Along with a firearm,

[burrfoot]

I'm looking for a good auto knife to carry. (disclaimer: I'm a FL CCW holder, it's allowed)
It's not going to be a dedicated SD knife; I'm realistic enough to know that it'll end up being a daily carrier and light work knife (i.e. around town, not out camping); so I'm not looking for uber-tacticool ninja shit here- I just want a reliable, sharp knife. (Of course, if worse ever came to worst, I'd want it to be sturdy enough for self defense)
Price range I'm hoping for is around $100-high $100's (I do kind of love edged weapons). I know I'm not going to get a Sandshark or a Microtech OTF,
(but a boy can drool :evilgrin: ).

For this kind of use I prefer a smaller knife- say 7.5in open, max. Benchmade has nice option in their HK line, the "mini automatic."
I've heard crazy rumors about them being a horrible company who has everything made in China and steals designs from starving artists, etc., etc.; not sure how much of that is true.

Edit ** not an HK fanboy. On further perusal, Benchmade offers several autos in the size I'm looking for. Advice, please!! ;) **

Does anyone have experience with the Benchmade autos, or have any other suggestions I should look into? Please bear in mind that in order not to violate any federal laws, I need to be able to purchase the knife inside the state of Florida.

Also, if my understanding of the law is incorrect, don't hesitate to set me straight- constructive criticism that keeps me from being arrested is always appreciated.

O8)

Thanks in advance guys (and gals)!

Mods: If this is in the wrong forum, please move as appropriate. I didn't know quite where to put it as CCW and SD are key components of the topic. Thanks!!