The Best Automatic Switchblade Knives of 2025

Automatic knives can make life a whole lot easier if you have a good one. They offer all the convenience and ease of carry you get from a folder, but they also bring the benefit of fast, one-hand opening and an extra cool factor that dazzles non-knife enthusiasts.

If you’re reading this, I’ll assume you’re in the market for an automatic or switchblade knife, and I’m sure you’ve discovered the hundreds of options available to you. Below, I’ve provided the best of the best. I used and tested many autos over the years, and these all stood out from the pack. Let’s jump in!

In This Article

• BEST ALL-AROUND: Benchmade Claymore
• BEST BUDGET: Boker Kalashnikov Auto
• BEST MILITARY/POLICE: Microtech SOCOM Elite
• BEST STILETTO: Pro-Tech Godson
• BEST EDC: Pro-Tech Duke 2
• BEST OTF: Microtech Ultratech ZBP
• BEST OUTDOOR: Buck 110 Auto
• Are Swtichblades Legal?
• Why Buy an Automatic Switchblade Knife?
• Need More Help?

BEST ALL-AROUND: Benchmade Claymore

The customary automatic knife is a beefy work-horse made of all metal, but the Benchmade Claymore has a different take on it. It’s still big, and it’s still super strong, but thanks to a steel-reinforced polymer handle, it’s one of the lightest autos out there. Coupled with its bomb-proof CPM D2 blade steel and secondary safety, this knife is ready for a warzone, the outdoors, or carrying around town!

BEST BUDGET: Boker Kalashnikov Auto 

If you combine all its dozens of variations in color, size, blade shape, finish, steel, etc., the Boker Kalashnikov is probably the best-selling knife in Blade HQ history, and for good reason. Boker set out to make the Kalashnikov auto much like its namesake: strong, tactical, affordable, and nigh on indestructible. It’s just as rugged and durable as any other knife on this list, and as mentioned earlier, it comes in so many variations that you are guaranteed to find the perfect one for you. If you’re on a tight budget, there is no better place to start your automatic knife journey than the Boker Kalashnikov auto! 

I carried the Kalashnikov for months to see if it’s worth the hype. Check out my Boker Kalashnikov Review to see how it held up! Spoiler alert, it’s really good!

BEST MILITARY/POLICE: Microtech SOCOM Elite 

If you need your knife fast, it doesn’t get much faster than a Microtech SOCOM Elite. Violating the norms of knife design, the SOCOM uses a tip-down pocket clip, so when you pull the knife from your pocket, your thumb is already positioned on the knurled, oversized button and ready to rock and roll. The button spring is also a bit stronger than average. That way, when the knife fires, you’re already holding on tight because Microtech automatics fire so much harder than you can imagine. That speed of opening not only gets the knife in the action faster but also guarantees a solid lockup every time. And once its open, it’s a big, overbuilt tank of a knife that can handle anything.

BEST STILETTO: Pro-Tech Godson 

Just like the classic Italian stilettos, the Godson has a rectangular handle, a snappy automatic action, and a needle-like point for insane piercing power. If you really want to lean into the style, you can get one of the custom models. Many have Damascus blades, professional engraving, inlays made of exotic woods, and even some crazy materials like mastodon ivory. That’s pretty gangster…

BEST EDC: Pro-Tech Duke 2 

New for 2025, the Pro-Tech Duke 2 is an updated version of the original Duke, which was discontinued many years ago. Those updates include a more dialed action, improved ergonomics, a deep carry pocket clip, and a CPM MagnaCut blade. It’s rather small for an auto, so it slips neatly into a pocket. It looks good, it feels good, it’s made well, and it’s a PERFECT EDC knife!

BEST OTF: Microtech Ultratech ZBP

In 2024, Microtech released the Ultratech ZBP, which marked a great leap forward in OTF technology. With its buttery-smooth Dual-Fuel drivetrain, user-friendly TORX hardware, and self-cleaning Crud Cutters, it’s a great upgrade. But the big news is the zero blade play mechanism that makes the knife feel like a fixed blade. It’s a masterpiece in OTF knifemaking!

BEST OUTDOOR: Buck 110 Auto

The perks of an automatic knife are as useful in the forest as they are anywhere else. Whether you’re laying a fire, skinning a moose, or doing other forest things, you often have your hands full, and one-hand opening is a boon. If you spend time outdoors, the Buck 110 Auto is that boon! It’s just like the manual 110 Folding Hunter, the legendary knife that has dominated the great American outdoors for the better part of a century, but it snaps open easily with the push of a button. Other than that, it’s still the great knife you know and love, every bit as tough and every bit as versatile. 

Are Switchblades Legal?

Switchblade knives are the subject of legal scrutiny. I’d trust my life to each of the knives in this article, but I wouldn’t trust my freedom to any of them. If you have any hesitation – any at all – please seek competent legal advice for your area. Blade HQ does not claim to understand the minutia of your local knife laws and will not come to save you if you get into trouble. 

But don’t let that dissuade you from these knives! You’d be surprised how often you’ll get the legal green light, and if you don’t, many of these knives have non-automatic variants as well. 

Why Buy an Automatic Switchblade Knife? 

Automatic knives offer another layer of security. I generally prefer a manual folder, but at the end of the day, I’m counting on my fine motor skills to open the knife. In emergencies, when seconds count, and fine motor skills go out the window, I’d rather have a knife that can open at the press of a button. And even in everyday situations, when I’m using a knife, my hands are usually already busy. It’s nice to have a knife that doesn’t take two hands to open. 

Automatic knives might not be for everyone. Legality, political correctness, and personal preference might make you prefer a manual pocket knife or even a fixed blade, but either way, I hope you learned something about automatic knives and can see how they are making the world a better place! 

Need More Help?

Check out our Automatic Knives Buyer’s Guide on YouTube for more great knives!