Are You OnPoint?

Also known as switchblades, automatic knives are legal to own and carry in many states– including Florida. Many of our clients have expressed interest in us selling auto knives at dealer cost. We’re happy to report that we’ve found a reliable distributor to deal with and we’re going to be adding several new product lines to our website.

For evaluation purposes, I recently ordered a few switchblades. I’ve always been a fan of Benchmade knives, so I started there with a classic: their model 3550 Mel Pardue auto. As most of you know, I swear by Heckler & Koch products– so, it was only natural that I picked Benchmade’s model 14700BX HK auto. I threw in a Piranha bodyguard for good measure, and because I have no experience with their brand.

First up: the Benchmade Mel Pardue automatic. This is a beautiful knife with classic lines and a razor-sharp, spear-point blade. It’s all black (Blacktical, as I like to call it), so the bad guys won’t see you coming. Seriously, this knife is all business– unlike the mullet, which is only “business in the front”. 154CM is a great material for blades. It holds a razor’s edge, doesn’t rust, and is strong enough for “most” applications. If you’re John Rambo and want to stab rocks and eat things that will make a billy goat puke– well, you’re out of luck. However, if you want to open boxes and letters like an assassin– this is the knife for you. The handle is anodized aluminum and it’s all held together with Torx screws. It screams quality– but that’s par for the course with Benchmade. The Mel Pardue 3550 is the perfect size for a gentlemen’s knife and features a safety so the auto mechanism won’t engage in your pocket– threatening your family jewels. I also like the fact that the blade doesn’t flip open with such force that you think it might fly out of your hand. It’s really a wonderful all around knife. For $125, it’s a steal for steel of this quality.

Benchmade Mel Pardue 3550 Automatic
Blade Length: 2.90″
Blade Thickness: 0.090″
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60
Blade Style: Spear-Point
Weight: 2.90oz.
Clip: Black, Removable, Tip-Down
Lock Mechanism: Auto Open w/ Safety
Overall Length: 7.10″
Closed Length: 4.20″
Retail: $202
On Point VIP: $125

Now, that I’ve hammed it up with John Rambo references, it’s time to get serious. I’m serious about Heckler & Koch– as serious as Rambo was when he (wait a minute, here I go again)… For years, HK knifes were produced by Boker. They were expensive and frankly, they weren’t the best knives for the money. Benchmade has always represented value in my mind. They’re backed up by the best customer service in the business, so you know you won’t be left high and dry with a broken knife (SOG, I’m looking in your direction.) So, when Benchmade took over production of the HK knife brand, I was excited. The model 14700BX HK auto is the perfect blend of German utility and understated style. The steel is 440C and the huge 3.7in blade commands respect. Although 440C is a lesser material than 154CM, it’s still very strong, rustproof, and will hold a nice edge. This is a great work knife– and for $90 you can afford not to baby it. It’s huge, “blacktical”, and has an HK logo on the blade. What more do you want?

Benchmade HK 14700BX Automatic
Blade Length: 3.75″
Blade Thickness: 0.124″
Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Modified Spear-Point
Weight: 4.14oz.
Clip: Black, Movable, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: Auto Open w/ Safety
Overall Length: 8.42″
Closed Length: 4.68″
Retail: $140
On Point VIP: $90

Finally, we move on to the Piranha– a brand clients have told me about. They represent a great value and quality blades made in the USA. Out of the box, the Piranha Bodyguard flips open with authority. No safety here, my friends. Your finger is your safety, so keep trigger discipline at all times. The button to activate the blade is much more pronounced on the Piranha, so an accidentally discharge isn’t likely. And the surprises keep coming: a blade made of exotic S30V steel, a pocket clip made of Titanium, an anodized aircraft aluminum handle, and rock solid fit and finish! This knife is unbelievable for only $120! It’s hard enough to find an S30V blade, but at this price– I don’t think there’s anything else on the market that represents this kind of craftsmanship and value. That’s why I saved the best for last, my friends. I think out of these three knives– the smart money is on the Piranha Bodyguard. And like any good Bodyguard– it will always love you. It’s ALWAYS good to close with a Kevin Costner/Whitney Houston reference.

Piranha Bodyguard Automatic
Blade Length: 3.30″
Blade Thickness: 0.100″
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Blade Hardness: 60-61HRC
Weight: 2.80oz.
Clip: Black, Titanium
Lock Mechanism: Automatic
Overall Length: 7.70″
Closed Length: 4.40″
Retail: $190
On Point VIP: $120

Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July with your families. God bless.
– Evan