I am looking at getting an auto knife to carry on duty. I will probally go with the Microtech LUDT due to the great price I found on them. They offer it in two different steels. You can get it in D2 or S30V steel. Which one would be better in an auto duty knife and why? Any input would be helpful.

do they come with a coating? in a folder I would prefer a stainless steel unless it is coated with titanium nitride or something.

S30V would be my pick as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I own a few Microtechs and the LUDT is one of them. Mine is in 154 Cm and I couldn't be happier. I have a Troodon in S30V and it is well,unreal to say the least. Other older MT's I have are in D-2 as well.
I have a few customs in D-2 and they are prone to chipping and are quite hard to sharpen. They also will pit and stain very easy too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I use a Edge Select 120 and it is still hard. The new S30V is like the 154 CM but on steroids. It was created for custom knives. Take advantage of it instead of a tool steel.
Use the blade steel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Peace.

well said pop

Not your question but why an auto for duty? IMO one hand openers are faster and safer. Faster because you usually have to reposition your hand to open them unlike say a Spyderco Endura. Most autos have a safety so that they don't accidently open in your pocket. I talked to a Treasury Agent that had a Benchmade issued to him several years ago. He carried it in small of back as a backup but apparently forgot to engage safety and cut his lower back/butt. If you carry it in you front pocket and it opens it is way too close to the groin for me. Just thinking out loud.

Messier,

I don't know why he would prefer a Auto to a flipper other than the cool factor is off the charts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I own 20 Auto openers form various manufactures and I buy in the 100-400 price range.All of mine require a bit of DIRECT force on the button or slider to pop them.They also have the button slightly recessed as well for added safety.

In as many years as I have been collecting and carrying them which is daily I have yet to have one of mine open by accident. Out of 20 only 2 even have safety's.

I believe that he was cut by his location of carry. When you sit down you place great force on where? Yes the lower back/butt. He in my honest opinion got what he was looking for. A prick to remind him to keep it in his strong hand front pocket.

That is the key to Auto safety carry I believe. I haven't been bit yet.

The new Flippers are every bit as fast as my coil or leaf spring Auto knives.

I, just because of carry laws has stocked up on flippers before they re-write the laws to include them as Switchblades and ban them too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

That is a archaic law that someone should have the clout and balls to repeal.

Plain dumb law. I really hope flippers don't all of the sudden get grouped back into the Switchblade category after some idiot does a bad thing with one.

Knives as we know are easier than guns to ban. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />

Good point Messer.

Peace.