Dalton Scale Release Automatic Knife

Reviewed by corwin99 on June 11th, 2010

One of Dalton’s earlier non-button activated automatics, the Dalton Scale Release is very similar to most scale release automatics out there with the benefit of the Dalton Flair: Annodized aluminum handles, bead blasted blade and signature super-stiff pocket clip and allen screws.

While my description might not be the most flattering, its just an allusion to Dalton’s tendancy to the aforementioned style of finishes. In fact, its those familiar styling cues that draw many (including myself) to Dalton’s recognizable designs.

The black annodizing is of the Hard Annodizing variety, giving the handles some measure of wear resistance and protection from discoloration, which Aluminum handles tend to do when used often. This finishing keeps the handle looking fresh, unless you drop it or rub it against something hard.

This scale release works the same as typicaly scale release knives do, such as the Protech Magic or any of the Vallotton designed pieces. The mechanism is activated by sliding the scales in different directions, which raises a lockbar on the spine of the blade that is similar to the lock on a lockback folder. This lock holds the blade in both the open and closed positions, and a standard coil spring provides the power for the automatic action.

The Dalton Scale release is a bit more difficult to manipulate than the Protech Magic was for me, as the dalton seemed to have a stiffer back-lock. This made it harder to fire. I was still able to fire it with one hand, however, my friend with larger hands was not.

The ATS-34 blade is razor sharp and has nice crisp grinds. The handle shape and drop point blade design make the knife a great all-round user and utility knife. Dalton’s are known for their hard firing springs and unique sound when they are opened. Unfortunately, the Scale Release doesn’t have the same Dalton sound when it’s opened, but it does have the same hard-firing blade.

Overall an excellent knife, with a few kinks that could be worked out with subtle tweaking on Dalton’s end. Still a great knife from one of the industry leaders in Automatic Knives.

Specs:
Blade Length: 3 1/2″
Closed Length: 4 5/8″
Overall Length: 8″
Handle Material: Anodized Aluminum
Blade Steel: ATS-34
Weight: 4.4 oz

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