What's the Difference Between Manual, Assisted, & Automatic (Switchblade) Knives?

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DocP's Patreon Page: / docp91b
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Send your Q&A Qestions to: [e-mail]
This is info mainly for beginners. I think experienced guys might enjoy it too, but it's probably stuff you already know.

[@RealSwampPanther]

i love south carolina knife laws. the ONLY restriction on carrying a knife, open or concealed, is that on school property, you can only have a maximum of 2" blade, thats the only restriction and its great.

[@DocP91B]

That's really cool. I thought you were going to say not on school property...

[@isaacj.7989]

@@DocP91B lol yeah in California laws are soo bad tye only thing good here is the weather

[@SauceBroskie]

PA laws are awesome! No automatic blades or anything triggered from a spring. It’s called sarcasm btw

[@xmcerer]

why are so many people pissed off about how long the intro is and saying that its like 5 minutes long? he literally started explaining just about one minute in.

[@noodlefart1029384756]

literally the definition of a hobby haha, I don't think that word diminishes it imo. We are all here because we like sharp things

[@maverick3677]

"We've tried, in the knife community, to refer to them as 'automatics'" 2A Community: I don't think this will work to your benefit Great video! Thanks for your service.

[@area51.52]

I’m relatively new to the knife community and to edc in general. I’ve been watching as much content as I have time for and I gotta say, I like your content the most. I appreciate you, sir.

[@knowledgegod2635]

Just realized that the reason for switchblades being illegal is most likely due to being able to hide the blade just as fast as opening it by using a button. I'm assuming certain laws believe that is an issue when it comes down to violence whilst using a knife. It sucks because I love switchblades.

[@knowledgegod2635]

I feel like there really is no difference between the operation of a switchblade and a spring assisted knife, while a switchblade is illegal in Canada but a spring assisted is legal. Switchblade knives should be legal.

[@reptilionsarehere]

Shhhhh, don't give them any ideas. Watch, now they'll prohibit them within the year. Ordered the CRKT Bamboozled. Not much of a knife enthusiast so I honestly just ordered it because of the design but maybe it'll be an okay brand/knife at least.

[@xmcerer]

@@reptilionsarehere it's not even the one handed deployment that's the problem lol, it's that italien stiletto switchblades and all look "scary" and the public wanted them banned because of a bunch of 1950s gang movies where the characters would use switchblades. which he actually mentions around 5:30. most switchblades are more for aesthetic purposes and are actually really bad for EDC. so to calm people's irrational fears, politicians just started banning them (even though there's no real reason to do so, since there are a LOT of stuff that is worse than switchblades and actually dangerous, yet no one cares.)

[@wiseanimations2746]

Doc: "We dont like to call them switchblades." Doc: Continues to call automatic knife switchblade for the rest of the video. Greatttt Video Doc :)

[@abobbybaby4]

5:20 into your video…finally is what we are all waiting to learn from you!!!

[@luxtobeyou]

Oh praise be to the KZbin videos like this that exist so I don't have to Google all these things separately 🤣 many thanks!

[@no1animeprotagonist530]

just wanna say, thanks for clearing up the line between legal and not legal, i orderd a manual flipper knife and i looked up shipping laws and such, automatic knifes were not allowed and i didnt know if a flipper was considered a automatic or not, thanks again!

[@mikeoconnor6537]

Hey doc ive watched videos of wranglerstar, demolitionranch etc: and honestly those big name people dont even compare to the knowledge i think you have. I always take your word for what is best. Thanks for continuing to make videos for me and your fellow fans!

[@DocP91B]

That means a lot to me! Like...at least 5 shit tons! Thank you man, sincerely!!!!!

[@Tyler-Woody]

Im starting to like manual openers more and more. Been buying knives for 20 years . ( started when I was 8 years old 😂, go Texas!) have owned some nice autos over the last 10 years. The assisted openers and even manual openers like spyderco make the autos seem unnecessary.

[@PreciseVids]

Im not a knife guy but I bought one recently (ontario rat knife), and I found out that switchblades are illegal my state, so I went back to my order to see if I accidentally bought an illegal knife (after researching, its a manual knife, I would've been pissed if I bought a switchblade).

[@georgeb5835]

Hey love the video. Very informative and I’m getting into the game so it’s really helpful.

