7 Best OTF Knives of 2021
Photo: Smith & Wesson
There are different kinds of knives available in the market that are either with a pivoting blade of a typical folding knife that slides on one side of the handle to be closed.
OTF knife or more commonly known as out the front knife is also a kind of folding knife but with an automatic push button or switch. There are some of these knives that are manually deployed whereas others are completely automatic.
Basically, these knives are for the survivalists. People who love adventure carry these handy knives along so that they can use them in the time of need.
While internet has got colossal knives to offer, there are very few that are genuinely considerable. In this guide, we will help you sort out the best OTF knife.
Also, we will discuss some of the significant tips to consider while selecting the right model. So, before any further ado, let’s get to the point and check out the leading models.
7 Best OTF Knives - Review
|
Product Name |
Blade Length |
Blade Material |
Weight |
Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS OTF 3.6-Inch Knife |
3.6 in |
4034 Black Oxide Stainless Steel |
7.5 oz |
|
|
2. Gerber Covert 3.7-Inch OTF Knife |
3.7 in |
Titanium Coated Blade |
5.1 oz |
|
|
3. Benchmade Fixed Infidel 4.52-Inch OTF Knife |
4.52 in |
D2 Stainless Steel |
5.11 oz |
|
|
4. Schrade SCHOTF3CB Viper OTF Knife |
N/A |
Steel Blade |
5.6 oz |
|
|
5. Schrade Viper 3 3.5-Inch OTF Knife |
3.5 in |
4034 Stainless Steel |
5.4 oz |
|
|
6. TAC Force Assisted Opening 3-Inch OTF Knife |
3.0 in |
Stainless Steel |
4.8 oz |
|
|
7. STRIX RHK-1 Mini OTF Pocket Knife |
N/A |
Stainless Steel |
0.48 oz |
1. Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS OTF 3.6-Inch Knife
Photo: Smith & Wesson
- Blade Length: 3.6 inches
- Blade Material: 4034 Black Oxide Stainless Steel
- Weight: 7.5 ounces
Smith & Wesson is one of the best brands to manufacture OTF knives. This model is a sturdy one with clip point serrated blade in 3.6 inches length.
The blade made from 4034 black oxide stainless steel is quite promising in nature. This one can cause a lot of damage in case of survival. You will find the blade reliable.
Moreover, the tip of the knife is extremely sharp and black coating is completely non-reflecting. This is one of the greatest OTFs for outdoor survival.
This is a highly dependable product with easy access pocket clip, flipper/finger actuator and magic assisted opening. All these features make the knife quite appreciable.
There is a liner lock and a safety lock so you can rest assured that the blade will not accidently come out of the knife.
As far as the grip and comfort is concerned, the handle is made of aluminium metal which is not too heavy and covered with a rubberized wrap to make holding the knife extremely comfortable.
This model also features glass break, serrated blade, and a thumb plate. This is the best cheap OTF knife in our list.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Gerber Covert 3.7-Inch OTF Knife
Photo: Gerber
- Blade Length: 3.7 inches
- Blade Material: Titanium Coated
- Weight: 5.1 ounces
So, if you are looking for a lightweight model of high quality OTF knife then this product from Gerber Covert is a highly considerable choice to make.
The material used in making the blade is high quality steel with titanium coating which means that the blade will never corrode or rust. Yes, the performance is little questionable but overall this knife is good.
The length of the blade is quite suitable for survival purposes. Then, the clip point blade has little serrations is amazing for so many reasons. You can cut a wire or use the knife to peel the fruits and so on.
The side lock makes this knife pretty dependable because the blade will not accidently fall down. The product is backed by the steed of FAST technology.
The G-10 handle is quite comfortable and give you a firm grip without slipping. The overall quality is great and you can consider buying this knife for survival purpose.
The knife comes with limited lifetime warranty but a little overpriced. That is the only hitch for the customers. Other than that, this knife is a catch.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Benchmade Fixed Infidel 4.52-Inch OTF Knife
Photo: Benchmade
- Blade Length: 4.52 inches
- Blade Material: D2 Stainless Steel
- Weight: 5.11 ounces
This model from Benchmade is an exceptionally crafted design. The weight is decent and the design is super innovative with plain sharp edge.
The 4.52 inches long blade is made of D2 stainless steel which is a great quality steel by the way. The full tang blade holds the edge exceptionally.
For a change, this one is a fixed blade knife and 133s spear-point blade offer great strength and a sharp tip. It has all around penetrating and cutting abilities make it ideal for tactical use.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the knife makes it a perfect product to purchase plus it is super easy to clean.
