www.OTFknives.com

If you are looking to purchase an out-the-front automatic knife, you can find models in every price range. OTF automatic knives range from the inexpensive to quite expensive. With OTF knives you will generally get what you pay for, but you can still find a great selection for under $100.

Under $30

One of the best OTF knives you can find for under $30 is the Lightning. You can find two versions of this knife: The Lightning and the Lightning CLONE. The Lightning is made in Taiwan and is about $10 more than the China made Lightning Clone. Both knives function great for the price but the original Lightning is the better knife overall. These are double action OTF knives that have great action and reliability.

Black Lightning

Lightning CLONE

$30 to $60

In the $30 to $60 price range you can find some great OTF knives by the AKC knife company. The AKC Tactical Minion is a good double action automatic that retails for around $50. This is one of the smallest OTF knives on the market. It is a great choice if you are looking for something small and lightweight. Their blades rarely come off track or lock up. These knives from AKC function just like knives that are much more expensive. The Tactical Minion has a fast out-the-front action that puts all other knives in its price range to shame.

AKC Tactical Minion

Under $100

If you are looking for a knife that is more than $60 but is still under $100, I recommend the Tactical Concord by AKC. These amazing automatic knives range from $70 to $80 dollars depending on the style. There are dozens of blade and handle styles to choose from. They all have quick and reliable out-the-front action. The AKC Black Tactical Concord has a sleek design and a fast release that makes it a great choice for an OTF knife that is under $100.

AKC Tactical Concord

$100 to $200

In the $100 to $200 dollar range you can find some very high quality OTF knives. One of the best automatic knife companies out there is Benchmade. They make high quality out-the-side and out-the-front automatics. The best OTF under $200 dollars is the H&K Benchmade Tumult. This knife is popular because of its great design and its affordable price. The Tumult includes an ambidextrous sliding button that makes extending and retracting the blade easy and convenient. The blade on the Tumult uses DLC finished steel for durability and blade strength. If you are looking for a high quality knife that won’t break the bank, the H&K Benchmade Tumult is the perfect choice.

H&K Benchmade Tumult

$200 to $300

If you are comfortable with spending more than $200 dollars, you can select from the best OTF knives on the market. The most respected name in OTF automatic market is Microtech. Their knives run anywhere from $200 up to several thousand dollars. Their award winning design and construction make them the most trusted OTF brand in the knife business. One of their more affordable and popular knives is the Microtech Ultratech. These amazing knives retail at around $225 dollars. The Ultratech has the impressive OTF action that Microtech is known for and a sliding ambidextrous button for easy dual action blade release and retraction. This OTF automatic allows you to experience the OTF quality of Microtech without the extreme sticker shock.

Microtech Ultratech

$300 & Beyond

If price is not an issue you should consider the biggest and baddest OTF out there, the Microtech Halo 5. This is an enormous powerful knife with an incredible 4.6 inch blade. The biggest difference in the Halo 5 model from other models is the size. When fully extended it is almost 11 inches long. There is a recessed firing button that springs the blade into place with impressive force. This is the only knife I have used that has a serious kick to it. The blade is retracted with a black retracting handle on the bottom of the blade that you just pull to bring the blade back into closed position. Remember the Halo 5 retails at around $500 dollars. So it is not for anyone of the faint of heart. But you will always get your moneys worth with Microtech.

Microtech Halo 5

As you get into the $500 plus price range, the price has less to do with the quality of the knife and more to do with the rarity or collectibility of the knife. There are rare uniquely designed OTF’s that can be priced as high $2000 but this does not mean they function any better than a $300 dollar knife. These knives are more of a collectible piece of art than a functional everyday tool. Whichever knife you choose to buy should fit your specific needs and budget. There are great OTF knives in every price range. If you stick with trusted OTF brands like Benchmade and Microtech, you will never have any problems.

It has been a while since we have seen the release of a brand new OTF Automatic Knife. This year Benchmade has released the Epidemic under their Heckler and Koch line. At first glance it kind of looks like a knife put together with legos (I think it’s because of the red button), but after holding this knife I must say that I am pleasantly surprised.

