What Is An OTF Knife and How Does It Work?

Out the Front (OTF) knives are similar to traditional switchblades and automatic knives. The OTF knife blades pops out the front of the knife handle when a switch or button is triggered. A spring mechanism pushes the blade out the front so you don’t need to change your grip before it releases.

OTF Knife History

In the lead up to World War Two airborne troops needed automatic knives to cut lines on malfunctioning parachutes so their secondary chutes could be deployed. This demand led to quality, mass produced switchblades and OTF knives.

After the war, automatic knives became popular with criminals gangs. In response, US authorities introduced restrictions and outright bans.

These possession and carry laws have now been downgraded and OTF knives are legal in most US states. Benchmade, Boker, Microtech, Smith & Wesson, and Viper Tec Knives and other manufacturers are now making quality OTF knives.

OTF Knives Uses

Once opened, OTF knives function like any other lock back and folding knives. You can use an OTF knife for cutting tasks at work, hobbies or outdoor uses for fishing, hunting, and camping.

The main advantage of an OTF knife is its one handed opening. OTF knives allow you to have a free hand to hold or position the material you are cutting.

OTF Single Action

OTF knives come with single or double action opening and closing mechanisms. Single Action OTF knives have a blade that opens automatically but must be closed manually. Closing the knife compresses the spring mechanism so the knife is ready to be opened again automatically.

OTF Double Action

Double-action OTF knives open and close automatically with the same button, switch, or lever. The mechanism is compressed upon both opening and closing for the next action.

What Should You Look for in an OTF Knife?

OTF Single Edge Blade

The first thing to consider for an OTF knife is its intended use. OTF knives come with a single edge or double edge blade. A single edge OTF blade adds a measure of safety. It can eliminate the unintentional cutting of other objects or surfaces, especially when working in tight spaces. The knife tip or point is also stronger than the point of a double edge blade.

OTF Double Edge Blade

The double edge blade is best for self-defense because it has sharp edges on both sides. Double edge OTF blades give you more options against an adversary.

OTF Knife Quality

You should look for OTF knives with good quality steel that retain a sharp edge, the durability, and the design quality of the handle and switch.

Where you have the budget, buy a higher quality OTF blade. OTF knife can flex more than fixed blades. This means low quality OTF knives are more likely to blunt and may not be up to everyday use.

OTF Knife Spring Mechanism

Consider what type of opening mechanism you want for your OTF knife. You can choose between a single or a double action OTF knife. When it comes to the trigger, you can have a button, a switch, or a lever method of opening.

Since the main purpose of having an OTF knife is quick, easy one-handed deployment, you may choose a double-action knife opened with a thumb switch. Also, look for an OTF knife with a reliable locking mechanism that securely holds the blade in both open and closed positions.

OTF Knife Safety

The best OTF knife is one that feels right in your hand and suits your purpose well.

Consider the handle size and material, and ensure your knife has an adequate grip surface when used in wet or outdoor conditions. The OTF handle should also protects the blade and the spring from water, sand, and dirt.

A properly shaped bolster with decent thickness is then needed. The bolster needs to prevent your hand from slipping forward from the handle towards the blade. This is most important for self-defense OTF knives.

Different types of Switchblades and Automatic Knives

OTF knives are part of the automatic knife family. This group also includes gravity knives and switchblades.

Gravity Knives

Gravity knives use the force of gravity and hand motion to open and lock in place. A flicking motion is used to drop the blade out of the knife handle. Modern gravity knives typically

Reate Knives and Daily Carry Co make a range of high end gravity knives:

Switchblade Knives

Switchblades open automatically out of the side of the knife handle, in a similar manner to manual folding knives.

Militarily grade switchblades are hard to come by. These street legal spring assisted knives are perfect if you want switchblade features for everyday use:

Why are OTF Knives Useful?

Out the Front Knives are a good choice for anyone needing a compact everyday carry with quick access to the blade. The greatest benefit of OTF knives is rapidly deploying the blade with one hand. OTFs can also be safer than fixed knives. The OTF blade is easily retracted into the handle to prevent accidental cuts.