For those of you in the market for a new knife, there’s always the lingering option between assisted openers and automatic knives, also known as autos.
Presumably you got here looking for a defense of automatic stilettos. Well, you found it.
Here are some of the best reasons an automatic stiletto will serve you better than an assist.
Speed
Speed is the obvious one, and an automatic stiletto will almost certainly deploy faster (and more reliably) than an assisted opener.
In addition, the action of many automatic knives is considerably smoother than assisted openers and others that have flipper tabs and thumb studs.
Ease of Use and Reliability
In many automatic knives, stilettos and otherwise, the knife can be both deployed and retracted with the push of a button, a slide bar or a lever.
Even in those that are only deployed via a button, deployment is crisp, intuitive, quick, easy, and most importantly, reliable.
Assisted openers require a manual action to get the blade open part of the way before they deploy. That is not the case with autos.
Fidget Friendliness
Not to suggest that assisted openers and other sorts of knives that lack an advanced deployment mechanism are not fidget friendly, but autos usually top the list.
OTF Advantages: Better in Tight Quarters
Now, let’s say you want to consider an OTF automatic stiletto, which means that the blade will come out the front (hence the name) rather than OTS, or out the side.
In an OTF configuration, the knife blade doesn’t have to rotate around anything, making it better in tight quarters. Even if you’re cramped, you can still deploy an OTF knife, stiletto or otherwise, more easily.
Why a Stiletto in the First Place?
If you’re looking for an auto, you don’t need to get a stiletto, but if you need a knife with a blade profile that is optimized for piercing, a stiletto is one of the best patterns you can buy.
On the flipside, if you need a knife with a broader blade to put up with more generalized EDC (or camp) tasks, then a different profile will suit you better.
Just Make Sure You Keep Your Auto Clean
Lastly, if you get an automatic stiletto, or any automatic knife, make sure you keep the knife clean, and disassemble it to clean the pivot mechanism or (if it is an OTF knife) the rails.
Automatic knives are more sensitive to debris accumulations in their works than are other folding knives and will need to be kept cleaner and well-oiled than alternatives.
Where to Get an Automatic Stiletto
Still thinking an automatic stiletto knife is the best bet for you? You just need to know where to get it.
Visit True Swords, and don’t let the name fool you. Even though they specialize in swords and weapons, they carry a wide range of folding knives that are great for EDC – and their collection contains a bunch of unique stilettos, some of which are autos.
