Converting a knife to auto open?

[LaurenW]

Anyone know if it's possible to convert a manual open knife to an auto
open knife? I've heard of "auto conversion kits". Do they exist.
Are they effective?

All responses appreciated.

[Corwin]

Post by LaurenW
Anyone know if it's possible to convert a manual open knife to an auto
open knife? I've heard of "auto conversion kits". Do they exist.
Are they effective?
All responses appreciated.

Yes but usually it requires a bit of work and its not necessarily easy. Is
there a reason that you don't just buy an Auto?

There are some newer knives such as the CRKT Bladelock and Bladelock 2 and
the Benchmade Benchmite that lock in the closed position that lend
themselves to an easy auto conversion (relatively speaking) since all you
need to do is mill out the space for a coil spring. Then there are the Boker
Top Lock knives that are made to be autos but have the spring removed. There
are also auto "kits" that you can buy but are of the lower quality.

neL

[Countrygent36]

Why use a conversion kit with springs? they wear out and are not easy to
install. just go buy a nice leverlock. they open just as fast and are legal to
own and carry.

[LaurenW]

Post by Countrygent36
Why use a conversion kit with springs? they wear out and are not easy to
install. just go buy a nice leverlock. they open just as fast and are legal to
own and carry.

Is there a lever lock of the style, SIZE (5.5" BL) and quality of a
knife like the Camilus Cuda Maxx?

[Corwin]

Post by Countrygent36
Why use a conversion kit with springs? they wear out and are not easy to
install. just go buy a nice leverlock. they open just as fast and are legal to
own and carry.

Leverlocks likes the Hubertus and Mikov knives are no more legal than
regular autos like Microtechs and Protechs AFAIK... plus most of them aren't
of the same quality. Mikovs are quite nice.. but both tend to be on the
heavy side.

neL

[LaurenW]

Post by Countrygent36

Post by Countrygent36
Why use a conversion kit with springs? they wear out and are not easy to
install. just go buy a nice leverlock. they open just as fast and are

legal to

Post by Countrygent36
own and carry.

Leverlocks likes the Hubertus and Mikov knives are no more legal than
regular autos like Microtechs and Protechs AFAIK... plus most of them aren't
of the same quality. Mikovs are quite nice.. but both tend to be on the
heavy side.
neL

Thanks nel. I saw the Mikov knives. They're beautiful! Can't find
anything about the Hubertus knives. Do they have a good web site with
high quality images of their knives?

I'm confused about how those Mikov knives operate. The pics show a
lever that apparently flips up for some reason. It looks too small to
be a belt clip. And if that's not what it is, then it needs a belt
clip (AND a sheath). Then there is the tiny button on the forward
bolster. Nothing I saw on the Mikov web site had ANYTHING to say
about its purpose, or about how these knives operate (amazing ain't
it?) Mikov may be an excellent knife maker and a really nice guy but
he could definitely benefit from taking a class in "Marketing 101" at
the local junior college. I sent him an email politely asking my
questions about the knife's features and operation. I hope he
responds soon.

Anyway, do you know how the Mikov knives operate?
Also, is the knife sharp on BOTH edges?

Thanks again for your response.

Lauren Wilson

[Corwin]

Post by LaurenW
Thanks nel. I saw the Mikov knives. They're beautiful! Can't find
anything about the Hubertus knives. Do they have a good web site with
high quality images of their knives?

Not sure... I've seen them on websites in the past. They pop up on ebay on
occasion as well. I've been offered a few in trades in the past. just
checked Hubertus on ebay.. there are lots.

Post by LaurenW
I'm confused about how those Mikov knives operate. The pics show a
lever that apparently flips up for some reason. It looks too small to
be a belt clip. And if that's not what it is, then it needs a belt
clip (AND a sheath). Then there is the tiny button on the forward
bolster. Nothing I saw on the Mikov web site had ANYTHING to say
about its purpose, or about how these knives operate (amazing ain't
it?) Mikov may be an excellent knife maker and a really nice guy but
he could definitely benefit from taking a class in "Marketing 101" at
the local junior college. I sent him an email politely asking my
questions about the knife's features and operation. I hope he
responds soon.
Anyway, do you know how the Mikov knives operate?
Also, is the knife sharp on BOTH edges?

The Mikov and Hubertus leverlock knives are basically like regular autos
except that instead of depressing a button they require a "pulling" action,
which is where the lever comes into play. The lever has a fulcrum where you
push down on one side of the lever and the other side goes up and initiates
the automatic action. The lever is simply there to facilitate the "pulling"
of the button rather than the traditional "pushing" of the buttons we see on
most autos.

