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BEST NEW AUTOMATIC KNIFE 2016: Meet the Contenders

November 14, 2016

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

The KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in the production knife world. KnifeNews turned to knife dealers to determine the winners. With hundreds of new production knives passing through their hands and many hours spent interacting with end-users, dealers have the most comprehensive and informed perspective. 21 of North America’s top dealers cast their votes in 10 different categories to choose the best of the best in 2016.

Best New Automatic Knife
Automatic knives appeal to users with their speed and ease of use. For many years automatic knives have been stigmatized by archaic laws that prohibited their ownership, carry, and use. But as those laws continue to change across the country, manufacturers are paying more attention to this growing category.

In alphabetical order, here are the four new automatic knives that garnered the most votes. Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out which one is taking home the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best New Automatic Knife 2016.

Benchmade 2551 Mini-Reflex II
The 2551 Mini-Reflex II incorporates Benchmade’s latest automatic button deployment for speed, durability, and reliability. A wider access area make firing the Mini-Reflex II instinctual and easy.

Benchmade 2551 Mini-Reflex II

Gerber 06 Auto 10th Anniversary Edition
This Gerber 06 Auto Anniversary Edition breathes new life into the company’s famous automatic knife line that began 10 years ago. An OD green handle makes this 06 particularly special, but the 3.8” S30V drop point blade and a revamped deployment mechanism send the message that this is more than a collectible.

Gerber 06 Auto

Kershaw Launch 4
Kershaw set out to design a California-legal automatic knife with the Launch 4, but with its stylish looks, super light weight, and snappy action this knife found a much wider audience. The Launch 4 is a go-anywhere automatic available in a wide variety of colors.

Kershaw Launch 4

Kershaw Launch 6
The biggest knife in the Launch series, the Launch 6 stands out for more than just its size. Its sleek styling and sweeping blade give it a modern, tactical look. Add CPM-154 steel and a robust locking mechanism and this knife is ready for duty.

Kershaw Launch 6

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Best New Tactical Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
CRKT Clever Girl (WINNER)
Friday, November 11th

Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
Mora Garberg (WINNER)
Saturday, November 12th

Best New Fixed Blade for EDC:
Top 4 Contenders
TOPS C.U.T. 4.0 (WINNER)
Sunday, November 13th

Best Knife Upgrade:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade G-10 Griptilian (WINNER)
Monday, November 14th

Best New Automatic Knife:
Top 4 Contenders
Kershaw Launch 6 (WINNER)
Tuesday, November 15th

Best New Assisted-Opening Folder:
Top 4 Contenders
Benchmade 490 Amicus (WINNER)
Wednesday, November 16th

Best New Value Folder (MSRP under $100):
Top 4 Contenders
Cold Steel Pro-Lite (WINNER)
Thursday, November 17th

Best New Manual Folder:
Top 5 Contenders
Zero Tolerance 0456 (WINNER)
Friday, November 18th

Most Innovative New Knife:
Top 3 Contenders
CRKT Homefront (WINNER)
Saturday, November 19th

Best Overall New for 2016 Lineup:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade Knife Company (WINNER)
Sunday, November 20th

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