Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Looking for 3" assisted open pocket knife recommendation

Not Kershaw
Now that that is out of the way.

I never leave home without a knife in my pocket. Have been carrying Kershaw for years. Switched to a Leek several years ago but have had issues with springs breaking, and with screws falling out. They backordered the last screws I requested months ago and still haven't sent them. Time to change brands.

I don't abuse a knife but I use it a lot. I'll spend $80 or maybe $90 but not interested in spending more. So don't even go there. Think I'm cheap, move along. No offense but you do you.

Somebody makes a quality dependable knife at a reasonable price. I'd even be fine with a thumb stud on the blade to open it with.

Looking for a thin comfortable to carry knife 3 inch blade is plenty, no serrations. Not thick and heavy and doesn't need to look like a T Rex. Doesn't need to glow in the dark. Just a fricken pocket knife.

Thanks in advance

Why assisted?
Cool feature, but carrying in the pocket terrifies me.

I always have a knife, usally a inexpensive one as I torture them and use it for everything, has to be thin, but heavy enough to pry with. And a reliable lock, if the lock isn't fool proof, better off without a lock.

Usally keep them until the blade is ridiculously short

Buck LT 110 or Buck 110 Slim Select if you desire
a pocket clip

I still have the 110 brass and wood that my dad gave me for Christmas in 76. It has a million miles on it. Too big and heavy for pocket carry but it still goes deer hunting with me every year. The slim might just fit the bill, thanks!

Cold Steel Air Lite is another that rates consideration.

Spyderco delica is my thin daily for 30 years now. It makes a great ID/ Money clip if you don't clip it to your pocket.

No assisted open so nothing wears out.

I prefer a blade hole in the blade over studs. I tried a ontario Rat 2 D2 with a thumb stud and had a key catch the stud and partially opening and cutting me when I reached in my pocket. its retired and I won't even give it away.

Good luck on your search.

Assisted is nice because it's 1 handed opening. You know like when you have someone by the throat (kidding). Always seem to need it when the other hand is occupied. Pretty handy!

I agree one handed is handy, I have found a thumb hole in the blade gets the job done.

Almost as fast as a assisted. For those encounters with a- holes... grins

Does your state allow full auto? One handed opening is nice but it is better if you also have one handed closing. I carry a smaller OTF clipped to my front pocket and I can grab it, open it, then close it and put it back without ever letting go of what I am holding. Very handy.

There are some flippers with easy one hand closing too.

I don't think we have any knife restrictions here, other than age

I can open and close my pocketknife with one hand easily.

I always remove the pocket clip as I end up losing stuff thats clipped on.

I have to reach in my pocket to access it.

Not a big deal, however I am not 75 pounds overweight either!

I know you are unhappy with them, but I must have 4-5 assisted Kershaws. If one crapped out, I'd probably just swap to another. For $30-40 or so, they are hard to beat.

This one has held up really well for me over the last 2-3 years. Wouldn't have been my pick, but somebody is generally going to give me a Kershaw every Christmas. Now I have come to really like the thing. Light, but sturdy and big enough to be useful.

Kershaw 1835 at Amazon

I've had a few Kershaw knives, I thought they were pretty well made.

The back locks were not reliable, a few times they folded up while using, that was not fun. I do recall one time there was lint in the lock, cant blame the knife for that, just the design and maybe operator error.

OP, what do you have against Kershaw knives?

I think I have just become a grouchy old man. To me, pocket knife maintenance should include cleaning, sharpening and a drop of oil.

Not replacing broken parts or missing screws. Been waiting months for a missing screw that was backordered. I'll never see it if I don't contact them again because they failed to follow through. I expect "failure to follow through" at McDonalds.

Mine's a Hubertus, quality German steel and workmanship.

This Pro-Tech flipper in Magnacut steel is sturdy enough and is a high quality knife. It's more than $90 bucks though, but then I'd say it was well worth it.

Yes
I contacted Benchmade not quite a year ago
about a part, and other than the acknowledgement
of the inquiry, I haven't heard doodley scoot
from them. I won't be spending any money
with them anytime soon

HaHa
I forgot to mention the Buck 286 as an option.
It's more of a tacticool-ly profile than the 110
style and variations that I usually prefer for
myself.
Polymer handle, clip, thumb studs, lanyard
hole, artsy grip profile, etc.
I've had a couple of these and they're good
affordable knives. I've given a couple of them
away to family, and have this one worn out
one left from years of daily carry and abuse
Good Luck

I'm really fond of the Hogue Deka. Not assisted opening, but one handed opening with thumb studs and I can close with one hand. They come in several blade and handle options. I picked up one of the new ones with magnacut steel and cheap plastic handles recently for $114 then upgraded the handles. I"m still under $200.

They use the Benchmade locking system and quality is every bit as good as Benchmade. I think better. But about $100 less than a comparable Benchmade.

https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Hogue-Deka--3702

Nice looking knives, USA "based", I always liked but never owned a Spyderco.
USA made, as is Kershaw I believe

Some Spydies are USA made and some are Pacific Rim manufactured. Interestingly enough, the highest end Spyderco knives are built overseas. I really like the markings on the Para 2 knives, "Golden Colorado, USA, Earth" gives me a giggle. BTW, The Paramiitary 2 is a fantastic knife.