About the handle, this knife has got aluminium handle that offer firm and solid grip. Plus, the weight is really light so you won’t feel any fatigue while holding it.
The overlength of the knife is large but it is quite an impressive product. It can offer accessibility and security. It comes with limited lifetime warranty but the price is too much.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Schrade SCHOTF3CB Viper OTF Knife
Photo: Schrade
- Blade Length: N/A
- Blade Material: Steel Blade
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
Schrade is one of the leading brands from China. One thing that you need to know about the blades of this brand is that they are exceptionally made and have great strength.
It is made of superior quality steel with a pin point tip and extremely sharp edges that can be lethal for anything that it come in contact with. The knife is quite reliable in the time of need.
One thing that you don’t have to worry about is that the blade is completely rust free and does not lose the edge very soon. It is kind of a perfect product for hiking, and other adventurous activities.
About the handle, the G-10 handle is quite amazing and it gives you best grip. It is completely wear resistant. Handle is too large and suitable for people with long hands.
Also, the lightweight and easy opening mechanism makes this knife a perfect purchase for first time buyers. This is a great model even for the professionals. It is the best OTF knife under 100.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Schrade Viper 3 3.5-Inch OTF Knife
Photo: Schrade
- Blade Length: 3.5 inches
- Blade Material: 4034 Stainless Steel
- Weight: 5.4 ounces
This is another highly impressive model from Schrade. It is a cleaver design which is well made and economically priced. This is a super-fast model that releases the blade quickly.
The 4034 stainless steel double edge spear point blade is high in quality and performs really well. The rust and corrosion resistance are other factors that have boosted the sales splendidly.
The blade size is 3.5 inches which is perfectly suitable for a tactical knife. Also, the handle is large enough to give more room for the larger hands.
About the handle, this knife comes with high quality aluminium handle which gives you fine grip. Plus, there is a safety locking mechanism which make the knife more reliable and dependable.
Also, there is a window breaker, tip blade lock, and side safety deep carry pocket clip which make carrying the knife pretty easy.
This one is a considerable product for the ones that want to purchase a lethal knife at a suitable price.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Tac Force Assisted Opening 3-Inch OTF Knife
Photo: Tac Force
- Blade Length: 3 inches
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
This knife from Tac Force is yet another essential model in our list. This one is most presentable knife as well because it has rainbow coloured blade.
The 3 inches long blade is made of stainless steel and coated with a material for better resistance to rust and corrosion. The blade is quite strong and shaped rightly for tactical use.
The width of the knife is also huge which can be a problem for the people with smaller hands. This knife is quite reliable.
Now, coming to the handle, the knife consists of aluminium handle which is rigid and sturdy. The firm handle makes this product really considerable.
The weight is appropriate and will not tire your hand, even if you hold the knife for long. This one is surely one of the finest OTFs in our list.
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Cons:
7. STRIX RHK-1 Mini OTF Pocket Knife
Photo: STRIX
- Blade Length: N/A
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 0.48 ounce
Last in our list is this super compact knife from Strix. It is a mini knife with a really petite. You can carry it in a keyring as well. This one is hardly the size of your finger.
This has got replaceable blade which is only 44 mm long and 7 mm tall. Even the weight is so less that you will feel as if it is not even in your pocket.
Stainless steel blade is perfect for the knife because it will not corrode and rust. Also, the blade is so sharp that it can serious injure anyone who touches it.
The body however is made of aluminium and quite durable. It has small lock and push tab that has to be pushed to set open the blade and pull down to close it.
This is the most different model in our list. It is strictly for the survivalists that don’t really want to carry a huge weapon. Plus, this knife is also not banned or restricted by the government.
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OTF Knife Brands
Photo: Schrade
There are various leading brands that manufacture quality OTF knives. The construction, material, and mechanism of all these brands differ from one another.
Basically, in any OTF knife, the blade propels inside the handle from the front. There is not mechanism of side folding and that is why this name was given to the knife.
Many brands have created some really successful models that customers really appreciate. But normally, because of various brands offering the product, you get really confused which one to consider.
That is why, we are going to discuss the greatest brands in the industry that make safe and reliable knives.
If you want to buy the strongest OTF knife then below brands can give you some great options. Especially, if you are buying these knives for the first time, you can consider all these labels.
1. Microtech
This is one of the leading brands in the knife market. They manufacture most popular OTF knives currently.
They certainly turned the market upside down in the year 1994 with their latest and innovative collection of OTF knives. The designs were unique and it had smooth action.
