Everyday Carry

Spring-Assisted Knives I Complete Guide

Authored by:
Adam Molina
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
Spring-Assisted Knives I Complete Guide

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For many people in the EDC community, the pocket knife is their most used tool. That’s because a good knife serves you well, whether performing everyday utility cutting and slicing tasks or leveraging a sharp edge in critical life-saving applications during emergencies. It’s easy to see why having a reliable and sharp blade can be useful, but not all knives are built the same. If speed is important, and you want to bring a knife to bear on a task quickly, you will want to EDC a spring-assisted knife.


Our Top Picks

The Best Overall Spring-Assisted Knife: CRKT Burnley Squid XM [Buy]

The Best Spring-Assisted Knife on a Budget: Kershaw Cryo II [Buy]

The Most Premium Spring-Assisted Knife: Benchmade Mini Barrage [Buy]

The Toughest Spring-Assisted Knife: Zero Tolerance 0350TS [Buy]

The Best Spring-Assisted Knife for Lefties: SOG Flash AT [Buy]


CRKT Burnley Squid XM
Kershaw Cryo II
Benchmade Mini Barrage
Zero Tolerance 0350TS
SOG Flash AT





$
$
$$$$
$$$
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Blade Length: 2.37"
Blade Length:3.38"
Blade Length: 3.76"
Blade Length: 3.25"
Blade Length3.45"
Blade SteelD2Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Blade Steel: S30V
Blade SteelS30V
Blade SteelCryo D2
Key Features: Flipper and thumbstud deployment
Key Features: Flipper and thumbstud deployment
Key Features: Ambidextrous AXIS lock
Key Features: Signature Tiger Stripe pattern
Key Features: Ambidextrous XR lock
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now

The Best Spring-Assisted Knives

CRKT

The Best Overall Spring-Assisted Knife: CRKT Burnley Squid XM

Purchase
Key Features
Community favorite
Frame lock
Flipper and thumbstud deployment
Specifications
Blade Length
2.37"
Blade Steel
D2
Handle Materials
G-10
EDC Rating


Price
$
The CRKT Squid has been an EDC favorite for years, and the upgraded Burnley Squid XM is probably the best spring-loaded retractable knife you can get. It is slightly larger than the previous model (2.95” vs. 2.16”) and has G-10 scales on one side of the handle for a better grip. The other side is a stonewashed stainless steel frame lock. The blade is made with D2 steel, making it durable enough for almost any everyday task. The original Squid is a good EDC knife, but the Burnley Squid XM improved upon the little things, making it great.
Kershaw

The Best Spring-Assisted Knife on a Budget: Kershaw Cryo II

Purchase
Key Features
SpeedSafe-assisted
Frame lock
Flipper and thumbstud deployment
Specifications
Blade Length
3.38"
Blade Steel
8Cr13MoV
Handle Materials
Stainless steel
EDC Rating


Price
$
If you’re looking for a spring-assisted knife that won’t break your wallet, the Kershaw Cryo II should be on your shortlist. This knife has been a community favorite for years and was only made better in the sequel. The Cryo II features a 3.25” titanium carbo-nitride-coated blade that can handle just about anything you’ll come across. It weighs 5.5 ounces and comes with a deep carry clip that you configure in 4 different ways. The flipping action is smooth and reliable, while the sturdy frame ensures the blade is locked in place until you’re done cutting. The Cryo II has earned a place in so many kits, it’s hard not to recommend it.
Benchmade

The Most Premium Spring-Assisted Knife: Benchmade Mini Barrage

Purchase
Key Features
AXIS lock
Reversible pocket clip
Thumbstud deployment
Specifications
Blade Length
3.76"
Blade Steel
S30V
Handle Materials
Micarta
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$$$
Anyone looking for an upgrade shouldn’t overlook the Benchmade Mini Barrage. Benchmade is well-respected for its ability to pump out quality knives, and this one is just another great offering. It has a 3.76” drop point blade with a satin finish that looks great and is also made of S30V steel, one of the most reliable steels available. It features Benchmade’s proprietary AXIS locking mechanism, which utilizes a crossbar lock to keep the blade in position. The cherry on top is the handle made entirely of Micarta material which is plenty durable and will age beautifully with use.
Zero

