You are absolutely correct. I have a Kershaw Cryo as my EDC. It's a very solidly built knife that opens with a move of a finger on the lever. The speed is indistinguishable from a switchblade. They are legal even in NY of all places. You can buy them at Walmart, Amazon and probably at a local hardware store. There are many similar style knives for everyone's desire.
I've opened canned tomatoes with it and it still cuts hair without needing to sharpen it. The switchblades I have seen over the years could never hold up to the abuse I put it through.