Hmmm. I had a malfunction the other day (twice) While cycling the blade it made a less than solid sound. Upon the next movement the mechanism failed to control the blade and it became [essentially] a gravity knife... freely moving independently from the action. A simple tough on the point reengaged the blade with the spring mechanism. Simple fix. I'm glad it works but I can't help but wonder what could have been if this happened in a self defense situation, or if a Special Operator had this occur when in a critical situation.

OTFs can get gummed up on the inside rather easily causing them to malfunction. They are also picky in that too little or too much lube can cause an issue. What the blade was doing was disengaging from the track because there was force on it upon opening that was not supposed to be their due to either friction, tolerance issues or foreign matter. Likewise, if you fire an OTF into a box, the blade will disengage as well (this way, you don't put a 4 inch razor sharp blade all the way through you).

Because OTFs are finiky, I personally would not use one for self defense or in hard conditions.

Very informative. Thanks. I love the 3300, but I don't "use" it. I'm guessing foreign matter (probably lint or something like it) from my pocket. I like the engineering and concept, but I still use my 523 for all cutting use.

quote:

Originally posted by eazid:
Very informative. Thanks. I love the 3300, but I don't "use" it. I like the engineering and concept. I still use my 523 for all cutting use.

Using the 3300 as EDC knife would be overkill

It's a nice knife to look at, though. And it's got a good material mix.

I also prefer single-edged knives for daily EDC work.

There is no such thing as overkill.
If you believe it's the right tool for the job......It is.

Lubrication was mentioned. For the the 3300; how would one go about cleaning the knife?

Has anyone ever tookin one apart and put it back together ??? Is it tough to do ??
When the blade is extended , its a little wobblely , is this normal with all 3300 ??

quote:

Originally posted by dj:
Has anyone ever tookin one apart and put it back together ??? Is it tough to do ??
When the blade is extended , its a little wobblely , is this normal with all 3300 ??

I have never taken mine apart. I never want to have to do that either. As for the blade play. Mine is rock solid both extended and not.

quote:

Originally posted by ZacN:
Because OTFs are finiky, I personally would not use one for self defense or in hard conditions.

My sentiments exactly. While that stuff works in the movies (sorry, couldn't resist ), it's not real life.

The cool factor is always there for autos. That ain't gonna go away. I kind of like em myself.

In the same breath, the way the technology is so advanced these days, most times (and with emphesis on the "most times" part), auto knives are fairly reliable creatures. So for the most part, they shouldn't give you any issues.

But like any other auto (or even stuff outside of knives with moving parts) there's always a slight chance that something will go whacky on ya. That goes for BM, Microtech, et al. And that could be for any number of reasons (something broke, a bit of dirt to foul up the insides, or just plain dumb luck).

Even the best of folders can have something go wrong. Again, the chances are pretty good that you won't have something go FUBAR with a folder, but there's always a chance. That's why I always kind of chuckle with some of these "spine whack tests" some folks subject their folders to (you'll go blind with all that whacking, don'tcha know ).

But to each his/her own.

If I'm going strictly for the SD thing, I'm going for a fixed blade, or any other emergency situation.

Then again, the best knife to use in emergency situations is the one you've got on ya (be it fixed, folder, bali, or auto).

Just one mans opinion, YMMV.

quote:

Originally posted by sabu71:

That goes for BM, Microtech, et al.

Microtech makes knives?

I thought they just made guns...