"Tomb Raider" Style Front-Opener

"Tomb Raider" Style Front-Opener

This is actually a kit knife, shipped in parts and left to you to assemble. The newer version uses a metal plate to cover the operating mechanism, but this one has the older plastic piece in that location. If you've ever wanted to see how a typical dual-action front-opening automatic knife works, this is a good place to start. You can watch (and adjust) the control bars and cocking springs in action. (In fact, you can count on having to do some tweaking to get it to work smoothly and reliably.) The handle is really just a box with radiused edges. There's no texture or taper to provide grip. There's no safety, though the mechanism is so stiff that you would be hard put to open it unintentionally. One supplier was selling these kits for $8.00 each, plus S&H. These are probably best suited for building and then giving away to friends to use as letter-openers or souvenirs. The blade is slightly below-average in quality and does not lock up particularly well.

  • MFG: Unknown
  • MODEL: Unknown
  • TYPE: Automatic
  • ACTION: Front-opening (dual-action)
  • MECHANISM: Coil spring (in and out)
  • CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5"
  • BLADE LENGTH: 3.75"
  • PROS: Inexpensive, educational to assemble and adjust, works pretty well with some fiddling.
  • CONS: Below-average quality of parts and construction, requires some fiddling, blade is below-average.
  • VALUE: What do you expect for $8.00?
  • OVERALL OPINION: If you like to tinker, this can be a fun knife. Just don't expect it to be suitable for serious work.
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