The history of automatic knives is a long and distinguished one. The first one was most likely developed in the late 1800s, but they didn't come into popularity until WWII when knives became an important tool for soldiers. Automatic knives were given to Allied troops by the fascist government so that they would have a backup weapon should their primary firearm fail. The United States also began producing automatic combat and hunting knives during this time; these were given out to American Troops during WWII as well.

With World War II over, machetes became more popular than automatic knives, although there was still some use for them until the 1970s when switchblades took an increased role in society. For unknown reasons, this style of knife was banned in most states. This ban made automatic knives quite rare, although some businesses were still able to obtain them.

In the early 1990s, some states began to legalize different types of automatic knives again. By 1999, the Federal Switchblade Act was repealed and auto knives became legal in all 50 states. The interest in these knives is beginning to pick up again and have become popular with collectors and knife enthusiasts alike. The history of automatic knives has been a long one that has gone through many changes over the years. Hopefully, this trend will continue so everyone can enjoy the fine craftsmanship of these wonderful weapons.

What are Automatic Knives?

A pair of large, opposed blades that are hinged together at a fulcrum point and open with the pressing of a button. The first automatic knife was the invention of Samuel L. Rodgers in 1897. The patent for this invention was granted to him on November 20th, 1903. Since then, patents for different types of automatic knives have been granted to many individuals throughout the world and this number continues to increase each year. 


Automatic knives do not require manual winding or hand cranking in order to operate them, unlike mechanical knives which do require such actions before they can perform their job task. An automatic knife is built to be able to perform a specific task when it is activated. An automatic knife is also built so that it can be used by one person without another performing the hand-cranking action or winding the mechanism of the automatic knife. That does not mean that these cool knives cannot be used by more than one person. 

Much like any other powered mechanical device, one person may operate the blade while another engages its support bar with a wrench or screwdriver to tighten the blade's open position, which will follow all normal safety precautions. In order for an automatic knife to perform its job task, it requires a voltage source or battery source in order to commence operation.

Types of Automatic Knife

Auto knives are often called switchblade knives, and while they will typically fold into the handle, they will also use a spring to quickly open the blade. These types of cool knives are usually illegal to carry in public because they can be cheaply made, and can be very dangerous. You'll find many different types of automatic knives manufactured with a variety of blades including stainless steel, pure carbon steel, and titanium. 

1. The Pocket Knife


The pocket knife immediately comes to mind when people think of automatic knives. These have been around for decades. They do not fold, because they are designed with one purpose in mind, and that is to open a package or cut an envelope. Oftentimes they do both at the same time. This style of these cool pocket knives has been outlawed by a lot of countries because it's very concealable, easy to use in public without detection and just generally dangerous. 

2. The Switchblade Knife

This is a type of automatic knives, sometimes called a push-button knife. A switchblade is often recognized as an Italian Stiletto Switchblade which is an Italian knife with a push button blade opening mechanism. Though we are not covering stiletto knives here, let's move our focus to the switchblade knives. These knives have a push button, which on pressing opens the blade at once. However, the blade comes from the side of the handle, and not from the front, as opposed to Out the Front Knives. These are ideal EDC knives and are also your pocket knives to carry in your pocket.

3. The Spring-Loaded Knife

These knives are seen as one of the most popular types of auto knives made today because these are so convenient to use. These will typically have two blades, an opening one for easy access and a locking one for safety.

4. The Pocket-Folding Auto Knife

Lastly, this style of auto knife is typically known as the pocket knife or money clip knife. It's a small and lightweight knife that folds into the handle, and it's easy to carry in your pocket. They have also been around for decades, and have always been identified as being illegal to carry in public because they are very easy to conceal. The blade will extend when you open them, but they won't have a spring that enables them to easily pop open like other types of knives do.

5. The Swiss Army Knife

These knives are typically very popular because they have a lot of different functions. They are popular with sportsmen and with other people who want to carry around a single knife that can perform multiple tasks. This knife will have at least five to seven different blades in an array of shapes and sizes, and also include a screwdriver, toothpick, tweezers and scissors.

6. The Multi-Blade Knife

These are the exact opposite of the Swiss Army knife in that they have many blades but no other tools, like screwdrivers or tweezers. These types of knives are popular because of their low cost, and they can come in a variety of different colors to make them look cool. They are also popular because you get so many blades with just one knife.

7. Out the Front (OTF) Knives

The OTF Knives are the other automatic knives featuring a push button or a thumb stud. A thumb stud is more common though. As you slide it, the blade opens from the front of the handle. This is why these knives are called Out the Front Knives. As you slide the thumb stud back, the blade comes back into the handle. These are perfect knives for self defense and everyday chores. 

Pros and Cons of Automatic Knives

Automatic knives are a type of knife that can be opened via a button or switch on the handle, just like in Indiana Jones movies. Automatic knives usually have a blade that opens automatically when you push the button. 

Different types of Automatic knives provide quick and easy access to your blade for those who use them for work or for leisure purposes. An automatic knife is a great idea for those who do not have the strength to open their knives manually, such as women, children, elderly and disabled individuals. Here are some advantages of using an automatic knife:

  • Most automatic knives come with safety locks that prevent the blade from opening when it is in its closed position. The only way to get your knife open is by pushing the button. So you know the blade is safely locked away until you go the button again. No more worrying about accidentally slicing someone with your knife! Safety locks are also available for many other types of knives as well.
  • Even if you are in a hurry, don't worry, as automatic knives are made so that they can be opened quickly and easily.
  • Safety is always important when it comes to owning anything at home or in the workplace. It is much safer to have a knife that will not open up unexpectedly. Automatic knives are considered safe because accidental injuries are prevented. Unintentional injuries occur when you reach down to pick up your knife and through some force, the blade opens up and cuts into your hand or fingers.

Here are some disadvantages of automatic knives:

  • Automatic knives don't provide much protection if you are in a situation where you need to defend yourself from an attack with a knife. Even though automatic knives can be opened quickly, they do have more moving parts so they may not be as durable as other types of knives that do not have any moving parts so they may not be as durable as other types of knives that do not have any moving parts.
  • Many hunters and sport hunters like using automatic knives for skinning animals. However, automatic knives are better suited for slicing rather than any type of skinning so they will usually result in a lot of wasted meat or blood rendering, which can be messy.