Post by LaurenW
Thanks again for your response.
Lauren Wilson

[Bill]

Post by LaurenW
Mikov may be an excellent knife maker and a really nice guy but
he could definitely benefit from taking a class in "Marketing 101" at
the local junior college. I sent him an email politely asking my
questions about the knife's features and operation. I hope he
responds soon.

First, Mikov isn't a guy.. it's a company that's been around a few hundred
years. David (David1967 at bladeforums, but he has posted here in the past,
although I haven't seen him for a while) is a software guy who deals with the
factory and ships to the US as a side job. One nice thing, he will ship the
springs separately if you ask.

Post by LaurenW
Anyway, do you know how the Mikov knives operate?

They're all side-openers, no OTF.

Post by LaurenW
Also, is the knife sharp on BOTH edges?

No. One side only. Feel like doing some grinding? :-)

BTW, most of the Mikov's are 420HC, not the best knife steel out there. :-(

"Corwin" <***@NOSPAMdeadmime.com> Spaketh Thusly:
[Lauren said]

Post by LaurenW

Post by LaurenW
Uh.. it's my impression that to buy a truly Auto open knife, you must
be able to prove you work in law enforcement or the military. If
that's not true, then yes, I could just buy one. Who will sell me one
without all the idiotic red tape?

That's only in certain states and countries. There are many states they are
completely legal to own and carry autos. Many Internet Places will ship
them. Just give 'em a shout... or send me an email and I will go into more
detail.

You can also hit a local knife or gun show, enforcement is not always a high
priority. FL is, I believe, one of the states where you can legally walk into
a store and purchase one as long as you're over 18.
Not a lot of red tape, a simple form or a copy of your military ID is all
that's needed. Sure you don't have one relative or friend who qualifies?

Post by LaurenW
Then there are the Boker
Top Lock knives that are made to be autos but have the spring removed.

A Boker conversion kit is readily available (ie
http://www.bestknives.com/boktoploccon.html), hunt around and you might find a
better price. $30 seems a lot for a few little pieces of hardware, when you
could get 10 springs for $22 at bladeauctions. Assuming you like the Boker to
begin with.

Personally, if I was buying, I'd go for one of the nicer Microtechs - if I was
willing to spend that much - or get an assisted opener for half the price.
All in all, I'd rather have a fixed blade. No springs, no legal hassles, no
weak joints, and it's already open - can't get faster than that.

--
Bill H. Member VRWC

Molon Labe!

[my "reply to" address is real]

[LaurenW]

Thanks Bill. I agree with your very practical observations about fixed
blades. However, I am a self confessed gadget freak. I LOVE
beautiful, practical, well designed and built devices of all kinds.

What, in your opinion are the top two best metals for knives?

Also, I still don't have a response from Mikov on how these knives
operate. Exactly what kind of finger action causes the knife to open?
Some autos just have a button. The Mikov knives have a lever, Do you
have to flip it UP or press on it like a button?

Post by Bill

Post by LaurenW
Mikov may be an excellent knife maker and a really nice guy but
he could definitely benefit from taking a class in "Marketing 101" at
the local junior college. I sent him an email politely asking my
questions about the knife's features and operation. I hope he
responds soon.

First, Mikov isn't a guy.. it's a company that's been around a few hundred
years. David (David1967 at bladeforums, but he has posted here in the past,
although I haven't seen him for a while) is a software guy who deals with the
factory and ships to the US as a side job. One nice thing, he will ship the
springs separately if you ask.

Post by LaurenW
Anyway, do you know how the Mikov knives operate?

They're all side-openers, no OTF.

Post by LaurenW
Also, is the knife sharp on BOTH edges?

No. One side only. Feel like doing some grinding? :-)
BTW, most of the Mikov's are 420HC, not the best knife steel out there. :-(
[Lauren said]

Post by LaurenW

Post by LaurenW
Uh.. it's my impression that to buy a truly Auto open knife, you must
be able to prove you work in law enforcement or the military. If
that's not true, then yes, I could just buy one. Who will sell me one
without all the idiotic red tape?

That's only in certain states and countries. There are many states they are
completely legal to own and carry autos. Many Internet Places will ship
them. Just give 'em a shout... or send me an email and I will go into more
detail.

You can also hit a local knife or gun show, enforcement is not always a high
priority. FL is, I believe, one of the states where you can legally walk into
a store and purchase one as long as you're over 18.
Not a lot of red tape, a simple form or a copy of your military ID is all
that's needed. Sure you don't have one relative or friend who qualifies?

