OTF Knives! Why YOU Should Carry One!
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- The OTF switchblade is one of the most famous types of switchblades in existence. Feared on the golden screen and coveted by collectors, the OTF knife is a perfect example of the increasing complexity and novelty of modern knives. But what is an OTF knife, what are the advantages and disadvantages of an OTF knife, and should you consider carrying this switchblade! Welcome to the Knife Life! Lets dive into the OTF!
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Definitely the simplest and easiest type of knife to operate. They're also really cool and fun to play with. I definitely agree that they are probably the last type of knife you'd want to use for hard use or self defense due to their complex and fragile construction.
The simplest knives to operate, but on the other hand they are also the hardest to maintain...
@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Definitely!
I own many automatic knives. I found OTF are great for cutting string, rope or paper. But for most other tasks I prefer out the side switchblades.
Agreed. For little odds and ins they are fine, but if you want something serious a side opener is the way to go.
I went into this video thinking "no way is this knife for me." But you may have sold me again. Great video as always!
The higher end D/A OTF's are a lot more reliable than they're given credit for....the main problem is people buy them for the "cool factor" and don't know how to maintain them...like you said, they are susceptible to debris getting in the mechanism which does likely limit what professional fields (military/law enforcement or EMT's) they should be used in...I get a lot of ziploc bags and boxes full of parts because people take them apart to try to either clean them or they just want to know how they work and then they can't figure out how to re-assemble them...this is a big part of why Microtech uses proprietary hardware...I've carried a Microtech Combat Troodon T/E for close to 6 years, and it's just as snappy as the day I bought it because I know how to maintain it....mechanical failure is inevitable with OTF's...I love my OTF, but I wouldn't bet my life on it...fortunately, the Combat Troodon also includes an attitude adjustment device on the tail end...lol
When in doubt, smack them with the blunt end! But yes the higher end OTF's are much better than many people think, but still have the issues that you just mentioned. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!
I finally got a Microtech UTX-85 after buying cheaper ones and knowing they weren’t going to last but didn’t find my needs warranting the higher cost. Well I I go through the cheap ones modestly and just decided to get the Microtech. Drove 3 hrs to get one in person from an authorized dealer and within 24 hrs and no use the button keeps getting stuck and requires a skinny tool to go down and just press the spring to get it from catching on whatever track it’s resting in. Very disappointed to say the least. I am just asking them for a refund because after all I went through to get it and now more to have to send it. I am just not cool with that and then send it in and wait over a month to have it returned? I’m sure they are what most hold in regard as it is a beautiful knife but this upset me something fierce and the thought of how much strife this added on top of what I went through to begin I’ll just keep buying shite knives I guess as they didn’t do this at least right when I bought them. Ever
Great channel my friend. I have a large number of high end fully automatic OTFs from Benchmade and Microtech primarily for collecting. However, I do carry a Benchmade Infidel OTF occasionally for personal protection when discretion is a must. Most of my OTFs are double edged dagger blades that are useless for everyday knife tasks which is 99.9% reason why an EDC pocket knife is needed. My EDC is a Gerber combo 1.5" pen blade, finger nail clipper, nail file which I keep on my key chain.
You get some mud, dirt, or hell a good piece of lint in that mechanism and don't have a can of WD-40 handy, well just say good bye to your OTF knife. The knife I did carry in the Army was a simple Cold Steel Recon for a folder and a Holtafors chisel knife that I would carry on my vest to break open ammo boxes and cut open mortar round tubes. I also made a little piece of kit that had a couple of Knipex tools that were mostly found on regular multi-tools because being in mechanized I would sometimes have to make on the spot repairs to my vehicle. I also had multiple multi-tools stolen or just get "lost" so having each individual item that cost dirt cheap was better.
Hultafors chisel knife is a great idea! Tough as nails, could be used as a vicious weapon and if you somehow broke or lost it, a new one costs less than $10 bucks.
Not sure what brands you buy.But my experience is completely opposite of yours. I own many otf's they fire just fine, very dirty.However if you put wd40 in them then you're gonna have all kinds of problems. You have to maintain them with something like rem oil. And yes, they do probably require a little more maintenance every so often.Then a standard folding knife but it's really not an issue. I work in construction and carry a Microtech scarab 2 every day. And blow it out maybe every few months and oil at once a year.
First visit to your channel. I really like your format! Thanks
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!
Just a quick follow up on my OTF. I contacted Normandy Knife sabout my issue. Got a quick response from Jeremy Pyne. He kindly asked me to return the knife for inspection and politely ask if I had used a safe gun oil. I clean the knife and used Hoppe's now the knife operates perfectly with a light touch. Good company great guy! Buy with confidence.
Glad everything worked out! Thanks for sharing with us and thank-you for your support!
My baby 3 1/2 Normandy OTF is great knife. However, I found when cutting for example an orange, the blade if not cleaned immediately after use material even a slight amount will jam the internal mechanism leaving the knife unusable in this case requiring a clean and reset. Definitely not a reliable defense knife stilla. very cool knife. Thank for the video..
