I know nothing about assisted opening knives... Teach me masters!

[Nhoj]

I have a bunch of different knives and multitools that are one hand opening but nothing assisted opening. So, I am thinking about getting an assisted opening knife to try one out but I have no clue where to start. Knowing there are many knife obsessed on here, I think this is the perfect place to start. I'm looking for something that feels good in the hand, not sharp or awkward. I do not care about the scale material. I want a non-serrated blade that is about 3 inches in length give or take an inch. Can anyone give me a recommendation?

[JAfromMn]

A Kershaw leek or scallion sounds like it should be right up your alley Nhoj.

[nate j]

A Kershaw leek or scallion sounds like it should be right up your alley Nhoj.

+1.

For the record, though, I don't think you're missing much by not having an assisted opener.  I've handled them (won't buy one), and IMHO the assisted opening is more of a gimmick than a practically useful feature, since it is possible to open just about any OH knife as fast as an AO.

[thebullfrog]

I've had a couple AO knives. I currently EDC a Kershaw Leek. There really isn't much reason to go AO beyond being fun to play with, that being said the Leek sounds like it fits pretty perfectly with what you want. I do find the AO is much more useful on a small knife like the Leek since if you have large hands like me, it can be awkward to handle and using the blade kick to open it is a lot easier, but in general I'd consider whether a knife is AO or not to be pretty far down the priority list while shopping.

[dks]

  You can also buy an assisted opening multitool, the SOG powerassist:

http://www.sogknives.com/powerassist-satin.html

I have at least one AO knife, by CRKT I think and some autos but never use them. The Autos are more fun.

Also have a look at flipper knives, which will be just as fast, in addition to the usual one openers.

[comis]

I am not master in AO knives, but recently purchase a CRKT Endorser out of curiosity, since it was named the purchase of the year.  The 'fire safe' is a pretty interesting concept, and the overall feel/quality is decent for its price.  The only thing is it has a pretty strong spring, so retracting the blade will need a little effort.

In terms of Kershaw, I have a Boa and leek for AO.  And the opening is a huge difference between the two, due the blade weight.  The Boa has significant heavier blade and you could feel it in your hand that there is a strong opening momentum after the blade is full opened, whereas the leek is more neutral. 

[sawman]

I like the SOG Flash II for assisted opening. Try to find one without the serrations though if you're like me and prefer a plain edge 

[pfrsantos]

Look around for the Leatherman Crater C33L/C33Lx or C33T/C33Tx. You can find some Youtube videos on it.

[pfrsantos]

A Kershaw leek or scallion sounds like it should be right up your alley Nhoj.

+1.

For the record, though, I don't think you're missing much by not having an assisted opener.  I've handled them (won't buy one), and IMHO the assisted opening is more of a gimmick than a practically useful feature, since it is possible to open just about any OH knife as fast as an AO.

True that. I have some knives with thumb studs that look like AO when I open them.
 

[thebullfrog]

The Craters are surprisingly decent. I played with my brother's a few times and it was far better than I would have expected at the price. I would probably pay close to double what they actually cost.

[jekostas]

Leatherman doesn't have any assisted opening knives.  The Craters don't have AO springs, just a leveraged flipper.

To echo what others have said, Kershaw Leek would be a pretty safe place to start.

[jzmtl]

Leek is a good starter AO knife, just don't pry anything with the tip, so is SOG flash. I like SOG's offering , super light with all FRN handles. Some people trash them because they have side to side play, but it makes absolutely no difference when I use it. The line cutter slot on trident are nothing more than gimmick though.

Although FWIW I've sold all my AO knives because while they are cool to play with I still prefer a manual knife in use, except SOG blink that I use occasionally as money clip.

[Nhoj]

Thanks for the answers so far everyone. I think I like the SOG Flash II the best, probably for the blade shape.

[sawman]

Thanks for the answers so far everyone. I think I like the SOG Flash II the best, probably for the blade shape.

I've owned several for many years and they really are top notch 

[thebullfrog]

Can't go wrong with the Flash II  . Best "beater" knife I ever owned. That thing took endless abuse for years.

[nate j]

...don't pry anything with the tip...

Good advice there for just about all knives.

[zoidberg]

Sorry, it is probably the beer, but I mostly disagree.

I'm onto my third (and last) Flash II. They have all been the slider ones, not the arclock type.
First one had a bung mechanism, out of the box. Second one held an ok edge but the blade broke.
Third one has smurfy steel, the edge smurfs out in no time. And so it lives on the workbench as a beater.
Cleaning it is a royal pain and generally requires a full dismantle.
I am yet to find a SOG product that is any good.
If I was to try another it would probably be the Blacktip, but I won't be holding my breath.
The Aegis is better looking, just saying.

AUS-8. I ain't a hater or a steel snob, no sir.
However with multiple SOG and Cold Steel knives smurfing out, I'm over it.
I have much cheaper blades of smurfier steels that work better. YMMV.

Why stop now.

Assisted opening. Don't bother, its a grass is greener thing.
I'm sure it has a situation where it is the best thing ever.
But if you haven't needed it till now you probably never will.
It is fun to play with for a while but so is a butterfly knife.
Flipping a knife open is worth ten times the bonus points with a girl.

[pfrsantos]

Assisted opening. Don't bother, its a grass is greener thing.
I'm sure it has a situation where it is the best thing ever.
But if you haven't needed it till now you probably never will.
It is fun to play with for a while but so is a butterfly knife.
Flipping a knife open is worth ten times the bonus points with a girl.

Well, I never needed to flip a knife open to get girls, they are happy to be with me without the need of threatning them...

 

[thebullfrog]

Well, I never needed to flip a knife open to get girls, they are happy to be with me without the need of threatning them...

 

 

[jerseydevil]

I haven't had the best luck with SOG AO knives, but YMMV.  As to Kershaws, they are hands down my favorite assisted opening knives.  I have three Leeks, two Scallions, a Chive, two Blurs, a Cryo, and a partridge in a pear tree.   For the money Kershaws are hard to beat.  The Scallion in particular is a favorite of mine, I've carried one on and off since they were first released, many moons ago.  The Leek is also a great knife, though the tip on them is a bit delicate.  But then, I don't pry with my knives.  That's what the flat driver/bottle opener on my SAKs are for! 

[thebullfrog]

My only complaint with Kershaw is the same I have with CRKT: bead blasting. My leek had corrosion at the pivot fresh out of the box. I had to polish the blade myself. I hate bead blast finishes so much.

SOG may be past their glory days, but I never had any issue with any of their AO mechanisms, including the blade wobble. Mine were all fine. My cousin however has a newer Flash that is horrible.

[jzmtl]

Sorry, it is probably the beer, but I mostly disagree.

I'm onto my third (and last) Flash II. They have all been the slider ones, not the arclock type.

Just so people know, the arclock looking thing is exactly the same as the slide lock, only a lever to move the slide instead of directly.

My only complaint with Kershaw is the same I have with CRKT: bead blasting. My leek had corrosion at the pivot fresh out of the box. I had to polish the blade myself. I hate bead blast finishes so much.

That and stainless handles, Kershaw loves them, bead blasted as well.