Post by LaurenW
Then there are the Boker
Top Lock knives that are made to be autos but have the spring removed.

A Boker conversion kit is readily available (ie
http://www.bestknives.com/boktoploccon.html), hunt around and you might find a
better price. $30 seems a lot for a few little pieces of hardware, when you
could get 10 springs for $22 at bladeauctions. Assuming you like the Boker to
begin with.
Personally, if I was buying, I'd go for one of the nicer Microtechs - if I was
willing to spend that much - or get an assisted opener for half the price.
All in all, I'd rather have a fixed blade. No springs, no legal hassles, no
weak joints, and it's already open - can't get faster than that.

[Corwin]

Post by LaurenW
Exactly what kind of finger action causes the knife to open?
Some autos just have a button. The Mikov knives have a lever, Do you
have to flip it UP or press on it like a button?

Press on it like a button.

neL

[J B]

On a regular lever-lock switchblade, like the German or Italian ones,
the lever folds back towards the handle, and you press down on it to
deploy the blade.
When you have the lever folded towards the front of the knife, it will
not open, and thus acts as a safety for pocket carry.
On the Mikovs, the lever actually folds forward, and you then press on
it, and the blade deploys.
With the lever folded back towards the handle, the knife is in safe mode
for carry. Just the opposite of the German and Italian ones.
Both types are side openers, leaf style kick spring fired.
The Italian L-Ls I have seen are pretty snazzy.
I don't care for the German ones though. They have a bad habit of
breaking springs, something I have had yet to do with a fine Italian
L-L.
JB

[LaurenW]

Post by J B
On a regular lever-lock switchblade, like the German or Italian ones,
the lever folds back towards the handle, and you press down on it to
deploy the blade.
When you have the lever folded towards the front of the knife, it will
not open, and thus acts as a safety for pocket carry.
On the Mikovs, the lever actually folds forward, and you then press on
it, and the blade deploys.
With the lever folded back towards the handle, the knife is in safe mode
for carry. Just the opposite of the German and Italian ones.
Both types are side openers, leaf style kick spring fired.
The Italian L-Ls I have seen are pretty snazzy.
I don't care for the German ones though. They have a bad habit of
breaking springs, something I have had yet to do with a fine Italian
L-L.
JB

Where (on the web) can I see some italian auto-openers?

[LaurenW]

Post by LaurenW

Post by J B
On a regular lever-lock switchblade, like the German or Italian ones,
the lever folds back towards the handle, and you press down on it to
deploy the blade.
When you have the lever folded towards the front of the knife, it will
not open, and thus acts as a safety for pocket carry.
On the Mikovs, the lever actually folds forward, and you then press on
it, and the blade deploys.
With the lever folded back towards the handle, the knife is in safe mode
for carry. Just the opposite of the German and Italian ones.
Both types are side openers, leaf style kick spring fired.
The Italian L-Ls I have seen are pretty snazzy.
I don't care for the German ones though. They have a bad habit of
breaking springs, something I have had yet to do with a fine Italian
L-L.
JB

Where (on the web) can I see some italian auto-openers?

Never mind. Found them!

[Keith]

Post by LaurenW
Also, I still don't have a response from Mikov on how these knives
operate. Exactly what kind of finger action causes the knife to open?
Some autos just have a button. The Mikov knives have a lever, Do you
have to flip it UP or press on it like a button?

I played with these Mikov automatics at the SICAC in Paris this year
(Ottakar Pok had them on his stand).

The release is a small lever. You need to lift it, then press it;
there's no way it could accidentally open in your pocket, and it's
easy to work in your hand.

The spring is easily removable (you need something to lever it,
though, like another spring, or an allen key), which makes the knife
much like an ordinary lock-knife (one-hand opening is easy).

Solid feel to them, very nice, though I don't know what the steel is.
I'm regretting I didn't get one :-( but I'm going to write to Mr. Pok
about some other stuff, so maybe I'll get one after all.

Keith.

[Juha Sakkinen]

Post by Keith
I played with these Mikov automatics at the SICAC in Paris this year
(Ottakar Pok had them on his stand).
The release is a small lever. You need to lift it, then press it;
there's no way it could accidentally open in your pocket, and it's
easy to work in your hand.
The spring is easily removable (you need something to lever it,
though, like another spring, or an allen key), which makes the knife
much like an ordinary lock-knife (one-hand opening is easy).
Solid feel to them, very nice, though I don't know what the steel is.
I'm regretting I didn't get one :-( but I'm going to write to Mr. Pok
about some other stuff, so maybe I'll get one after all.
Keith.

