Bladeplay Is Now Grindworx, Same Great Automatic OTF knives

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To better their position in the automatic OTF knives and other knife categories, Bladeplay has become Grindworx. With this brand they are able to increase efforts to tell the world about their goals, culture, and message.

Bladeplay has been a massive source of automatic OTF knives since 2003 and has flawlessly provided fans with a variety of styles, affordable prices, and fast shipping. Grindworx, previously its own damascus tools retailer, was able to merge with Bladeplay with complete synergy given its current line of tools complementing Bladeplay’s line of affordable knives. As a single brand, Grindworx is able to better provide you the latest and greatest in out-the-front knives.

Grindworx Has Your Favorite Automatic OTF Knives

Since Bladeplay IS Grindworx, you can find all the same great automatic OTF knives at Grindworx at the same, or better, price. We still have all your favorite OTF knives like the ones listed below!

Lightning OTF Knives

Lightning Black D/A OTF Automatic Knife – Dagger Two-Tone Serr Lightning Blue D/A OTF Automatic Knife – Satin Dagger Plain Lightning Camo D/A OTF Automatic Knife – Satin Plain
Lightning Black D/A OTF Automatic Knife Lightning Blue D/A OTF Automatic Knife Lightning Camo D/A OTF Automatic Knife

Titan OTF Knives

Titan White D/A OTF Automatic Knife – Dagger Black Serrated Titan Tan D/A OTF Automatic Knife – Tanto Black Serrated Titan Pink D/A OTF Automatic Knife – Tanto Satin Plain
Titan Tan D/A OTF Automatic Knife Titan Pink D/A OTF Automatic Knife

Atomic Defender OTF Knives

Atomic Defender Recurve Tanto Black OTF Automatic Knife – Two Tone Plain Atomic Mini Defender OD Green OTF Automatic Knife – Black Dagger Plain Atomic Defender Drop Point Tan Camo OTF Automatic Knife – Black Plain
Atomic Defender Recurve Tanto Black OTF Automatic Knife Atomic Mini Defender OD Green OTF Automatic Knife Atomic Defender Drop Point Tan Camo OTF Automatic Knife

Find more amazing automatic OTF Knives at Grindworx.

Choosing Your Next OTF

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Choosing a new knife can be a hassle.  Whether you are the experienced knife collector, or just a newbie starting out, you want to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck.  Especially when it comes to choosing a new OTF.  With so many moving parts, you really have to make sure you are getting something quality, otherwise you are just buying an expensive hunk of metal that doesn’t even work right.  Too often will someone just jump in head first and buy the first knife that catches their eye, only to find out that it doesn’t fire right, at which point they are just stuck with a mediocre OTF.  So how do you go about choosing the best OTF for you?  Well, it’s important to keep a few things in mind before you pick out the next addition to your collection.

First and foremost you are going to need to decide which type of OTF you are looking for.  Meaning, do you want a double action, or a single action?  A double action will extend and retract the knife with a push of a button, while a single action will extend the blade, and you will need to pull it back in with a trigger.   Both options are great when it comes to OTF, the decision is really up to you.  One of the best ways to narrow down your decision is to ask yourself “how will I be using my knife?”

How do plan on using your knife?  Is this something you are going to be using in a serviceman capacity, or will you just be using it around the house?  Are you going to need to be able to extend and retract the blade quickly?  If so, you may be better off with a double action.

Next you are going to need to take a look at blade size.  OTF’s come in all shapes and sizes.   It’s up to you to decide which one is the best size for you.  Again, how will you be using the knife?  If you are looking to use it lightly, for day to day things, consider going with a smaller blade.  Something like the AKC Minion ConcordThese are a small, reliable OTF perfect for use around the house, opening boxes or mail.  But you are looking for something to be more of a workhorse, you are going to need a bigger blade, maybe something like the Asheville Steel Paragon Estiletto Dagger.  This tactical knife will hold up much better on those tougher jobs.

