The best OTF knife is a specialized knife with a relatively small piece of the knife market. Thanks to the mainstream media, however, these knives have become more popular.
The OTF is very similar to a switchblade and, in truth, a type of switchblade. Those not familiar with the OTF will confuse it for a traditional switchblade, which it isn’t. The difference between an OTF and a switchblade is found in the way that it is deployed.
In a traditional switchblade, the blade folds somewhere around the handle from a fixed point. With an OTF, the blade moves directly forward from the handle, or “out-the-front.” While you are shopping for this knife, you might also hear them referred to as “sliding knives.” These two knives are generally the same as long as the blade deploys directly parallel to the handle.
While they are becoming more popular, there are few manufacturers and OTF brands producing these unique knives. As with any other product, the quality of the OTF brands varies from average to phenomenal.
Below we’ll first discuss the two types of OTF knives, the importance of understanding the differences in the knives, provides in-depth reviews of different OTF knives from various blogs, and provide a buying guide for your convenience.
The Importance of Understanding the Best OTF Knife
The best OTF knife was designed to be light-duty knives that were used by people who usually had one hand occupied. The ability for one-handed deployment, usually through a raised thumb stud, made the switchblade practical. They eventually evolved to have mechanical systems of deployment.
There are three types of OTF switchblades available – single-action, double or dual-action, and manual.
Single OTFs are closed manually and use a spring mechanism to open the blade. The dual-action OTFs use the spring action mechanism for both the opening and closing of the blade. The manual OTFs use no spring mechanism and, much like the first OTF designs, use a sliding button to open and close the knife.
These blades shouldn’t be used for self-defense because the spring system can fail, which can put the user in danger. Higher-end OTFs are great additions to any knife enthusiast’s collection. They can also have a WOW factor because of their design and unique way of deployment.
How We Chose Our Ratings
The best OTF knife ratings were rated based on quality, durability, customer reviews, and reviews done by bloggers who are knife enthusiasts. We also considered the popularity of the blogs as proof of their authenticity and authority.
We always rate our examples honestly based on our experience and strive for accuracy by verifying the sources we use for the examples that we choose to use.
The best OTF knife ratings were rated based on quality, durability, customer reviews, and reviews done by bloggers who are knife enthusiasts. We also considered the popularity of the blogs as proof of their authenticity and authority.
We always rate our examples honestly based on our experience and strive for accuracy by verifying the sources we use for the examples that we choose to use.
Full Review Of The Best OTF Knife
Benchmade Infidel
- CYO S35VN STEEL, TITANIUM NITRIDE COATED BLADE
- DOUBLE EDGE BLADE, UNIVERSAL MOUNTING SYSTEM COMPATIBLE
- FDE SHEATH, REMEVABLE G10 HANDLE
The Benchmade Infidel is known to be the best OTF knife on the planet and, arguably, one of the most well-regarded. This knife comes in two sizes – the 3300 Infidel and the Infidel Mini. The 3300 3.95’’ inch blade and 8.95’’ overall length weigh in at 5.00 ounces. The Mini 3.10’’ inch blade and a 7.10’’ inch overall length, weighing in at 3.40 ounces.
This is a dual-action OTF that pushes as well as pulls. Unlike other OTFs, the switch is mounted on the handle instead of the spine. This gives it a more natural feel on your hand and a better grip when the blade powers open. This OTF is on the pricier side but a good addition to any knife collection.
Pros
- Great for tactical use
- Well designed
- Guaranteed for life
Cons
- Fix blade. No moving pieces
AKC Minion Concord OTF
![Gerber Gear Mini Covert FAST Knife, Serrated Edge [22-01967],Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31HekQYifkL._SL160_.jpg "Best OTF Knife: Buyer’s Guide 7")
- Compact folding knife is designed to for assisted opening knife with reliable ease of use
- Fast technology assisted opening
- Titanium coated 7Cr17Mov blade
- G-10 handles probide secure grip in all conditions
This OTF is good, dependable, and budget-friendly. It’s compact and pocket-friendly. It comes at a price that is hard to beat and is quite smooth to come at this price point. It comes pretty sharp straight from the box. The only drawback is that it will need regular sharpening and maintenance if it is used frequently.
This is a dual-action OTF that comes in a variety of colors and a simple design.
Pros
- Geared toward light use
- Come in a wide variety of finishes
- Out-the-front mechanism activation
Cons
- Lightweight
Ashville Steel Para-X
The Ashville Steel Para-X is a single-action OTF, which means it is power in deployment but not in retraction like the old-fashioned OTF once was. This isn’t unusual for Ashville Steel which is known for its old-fashioned trademark style, though the company has only been around since 2007.
Ashville Steel produces a limited amount of interesting and bizarre-looking knives, such as the Warlock and newer Phoenix, examples of gravity knives.