I was there with Keith and I can assure the quality of Ottakar's knifes.
(and I know why Keith did not buy one of his auto's...$$$?;-)

Juha

[Keith]

Post by Juha Sakkinen

Post by Keith
I played with these Mikov automatics at the SICAC in Paris this year
(Ottakar Pok had them on his stand).
The release is a small lever. You need to lift it, then press it;
there's no way it could accidentally open in your pocket, and it's
easy to work in your hand.
The spring is easily removable (you need something to lever it,
though, like another spring, or an allen key), which makes the knife
much like an ordinary lock-knife (one-hand opening is easy).
Solid feel to them, very nice, though I don't know what the steel is.
I'm regretting I didn't get one :-( but I'm going to write to Mr. Pok
about some other stuff, so maybe I'll get one after all.
Keith.

I was there with Keith and I can assure the quality of Ottakar's knifes.
(and I know why Keith did not buy one of his auto's...$$$?;-)
Juha

Yeah, Juha. Something like that. Those autos were fun, as you agreed on
the day. They felt heavy and solid, not plasticky.

Ottakar described them, quite bluntly, as "factory knives". As Juha and I
saw, his "not factory knives" are, well, a little on the "luxurious"
side... Very German / Central European in style, lots of deep carving of
hunting scenes. Lush! But dear (pun intended).

What I bought from Ottakar, was another "factory knife", that you can see
here:

Loading Image...
Loading Image...
Loading Image...
Loading Image...

I made the kydex sheath myself (my first attempt, and it shows!)
The knife was supplied in a very tight leather slip case.

Keith.

[Corwin]

Post by Keith
The release is a small lever. You need to lift it, then press it;
there's no way it could accidentally open in your pocket, and it's
easy to work in your hand.

That's odd.. I was playing with a Mikov that i picked up about a year ago
and it didn't require the lifting action. It was a Blade Plastic handled one
with the gold colored emblem on it. The knife has since been sold so i can't
check it again.

neL

[LaurenW]

Post by Keith

Post by LaurenW
Also, I still don't have a response from Mikov on how these knives
operate. Exactly what kind of finger action causes the knife to open?
Some autos just have a button. The Mikov knives have a lever, Do you
have to flip it UP or press on it like a button?

I played with these Mikov automatics at the SICAC in Paris this year
(Ottakar Pok had them on his stand).
The release is a small lever. You need to lift it, then press it;
there's no way it could accidentally open in your pocket, and it's
easy to work in your hand.
The spring is easily removable (you need something to lever it,
though, like another spring, or an allen key), which makes the knife
much like an ordinary lock-knife (one-hand opening is easy).
Solid feel to them, very nice, though I don't know what the steel is.
I'm regretting I didn't get one :-( but I'm going to write to Mr. Pok
about some other stuff, so maybe I'll get one after all.
Keith.

Apparently you are correct Keith. I just got a response from Mikov.
According to them, you must lift the lever and push it forward to fire
the blade. Apparently this works like a safety device.

[Bill]

Post by LaurenW
Thanks Bill. I agree with your very practical observations about fixed
blades. However, I am a self confessed gadget freak. I LOVE
beautiful, practical, well designed and built devices of all kinds.

Christmas is coming - ask for an Arc LS flashlight. The very top of the line.
Tiny, bright, extremely well made, and expensive. Worth it.

Post by LaurenW
What, in your opinion are the top two best metals for knives?

Steel and steel. I'll try to answer your question as if you were asking for
the two best steels. ;)

Wow, loaded question, best answered with another question: What for?
For fishing/diving and general kitchen use, 440A (and somewhat similar AUS6)
resists stains well. But they're soft - easy to sharpen but don't hold the
edge under heavy use.
My favorite for small fixed blades and folders is D2. I'd like to try some HSS
if I can ever get my hands on one. I may have to do like Alvin and just make
my own. I have a small L6 blade partially completed.
For larger knives I prefer the medium carbon steels, like 5160. Even 1095, but
it's not as easy to heat treat correctly. I'd like to try 52100, and I wish I
could afford INFI. There are lots of variations on these basic steels under
many names.

These are opinions, and you know what they say about them :)

I didn't list anything I didn't use myself for any length of time, ie S30V -
supposed to be the "best" of the new stainless varieties, but I don't
personally own any. When I get the chance I'm going to make some identical
kitchen knives of 154-cm (or 440C, whatever is around) and S30V and maybe 5160
for a true comparison.
BTW, a properly heat treated "inferior" steel is usually better than a poorly
heat treated "better" steel.