Don’t forget to think about edge when choosing your next OTF.   Edge should always play an important role in deciding on a new knife.   For instance, a double edge, while looking pretty impressive, does double the area you will be cleaning and maintaining.  If you are looking for light use, or collection purposes, a double edge is perfect.  But if you are planning on putting your knife through the ringer, you may be better off with a single edge blade.  This will give you less edge to try and maintain and care for.

Of course these are all just suggestions.  When it comes to choosing your next knife, only you know what you want most.  Don’t let anyone try and talk you into choosing a knife that you just don’t feel is right for you.  Always trust your gut, but it does help if your gut has a little education backing it up.

How do you choose your next OTF?  Is there a specific set of parameters it has to meet to be worthy of your collection?   We want to you know how you choose your perfect knife in the comments below.

Lightning Strikes on Black Friday!

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It’s just about that time of year again!  Thanksgiving is only a week away, which means Black Friday is just around the corner.  Are you looking for anything specific?  Or are you just hoping for some quality OTF knifes, at ridiculous sale prices?  Well, I have some fantastic news for you!   This black Friday we will be offering the always reliable Lightning OTF.

The lightning is a knife anyone who’s a fan of OTF knives should have in their collection.  These impressive knives are truly one of the best bangs for your buck!  The fantastic dual action slides in and out reliably, and with minimal effort.  Personally, a Lightning is my EDC, and I couldn’t love it more.  It goes everywhere with me.  It has only come off the track once, and it was so simple to put it back on!  The lightning’s are one of the leading names in OTF’s right now, if you don’t have one already, now is your chance.

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Made from reliable 440C steel.  This steel is one of the best options for this knife.  Too often OTF’s are opened against hard surfaces, chipping or breaking the tip.  This isn’t the case with the Lightning.  The steel is made to hold up against this kind of use.  And, should the tip break, the steel is easily grounded down and corrected.  It’s perfectly designed with the user in mind.

With so many diverse options in color and blade design, the Lightning gives you some of the best options around.  Make your holiday shopping easy, and buy several different versions for those hard to shop for people in your life.  And hey, while you’re at it, why not grab one or 2 for yourself.

These lightning’s will not last long, so be sure to log on and get yours before they are gone.  Our sale goes live Thanksgiving night, at 6pm MST.  And be sure to check back regularly this week to see what other fantastic OTF knives we will be offering during our impressive Black Friday sale.

And behalf of all of us here, we hope you have a very happy, safe, Thanksgiving.

What are you looking for on Black Friday?  Do you plan on stocking up on the Lightning OTF knives?  As always, let us know what you are thinking in the comments below.

An Orange OTF For Halloween

 

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Halloween is just around the corner.  Are you ready?  You’ve carved pumpkins, decorated, what else is there to do?  Well, has your knife gotten into the Halloween spirit?   Halloween just wouldn’t be Halloween without the Color Orange.  It’s a staple.  Like green and red for Christmas.  So, in keeping with the Holiday.  Here are some of our favorite picks for the best orange OTF for Halloween.

First off we have the Microtech Ultratech Tri-Tip in orange.  Microtech is one of the leading names in OTF knives right now.  You never need an excuse to get yourself a new Microtech.  But, if you do, why not use Halloween?  Grab your Ultratech in orange and really show your Halloween spirit.  The black accents really take home that Halloween feeling.  Clip this bad boy on your pocket when you take the kids trick-r-treating!

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Next we have the Piranha Excalibur OTF orange.  Once again we have an awesome reliable knife in Orange.  One of our favorite aspects of this knife is the handle.   It is a marbled black and orange combo.  Nothing says Halloween quite like a black and orange color combo.  Much like the Microtech, this is a reliable knife you can use year-round, not just on the 31st of October.

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Lastly, we have the Microtech Orange Halo V.  I know, it may not be fair to include 2 Microtechs on the same list.  But when a company is consistently pumping out reliable knives in tons of different colors, it’s bound to happen.  The Halo V is a pretty big OTF.  To ensure you get the best OTF possible, Microtech has the blade come all the way up to the exit point, just about poking out!!   It’s a phenomenal knife in any color!