Surprisingly, there are colossal variations offered by this brand and customers have really enjoyed the choices. If you are a new buyer then this brand can surely help you out in giving options.
2. Benchmade
The best thing about Benchmade OTF’s is that they are all made of superior quality material which is highly durable. They use different patented mechanisms to create the knives.
In today’s market, Benchmade is one of the most popular names that manufacture leading quality knives. You can expect great results from its knives.
3. Protech
This is a US based brand that has manufactured some of the choicest models in OTF knives. Their automatic knives are commendable and comes with various other features.
Moreover, these knives are visually fascinating and appealing, if you fancy to buy good-looking products. The choices by this brand are endless and they keep manufacturing greatest models.
4. Piranha
Among the finest brands to manufacture OTFs, you must have heard of the brand called Piranha. This is a new brand in the market and a very popular one.
The quality and material used in the making of its products is of finest quality. They don’t compromise in their knives, neither in the designing and nor in the quality.
5. Schrade
This brand is for the budget buyers. The prices of Schrade OTF knives is highly suitable for the new buyers. They also have an extensive range for the professionals as well.
The unique selling point of the brand is the costing of the products. You will seriously love the knives. They are one of the finest survival knives in the market.
6. Smith & Wesson
If you are looking for a brand that is ideally for the new buyers then this is the one stop drop. Smith & Wesson gives you a huge range of OTF knives.
The quality is decent and the blades are made of superior quality steel. Also, because the products are made on budget, you will find the costs really affordable.
How to Buy the Best OTF Knives
Photo: STRIX
Buying the best OTF knife requires good amount of knowledge about the product. You need to be sure of what you are looking for.
That is why, first you have to understand some significant points. Let’s tell you about the tips of buying the good OTF knife.
1. OTF Knife Laws
First of all, before you plan on making a purchase, it is important to know all the rules about keeping the automatic knife. To begin with, it is an illegal weapon to keep in many parts of USA.
So, before you purchase the OTF knife, it will be better to check if the weapon is allowed by the government of your county or not. The ban is majorly because of the speed in which the knife gets opened.
In other states, the weapon is legal but you have to carry it concealed so that it doesn’t accidently get open and harm others.
Please note that each country has different rules and regulations about the OTF knife and you should know about all those rules. Otherwise, it is similar to a felony to keep restricted weapons.
2. Types of OTF Knives
One of the prime thing when looking for the best OTF is to understand different types and the release mechanism. Since there are different mechanisms, you have to ensure which one will be suitable for you.
Let’s straight away go ahead and check the different types:
- Hidden Release : The best thing about this type is that its only you who knows how to release the blade. This way, you will be able to protect yourself in the best way.
- Axis Pull: This is a slightly less common release in which there is a handle stud locking mechanism on both the sides of the knife that has to be pulled to release the blade.
- Lever: This is the most common type in which you only have to pull the lever to release the knife.
- Firing Button: Well, in this case, there is a firing button which is to be pushed and the blade is out.
Buying Advice: While all different type of release mechanisms is comfortable but people like to buy the knives with lever. They are more controllable and easy to handle.
3. Blade Material
Since this is kind of a survival knife , it is important to check the durability, wear-resistance, and strength of the blade which is directly proportional to the blade material.
Ideal blade is that one that can be easily sharpened, holds the edge for the longest time, completely resist rust and corrosion, and resists to general wears and tears.
That is why, there are multiple choices in steel available these days including Damascus, AUS-8, 400 Series, etc. These are the best selling steels if you want strongest OTF knife.
The steel ranges from soft to extremely wear resistant one. It depends on how much you are willing to spend. If you want a good product then don’t care a lot about spending more.
4. Handle
The handle material does not matter a lot until it is wrapped with comfy rubber. You don’t have to use this knife for long hours. So, least you can avoid is the handle material.
Or at least, if you ask us, handle should be enriched and infused with other properties such as easy switch of the button, etc.
So, which looking for a perfect knife, make sure that the handle is comfortable and all the features work easily.
Conclusion
As we close our OTF knife review, we would like to say that these knives are of great use in the time of need. These are confined models that opens with the pull of a lever or a button.
We would like to repeat it once again because this is important that whenever you are buying this knife, make sure that the government of your state permits for that.
In many places, keeping an OTF knife is a felony. So, once you have checked the rules, you can go ahead and make your purchase.
These models discussed above are some of the top OTF knife in the market. They have great blades, easy release mechanism and exceptional performance.
You can make a confident purchase because we have got everything covered at your end. Happy Shopping!