[@Chokoboh]

I really like those manual openers with a flipper. They open as fast as any other of those knives and they don't rely on complicated mechanical parts. Simple, yet effective. Sadly, where i live, ANY knife that opens with one hand is illegal to carry in public. Yeah, they want us to live in the middle ages, needing two hands to open a knife slowly while the police carries firearms and other stuff. But police officers don't have the right to search anyone without a good reason for it and i'm generally not giving it to them. Also, where i live, you don't end up in handcuffs for just carrying it. It gets taken away by the cop and you won't see that knife again, and you're paying a fine, but that's it. So, i generally carry a manual flipper that's cheap and easy to replace IN CASE something DOES happen.

[@idiot7074]

10 comments, 0 views. KZbin at it's best

[@keenanwalker6597]

I needed this video because I live in NH we have literally no knife laws neither for owning or for carrying but the nazi state south of me Massachusetts which I have to travel to sometimes has stupid cryptic laws on what can and can’t be carried. This video helped me determine exactly what knives I own I can carry there.

[@alexwithanova7886]

Hey keep up the good work we as a community will support you and do what you need we will wait keep up the good work

[@DocP91B]

Thanks!

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK]

Hey, Doc. I'd love to see you do a video on good knives for those of us new to knife collecting. I'm an artist & Navy brat. So, I'm going to be appreciative of the craftsmanship on the more expensive knives and the need for safety & quality. My knives are going to earn their keep. They're not going to just lounge around looking pretty. They're going to work. DCA of Knife Center says premium steels aren't necessarily the best for those of us just getting started, and trying to learn how to strop, hone, sharpen our knives. I'm not going to 'sharpen' any knife. I'm going to send any knife that needs sharpening to Mike Emler since he introduced me to his Sea Snake knife made by AC. It's been around my neck since I got it almost a year ago. It's getting lots of use and it's still razor 'Crazy Sharp'. He got me started down this rabbit hole. I will, however, strop my knife. I will maintain my already sharp edge. And watch as many videos as possible on the subjects. My Mora is easy. lots of good videos on sharpening Moras scandi grind. If you've already made a recent video on such please drop a reply with a link. If not, I'd really enjoy hearing your take on different starter knives good for us that are bitten by the knife/mods bug. No limit on budget. I doubt you're going to recommend a $600 Hinderer as a starter knife. I'm Aspergers with savant capabilities (medical diagnosis not bragging) and enjoy your attention to details as Aspies are OCD and focused on abstract details. Thank you for your service, sir, and for sharing your expertise.

[@justindunlap1235]

If you do want yo get into sharpening knives. I would recommend a lansky style sharpening jig. It allows you to set a very precise angle on your edge.

[@hokanut]

"If a cop stops you in NY and finds a gravity knife you're going to jail"...LOL...That was funny.

[@DocP91B]

The guys on I know on the job in the city don't seem to think so. Want me to introduce you?

[@DocP91B]

Then again today you set a patrol car on fire and smash and loot a store and not get arrested, so you may have a point.

[@themadmanatee9789]

8:18 I think of the outsiders Stay gold...

[@tcmoto9031]

Stay gold ponyboy

[@sebastiantamayo1988]

Finally found a Chanel that has what I was looking for now I know a lot about knifes and will start a collection your the best man!!!

[@DocP91B]

+Sebastian Tamayo Thank you! If you have any specific requests or videos youd like to see, just let me know!

[@MeTrOiD241]

couple years late but, its really stupid that a knife is restricted by how it opens. That's lawmakers for you. they don't need a coherent reason to ban something. Just a movie level of understanding, just like why they banned suppressors (they actually think it completely silences a weapon like in 007). Thanks for this though, lots of info. I got into it with a cop about my spring assisted being illegal because he thought it was a "switchblade". love collecting these blades.

[@healmyroots]

Very helpful, thank you

[@7cyz]

Thank you so much! And watching your videos is my pleasure! :)

[@E1337N3SS]

Only thing I can think an OTF automatic would be useful for would be working in confined spaces with a limited ability to make the arcing motion necessary to open a side folder. I work in trains, and there are a few very specific scenarios I can think of where I would want to stick a knife into a gap, cut something, and then close the knife without taking my hand out. But those are VERY specific situations that a box cutter would do about as well in anyway, and I wouldn't be getting engine oil in my multi-hundred dollar knife.