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So whether you are just looking for an excuse to get a new OTF, or you really do want to get into that Halloween spirit, there are pages of options for you.  Head over and pick out your Ideal orange OTF.

What will you be carrying this Halloween?  Have a suggestion?  Let us know in the comments below.  We hope you have a very Happy Halloween!

Walking Dead OTF

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September is already halfway over, and once October rolls in that means one thing.  No, not Halloween.  The Walking Dead!  Season six is looking to be full of gory goodness, and quite frankly I just can’t wait.  With a little less than a month left, October 11th just can’t get here fast enough.

One of my favorite things to do while watching the show, is to keep an eye out for any awesome knives that may show up.  To those out there with a keen eye, you can find some pretty awesome knives throughout the season.  But one of my favorites is the OTF held in the hands of my personal favorite, Carol.

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Now I know, you either love her or hate her, but you just can’t argue that she has some pretty impressive taste in knives.  Her more popular knife is the Military warrior.  A pretty fantastic knife, sure.  But for a while she was battling walkers with none other than an OTF.  I may be impartial, considering this blog is dedicated to OTF knives, but I much prefer when she was using this knife.

The real issue I’m having, is trying to figure just which knife it is that she is using.  More often than not, prop masters will create their own knives, so they can avoid paying for them to show up on screen.  And that could quite possibly be the case here.  What do you think?

The handle does bear a striking resemblance to several other knives.  The Benchmade Pagan has a very similar shape, and the same spear point blade.  The designer could very well have taken a lot of inspiration from this knife.

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The next option is the Asheville Steel Paragon.  While the blade is definitely different, there is a strong similarity in the handle.

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The last option I could think of would be the Piranha Excalibur OTF.  They both have a similar handle, while also sporting the spear point blade with black finish.

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These are just a couple options, there are still plenty other OTF knives it could be.  It’s difficult to tell for sure without seeing the knife in person.  But you can definitely see, by looking at other knives, where they got the inspiration for this knife.    So what do you think?  Any ideas on what knife this could be?  I want your input.  Would you want an OTF in your pocket during the zombie apocalypse?  If so, which one?

Lightning In The Woods

Ok.  I know what you are going to say “It’s such a bad idea to use an OTF in the woods”.   I know by taking an OTF to the woods you are risking jamming up with spring and rails with dirt and grit.  From what I have heard so far, it would just be a bad idea.  So I decided to test it out.

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I wanted to see just how risky it would be to take an OTF into the woods.  So this last weekend I packed up and headed out to the great outdoors.  I saw this as a perfect opportunity for me to see just how risky it is to take your OTF camping.  Up until this point, all I have heard is how it’s such a terrible idea.  You are risking the functionality of your knife by exposing it to grit and dirt.  Well, for the sake of all of us, I decided to test it out myself.  Risking my Lightning OTF for the sake knowledge.  I’m a martyr, I know.  You’re welcome.

On a serious note, it was really an educational experience for me.  And, while I didn’t think it was possible, I have come to love my OTF even more!

First off, I decided to take my lightning OTF with me.  It’s my personal favorite OTF.  It goes everywhere with me, clipped in my pocket.  Recently it has become my EDC.  So I figured, this would be a great knife to test.  If something were to happen, and I was to be stranded somewhere, chances are I would have my Lightning OTF.  So it was a perfect fit.

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Now let’s get down to the reason you’re here.

The Good

  1.  The Lightning OTF, as always is a very reliable knife.  Just because it’s in the woods, that doesn’t change.
  2. The blade was always there when I needed it, especially while fishing.  The quick action blade was not bulky or difficult to manage.  So with hands full of hooks and line, it was easy to use.
  3. Using the Lightning OTF on the banks of the lake really put it in danger of getting grit and dirt in the knife itself.  But, to my surprise, this did not occur.  The knife is relatively protected inside the handle.  Not even once did I have to try and shake out any gravel bits.  I was pleasantly surprised.