You can get some really good info on Cliff's pages:
http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/reviews.html
I especially like the review of the Deer Hunters - 3 identical blades of
different steels.
Also, the rec.knives steel FAQ: http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqs.shtml
or posted here occasionally.

Post by LaurenW
Also, I still don't have a response from Mikov on how these knives
operate. Exactly what kind of finger action causes the knife to open?
Some autos just have a button. The Mikov knives have a lever, Do you
have to flip it UP or press on it like a button?

Already answered.
Good thing, because the only one I saw up close, and this was a while ago,
when you pushed down, it looked like it pulled up at the other end a stop pin,
thus releasing the spring. Never took one apart or held one long enough to
examine closely, so I might be wrong. The only automatic I ever owned (gave it
away years ago) was button operated, and I never could figure out exactly how
it worked without taking it apart.

--
Bill H. Member VRWC

Molon Labe!

[my "reply to" address is real]

[J B]

Lauren,
Go to
http://www.knifeshop.com
It is an outfit that comes out of Austria. They have all the Hubertus
and Mikovs and some stilettos too.
You may want to think about such things as Customs seizures and the like
before you go ordering from them though.
You can usually find anything they have on http://www.bladeauction.com
though. And get it Stateside too. Thus circumventing the whole Customs
mess.
JB

[LaurenW]

Post by J B
Lauren,
Go to
http://www.knifeshop.com
It is an outfit that comes out of Austria. They have all the Hubertus
and Mikovs and some stilettos too.
You may want to think about such things as Customs seizures and the like
before you go ordering from them though.
You can usually find anything they have on http://www.bladeauction.com
though. And get it Stateside too. Thus circumventing the whole Customs
mess.
JB

Thanks!

[J B]

Aw Man,
He ain't talking about Hubies when he says legal lever-locks.
He's talking about that funky lttle Camillus with the flip lever on it,
I think?
JB

[LaurenW]

Post by Corwin

Post by LaurenW
Anyone know if it's possible to convert a manual open knife to an auto
open knife? I've heard of "auto conversion kits". Do they exist.
Are they effective?
All responses appreciated.

Yes but usually it requires a bit of work and its not necessarily easy. Is
there a reason that you don't just buy an Auto?

Uh.. it's my impression that to buy a truly Auto open knife, you must
be able to prove you work in law enforcement or the military. If
that's not true, then yes, I could just buy one. Who will sell me one
without all the idiotic red tape?

Post by Corwin
There are some newer knives such as the CRKT Bladelock and Bladelock 2 and
the Benchmade Benchmite that lock in the closed position that lend
themselves to an easy auto conversion (relatively speaking) since all you
need to do is mill out the space for a coil spring.

Are there any instructions for doing this available?

[Corwin]

Post by LaurenW
Uh.. it's my impression that to buy a truly Auto open knife, you must
be able to prove you work in law enforcement or the military. If
that's not true, then yes, I could just buy one. Who will sell me one
without all the idiotic red tape?

That's only in certain states and countries. There are many states they are
completely legal to own and carry autos. Many Internet Places will ship
them. Just give 'em a shout... or send me an email and I will go into more
detail.

Post by LaurenW

Post by Corwin
There are some newer knives such as the CRKT Bladelock and Bladelock 2 and
the Benchmade Benchmite that lock in the closed position that lend
themselves to an easy auto conversion (relatively speaking) since all you
need to do is mill out the space for a coil spring.

Are there any instructions for doing this available?

I'm not sure... there probably are somewhere. I've seen the conversions
around, and i've heard they appear at gun/knife shows. You could always try
those places.

neL

[J B]

Hey Wannahave an Auto-Dude,
Just click on over to http://www.tinyscoolstuff.com
and, in the words of the immortal Chris Kirk: "Getchuone!"
JB

[LaurenW]

Post by J B
Hey Wannahave an Auto-Dude,
Just click on over to http://www.tinyscoolstuff.com
and, in the words of the immortal Chris Kirk: "Getchuone!"
JB

Thanks. Man, those italians make some fine looking knives. I just
wonder though, why they are so hung up on the classic stiletto format?
What I would really like to find is a well engineered, fully
automatic, button release version of the CRKT M-16 13LE. IOW, I want
an auto-open WORKING knife!

[Sam Eib]

for a good auto opining working knife get yourself a Boker Magnum! best
buy on the market, high quality fr under 30 bux!