Are You Ready For A Switchblade?

Why Do I Need A Switchblade

As a knife collector your collection will never be complete unless you have a switch blade. Ever since soldiers brought home Italian stilettos after W.W.II, switchblades have continued to be popular with American knife enthusiasts. These automatic knives have come a long way from the original Italian stilettos and can be found in many styles including tactical and workhorse. A switchblade knife gives you a blade that is literally ready at just the push of a button. No delay in opening. Just ready for action. Are you ready to find your switchblade?

What Is A Switchblade?

A switchblade, also known as an automatic knife, is deployed with a push button or slide button that releases the blade at warp speed. The blade’s normal position is open, so, it is actually being held closed by a locking mechanism that is released when the button is pressed or slid forward. Basically, the blade is held under tension, which is why it shoots out so rapidly. The difference between an automatic opening knife and a spring assisted opening knife is that the spring assisted blade’s natural position is closed and it’s deployed with either a flipper or thumbstud. Since it's not being held under tension, more effort is required to deploy the blade. It’s easier than a complete manual opening knife but it’s still not as effortless as a switchblade. Although, an automatic opening blade can also be deployed from the side of the handle like other pocket knives, the switchblade knife that most folks are familiar with is the out-the-front (OTF) model.

What Is An OTF Knife?

An OTF knife is any knife where the blade extends straight from the handle. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the knife is a switchblade. OTF knives can be spring assisted, manual slide opening and, the not so common anymore, gravity knives, which drop open out of the handle when a trigger releases the blade. The most iconic switchblades and the ones that are most recognizable as switchblades are the OTF stilettos that are seen in movies and television.

Some OTF Options

Here are some of my favorite OTF switchblades and a couple that have become favorites across the market. I have included both traditional stilettos and modern tactical models.

Italian Pearl Stiletto Knife

In the 1950s, models of OTFs like the Italian Pearl Stiletto Knife were made notorious by youth gangs, leading to New York being the first to ban them. This notoriety is why the switchblade stiletto is the most recognizable automatic in the world. The Italian Pearl Stiletto, that I’m including here, is pretty impressive at an overall length of 11” from tip to end bolster. The mirror-polished, stainless steel blade is razor-sharp and has a penetrating point. The faux pearl handle scales feature a slide trigger that snaps the blade out when it’s pushed forward and retracts the blade when it’s pulled back. The stiletto knife comes with a nylon belt sheath for carry.

Wooden Stiletto Knife

Similar to the Italian Pearl Stiletto above, the Wooden Stiletto Knife is just a little smaller and less flashy. The stainless steel blade rockets out of the front of the handle and retracts with the same slide trigger mechanism. This stiletto, however, has a rich brown wooden handle that gives it an earthy look, perfect for everyday carry. It is 5”, when closed, making it a great fit for your pocket.

M48 Camo Automatic OTF Knife

Built to take into battle, the M48 Camo Automatic OTF opens lightning fast when you need it most. It has a stainless steel tanto blade that's razor-sharp and shoots out-the-front of a tough, TPU handle that's been custom Cerakoted in the USA by a custom Cerakote applicator. The grippy handle also features a pocket clip and a glassbreaker.

Viper-Tec Ghost Series Carbon Fiber OTF

The Viper-Tec Ghost Series Carbon Fiber OTF is a full-size switchblade without the extra bulk. The lightweight, carbon fiber handle is sleek and slim-lined, and it features a glass-breaker pommel and a pocket clip. The hand-sharpened, double-edged blade is premium stainless steel and features weight-reducing thru-holes. The deployment button is placed on the side of the handle, allowing for ambidextrous opening right out of the pocket.

Other Options

Like I said above, switchblades can also deploy from the side like other pocket knives. I have selected a variety of these models, which are modern tactical and workhorse switchblades.

Gerber Propel Automatic

Durable, fast to deploy and rugged. All the things you can expect from a Gerber pocket knife. The Propel Automatic is specifically designed to perform in the most demanding and unpredictable environments. With the input of military and law enforcement personnel, the Propel is an automatic opening workhorse with a 420HC steel, partially serrated tanto blade that will cut through anything. A black oxide coating adds corrosion-resistance and low-reflectivity to the blade. The handle is a tough G10 that’s heavily textured for a secure, slip-free grip and there’s a safety switch to lock the blade in place once the push button releases it. The tactical switchblade also has an adjustable, three-position pocket clip.

Pakkawood Automatic Knife

If you're looking for a great, all-around everyday carry, the Pakkawood Automatic Knife is the one! With just a push of the swivel bolster, the sharp, 5Cr13 stainless steel clip point blade is immediately ready to work. The smooth pakkawood and stainless steel handle sits comfortably in your hand so that it's easy to work with. Carry this Pakkawood Automatic Knife EDC in the included belt pouch.

Benchmade Composite Lite Automatic

When you’re looking for a switchblade that won’t add much weight to your gear, the Benchmade Composite Lite Automatic is your go-to knife. The all-purpose, mid-sized switchblade is incredibly lightweight due to its composite G10 handle. It has a 154CM steel, drop-point blade that has a 58-61HRC that can be deployed with the enlarged actuation button. There is also a safety lock to keep the blade in place when it’s deployed, and the handle has a deep-carry pocket clip.

Final Word On Switchblades

The most common question folks have about switchblades is, “are they legal.” The answer is, “yes” and “no”. Every state has their own laws regarding the possession of automatic knives. Before you set your heart on a switchblade, make sure to check your local and state laws about owning one.