Unfortunately for my wife I like em all! Do not discriminate against my fellow blades! And it is cool to pick different models and types to carry each n every day! Thanks for your review!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting!
Excellent, professional videos, many thanks.
I'm glad you enjoyed them, thank you for your support!
i have been carrying otf knifes for about 4 years now. i got them for edc self defense purposes, but they got demoted to edc daily tasks cutting open boxes and mail.
i love my otfs, but they can get gummed up and its a process to disassemble and clean them, if they get gummed up from something as simple as cutting an apple and you forget to wipe the blade down before putting it away, the tracking gets gummed up and then it wont fire out all the way.
still i love them i have some cheap ones and expensive units and love them all, but i used to carry a zippo and i didnt even smoke, i just like playing with it, same goes for the otf, it feels and sounds so cool playing with it
They are pretty cool toys, but they have all the issues you discussed. Thanks for commenting!
Real cool video. I love it!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!
@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I wish I got them same knife you showed here. Dam!
I definitly agree with the very safe EDC use of Double action OTFs, I have a Guardian Tactical Recon-035. It is great! Off center blade and play in the lockup bothers people but I found it only took about 3 uses and I don't even notice anymore. I really wanted the Legendary Microtech Ultratech but the action was really stiff and harsh texture on button for EDC.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting!
So I just got one and I carried it once knife laws in my state just relaxed and I found a nice not to expensive one .mostly just a toy for around the house now though. Lol
Mine has much the same role. Its a nice letter opener for me.
I've been collecting and sharpening/tuning knives semi professionally for decades now. Personally I've seen more side opening autos fail than otf's. Both types are certainly less reliable than manual openers or fixed blades though.
Thank-you for sharing your experience with us!
I own an automotive repair shop, so I open a ton of boxes and use my knife constantly throughout the day. I’m on the bench made plan so to speak. There is an army navy surplus store two doors down from me. I have a drawer full of auto benchmades. My current favorite is an OTF (I can’t remember the model) I personally don’t like double edged knives so mine isn’t one. There are some serious down sides though. The spring gets pretty tired toward the end of sharpness cycle. This isn’t an issue for me because I take my knives two doors down and send them back a couple times a year. They come back rebuilt, sharpened and refreshed after a couple weeks. So when I send them off I always buy a new bench made auto. Hence the drawer full of knives.
Thank-you for sharing! That is very helpful insight into the usefulness of OTFs!
You mean the spring becomes weaker?
before you consider spending 400 on a microtech look out for the hogue collectors series counterstrike. carbon fiber and magnacut blade made in the usa for 340. beautiful knife insane value
I'll be sure to check that out! I hope to see you around the channel again!
I like the concept of an OTF, however, most of the places I might go that I might perceive the need for one are also places where any kind of spring deployed knife is illegal - crept for one state that does allow switch blades with blade lengths of one inch or less. Plus the cost of a Benchmade or Microtech is a bit stiff.
Legality is really one of the biggest issues with these blades at the moment, as are cost and reliability. That said switchblade regulation across the US is currently relaxing in many states.
I’ve had one for a year and love it but there are serious drawbacks and benefits. It does need regular cleaning and oil to be functional or it will gunk and jam easily. One of the benefits is the blades are easy to replace if you’re not big on sharpening but disassembling required
Thank-you for sharing your experience with OTFs! I hope to see you around the channel again!
Ya yanking our chains again?
@@user-bc7wx5bx4c ikd I really like the knife. As far as maintenance goes it’s much higher in comparison to other knives that fold. I don’t mind it but I can see why many people would discard theirs if it’s no longer working after a couple months of use.
I've always seen otf as one more thing to fail.
They do have larger reliability issues than other knives.
I watched a guy hammer a OTF through a 2x4 didn’t hurt the knife at all. It was a sos knives OTF. I carry a shootout wanted one when they came out but it was illegal until early this year.
I'll be sure to check them out. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks.
Of course! Thank you for your support!
Just picked up a Krate Tactical OTF and I was blown away by the build quality, lifetime warranty and price under $150 with D2 steel.
I don't have much experience with Krate, I'll have to go look them up. Thanks for sharing!
@@TheKnifeLifeChannel You’re welcome, they stand behind their warranty 💯. I bought one from a gun shop that had apparently dropped it on the tip of the blade and wouldn’t return it. Krate offered to replace it. Great customer service too.
I’m currently trying to decide whether I should get any serrations on my micro tech. Full serration on one side of double edge , partial serrated on a 1 sided edge or just a straight up. Any input on my decision would be cool considering I’m probably spending $300
Personally I'm a fan of plain edges myself. They will cut whatever you need, are much easier to sharpen, and won't catch clothing in defensive use.
Don't do it.
You'll get away with your knife being a tool if there's no serrations, once you serrate it it becomes an offensive weapon.
Plus, it'd be sort of sacrilegious to do that to a microtech.
