I agree that you want to avoid OTF models (except they're so frickin' cool). I've owned a bunch, but never kept them long. On the other hand I never lost any money on one either. The Microtech UTX-70 is the only new auto I have held onto, they are really small, really handy, and really overpriced
Benchmade are good, but everyone has them so no cool factor
Protech TR4 looks like a good blade with nice ergonomics.
Zero Tolerance 0650 is another good looking knife.
Autos are not any faster than a one handed or spring assisted knife, but even an 18B can open an auto