 

The Bad

  1. The blade of the Lightning OTF is easily scratch, and camping can be hard on any knife.  Once we got home, it was plain to see that my blade had suffered a scratch or 2.  Nothing too damaging to my knife, but definitely noticeable.
  2. When I got home, I noticed that the very tip of my knife had in fact broken off.   I was a little bummed to see that my knife had been damaged.
  3. It can be difficult to clean any knife in the woods.  I noticed that I had gotten some tree sap on my OTF.  It was very difficult to clean it off.  And I was hesitant to use lake water, as I didn’t want my knife to rust.  I think this was the biggest risk to my knife jamming up.

 

The Verdict

So, after my educational weekend in the woods, I have come to the conclusion that what I had heard before was true.  It was probably not the best of ideas to take my OTF into the woods.  While it did work really well for fishing, the risk to the knife is just too great.  I was especially careful with my knife, and it still suffered some damage regardless.

In the future, I will probably be leaving my Lightning OTF at home safe and sound while I am out in the woods.  I probably should have listened to what people told me.  But it’s one thing to hear it, another to experience it first-hand.  So take it from someone who learned it from experiance, the OTF just isn’t meant for extended outdoor use.

Microtech Navy Scarab

Alright folks, we just got in a pretty impressive OTF, and I just had to share it with all of you.  The Microtech Navy Scarab has been specifically designed for underwater use.  How impressive is that?  This knife has been uniquely designed to stand up to all the rigors of diving.  Featuring a double-action spring set, and venting at the base of the blade and handle.  These make it possible to open the knife, underwater, all the way into the fully locked position with no slowing of the blade.

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Now, the last thing you want when you are underwater, is to be fumbling around, trying to get your knife open.  The tritium inserts on the firing button make it easy to find in all low level conditions, not just underwater.

Microtech has thought of everything on this knife.  They even added a salt-water resistant, protective coating, to make sure your knife doesn’t run into any erosion or corrosion.  They even added a removable rubber gasket for an addition seal when the knife is not in use.  This knife is the divers dream, but it is also perfect for the recreational fisherman, surfer or even to just take out on the family boat.  Needless to say, if you are going to be doing anything in the water this summer, this knife is a perfect choice to take along with you.  Available with serrated or plain edge, you can tailor this knife to your aquatic needs.

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Of course this knife also makes a fantastic OTF on dry land as well.  This versatile knife is already selling fast, so get yours soon, and next time you head out on the open water, you can feel confident with the Microtech Navy Scarab in your pocket.

So what do you think?  Any divers out there planning on getting this OTF?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.

OTF’S In The Most Unexpected Of Places!

There is something inherently cool about a re-design of an OTF.  Just seeing how different people make different parks work, things like that.  I am always on the lookout for different designs, creations, and things of that nature.  One of my favorite twists on the classic OTF design happens to be in video game form.

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Even If you are not overly familiar with video games, chances are you have at least heard of the Assassins Creed games.  It is an immensely popular video game franchise, with new titles being announced almost yearly, sometimes more.  It is by no means my favorite video game franchise, but it does offer some fun gameplay, and an interesting story.  But something about this franchise that caught my eye, was the “hidden blade”.  In a game where you take on the role of an assassin, it’s to be expected that they are going to have some “covert” and “hidden” weapons.  It was a pleasant surprise to me when I saw that their “hidden weapon” design seemed to stem from an OTF type knife.

Basically how it works:  The assassin has an “OTF” type blade attached to their forearm, as they approach their target, they lift their hand up, extending the blade out the front, and when they are finished it slides back, concealed, into its sheath on the arm.  It is a really genius design, so as not to draw attention.  It’s a really cool use of the “traditional” OTF design.  The idea that an assassin would use this type of weapon feels natural and fluid, and in no way like the developers were just trying to force a cool new type of blade on us.  With each new title added to the Assassins Creed franchise, they are re-designing, and upgrading this fantasy OTF.  So we get to see this awesome OTF idea used throughout history, in Italy, the Caribbean and revolutionary France, evolving through time.

