Truth be told, the AKC EVO X-treme Auto has a short "ring" sound when it opens and closes, but the blade play/wobble is almost non-existent. The Triton Hendrix Viper-Tec makes no such "ring" but has some blade wobble (not much, but it is noticeable). All four of my Piranha side openers are tight wth negligible blade play (none that I have noticed).Madmarco wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 10:31 pmYep, I know those feelings quite well bud! I've had a thing for automatics ever since I saw one on T.V. when I was 6 yrs. old and asked my Mom, "what's that?" I never actually fired or even held a fully operational auto until just a couple of yrs. ago, but even before that during all those yrs. in-between I've been addicted to that satisfying "crack" one hears when an auto snaps open. That sound is what gives me a chill up my spine! I recently bought an AKC X-treme side opener and I just love it, what's your opinion on their OTF cuz I've been looking at those too? You should seriously consider getting a Kwaiken cuz I know you'd like it and in your case it would get plenty of use, and, it's priced similarly to what you've been paying for your Piranha's. Please let me know about the OTF!Captain O wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 5:51 amThere's nothing quite like picking up a bad-@$$ auto to make you feel rather brutish and tough. I really enjoy my Piranha knives. (The "Rated R" will be # 5 on my all-American "Hit Parade"). The Triton Hendrix Viper-Tec OTF has parts made in Asia, but it is assembled in the US of A. The AKC X-treme OTF (from the people in old Italy) is no slouch either.
That side-opener of yours is SO tough and mean-looking! (The 154CM blade will pass through most materials as if it were white-hot while cutting warm butter). That's a "working automatic" if I ever saw one! (The first time I saw one, a cold shiver ran down my spine).
I was introduced to automatics with my dad's Italian Fishtail Picklock (which I had faithfully reproduced by Jeremy T Kreis). I have many neat autos and prefer knives that I can carry and use (in my warped mind, this justifies their purchase). Look into the Asheville Steel "Paragon" single-action OTF knives. They'll provide an S30V Steel blade that holds a wonderful edge at an affordable price. https://www.bladehq.com/item--Asheville ... -SP--76368
AKC EVO X-treme OTF knives hover around $100.00-$120.00 (USD). Their AUS8 blades aren't too shabby and lend themselves to mild-to-moderate use.
Perform your "due diligence" and buy what you think is best suited for your needs.