m more likely to be mistaken for one than hassled by one. And obviously I treat everyone with respect and don’t do anything stupid, so I doubt many people notice a knife-wielding pacifist. Your mileage may vary. 
I'll ask my cop neighbor, see what he has to say about it.
I got an automatic FROM a cop years ago. Gave it away as I didn't feel the risk was worth it. In most instances the Spydie hole in the blade makes deployment just as fast if not faster and with today's flippers an automatic is kind of a mute point.
The law is the law though. Here in TX, wire cutters on pliers on your person or in your vehicle is technically against the law from days of old, but of course not enforced. Istemming from range wars where fences were being cut) A Bowie is an illegal weapon, as is a blade that is sharpened on both sides.
Just saying that it's worth studying what the laws are so an educated choice can be made.
BladeHQ has the Randall King Knives Micro Stryker for $119.95. Since the blade is a tad under two inches, it is California legal. Don’t know the laws in your state. You can check the laws online.
Not so anymore...at least in the state of TEXAS
Governor Perry Signs Bill to Legalize Switchblades
UPDATE (June 14, 2013) – Thank you Governor Rick Perry for signing HB 1862. Effective September 1, 2013, it is no longer illegal to possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell switchblades in the state of Texas.
My co-worker/friend doesn’t carry the knife. I am confused about the legality as it is listed as CA legal. It is a little one, 2” blade. I would not carry it either. I have a CC Permit, usually EDC a Seecamp (Not much bigger!)
Thanks Yourrid for posting the link “Weapons laws for dummies” Now I understand. In CT I can buy the knife, but cant carry it. So keeping in desk to use as a toy is permissable. $120 is better than $200. Any suggestions for an auto knife at a budget price. I have been using a Gerber spring asisted knife for jobs like opening mail, but really liked the snap of the little auto knife! (Its not easy having fun at my age)
I stumbled on these recently. Colonial switch blades
Can’t comment on the legality for your location. Definitely less than $100 and seem to be USA made with a good warranty. Perhaps they can tell you the legal carry specifics? I think the under 2” blade makes them legal in many places.
Not a lawyer, consult one first.
Texas just switched it up in 2013, auto’s are now fully legal to own / carry / buy&sell down there!
In most states auto’s are legal to own but carry laws vary quite a bit (from none at all to some restrictions to fully restricted) the only federal law is that they cant be shipped over state lines, you must buy them from a dealer in your state.
Autos are legal in Texas since Sept. 1 2013. As long as it is not a Stiletto, long thin blade that comes to a center line point.
My EDC: http://www.bladehq.com/item—Black-Lightning-DA-OTF-Black—13117
So would the Boker Kalashnikov dagger shape blade be legal in Texas? Probably so, since only one side of the blade is sharpened. By the way, I think the Boker Kalashnikov S74 is the best bang for buck auto there is. For $36.00 to $39.00 at a lot of web sites, that’s a lot of SWEET! If you want smaller, check out the Mini Kalashnikov S73.
In other states where autos aren’t legal, take the blade spring out. You will still have a super nice button lock folding knife. I like the plunger style blade lock of the kalashnikov’s, seems real safe to me!
That Boker looks great for the money! But I really want a budget auto with a 2” blade like the mini stryker.
I did not know about the change. I'll still talk to my neighbor and see how they're interpreting that, I know a lot of things are up to the perception of the officer that's dealing with the issue and this can be both a positive and a negative...the individuals take on things is always subjective.
Nice to know that they law is progressive though, at least in some things.
hah, automatic (ain’t got no time for dat) that knife you sent me…with a tiny flick of the wrist it whips open with an audible KERCHUNK…hehe