This is a quality Out the Front knife that features a lightning fast open and close action. The blade on the knife is made from D2 steel, which for me is not that big a deal. Some people don’t like D2, for a variety of reasons. The reason I have heard the most is that D2 can be difficult to sharpen. I disagree, it is only difficult to sharpen if you don’t have the right materials. Using D2 on this blade instead of some other “fancy” steel brings the price down on this knife, and for me that is a good thing. I love that the blade shape is spear point. Dagger style blades look the best on OTF knives, but having both edges sharpened just isn’t practical. Having a spear point on the knife gives the best of both worlds.

When I first saw this knife, I worried that the handle wouldn’t be very comfortable. It is made from T-6 aluminum, and sometimes aluminum doesn’t feel comfortable if it isn’t machined correctly. Then again, you don’t really see G-10 or Micarta handles on OTF knives. The jimping on this knife appears aggressive, but I found that there were no hot spots on my hand while I was holding the knife.

The thumb button is flashy. It definitely stands out which some guys will like, and others wont. It’s not the knife for the guys that need something all black. Since I got the knife the red button has grown on me a little bit.

Here are the Specs on the knife :

Overall Length: 8.22″

Blade Length: 3.44″

Closed: 4.78″

Weight: 3.86 oz

Heckler and Koch Epidemic at Blade HQ!

If you’re in the market for an OTF knife (out the front knife) there are actually a lot of options to choose from these days. Many manufacturers make a wide range of OTF knives that are both well designed and durably constructed. Additionally there are quite a few lower end models available to choose from. While we don’t necessarily endorse these lower quality alternative that can be a great way to decide if you’re truly interested in an OTF knife and can help you decide what OTF qualities (i.e. button location, size, blade shape) you’re actually interested in. Below you will find a list of manufacturers who currently produce OTF knives. This list is in no way comprehensive. In addition to production knives and low end mass production models many custom makers product excellent OTF knives which are not included in this reference.

Microtech Knives : Many knife aficionados immediatly register that “Microtech” and “OTF Knife” as synonymous! Microtech has been making OTF knives since the early 1990′s and they are excellent at it. Very few companies can produce such an array of knife models and maintain such consistently high quality levels. Microtech offers both single action automatic and double action automatic OTF knives. The depth of their product offering is unmatched and each model comes in a nearly infinite number of color and blade variations. People have voiced criticism about Microtech’s customer care, but working with a good dealer will allow you to bypass any unnecessary hassles.

Popular single action OTF Microtech Models: Microtech Halo

Popular double action Microtech Models: Microtech Ultratech, Microtech Scarab, Microtech Troodon, Microtech Daytona and many others!

Benchmade Knives : Few knife companies have a following like Benchmade. But few companies offer the broad selection coupled with exceptional quality that Benchmade does. Benchmade has been making knives since the 80′s and their dedication to innovation is unmatched. They have recently introduced a few OTF models with great action and exciting styling. Benchmade is also the Parent company of H&K Knives which also has their own OTF model. Benchmade’s customer service is second to none and they stand behind every product they sell.

Popular double action Benchmade Models: Benchmade Infidel series.

Popular double action H&K  Models: H&K Tumult series.

Protech Knives : Protech is a knife company with a decidedly Italian influence. But much like fine Italian products Protech’s offerings are elegant and superbly crafted. Protech is well know for it’s side opening automatic and manual knives (they also offer some fixed blades) but, like Benchmade,  they are a relatively newcomer to the OTF market. Their customer service is superb as is their commitment to innovation. People who own Protech knives almost never own just one.

Popular singe action Protech Models: Protech Tantilla, Protech Dark Angel.

Piranha Knives : Piranha is a company that has been around for the last ten years or so (“new” by many standards) but they have proven time and again that they are committed to first class design and manufacturing. Precision CNC knives with exceptional fit and finish have made Piranha a very popular company. One of their initial offerings was a double action OTF knife which remains popular to this day. Custom service it top notch, if you can get a hold of them (they currently have no website, add as it may seem).

Popular double action Piranha Models: Piranha Excalibur

Paragon Knives (AKA Asheville Steel) : Although the company is now under new ownership Paragon knives remains committed to quality designs and construction. They have retained some of their popular OTF models and continue to product them to this day, although the quality is better and there are far more design options.

 Popular single action Paragon Models: Paragon Para-X (also called the Paragon ATKO)

Smith & Wesson Knives : Smith & Wesson are, of course, best known for their precision fire arms. However, they have given license to some companies to produce knives under their name. These knives are usually imported, but have high quality components and strict quality control. Among some of the licensed Smith & Wesson knife products is a unique series of OTF spring assisted knives. Inexpensive and good quality products like these make Smith & Wesson knives hard to resist.

