Spring Assisted Knives and Switchblades a Comparison of Their Features

How many types of do you know about? In fact, there are many, but a few are pretty popular across the globe. Pocket knives are one of the frequently used knives all over the world for some reasons.

There are two types of such knives, including the spring assisted knives and switchblades. They appear quite similar and share a few similar features, but there are a few differences among them. A common question that I often come across is what is the difference between assisted opening knives and automatic knives.

So, I have come up with a brief answer of this question. Here is a comparison of these two blades while shedding lights on some key points:Deployment MechanismThe folding and deployment mechanism of the blades is the biggest difference between spring assisted knives and switchblades. The switchblades are automatic, hence, the blade is opened at once by just pushing a button.

On the other hand, you need to give some assistance to open the blade of an assisted opening knife. There is no push button, rather, you need to pull the blade yourself by applying some force. Keep on pulling it until it is partially opened.

Once it is partially opened, it would quickly get to the fully opened position. Locking MechanismThe presence of hindrance is a clear indicator that the knife is a spring assisted knife. This delays the opening of the blade or provides some resistance.

On the other hand, there is no hindrance in case of switchblades. They are quickly opened right after pushing a button.Presence of Push ButtonAnother indicator of a switchblade is the presence of push button.

This is the easiest way to spot the difference between these two knives. Spring assisted knives dont feature any push button, but automatic knives necessarily include a button for opening the blade.Deployment SpeedGenerally, it is hard to identify which is the spring assisted knife and which is the switchblade if you have the two placed together.

However, the deployment speed of the blade is a key factor that would determine this. If there is a resistance while opening the blade which lessens the deployment speed, the knife is an assisted opening knife. On the other hand, if the blade is deployed at once without any resistance, this is an automatic knife (obviously by pushing a button).

So, these were the key points that differentiate the spring assisted knives with the switchblades. Keep in mind these points when you are attempting to identify the type of knife. Which of the two is your choice though?

Based on deployment speed and mechanism, a switchblade is a better option while an assisted opening knife offers better locking mechanism and durability. Anyways, the choice is up to you! RELATED QUESTION Why did the Challenger solid rocket booster need seals?

Why were six joints welded but the last joint was a non welded rubber seal design? Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster - Wikipedia I believe that all seven motor segments of the booster were sealed with pairs (later, three) O-ring seals. None were welded.

The boosters were recovered and used many times over; having non welded parts aided in the shipment, disassembly and inspection and re-use of the booster parts. The failure of the Challenger boosters was caused by cold weather and incomplete sealing when the o-rings were stiffer and harder and did not seal. Hot gasses escaped the seals and damaged the space shuttle.