Auto-Lawks Dilemma!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by William Cutting on May 12, 2009 at 13:53

I bought the EDC version ot the M16 and it had autolawks on it but the liner lock was so weak that it would still fail on me even when the autolawk was in place. Because of this, I have been very skeptical about CRKT's blades. I felt that all crkt knives would do this and I didn't buy a crkt knife for some time. My friends bought me the CRKT Triumph for my birthday and that knife sort of got me back into CRKT, so I bought the Hissastu folder. Both of my CRKT's have the autolawks and I have not had the locking mechanisms fail on me and now I really like CRKT's AutoLawks safety system it gets pretty close to fixed blade strength. Was the EDC m16 was a fluke, or has anyone else had problems with theirs?

Permalink Reply by Justin Krzynowek on May 12, 2009 at 20:10

I think the AutoLawks system on my Titanium Big Dog M-16 is amazing. Very simple design but yet so functional. I bet it probly saved me a few bandaids without me ever knowing. It is also in a very good area so its not any harder to close one-handed. But I wouldn't say it's as strong as a full tang fixed blade because it's still a liner-lock no matter what. But I defenatly think it's stronger/more reliable than a regular liner-lock because theres no way that liner can slip out from under the blade. Overall... I love the AutoLawks system.

Permalink Reply by rocky on May 16, 2009 at 3:03

it's just a fluke, I have a couple of them and have never experienced that problem

Permalink Reply by J.T. [HELLZZARMY] on May 21, 2009 at 23:27

It's a good idea though I like the older version of the "LAKE AND WALKER KNIFE SAFETY" like the one my SRT LE 1* TANTO m16. I want the option to use or not to use it...

Permalink Reply by Cam on May 22, 2009 at 1:16

I think it is a great concept but i could see it getting in the way. I think the manual LAWKS system like on the m-4 (could be wrong) is much better.

Permalink Reply by Chris Stookey on June 6, 2009 at 16:32

Actually, I have several M16 and M21 knives and haven't experienced any failure. Having said that...I do think that the liner lock is pretty darn thin. So...it may be that your knife was defective...or it may be that the thinness of the liner just couldn't handle what you were doing. In any event, with all folders, I've taken to a strict policy of not using them the same way that I would a fixed blade knife. If I have really heavy duty work to do...I'm always for fixed blade. Nothing beats it. I love my M16s and M21s and think that the Auto-Lawks system is an excellent invention.

Permalink Reply by Dave White on July 16, 2009 at 14:35

Just got the Hissatsu folder last week, and I really like it....I like the Autolawks safety as a bit of insurance, just like the safety on a gun. Doesn't make it any stronger, but prevents an accident or two, I'm sure. I'll stick with fixed, full tang knives when maximum strength is needed.

Permalink Reply by Paul J Granger on January 8, 2010 at 19:07

I love CRKT lots!
I know Ed Halligan personally.
And I am a friendly aquaintance of Rod Bremer.
As a matter of fact, one of the knives that CRKT makes was my idea.
So you know I really love the company.

But I do hate auto lawks. Manual lawks was ok. But auto lawks is yuk.
It is certainly safer. Perhaps it is there to reduce liability. But I have
really considered disabling the auto lawks on a couple of mine.
Not that I would suggest that you do that!!!
I have never cut myself using or closing a quality liner lock. So I don't see the need.

Permalink Reply by Jeremi Lett on April 3, 2010 at 2:13

The new auto lawks is not a great improvement in my opinion and I promote,sell,and carry CRKT products.It works well with the auto conversion Pharoah and Anubis as it locks blade safely open and closed.I have chopped and wacked the back of open bladed pharoah on tables multiple times to show customers and colleagues just how bad ass the lock is on a auto knife under 100 bucks.I was lucky to meet the CRKT crew at a 2007 Blade Show.I agree with you

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on October 5, 2011 at 15:51

William....

I have many CRKT and put them to the test.  All of the liner locks are strong and function flawlessly.  I just received a Hissatsu folder.  I have been carrying it around for a product evaluation.  The Hissatsu looks like a good self defense knife but a little small for this function.  I would say the Hissatsu is more of a tool than a self defense weapon.

Like all tools, in a pinch when things turn to shit and all rules of engagement go out the window with the bathwater and baby....the Hissatsu would be good for face strikes and under the arm stabs.  If you are defending yourself with a knife it is best to use the knife till the attacker leaves you alone and you feel they will not attack again.  In other words don't run them down and jump on their back screaming like a banshee and start stabbing about the head and face.  My fellow cops will see this in a different light then you do.  Remember defense is defend yourself till the threat has stopped.