The Para-X has an aluminum hand with a right-hand dip-down carry pocket clip. It comes in a variety of options and models. Below the plunge, a lock is located with a safety switch that locks the blade either open or closed.
This is a great option if you want an interesting OFT that won’t cost you as much as the Microtech models.
Pros
- Single action OTF
- Safety switch
- Cheaper than Microtech
Cons
- Price
Schrade Viper
- DIMENSIONS: Blade length: 7.4in (18.9cm), overall length: 16.6in (42.1cm), weight: 1lb 15.7oz
- DURABLE: Constructed out of durable 3Cr Steel
- SECURE: Have confidence that shovel will not slip with the security of ruberovermold handle
- FEATURES: Black Oxide finish ensuring rust prevention
- INCLUDES: Shovel and Sheath
The Schrade Viper is totally designed and made in the U.S.A. and falls within an affordable price range.
The blade is around 3.5’’ and is of good quality. Reviews say that it has an impressive design, is of overall good quality, and is very functional. Not surprisingly, the affordability of this OTF factors heavily in the ratings since most other OTFs can be quite pricey.
For the functionality and moderate price, this is a great Schrade OTF to add to your collection.
Pros
- Single action OTF
- Well-built
- Super durable
Cons
- The safety lock needs improvement
Protech Dark Angel
- Maple handle
- High quality blade
Protech is known for its sleek, smooth design and hard-to-match finish. The Dark Angel is a single-action OTF with a plunge lock that is used to release the blade and a little flipper tab located on the belly of the knife that would be used to retract the blade.
The Dark Angels come in two types – production and custom. The knives are incredibly light, weighing in at 3.60 ounces, even with the built-in automatic mechanism. You can get the knives in a black and desert sand anodized aluminum handle and a satin, black and smoky grey DLC (black blade only) blade finish.
This can be a beautiful splurge to add to your collection.
Pros
- Auto out and retract
- Well-built
- Solid stainless steel
Cons
- Need improvement on design and quality
Kershaw Ripcord Knife
- Product 1: KERSHAW LEEK COPPER POCKETKNIFE: The Kershaw Leek, with a next-level upgrade of PM 154 blade steel and genuine copper handle scales. Over time, the copper handle will patina, so each copper Leek will have its own unique look. Made in the USA.
- Product 1: WHARNCLIFFE PLAIN EDGE BLADE: Made from corrosion-resistant CPM 154 powdered metallurgy steel. Offers uniform distribution of carbides to take and hold an excellent edge. Tough and wear-resistant, with a stonewashed finish to hide scratches.
- Product 1: GENUINE COPPER HANDLE: Denser than steel, the copper handle provides a comfortable weight and will age perfectly over time. Sleek, satin finish. Includes reversible pocketclip for right, tip-up/down carry.
- Product 1: DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND: Equipped with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening for easy one-handed release with flipper. Liner lock secures blade open while in use and Tip-lock keeps blade locked closed when folded.
- Product 2: 3” Sandvik 14C28N steel blade with a sleek bead-blasted finish for excellent strength, edge retention and corrosion resistance
The Kershaw Ripcord Knife OFT carries a higher price tag, but the price is more of the norm in the OTF category. The price, however, can become very high, and you need to be ready to make a hefty investment for this OTF.
You can be sure that with the backing of the Kershaw name, you will be getting the quality that comes along with the investment. The blade of the Kershaw Ripcord Knife is made with Sandvik 13C26 stainless steel, and the handle is made with anodized aluminum to keep the feel lightweight.
With speedy deployment and overall high quality, this would be a great first if you’ve never owned a Kershaw.
Pros
- Dual-action knife
- Pivoting pocket clip
- Lightweight framework
Cons
- High price
Microtech Combat Troodon
- Compact folding knife is designed to for assisted opening knife with reliable ease of use
- Fast technology assisted opening
- Titanium coated 7Cr17Mov blade
- G-10 handles probide secure grip in all conditions
Another OTF from Microtech, the Combat Troodon, is a dual-action OTF that comes with an immense amount of options and finishes that will satisfy any owner. This OTF is the toughest, beefiest, and worst of the OTFs, and it has the price tag to prove it.
The price for this beastly OTF ranges from shocking to speechless, depending on the model. The Combat Troodon comes with different blade design options, which you can choose depending on what you’d like to use it for. The blade comes in at 3.8’’ and weighs 5.5 ounces.
If you want a big and bad OTF that also happens to be top of the Microtech line, this is the one to get.
