Friday, August 30, 2013

Gear Review: HK Epidemic Auto Knife

With the recent law change that allows the fine citizens of Indiana to carry auto knives again, I decided to go ahead and upgrade my knife. The options were endless for side opening and out the front models. The Benchmade Infidel was a top choice, but I don't care for a double edged blade. The side autos I saw seemed too easily opened unless it had a safety that defeated the idea of an auto opening blade. If I want an auto, I want a fast, one hand opening unit that will last. After looking at many options, I chose the HK Epidemic auto knife for daily carry duty.


This quality knife has several features I really liked, and some I wasn't aware of until I received it. The action is fast and strong. If you hit something while opening it, all you have to do is flick your wrist to get it all the way out. The button action is sturdy, so there is very little chance of inadvertently opening the knife in your pocket. The pocket clip is extremely solid, it can be difficult to get it in your pocket if you have reinforced pocket tops. Getting it out of your pocket is always smooth. The side actuating button is another feature I liked over the Infidel, it leaves the hand in a more natural position after you've opened the knife. It also makes incidental operation less likely because you can't lean against something and hit the button against your leg, where it might be uncomfortable even if it doesn't actuate.

The blade itself is D2 tool steel. It's a very strong steel that holds an edge very well. Corrosion resistance isn't as good as I would like, but it's more than fine for most people. I didn't have to sharpen the knife for over a month when I started using it. That's 2x longer than most knives I've used. I should have come to expect this from a knife made by Benchmade, they make great stuff! Oh, I guess I forgot to mention that! Yes, this knife is entirely made by Benchmade and sells for less than half the MSRP of the Infidel.

The only drawbacks I've found on this knife is the large case. It's not as slim as I like but not so bad as to be bothersome while wearing pants or athletic shorts. The case is a little boxy and has some sharp edges on the inlay machining, but nothing that bothers me while using the knife. The anodizing has begun to wear off, but that's to be expected on a tool I use as much as I do a knife.

Overall, this knife is a sure winner in the auto market. It's durable with good quality steel and a stout clip that should last for years. This one's a keeper!

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing with me great blog about Knife. I really like to share this blog with my friends.
    Out Of The Front Knife

    ReplyDelete
  2. The side actuating button is another feature I liked over the Infidel, it leaves the hand in a more natural position after you've opened the knife. It also makes steel profilers incidental operation less likely because you can't lean against something and hit the button against your leg, where it might be uncomfortable even if it doesn't actuate.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing us great blog. I always like to buy different types of knives.
    Best Out The Front Knives

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. This is my second OTF. The first was a Microtech Ultratech and it Totally failed after 2 months. I sent it back to Microtech and it took 2 months to get it back. 10 days later it failed again and I'm in the process of attempting to get my money back. No way I would Ever trust Microtech. I have 6 Benchmade knives and this is my first H and K Benchmade. All my Benchmade knives are outstanding and I'm So disappointed in Microtech, which from what I read is just like our beloved country, it's in decline.

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  6. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging. Get credit card knife free

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  7. If you are looking for affordable Auto Knife, Menseffect is the one you should go for. They offer you quality products at best prices available in today's consumer market.

    ReplyDelete

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