Popular single action Smith & Wesson  Models: Smith & Wesson OTF Knives

Schrade Knives : The old Schrade is gone and the name has now been bought new a new company committed to produce affordable reliable knives. Most of the Schrade product line is imported but most are high quality with a low price point. Like Smith & Wesson, Schrade offers a series of unique spring assisted OTF knives.

Popular single action Schrade  Models: Schrade OTF Knives

Lower End OTF Knives : These types of knives (both single and double action) are plentiful but definitely not built like the name brand offerings. Most are without a warranty and are not designed for hard use or longevity. They are a good way to determine what OTF knife characteristics (i.e. button placement, handle style, mechanism, blade shape, etc) you might like in a nicer knife.

Lightning OTF : Lightning OTF knives are double action and open and close automatically. The Lightning knives are manufactured to a fairly high level of quality, given their price. They generally work well, are fine for light duty tasks and last for a reasonable amount of time. Many color are vailable (black, grey, red, tan, etc) and most have the option for silver or black blades.

Titan OTF : Titan OTF knives are double action knives and open and close automatically. They are similar in build quality to the Lightning OTF knives but are stylistically different. They work well for light tasks and can last for a considerable time if they are well treated. Many color options are available for the Titan knives and the blades are generally dagger style but some in silver or black.

Shadowtech OTF : A lower end OTF knife. These knives are functional, but very lightweight. They don’t last too long, but at their price point it’s hard to be surprised when they fail. Still, they will give you a great idea of what it would be like to own their more expensive inspirations (such as the Microtech Ultratech series).

Concord & Minion OTF : Concord OTF and Minion OTF knives are a good choice if you want a reliable lower end OTF knife. The action on the Concord and Minion is reliable and consistent but the mechanisms can be farily fragile. They are often though of as collectibles.

Arrow OTF: This is a reasonable quality economy single action OTF knife. The action and lockup are both very good for the price. Although the knife has a recessed firing button many people are concerned with the knife’s lack of safety. However, it is a good working example of a single action OTF (such as the Paragon Para-X series).

Guardfather OTF Spike : Although this isn’t a knife, the single action OTF spike is very popular having been seen in TV series such as Fox’s 24. The spikes are well made, faily inexpensive and have a multitude of uses. In addition to beeing a defense weapon, spikes can be used to chip at ice, as an examination tool, and even a cookin aid.

This is a quick guide that explains the basic functionality and types of OTF Knives (Out The Front Knives).

Question: What is an OTF knife?

Answer: An OTF, or Out The Front knife, is a knife which opens by propelling the blade out of the front of the handle. The blade is generally housed inside the handle (often under tension) and released by pressing a button, lever, of other mechanism. Once released the blade is pushed out the front of the knife handle by a compressed spring or other similar tension device or allowed to deploy through gravity or or by manual manipulation.

Question: Are there other names for OTF knives?

Answer: Yes, sort of. “Out the Front” is the most accurately descriptive name for a knives where the blade deploys out the front (as opposed to opening from the side). Many people still refer to these knives generically as “Angel Blades,” or “Stilettos.”

Question: Are there different kinds of OTF knives?

Answer: There are actually many different versions of OTF knives. Some are automatic, some spring assisted, other depend on gravity and a few must be manually opened. Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting models and discuss their operation!

Automatic Single Action OTF

The automatic single action OTF knife is one of the more basic OTF designs. When the blade is retracted it is under constant pressure from a compressed spring in the handle. Once the button is pushed the blade is pushed out and locks into place. To retract the blade the user must press a release button (usually the same as the firing button) and manually retract the blade into the handle where it will lock back into place. Single action OTF knives often have a safety, recessed firing button or sheath to prevent accidental firing.

Many people have the mistaken impression that these knives eject with deadly force. The spring in these knives is designed to open the blade and lock it into place, no more. If you were to accidentally open the knife into your hand you would get cut, but serious injury is actually unlikely.

Some popular models of single action automatic OTF knives: Microtech Halo, Paragon Para-X and the Protech Dark Angel

Have a look at the video below to see a single action automatic knife demo.

