Let’s face it, as guys we’re always on the lookout for the best EDC knife we can find. With myriads of makes and models available, the search can be quite challenging – albeit a thoroughly enjoyable pursuit. I recently took a detour in my normal search route that led me to CobraTec Knives. This is a boutique manufacturer in Medirian Texas which specializes in making auto knives, also known as switchblades or out-the-front (OTF) knives.

This is a genre I had not given serious thought to until I recently had the opportunity to hold one in my hand. I found the responsiveness of the switch much more robust than expected. The design is fresh and the construction is well-executed. All the knives I handled felt well-balanced and very sharp. The knives appear to be built like a tank. A big selling point is the lifetime warranty each of CobraTec knives carries. It’s great a find a knife manufacturer who stands behind their product enough to provide a lifetime guarantee.

Most of their knives are constructed using D2 steel blades and high-grade aluminum alloy handles. Their modular design allows the handle to be easily disassembled using common wrenches. This allows owners to switch out their blades as needed. CobraTec sells individual blades to allow for easy versatility and servicing.

What led me to buy an auto knife was its practicality. Virtually every time I reach for my pocket knife, my hands are full and I’m trying to hold something in one hand while I get out my knife and put it to work with the other. Although developing the skill to quickly open a folding knife single-handedly is an essential skill in the art of manliness, there are times when you just want to get a job done without the fanfare. In terms of ease and speed of deployment, the auto knife is in a league of its own. This makes the auto knife a practical tool for the guy who’s getting things done.

The potential downside of an auto knife is public perception. If someone pulls out an auto knife in a public setting, it could be perceived as a threatening gesture. This has the potential to lead to charges of aggravated assault. Yet, the same could be said of engaging any type of knife in a public setting. Generally speaking, pulling a knife out of one’s pocket is best done in private or in the company of friends.

I first came across auto knives while perusing a local gun store. This suggests some consider auto knives to be self-defense weapons. Pulling out a knife in a self-defense situation does not sound like a reasonable strategy for most situations. Using a non-lethal OC or pepper spray where you can defend yourself from a safe distance makes much more sense.

Before I get any further, consider watching our video review below.