They just came legal in state so I've been carrying one.
Very cool!
thank u sir
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!
Using a bench infidel for 10+ years never failed me until one time a penny got inside the case lol.
Sooner or later something gets in the mechanism...
I do not carry an OTF. Unlike side opening switchblades they are illegal to own in the jurisdiction I live in. For some time OTF rescue tools are legal. I do not have a real use for it. I probably would carry a single edged OTF if they were legal.
My go to is a Buck 110. Sometimes I carry fixed blades as they are less problematic in terms of jurisdiction and still can be deployed onehanded.
How can i purchase it...??
Folding knife wont close on your fingers if you use them right. I dont think anyone is striking the knife on its back flat side which is where it has to be hit or pushed on to close on your fingers.
Now with that said, if you go forward with the knife and your angle is off upon entry to a hard substance, then maybe at that point it can buckle in and close on you.
I wear gloves at work. My OTF makes it easy to use and I don't have to remove my gloves to open it. I have had more problems closing my OTF than opening it.
Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!
When I was a kid in the Seventies we called them "angel blades".
Interesting! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!
Never again will I carry a OTF. It's great when it works but an absolute nightmare when it stops working. A few granules of sand will ruin your day. Good for fancy occasions and showing off or a good desk job but if you need a heavy duty knife this isn't the blade for you. I own several high end OTF and I absolutely love em but they'll stay in the safe awaiting letter opening duty
Exactly. Mine is a cool toy, but I have other knives that are better for carry.
I have an OTF comb.
Thats pretty cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!
What does OTF stand for?
Out-the-Front
Sadly they are illegal in my State,as they are switchblades , but they can be owned just not carried at the current time. 💯
That is unfortunate. Unfortunately not all states have caught up yet.
I do not agree with them being fragile - watch X-Ring's video "Counterfeit Microtech torture test!" You can clearly see that both genuine product and the replica are able to withstand being hammered into a 2-by-4
Quickest knife to deploy is Karambit
I've owned an OTF switchblade, but I don't care for them. I think OTS (Out The Side) Switchblades are much stronger.
I would agree that side openers are much stronger.
Hey how are you Knife Life? I wasn't sure of a better way of reaching you but I'm something of an enthusiast of various weapons (knives but also various ancient weapons from all over the world, including some rather obscure ones) and I was wondering if you would like to collaborate in regards to expanding your channel's subject matter into those areas. I'm looking to start a UA-cam channel on the topic although my technical knowledge is limited at the moment since I don't have much in the way of say editing equipment or knowledge of that process, but I was thinking splitting profits on those specific videos in a way that compensates you adequately for your part to be discussed at your leisure would be pretty cool.
I'm always looking to update my knowledge on the subject as well in my own time so that such a topic on your channel doesn't become stale. I'm looking to break into this particular field of informative videos because I'm normally a writer and martial artist as well as an enthusiast of ancient history (especially when it comes to ancient warfare and the like) but due to severe disabilities I'm limited in my capabilities, and I figured that I could still utilize my knowledge.
If you're interested in seeing what we can do together on this topic should it appeal to you I would love to touch base and I can give you my e-mail address and get things going. I eagerly look forward to hearing from you soon and hopefully working with you! Thanks for your time either way.
Hey Lone Ronin, thanks for reaching out! I'd be happy to talk with you. Shoot me an email at theknifelife2020@gmail.com
like parceiro
Unfortunately illegal in Canada.
Unfortunate indeed.
I have a neighbor with one arm and I need to tell him he can carry any switchblade legally. In all 50 states. Its federal.
Not true.
I disagree the otf is not good for cutting food the juices will gum up the mechanism
I'd argue that's something that every type of folding knife has to deal with, and can easily be dealt with by cleaning the blade off after use. OTF's might be more susceptible, but as long as you take reasonable good care of it there shouldn't be much issue.
OTFs are banned in Germany.
The first time I ever saw an OTF was getting mugged at the Munich Octoberfest in 1977. We played dumb and the situation defused itself.
Knife laws are just stupid.
Guns for SD as well
@@zippymageeim sick and tired being told that i cant defend myself with the tools that i think would be good for my self preservation, i hate stupid laws and i believe they shouldn't be complied with at all.
@@christhelostsoul9927 not even that far of defending yourself just everyday task made easier by tools invented millions of years ago
NEVER BRING A KNIFE TO A GUN FIGHT!
Don't run out of ammo .
First 🤔?
You are!
Second 🤔?
You tube says you are actually the third.
Third 🤔?
thank you for uploading. please send one for free
Start begging somewhere else mate.
@@funkycat9629 hater
Get on with the fucking point.
I'd definitely carry one, if the communist state of Somalisota allowed me to...😤
But the advertised credit card carrier is only available as single action, right. I have to shove the cards back by hand.
Oooooooohhh... You got me there! Gotta be careful with those single actions...
The Knife Life : Will this open in my pocket by accident?
Unlikely. The switch is more secure than a button