What's a good OTF Knife?

[Demel]

Looking to try one out? The good, the bad, the ugly, I want to hear it

[sLaughterMed]

Never had an OTF, but I considered this myself a few months ago, and ended at the following  conclusion, which you might find insightful (or not, I have been known to be full of hot air at times).

OTF's are either ultra cheap, with crap pot metal blades, such as the Lightening OTF at ~$40 new, or similar Schrade offerings; or very expensive (with decent steels), starting at the HK line just under $200 new.

I really feel like there is a market for Kershaw, CRKT or Gerber here, to produce a mid range (~$75 new) OTF in 8Cr13MoV or similar. Maybe Cold Steel can jump in on a $100-$150 model with CTS-XHP or something

[Kampfer]

I have good experience with Schrade's assisted opening OTF, not expensive, AUS8 steel, they are fun to play with, legal in most places.

[Demel]

Never had an OTF, but I considered this myself a few months ago, and ended at the following  conclusion, which you might find insightful (or not, I have been known to be full of hot air at times).

OTF's are either ultra cheap, with crap pot metal blades, such as the Lightening OTF at ~$40 new, or similar Schrade offerings; or very expensive (with decent steels), starting at the HK line just under $200 new.

I really feel like there is a market for Kershaw, CRKT or Gerber here, to produce a mid range (~$75 new) OTF in 8Cr13MoV or similar. Maybe Cold Steel can jump in on a $100-$150 model with CTS-XHP or something

I agree, outside of Schrade I've only seen them about $200. Which is more than I want to pay for such knife. Kershaw, cold steel I would buy. CRKT I probably wouldn't. The steels they choose IMO really brings down their designs.

I have good experience with Schrade's assisted opening OTF, not expensive, AUS8 steel, they are fun to play with, legal in most places.
(Image removed from quote.)

I've seen that a couple of times. Is that a dual action or manual? OTF 5 right?

[sLaughterMed]

I forgot about those Aus8 Schrades. I believe they are single action, and are a bit too ugly and clunky for my tastes IMO.

I suppose I should ammend my other comment, as it only apllies to double edged OTFs.

I would really like an AUS8 double action Lightening OTF.

[Noa Isumi]

One thing I think we need to nail down is which OTF action are you wanting. I am lucky to live in a State where all of these are legal so long as they're single edge, but some places get weird. So how about a quick run-through of the types of OTF

  DA-OTF Is automatic both ways, and are true switchblades so not always legal
  SA-OTF is automatic one way, and are true switchblades so not always legal
  Assisted OTF is just assisted the "button" is actually a slide follower that travels with the blade just like on slide knives, these are what Schrade makes and are legal most places
  Gravity OTF is un-powered the blade is loose and slide freely depending which way the knife is tipped when the lock is released, gravity knives get their own special ban most places as "gravity, inertial, centrifugal opening knife bans designed for them and Balisongs. If balis are banned where you are at these are most likely too.
  Slide Knives are the common OTF box gutters and the stylish 1940's Christy

"Rip Knives" an odd one for note but I have only ever seen one make being offered as "Chinese Paratrooper" knives in surplus/novelette shops in the 90s. The blade interfaces with a follower tab that is part of the sheath cap. When you pull it out the tab grabs the back of the blade and pulls it forward. other than that it is similar to a Gravety knife that is too tight to slide freely. I don't know if this type even has a name so I will just call them rip knives since they resemble the rip cord type toy cars


sorry for the edits spelling/smiley issues

[Kampfer]

Also keep in mind what you are going to use the OTF for?
Something to play around with ? Or use in live or death situation?

For messing around, I think DA-OTF is the most fun, but sadly those are not legal in where I live.

I am under the impression of no matter how well made the OTF is, its strength and reliability can NOT compare to conventional folding knives. 

I have good experience with Schrade's assisted opening OTF, not expensive, AUS8 steel, they are fun to play with, legal in most places.
(Image removed from quote.)

I've seen that a couple of times. Is that a dual action or manual? OTF 5 right?

SchOTF5, manual assisted. 

[Demel]

One thing I think we need to nail down is which OTF action are you wanting. I am lucky to live in a State where all of these are legal so long as they're single edge, but some places get weird. So how about a quick run-through of the types of OTF

  DA-OTF Is automatic both ways, and are true switchblades so not always legal
  SA-OTF is automatic one way, and are true switchblades so not always legal
  Assisted OTF is just assisted the "button" is actually a slide follower that travels with the blade just like on slide knives, these are what Schrade makes and are legal most places
  Gravity OTF is un-powered the blade is loose and slide freely depending which way the knife is tipped when the lock is released, gravity knives get their own special ban most places as "gravity, inertial, centrifugal opening knife bans designed for them and Balisongs. If balis are banned where you are at these are most likely too.
  Slide Knives are the common OTF box gutters and the stylish 1940's Christy

"Rip Knives" an odd one for note but I have only ever seen one make being offered as "Chinese Paratrooper" knives in surplus/novelette shops in the 90s. The blade interfaces with a follower tab that is part of the sheath cap. When you pull it out the tab grabs the back of the blade and pulls it forward. other than that it is similar to a Gravety knife that is too tight to slide freely. I don't know if this type even has a name so I will just call them rip knives since they resemble the rip cord type toy cars


sorry for the edits spelling/smiley issues

I also live in the states and WI recently passed a bill allowing automatics again 

and for the record, I'm looking for a D/A particularly.

Also keep in mind what you are going to use the OTF for?
Something to play around with ? Or use in live or death situation?

For messing around, I think DA-OTF is the most fun, but sadly those are not legal in where I live.

I am under the impression of no matter how well made the OTF is, its strength and reliability can NOT compare to conventional folding knives. 

I have good experience with Schrade's assisted opening OTF, not expensive, AUS8 steel, they are fun to play with, legal in most places.
(Image removed from quote.)

I've seen that a couple of times. Is that a dual action or manual? OTF 5 right?

SchOTF5, manual assisted. 

Point taken. I have realized the limitations of the design. I won't be using it for anything extreme. Mostly basic cutting task along with opening and closing constantly while watching tv 

[Kampfer]

[Gerhard Gerber]

I've been wanting a DA OTF for a very long time, but the prices  .....no way 

Just want to mention in one of the latest CutleryLover's vids (YT) a subscriber sent him an OTF that looks interesting and slightly more affordable, been meaning to check it out but can't remember the name for the life of me 

I'm purely looking for a toy 

[Demel]

I can't find that model in particular. Only the viper comes up.

I've been wanting a DA OTF for a very long time, but the prices  .....no way 

Just want to mention in one of the latest CutleryLover's vids (YT) a subscriber sent him an OTF that looks interesting and slightly more affordable, been meaning to check it out but can't remember the name for the life of me 

I'm purely looking for a toy 

Right there with you. It's a very expensive toy

[zrxoa1]

I use the heck out of my cheap Lightning.  Has never failed and  sharp.

It's fun, and quick, to use at work and around the house.



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