The Toughest Spring-Assisted Knife: Zero Tolerance 0350TS

Purchase
Key Features
SpeedSafe-assisted
Signature Tiger Stripe pattern
Liner lock
Specifications
Blade Length
‎3.25"
Blade Steel
S30V
Handle Materials
G-10
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
From its blade to its handle, the 0350 represents a no-compromises take on a hard-use tactical folding knife, and its design is derived from the tactical blades at the heart of Zero Tolerance’s line since it began. The 3.125" blade features S30V stainless steel and a modified drop-point blade shape with a slight recurve in the hollow ground edge that amplifies this knife’s slicing power. The flipper tab makes for easy one-handed deployment, especially with the ZT SpeedSafe spring-assisted opening built into the handle. And the aggressive G-10 handle scales help ensure you won’t drop this knife even in the wettest conditions. You can also opt for the “Tiger Stripe” model, which has an insane-looking striped blade with a Cerakote finish that’s become the signature of the 0350 series. Whichever model you decide to go with, you won’t be disappointed.
SOG

The Best Spring-Asssisted Knife for Lefties: SOG Flash AT

Purchase
Key Features
XR lock
TiNi blade finish
Thumbstud deployment
Specifications
Blade Length
3.45"
Blade Steel
Cryo D2
Handle Materials
GRN
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The Flash AT is an upgraded take on one of SOG’s most popular models. This assisted-opening knife has been remade to include better steel, a better locking mechanism, and some slick new colorways. The blade measures 3.5", which helps it maintain its portability while remaining a good size for all kinds of cutting tasks. The combination of the jimping on the blade's spine and the grippy handle helps to give you plenty of control. Deployment of the blade is simple thanks to thumbstuds, and the patented Assisted Technology (AT) XR Lock is one that SOG stands behind with a lifetime warranty which is always good to see.

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Ontario

Ontario Knife Company RAT 1A Spring-Assisted Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Liner lock
Four-position clip
Dual thumbstuds
Specifications
Blade Length
3.625"
Blade Steel
AUS-8
Handle Materials
G-10
EDC Rating


Price
$
The RAT 1A is a perennial EDC community favorite, and with its affordable combination of great ergonomics, capable materials, and lightning-quick assisted-opening technology, it's easy to see why. It's available in many colorways and blade finishes, but each variant provides an easily-maintained 3.5“ AUS-8 stainless steel drop point blade with a full-flat taper that'll cut through what you need daily.

The Competition

  • Kershaw Clash: The Kershaw Clash features a 3.1” drop point blade with a serrated portion that makes tougher cutting tasks a breeze. Because it’s a Kershaw, it also has SpeedSafe assisted opening for quick deployment.

  • SOG Knife SlimJim XL: The SlimJim XL is a thin, unique knife with a clip-point blade shape and 420 stainless steel skeletonized handle. Despite the thinness, it has a 4.18” blade ideal for daily use. 

  • Kershaw Leek: The Kershaw Leek features an EDC-friendly 3” blade of 14C28N steel. This flipper is easy to use one-handed and features a Tip-Lock that keeps the blade safely stashed away when not in use.

  • Benchmade Barrage: The Benchmade Barrage pulls no punches and has a partially serrated blade for tougher tasks. Unlike the Barrage Mini on this list, this one has a black Valox handle and a tanto-style blade.

  • Kershaw Filter: The Kershaw Filter also features Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening, so you know you can count on a quick deployment. The stonewashed steel also adds to its practical, no-nonsense aesthetic, perfectly matching a practical EDC knife like this one.


How Do Spring-Assisted Knives Work?

Spring-assisted knives (also called assisted-opening knives) feature a spring mechanism built into the pivot or handle of the tool that takes over and speeds up the process of opening everything up. To operate an assisted-opening knife, you start opening it up, usually with the thumbstud or a flipper index tab. Once you get to a certain point manually, the stored energy in the spring assist mechanism causes the blade to flip open fully without you having to manipulate the knife all the way. The result is a blade you can open quickly and conveniently, usually only with a single hand.