[@Gettinbentfishing]

Doc you the best,sorry to hear about how everything went for ya but glad to see how easy it is for you to make it a positive. Hope we still get all the rad knife and box vids,ur cdn fan.

[@TheMuddyMilesTrain]

appreciate the knowledge my man.

[@CXRVUS252]

Hey man your videos are awesome even though I cant afford knives myself your videos always keep me into the hobby of cutlery I just wanted to say your content is awesome and thank you for making such an awesome channel -cheers from mexico ^·^

[@DocP91B]

Mucho gracias!!!!!

[@CXRVUS252]

DocP91B keep up the awesome work man

[@Lockinsign]

So a Smith and Wesson OTF is literally a switchblade? And the fact that it’s single action is some weird little loophole that classifies it not as not? It literally opens almost identically to an automatic which is really all you need??

[@DocP91B]

S&W is very careful with their definitions. All their OTFs are listed as "spring assisted", which makes them legally not automatic. The manual closing really doesn't matter. All automatic side opening knives require manual closing, but the fact that the blade is under spring tension, whiich is released without any manual force actually applied to the blade, classifies them as automatic or switchblade. So none of the S&W OTfs are legally considered switchblade, but assisted opening action.

[@Lockinsign]

@@DocP91B could not have asked for a better explanation. Thank you very much.

[@mattmcewen794]

Hey Doc it's Matt here. I watch your videos everyday and you're the reason for me getting into knife collecting!! I love your battlebox videos and shtf videos. Keep being awesome!! And thanks for making my day better. Please give me a big shout out next happy battlebox day

[@DocP91B]

You got it Matt! Thanks for watching!

[@7cyz]

I personally would go for a manual knife, they are generally cheaper and they are of similar performance to any other blade.

[@pympin87]

the other thing is with an assist or auto you also announce the presence of a knife when you open it and it makes that loud click ... where you can open a manual knife quietly

[@charlesgarrity6680]

Doc I was the winner who goofed up on the first true false story video and I emailed you with a concern I may have

[@DocP91B]

Did you send it to Docp96 or QuestionsForDocP? I'll have to go take a look.

[@williamthegunnut3839]

Where I live the law says that for a folding knife to be legal you need to physically touch the blade in order to open it. This makes spring assisted knives legal because you touch the blade to open them.

[@colekopanski2178]

Good luck on the move doc!!

[@DocP91B]

Thanks!

[@61spike61]

Woot thanks for the birthday shout out!

[@beesod6412]

Oh man, that Damascus blade is gorgeous!

[@chrisjohlfs8219]

TBH assisted opening is a nice advantage over manual for EDC, but the only reason to have an automatic is to fill holes in a collection, sort of like balisongs/butterfly knives they are just cool to have and show off.

[@uhlstick]

good video :) thanks for clearing this up for me, have been confused for a while what classifies as an automatic or assisted open. because the legal definitions in australia leave much up for interpretation. keep it up mate.

[@DocP91B]

Thanks! But here's what sucks - the politicians will twist the wording to mean whatever they want it to meant at the time.

[@ericstephenson8257]

Thats CRKT Foresight is gorgeous. I definitely wanted to get for myself but ita a bit steep for me right now. Manual opening is fine for me. I don't find a need for automatic knives anymore. A well made knife, especially with a good flipper, pops right open.

[@andrewkenny5889]

Kershaw’s speedsafe is by far the best assisted opening design.

[@JustFF-xm1bb]

I just got a knife that has a normal assisted switch thing on the back but when I pull it down it fly straight to the unfolded or deployed position is it a assisted or automatic???

[@rogelioangeles1020]

That's a spring assisted knife

[@RobertDaHobbit2]

@@rogelioangeles1020 a spring assisted is where the blade is deployed via a spring mechanism. If it has a little lever like switch on it, when pulled down, the knife unfolds instead of going up, then it is an assisted opening knife.

[@safeplayZ]

If contact is made with any part of the blade it is spring assisted

[@alexanderchippel]

The more fun a thing is, the more illegal it is.

[@CT-5736-Bladez]

Gun enthusiasts: you have no idea *sheds a tear*

[@chrisbravo8579]

Might want to consider making shorter intros. Cool video though.