Pros
- Built and quality
- Great for combat
- Slim and comfortable
Cons
- Large and quite heavy
G & G Hawk Deadlock
- Blade steel: CPM 20CV, DLC coating
- Handle: Titanium, DLC coating, earth Brown G10
- Frame lock, with steel lock bar insert
- Manual open, KVT ball-bearing system
- Made in the USA
The Deadlock is a dual-action knife that was engineered to try to fix the problem of a shaky blade that often results from regular fast-shooting deployments. Built into the frame is a secondary lock mechanism that eliminates play on all three-axis by locking the blade upward and to the side while the primary mechanism holds it in its forward position.
This OTF is designed and built by hand by a father-and-son team in-house. They’re built with high-quality materials, so if you want one of these handmade OTFs, expect to wait patiently and pay a high price that ranges into the 4 figures department.
Pros
- Dual-action knife
- Pivoting pocket clip
- Lightweight framework
Cons
- High price
Mod/Harkins Triton
- Titanium-coated 3” blade is armed with a line/cord cutter and straight and serrated edge to cut rope, fishing line, and food
- The stainless-steel and blunt tip blade won’t pierce inflatables; use it as a screwdriver or to pry open shellfish
- Its sheath mounts virtually anywhere with the removable belt clip, lash tab mount, and MOLLE compatible 1 webbing mount
- Easily access the fixed blade knife with the quick release sheath, simply press the thumb tab and pull
- Lightweight, full-tang knife weighs only 5. 6 oz. and includes bottle opener and glass breaker at the opposite end
This OTF is actually a star with an appearance in the cameo of the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
The Triton has a blade that is 3.6’’ in length and weighs 4.1 ounces. It’s a dual-edged dagger grind that can come either plain or half-serrated with a black coating. Its design lends itself to a comfortable grip and a steep ramp on the thumb switch, which makes slippage less likely when you are deploying or retracting the blade.
This OTF is not budget-friendly but is reasonable in comparison to some of the higher prices OTFs on the list.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Automatic Knife
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Cool but not cool enough to last for long
Microtech Ultratech
- ✅【Simplicity and Style】Pocket Knife with hard wearing D2 blade, razor sharp cutting performance small knife, stylish knives for men.
- ✅【Ergonomic Handle】Gentleman’s folding knife sports classic and stylish handle, provides secure and comfortable grip.
- ✅【Secured Liner lock and Flipper Deployment】Liner lock flipper knife with ball bearings in the pivot,ensures safety and effortless blade opening and easy to close.
- ✅【Utility Folding Knife】Capable of accomplishing various daily tasks,make it reliable for everyday carry,camping, hunting,indoor and outdoor activities
- ✅【CIVIVI Care】CIVIVI knives and tools provide a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship. CIVIVI USA LOCAL CENTER provides faster response to take care of you
The Microtech Ultratech is the brand of the best OTF knife. It is arguably the most well-known brand for high-end automatics and OTF brands. The Ultratech is their flagship OTF and comes in a wide variety of styles.
In one version, the blade is made of Elmax steel, which comes in drop point, tanto, and dagger blade grinds. There are even hybrids, like the “Hellhound,” which comes with a mix of the tanto point and clip point.
The few characteristics these knives share are the aluminum handle that is chamfered around the edges, a right-hand tip-down deep carry clip, and proprietary “tri-angle” hardware.
Pros
- Dual-action otf switchblade
- Construction quality is magnificent
- Well built
Cons
- Steep in price
Buyer’s Guide – Considering What You Need in a Knife
When choosing an OTF to purchase, there are a few things to consider. One major consideration when purchasing the best OTF knife is the price.
As stated earlier, purchasing one of these unique knives is an investment that you want to consider carefully. After locking in an appropriate budget, here is a list of a few other qualities you should look for in your OTF.
Blade Size (Best OTF Knife)
The OTF knives come in a variety of lengths and weights. The size of the blade is a determining factor in which tasks you can use the knife for.
Larger knives are better suited for outdoor activities and jobs that are on the heavier side. Smaller knives are better for daily use and to carry in pockets. When carrying a knife, remember to be aware of the laws in place in your state.
Edge Of The Blade (Best OTF Knife)
The blade edge can determine the effectiveness of the blade when performing particular tasks. Think about what the main uses of your OTF will be before making your purchase.
The blades can be straight-edged, fully-serrated, and partially serrated. The straight edges blades are easily sharpened and can are used for clean cuts. A fully-serrated edge can be used for cutting tough materials, such as rope. These edges stay sharper longer than straight edges.
A partially serrated knife is the most versatile and gives the best of both worlds.
Blade Shape (Best OTF Knife)
The shape of the knife determines the strength and integrity of the blade. The shape designs are meant to increase the flexibility and endurance of the blade.
The tanto shape incorporates angles, and its design makes it sturdy.
The drop point is commonly used for hunting. The design of the tip ultimately allows the blade to be thicker and makes it more durable.
The spear point is double-edged, allowing users to use both sides of the blade. These are normally used as daggers.
We hope this guide helps you on your hunt to beef up your knife collection.
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