bmwrdr wrote:joe817 wrote:This is a fascinating thread! Lot's of good info here. Keep it up everybody! I'm still searching & have narrowed it down to 5 or 6 models from 4 or 5 makers, and still looking. lolol.
What are your closer selections in terms of maker and model?
Benchmade Auto Presidio - This is my fav, as it's ambidextrous(I'm left handed), but the price is my concern. Dunno, iffy at best. Has good steel though.
Protech Tactical Response - It's a dedicated left handed Auto, so it's high up on the list.
Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Covert Automatic - This is my fav, as the steel is the best of the lot, and it's the most affordable of the one's on my list of fav's.
Benchmade CLA-1
Myerco Darrel Ralph Military X-Ray Auto....The least expensive of the lot, has a GREAT safety system, but maybe problematic for me as I'm left handed. If they made a left handed model, I'd get this one, hands down. Uses same blade steel as all Benchmade knives(154 CM stainless)
Edit to add: I carried a auto opening knife(we called them switchblades back then) from the time I was 10 or 11 until I went to college in 1969. I had a dandy switchblade collection in the early to late 60's. Sold or traded them off in my younger years, so I'm partial to automatics, as you can tell.
Still need a Sebanza ...
Good choice! Other than being ambidextrous opening, it also has a safety which is a real plus. Some auto opening knives don't have one, which I think is a real drawback. Many times I had a knife open on me in my pocket when I thought the safety was on, and it was REALLY hard to get it out of my pocket. A half deployed switchblade in your pocket isn't a fun thing to deal with. 
They are a bear to get closed(when still in the pocket). Another plus for the knife is that the pocket clip can be changed from right side carry to left side carry. Not all knifes have that feature.