[@JM-rp9qf]

Going to jail for a knife??? That's lame asf

[@teaffeeblend]

I have a spring assist knife with a thumb stud on the back that if you put enough pressure on it the blade pops out, is this considered a switch blade or a spring assist? I believe it's just a spring assist from what the video says but a friend is telling me it's a switch blade and Im not sure if this is legal to carry or not

[@DocP91B]

No. It is a spring assist becasue you are directly putting pressure on the blade. What this video says is that A knife with a button or switch that you put the pressure on, without actually contacting the blade yourself, is considered an automatic. If your body comes in contact with any part of the actual blade through thumb studs or a flipper it is assisted, not automatic.

[@dougphillips5686]

Great video. You make some very good points. Thanks.

[@onetimeoutdoorsdj1394]

Thanks for all the information brother I really appreciate it

[@dk14prod99]

the first automatic knife you showed looks awesome can you tell me where i can buy it?

[@DocP91B]

That's a Benchmade 3300 Infidel. Just google it and you'll find some places to pick one up.

[@nickmiller3796]

I like flipper and traditional nail opening knives. I really don't think that anything beyond a well tuned regular flipper has any advantage for the user. Cool points, yes: mechanical no.

[@leafloin4577]

DocP91B I don’t know if you remember me but I think about a week ago I asked you if you had any knife suggestions and you said a few and I decided to pick up a ganzo firebird f7501 and I love it so I just wanted to say thank you for the suggestion.

[@DocP91B]

I'm really glad it worked out!

[@philipknight3014]

Thank you for the kobey knife it's really cool Im gonna put a picture of it on my insta

[@DocP91B]

No problem! Just an example of a good knife that's not expensive.

[@philipknight3014]

DocP91B thanks can't wait to meet you Sunday!

[@wm1pybrowm1pybro53]

Cool I asked about this a while ago and this was a nice in depth answer! :)

[@DocP91B]

Glad it was what you were looking for.

[@calen1929]

100% would love to sign up to your patrion but I'm not trusted with credit cards

[@DocP91B]

That's ok. I shouldn't be trusted with them either.

[@ericstephenson8257]

DocP91B hence the $500 bottle of JD mwah

[@DocP91B]

Nailed it!

[@matts.4095]

I was considering getting the Kershaw Knockout, but i am worried that a cop will be confused and think it is a switchblade, i live in FL and from what i understand switchblades are legal open carry and need a permit concealed, which is how i carry. i do have a spring assist Kershaw leak, but that knife looks very safe non weapon looking LOL

[@DocP91B]

Most LEOs are pretty up to speed on the difference between an assist and an auto.

[@matts.4095]

@@DocP91B okay good it's not like I plan on ever being in a position where I have to be searched or whatever it's just good to know. What are your thoughts about the Kershaw knockout? It seems to have good reviews and I like the look.

[@mnk6514]

My birthday is 12 October and I was born at 1999 so I'll finally be 18!

[@61spike61]

EmenKay happy 18th!

[@mnk6514]

Thank you!

[@bonzainews]

Im another October 12th

[@onepunchhutch]

Always surprises me when people say that they dont like kershaw knives. Yes there not the quality they were in the 80s but what is? But for the price (most of the time) they're a good knife

[@samp6237]

What type of closing mechanism does the spyderco have? I like the way you swing it closed

[@DocP91B]

@@samp6237 that's Spyderco's compression lock. They have it on a handful if models. The PM2, the Para 3, the Shaman, and a few others.

[@liamflanagan490]

So my Benchmade griptilian is considered a gravity knife ??? Good thing gravity knives are legal in Texas ...

[@DocP91B]

Honestly it's all up to the police officer at the time, and how hard and motivated they may be to make that blade come out with a shake.

[@gggamer8776]

Please review the buck 120 general

[@DocP91B]

It's on the list but it's going to be a while. We've got a LOT of requests!

[@gggamer8776]

DocP91B ok and thanks

[@gggamer8776]

DocP91B I might get it for my father

[@DocP91B]

I'll see if I can get my hands on one a little quicker after I finish moving for you.

[@fallencentury3396]

I'll stick to my fixed knife... (Not a strait bladed knife, karambit.), Still subbed though, I like your channel.

