Are OTF Knives Any Good?  

Out-the-front or OTF Automatic Knives, as they are more commonly known, have taken the industry by storm. An outside hand usually needs two hands to hold open a door safely; OTF automatic knives set the bar for innovation. The blade is quickly removable with just a simple pull of the trigger. With the loosening of many state laws across the states, more knife users have been converting to high-class OTFs for their everyday needs. 

The blade and handle are made of heavy stainless steel that is highly durable and tough. Because the OTF automatic knives have such a high-quality standard, they require some maintenance and use. However, to keep them running in tip-top shape, all that is necessary is a simple wipe down of the outside surface of the knives with a damp cloth. If there is any damage to the blade, it can usually be repaired quickly. 

For ease of opening the sheath, the latch system that comes on most OTF automatic knives is designed with an extension. If a single screw is stripped from the hinge or if the sheath becomes damaged, all that can be done is replace the blade or add a new blade and lock the blade into place with the appropriate key. With a single action, the knife is open and ready to use. The lock protects the blade and prevents accidental opening, although this is not often an issue. 

Another common problem with OTF knives is that the blade is too thin. This makes opening the knife difficult, if not impossible. All stainless steel blades will need to be a custom grind to a carbon steel finish to remedy this. Because of this extra work, many companies choose not to include this feature in their automatic knives. Instead, they refer to it as “stainless steel” and note that they are closer to a professional-grade knife compared to their “stainless steel” counterparts. 

Another problem that appears with some OTF automatic knives is that the knife release mechanism can jam. To remedy this, the company recommends replacing the knife’s spring with one of their brands. To test this, take the knife out of the package and switch the blade. If the blade locks up in its lock position, it is likely that the spring has been improperly installed and is no longer effective. 

Another problem that is common with OTF knives is that they cannot be sharpened. While it may be tempting to sharpen a knife by hand, this is rarely a good idea, especially for outdoor use. Instead, for best results, purchase a knife that comes with a serrated edge. This will allow users to perform basic tasks around the house, such as chopping firewood or prepping food, without worrying about dulling the blade. Even though these types of knives can’t be sharpened, they make everyday tasks easier, giving you more time to take care of other important daily tasks. 

When purchasing an OTF automatic knife, it is essential to note that they come in two different sizes, a single action (SSA) and a double-action (DA). A single step will only offer one smooth stroke of the blade, and a double-action will allow the user to perform other tasks simultaneously. Some popular models that fall into the Single Action category include the Remington New Mercury and the Wusthof Classic Old Dutch. A double-action model usually consists of a thumb depressor and will offer two smooth strokes. Most double-action automatic knives will also come with a serrated blade. 

Despite their limitations, OTF automatic knives can undoubtedly perform all of your primary tasks comfortably. The best way to decide which model you want is to assess what you will primarily use your knife for. For example, if you frequently chop and cut vegetables and fruits, a smaller model strikes a balance between your needs and budget. Likewise, if you need to handle large and complicated pieces of machinery, a more extensive and bulkier model will work better for your purposes. Regardless of your needs, an OTF knife will work for you, so no matter what your lifestyle is, you should be able to find an excellent knife to meet your needs.