I can see why some people like having a safety, especially if you have kids around or just want a little peace of mind against accidental openings in your pocket.
For me personally, I usually avoid them. But I’m curious, is a safety switch something you specifically look for when buying a knife or completely avoid?
Knife pictured – Gerber Propel Downrange Auto
by ThumbStuds
4 Comments
My thought is if you need to use a knife hard enough you’re worried about the lock failing you probably need a fixed blade.
Two scenarios where they are good: very protruded button and/or when they can also be used to lock the blade open. But those scenarios are more of a bandaid solution to design problems/misuse
Very much needed on an otf knife you keep in your pocket.
I carry some automatics with and some without. I’ve never worried about my protechs deploying accidentally, but I stopped carrying my Kershaw launch because it accidentally deployed in my pocket. That said, I generally prefer a safety if my fingers can easily contact the button – and every time if the button is not recessed.