[@azmabdullah2340]

Good luck using it for anything other than fighting.

[@noahmcknight3736]

If or when you purchase one of these knives check the legalitys in your state first

[@LT905yoc]

I have a SOG Mini Trident assisted knife for carrying on duty at the fire department and love it! (This has become my EDC DID I mention that I love it ) Also in Indiana you have to be police fire or ems to carry an automatic. Got any tips on sharpening.

[@DocP91B]

Lanskey system if you really want to get serious about it without spending a few hundred bucks. But Smiths has some nice sharpening gear too. I'm going to be putting together a video on sharpening in a little bit.

[@LT905yoc]

DocP91B That was going to be my next question can't wait for a sharpening video! And I turn the big 30 on the 14th woo hoo to the October birthday people

[@gelatinousfury4400]

Jesus Christ four minutes of bs before you get to the subject

[@DocP91B]

If you don't have the adult attention span or patience of 4 short minutes, maybe sharp objects aren't something we should be letting you get your hands on.

[@johnferdinandalonzo8287]

@@DocP91B he isn't wrong though... hahaha.

[@beesod6412]

You really should not be collecting knives, lol

[@SauceBroskie]

@@DocP91B HAHA COMEBACK ON POINT

[@meatman666]

Scrub to the point you want to see and stop complaining.

[@TanTzuuu]

Do know a good pocket knife which is 6 inch long and 1.9 inch wide ( I am new in the knife community and wanted to buy a knife for myself)

[@theturtleblast4257]

Good luck moving doc 😀

[@DocP91B]

Thanks!

[@noneofyourbusiness460]

why would i thank a veteran for the text being written in english?

[@DocP91B]

Because without them you'd be reading it in Spanish. Or German. Or Japanese. Rxtraopolating even further out possibly even in Russian. It's a pretty famous quote. You need to read more.

[@nathanappleton-young4828]

Love the video!

[@milesmouton2341]

Great video

[@DocP91B]

Thanks!

[@paddyspotatopeelers2154]

Good luck with move mate.hope it goes smooth and no shouting ya here.lol.☺🍀👍atb paddy

[@iCazZiStronZi]

What about my town ?

[@DocP91B]

My crystal ball is broken and I don't have a Ouija board. So if you wanted to actually name your town that would be a big help.

[@iCazZiStronZi]

I’m almost positive a ouija board is to talk to ghosts and demons and stuff bruh, you would have a better chance using the snakes and ladders board

[@DocP91B]

@@iCazZiStronZi If Ghost Adventures has taught me anything, it's that ghosts know all kinds of psychic shit with zero explaination at all. That and anyone can get on TV these days.

[@iCazZiStronZi]

Ghosts are not psychic, they can walk through walls and move stuff. I believe you are thinking of the genie in the magic lamp 🧞‍♂️

[@DocP91B]

I've seen Aladin like 100 times. That blue bitch either was not psychic at all, or was just a dick beacsue he could have given Aladin SOOOOOO many heads ups about what Jafar was going to pull. So in the end, I say Ghosts are more psychic than Genies.

[@metube4584]

Guys stop hating on him and the video starts at 0:00

[@harelkirma7201]

Awesome video idea Good work lv ya

[@Apocalyptic_remains]

I’m bout a sound real dumb sorry but are switch blades illegal in Florida

[@DocP91B]

Most people would say it falls in the definition of "common pocket knives", which are legal in Florida. Some people will tell you that they are not covered by the "common" definition and therefore are illegal unless you have a concealed carry permit. But the only pocket knives that Florida specifically names as illegal are ballistic knives, and switchblade are not those. As long as you are carrying a blade 4 inches or less most sources say it should be ok, but you may want to do a little Google research yourself.

[@Apocalyptic_remains]

@@DocP91B I will look into is some more thank you

[@crznjg4308]

Can u do a video on slim tactical wallets

[@DocP91B]

Maybe one day. Honestly I just don't want to pay for any of them. I'm not a fan.

[@beauhudson2872]

Great vid good info

[@jaredtyra6311]

I love (smooth manual). Not a huge fan of spring assist at all but in cali I can't Carry an automatic. I know you can own one under 2" but my family doesn't so I can't get one

[@bananaman7562]

Let's say in a CQB situation, is spring assist better than manual? I actually have a Smith and Wesson Extreme ops, manual knife and a Reality based blade with a spring assist.