Automatic Double Action OTF

The automatic double action OTF knife is an impressive example of engineering. When the blade is retracted it is not under any tension. Instead spring tension is created by sliding a firing button (usually on the front or side of the knife) upward (thus creating tension on an internal spring). Once a certain threshold is achieved the blade is released and the spring tension propels the outward and it locks into place. In the open position the internal spring is also at rest. To close the knife the user slides the firing button downward (again creating spring tension on the internal spring in the opposite direction). Once a certain threshold is achieved the blade is released and the the spring tension pulls the blade inward and it locks into place. No safety is needed on a double action knife because there is no possibility of the blade accidentally deploying.

Many people have the mistaken impression that these knives eject with deadly force. The spring in these knives is designed to open the blade and lock it into place, no more. If you were to accidentally open the knife into your hand you would get cut, but serious injury is actually unlikely. Double action automatic knives open with less force than their singl action counterparts.

Some popular models of double action automatic OTF knives: Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Piranha Excalibur.

Have a look at the video below to see a double action automatic knife demo.

Spring Assisted Single Action OTF

The spring assisted single action OTF knife is a new innovation on an older design. When the blade is retracted it is under constant pressure from a compressed spring in the handle. Once the button attached to the blade is pushed part of the way out  the spring pushes the blade the rest of the way out and it locks into place. To retract the blade the user must press a release button (usually the same as the firing button) and manually retract the blade into the handle where it will lock back into place. Single action OTF knives – even spring assisted models- often have a safety, or sheath to prevent accidental firing. The key difference between an assisted OTF knife and an automatic OTF knife is that the assisted knives must be manually started and the button or lever is part of the blade, not the handle.

As with the other OTF knife designs,  people have the mistaken impression that these knives eject with deadly force. The spring in these knives is designed to open the blade and lock it into place, no more. If you were to accidentally open the knife into your hand you would get cut, but serious injury is actually unlikely.

Some popular models of single action spring assisted OTF knives: Schrade OTF & Smith & Wesson OTF

Have a look at the video below to see a single action spring assisted knife demo.

Gravity Single Action OTF

There is no spring in the gravity OTF knife. The blade is locked into the handle by a lever which creates tension against the blade to hold it in place. When the lever is released and the knife is turned upside down the blade simply falls open. The same lever created tension against the blade to hold it open. This design is very simple and was employs in serveral knives by the Germans.

Some popular models of single action gravity OTF: German Paratrooper Knife.

Manual Single Action OTF

There is no spring in a manual OTF knife. Geneally there is a sliding lever than can be used to push the blade out into place (this system is commonly found on utility knives). Other manual OTF systems push the blade up and out when the handle is opened or acted upon in some mechanical way (this system is commonly found on “paratrooper knives”).

Some popular models of single action spring assisted OTF knives: Paratrooper Knife, Smith & Wesson Powerglide.

Other unique OTF models:

There are several OTF models which feature a blade that automatically retracts (as opposed to opening). They operate similarly to the spring assisted single action knives, but in reverse.

Some popular models of automatic retracting OTF knives: Boker Bokermaitc, X-5 Switchback.

Question: Who makes the best OTF knives?

Answer: Many companies make exceptional OTF knives including Microtech Knives, Benchmade Knives, Protech Knives, and more. We’ll be compiling a list of manufacturers of OTF knives and popular models in near future. Stay tuned!

Question: How strong are OTF knives?

Answer: The strength of an OTF knife will vary by it’s build quality. More expensive brand name OTF knives have proven their reliability in extreme conditions and are incredibly durable. Because OTF knives have moving parts they are more susceptible to wear than fixed blades (which are universally regarded as the most rugged).

Question: Who invented OTF knives?

Answer: Good question! We’ll do some research and write up an OTF History article!

Question: What kind of care is required for OTF knives?

Answer: The same care of would be required for any knife with moving parts. Periodic cleaning, lubrication, etc. Also, you have to take special care no to exert too much force on the blade via prying. OTF knives are susceptible to breakage if too much force is leveraged against the blade. We’ll be creating  “Care and Maintenance” article in the near future. Stay tuned!

Question: Can I buy an OTF knife?

Answer: Many OTF knives are automatic and therefore have federal laws and possibly state laws that apply to them. We suggest doing more research on owning an automatic knife, as not everyone is eligable. While no federal regulations apply to assisted or manual OTF knives many states still have laws pertaining to these types of knives. Once again, we suggest careful research before you purchase any of these knives. We cannot provide any legal advice regarding the purchase or use of any OTF knife, we are simply an information resource.