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As a fan of OTF’s I was so ecstatic to see a redesign used in such a popular medium.  In a cool way, Ubisoft is bringing this great knife to a whole new generation of potential knife lovers.

As if the digital, video game, version wasn’t enough, loyal fans of the series have taken it one step further. They are actually making real life, working, versions of this OTF.   Just doing a quick google search will pull up hundreds of different fan designs, and re-creations.  It’s great to see how an OTF in a video game has inspired tons of new knife artisans around the world to create, and design their own.  We can only hope that Ubisoft continues to keep this intimidating tool throughout its future games.  Because, at this point, we just can’t get enough of it.  Makes me want to head out and get a brand now OTF, just for the heck of it.

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Do you enjoy using this blade in the Assassins Creed games?  Have you tried to make your own?  Let us know in the comments below, we love to hear from you!

OTF Knife Laws

Every knife enthusiast should own an OTF.  They are just so versatile, and useful, so why not?   Not to mention, extending the blade is just plain cool.  While we believe everyone should have an OTF in their collection, the rest of the U.S. is not exactly on the same page.  They just don’t seem to understand how truly useful an OTF may be.  But, as of right now they are not legal in all areas.  As a knife enthusiast, it is important to be knowledgeable about the knife laws in your area.  Just because you can buy it online, does not mean that it is legal where you live.  So, in our opinion, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry.  We want to make sure everyone knows what they can have, and where they can have it.

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Knife laws are different in every state, so be sure to be knowledgeable about all of them, especially if you plan on traveling with a knife in your pocket.   Now, we don’t have the time or space to go over each and every single law, in every state.  But we can give you some links that we have used to help us and others.

This is a phenomenal site, as it breaks it down by each state, making it easy for you to narrow it down to your state and the laws that apply to you.

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This is also a great site, as it gives you a great graph, all you have to do is scroll down and find the state you live in.

Keep in mind, these sites are great, but OTF knife laws are always changing, morphing, and being re-instated.  It is always a great idea to do a quick Google search for knife laws, or to even contact your local law enforcement agency and ask them.  They will always be willing to assist you in making the right choices in what you should be carrying.  Always remember, as a knife enthusiast, it is up to you to stay up to date, and knowledgeable about knife laws.  Please make sure you are always responsible with your EDC.

So, does your state allow you to carry an OTF?  Why not jump over and grab a new one to celebrate?  Show your knife pride by carrying a new on in your pocket!

Microtech Ultratech

The name Microtech is synonymous with OTF.  You just can’t be a fan of one, without being a fan of the other.  Microtech is a company that is phenomenal when it comes to making an OTF.  Their precision to detail makes for impressive designs. These awesome, fully automatic knives are ideal for EDC. That’s why the Microtech Ultratech has become one of the most popular OTF’s on the market.

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The handles are all made from high quality Aluminum.  Offering strength and durability where it’s needed most.  The Microtech Ultratech comes in a wide variety of colors, so you could even have a different color every day of the week.  Keep it classy with black.  Stand out with red.  Keep it Camo with green.  Feeling crazy?  Go with orange or purple.  No matter what your mood, there is a color to go with it.  Why not get them all and complete the spectrum?  The handle itself is equipped with glass breaker on the end.  Making this knife great for EDC and tactical uses.

Microtech offers a few materials and designs when it comes to the blade.  For the most part, they are made from an Elmax steel.  The Elmax material allows for high wear resistance, great compressive strength, and extreme resistance to corrosion, all while making it very stable.  Meaning this knife will keep its shape and design after taking quite a bit of abuse.  They also offer a rare material blade, made from beautiful, durable Damascus.   The blades come in many different styles, including drop point, Tanto, and Dagger.  So no matter what type of blade you want, chances are they have it.

If you are looking for a great new OTF, or you just want to add an impressive piece to your collection, you just can’t go wrong with the Microtech Ultratech.  With so many options and varieties, there has to be at least one that appeals to you.  With their durability, strength, and awesome design, you just can’t go wrong.  Head on over and pick yours up now!

Do you have a favorite Microtech Ultratech?  Let us know!