Your Trusted Source for Tactical & Automatic Knives
Trusted Automatic Knife Brands for Every Style and Budget
Shop in-stock automatic knives from Southern Sporting Goods LLC, a trusted U.S. seller since 2014 and an authorized dealer for Microtech and Venom USA™. Compare double-action OTF knives, push-button folding automatics and classic Italian switchblades from Microtech, Venom USA™, Gerber, AKC, Bear & Son and Smith & Wesson.
Choose by blade style, steel, size and price—from budget-friendly everyday carry models to premium American-made knives. Every order includes free U.S. and APO/FPO/DPO shipping on orders over $100, discreet packaging and 30-day returns.
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Venom USA™ Knives
Venom USA knives deliver fast, responsive automatic action and dependable tactical performance without the premium price tag. Built with rugged materials and practical designs, these knives offer outstanding everyday value and are backed by warranty protection for added confidence.
Venom USA™ is exclusively sold at Southern Sporting Goods (SSG). All rights reserved.
- Fast, powerful automatic action
- Rugged tactical construction
- Covered by the Venom USA™ warranty for added peace of mind
About Automatic Knives
Automatic knives are folding knives that use a spring-powered mechanism to deploy the blade when a button, switch, or lever is activated. Also called auto knives or switchblades, they are valued for fast, convenient one-handed operation. Unlike assisted-opening knives, which require the user to begin moving the blade manually, a true automatic knife deploys directly through a control located on the handle.
The two primary styles are side-opening automatic knives and out-the-front (OTF) knives. A side-opening automatic pivots from the side of the handle like a traditional pocketknife, while an OTF knife sends the blade straight through the front. Available blade shapes include drop point, tanto, dagger, bayonet, and partially serrated designs, giving buyers options for everyday utility, outdoor use, professional applications, and collecting.
When choosing an automatic knife, consider the blade steel, opening mechanism, handle material, blade length, pocket-clip position, and overall size. Quality construction, dependable deployment, secure blade lockup, and comfortable handling are especially important when selecting a knife for regular use.
Automatic Knife FAQ
Find answers to common questions about automatic knives, OTF knives, folding automatics, blade styles, maintenance, everyday carry, and purchasing automatic knives online.
An automatic knife is a folding knife whose blade opens automatically when a button, lever, or switch on the handle is activated. An internal spring-powered mechanism deploys the blade and locks it into the open position. Automatic knives include side-opening folding models and out-the-front, or OTF, knives.
Automatic knife and switchblade generally describe the same type of spring-powered knife. Automatic knife is the term commonly used by manufacturers and retailers, while switchblade is a traditional term frequently used in laws and everyday searches. Exact legal definitions can vary by jurisdiction.
An automatic knife deploys when a button or switch located on the handle is activated. An assisted-opening knife requires the user to begin moving the blade with a thumb stud, flipper, or similar feature before the spring assists with the remainder of the opening. This mechanical difference may also affect how each knife is classified under applicable laws.
The two primary types are OTF automatic knives and side-opening automatic knives. An OTF knife sends the blade straight out through the front of the handle. A side-opening automatic, also called a folding automatic knife, swings the blade outward from the side like a traditional pocketknife.
Most OTF knives sold for everyday carry, collection, or professional use are automatic, but OTF describes the direction in which the blade travels—not necessarily how it is powered. Manual OTF designs also exist. Check the product specifications to determine whether a particular knife is automatic, manual, single-action, or double-action.
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