[@noodlefart1029384756]

i think manual is better in any practical case. You can also hold open the locking mechanism and open the blade silently if you need to with a manual knife. Springs technically are more failure prone too

[@angelchavez3501]

Is the Benchmade 9051 Similar to the one you mentioned ???

[@DocP91B]

The 9051 is an automatic button opener. It's a pretty good one too.

[@buzzard732]

Thank you! 👀 opened!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@noti4332]

Is a bigger or smaller knife better for edc

[@DocP91B]

That's not a question I can answer for you. It's personal for everybody. Most people would say a smaller blade in the ramge betwee 2.5 to 3 inches or so. But you are the one who has to uae it and only you know what your preference is. For example I have kind of big hands so I like a knife that's a little bigger for me to hold. The only thing that dictates the size to you are your local laws. Other than that its up to you to decide what works for you best.

[@noti4332]

@@DocP91B thank you!!

[@billpreston9675]

is this a manual knife? mtech - liner lock folding knife mt-378

[@DocP91B]

Yup. No springs involved.

[@MrCaptainNoodle]

Great video!

[@CHALLENGER-qh6yj]

Hey DocP i really serious question on and its been hunting me for a while I want to know is your you're knife supposed to be magnetic has it supposed to be able to get to that feeling when you were lightly rub a magnet on it and it just sticks to the magnet... So if you could please comment back and let me know that would be great man 🙃

[@DocP91B]

+CHALLENGER 1970 # So...ok. In general no, your knife should not be magnetic. But it can happen to any piece of ferrous metal. Its possible to pick up a magnetic charge a few different way. BUT this is the point where I'm going to shut up and hope there is someone out there who is really more of an expert than me in this area to pick up the conversation and give a good explanation of how and why.

[@CHALLENGER-qh6yj]

Why thank you for your help and time out your day ... I hope I find the answer to this problem ... Maybe we might both learn something

[@DANKKrish]

i wanted to buy a boker otf originally but after giving it some thought i would be dumb to buy that instead of a foresight. especially for the same price

[@theepumpkinman]

I subscribed

Get to the subject will ya!

[@coltongenaille4852]

I have a spring reloaded pocket knife

[@scar3xcr0]

If it is a gravity knife do not carry it in California.

[@jasperoleary22]

Actually in California all folding knives are legal to carry concealed in their folded form

[@jasperoleary22]

@@25vvrr ?

[@blurry_face1604]

Thank you

[@SauceBroskie]

Where do you buy the Kershaw Compound? Can you put a link in a reply because i can’t find it on Amazon or bladehq or any other place. Thanks

[@DocP91B]

You won't find it anymore. It's been OOP for a years. Possibly you'll find one on eBay now and then.

[@SauceBroskie]

@@DocP91B oh lol rip. Thanks for letting me know

[@jacksampson4711]

Thx for the shoutout

[@marksonwilson4835]

Hey could you do some Irish legal knifes?

[@DocP91B]

Let me take some time to look into the laws. I just finished researching UK laws.

[@marksonwilson4835]

DocP91B Ok thanks

[@chucknaround5271]

For some reason I'm not getting updates from your channel. I have all them on in settings

[@koloec94]

I think u meant slipjoint not lockback with a nail nic When i think of a switchblade i think of a steleto blade

[@DocP91B]

A lot of the old Buck and Case lock backs have that nail nic. I have a SOG with it too.

[@koloec94]

DocP91B o never owned a knife from them and didnt know that Thanks for the info

[@DocP91B]

There's SO many knife makers out there in the world. I bet nobody knows them all!

[@eq755]

What is that green one before the 90-50

[@DocP91B]

A Benchmade 3300 Infidel

[@billyshea2337]

My bday is no the 12 of Oct aswell!!!!

[@tenfoot9137]

What do you think about the Kershaw cinder?

[@DocP91B]

I've never held one so anything I say is purely what I've heard or what I've seen. It looks pretty small! I know that there's a lot you can do with an inch of steel though. I'd have to test it out to give you a really good answer. It happens to be on my Amazon wish list so I might end up getting one now.