Automatic Knife Safety 101

Automatic knives allow for speed and quick operation when you need it most, such as in a self-defense situation where every second counts. But that efficiency and convenience can require even more caution to prevent serious accidents. Follow these tips to stay safe when carrying an automatic knife.

Open & Close: When opening and closing an automatic knife, be sure to hold it with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to help guide the blade as needed. Always keep the opening of the blade facing away from your body. It’s smart to get plenty of practice opening and closing your knife before you need it in an emergency situation.

Get a Grip: Don’t allow your fingers or any part of your hand to go past the front of the handle. You run the risk of serious injury if you don’t hold the knife properly.

Carry Wisely: Consider the design of your knife when choosing how to carry it in a pocket or holster. Be sure you prevent any accidental deployments due to snags.

Cut Away: When using your automatic knife to cut or carve, move the blade away from your body rather than toward you.

Stay Sharp: A dull knife can be much more dangerous than a sharp one, so be sure to keep your automatic knife in top shape. Sharpen it as soon as the blade begins to show signs of wear, clean it after every use, and keep it lubricated to top performance.