Spring-Assisted Knives: Features and Qualities

Thumbstuds

Thumbstuds are helpful for quickly deploying blades with only one hand. It takes a little practice, but deploying a blade with one hand is useful when your other is occupied. If the blade has thumbstuds on both sides, it makes the knife easier to handle for lefties. It doesn’t take much force for the spring to take over and finish opening the knife.

Heavy-duty blades

Not all blades are made to withstand anything you throw at them. Some are more than good enough for everyday tasks like opening packages or cutting some paracord, but if you’re a first responder or spend a lot of time out in nature, you might need something more robust. A knife designed for heavy-duty use typically has tougher handles, better steel that will stay sharp for longer, and a larger blade than is typically allowed in most cities. However, checking your local knife laws is always a good idea to ensure what is allowed.

Strong grip handle

A handle with an excellent grip is a must-have for two crucial reasons. The first is safety. A poor handle can lead to slipping and accidental cuts, which is the last thing you want when opening a package that may or may not contain another new knife. The second reason is that having a handle with a good grip makes it easier to deal with demanding cutting jobs.


Spring-Assisted Knives vs. Automatic Knives

While spring-assist mechanisms are faster than a standard manual opening knife, these EDC knives should not be confused with automatic knives (also known as “switchblades”). With an automatic knife, all you have to do is press a switch or button that’s completely separate from the actual blade to get it open. And while the technology in assisted-opening EDC knives now rivals the speed of automatic knives, that mechanical difference makes spring-assisted blades generally easier to EDC and legal to carry in more locales than automatic knives, which are usually more restricted. But as always, research and check your local laws to ensure a spring-assisted knife is legal to carry where you live.

Now that you know what makes assisted-opening knives unique and desirable for everyday carry, you might wonder what the best spring-assisted knives are. The good news is that there are many options for picking a spring-assisted knife, so you can select the ones that suit your needs. To help you find the best spring-assisted knife for your EDC, we've compiled the list above of our recent favorites for you to consider.


FAQs

What is a spring-assisted knife called?

A spring-assisted knife is also sometimes called an assisted-opening knife. It refers to the mechanism of deployment. When a knife opens fully only after an initial force is applied to it to begin the action of opening, it is called a spring-assisted knife.

What is the blade length of a spring-assisted knife?

There is no set length for a spring-assisted knife. That said, most spring-assisted knives typically fall between 2” and 5” just because those are the average sizes of EDC knives.

What is the difference between a spring-assisted knife and a switchblade?

The opening mechanism is the main difference between a spring-assisted knife and a switchblade. A switchblade is an automatic knife deployed by pressing a button or pushing a switch. A spring-assisted knife only assists the user. So the user must begin to deploy the knife by applying pressure before the mechanism kicks in to finish the job.

[h3] How do you open a spring-assisted knife?

There are a few different ways you can open a spring-assisted knife. The most common methods are applying pressure downward on a knife’s flipper tab and applying outward force to its thumbstuds or thumb hole.


How We Picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what's new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men's essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

Adam Molina

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Adam Molina is a product review expert and seasoned everyday-carry enthusiast. They have covered gadgets and niche items for almost ten years and are passionate about exploring the ever-evolving landscape of consumer electronics and everyday carry gear. Having always been drawn towards electronics, they began their career reviewing audio gear and personal electronics for outlets like Soundguys, Android Authority, and Business Insider. They are currently a member of MKBHD network of channels, including an executive producer role on the Waveform Podcast.

In addition to their expertise in the tech realm, Adam possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in everyday carry gear ranging from watches to niche carabiners. He has used more backpacks than he can count, a plethora of different kinds of wallets, all kinds of multi-tools, and many random gadgets that never even make it into a recommended buying guide. Adam has developed a deep understanding of the nuances and practicality that make these items indispensable to modern-day life.

Adam is an avid runner and reader in their spare time and loves to learn random skills. Adam is the go-to resource if you are looking for an expert opinion on a product or want to learn more about everyday carry. They are happy to answer any questions and help you find the best products for your needs.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

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