What Are the Best OTF Knives?

What Are the Best OTF Knives?

11th Aug 2022

OTF knives have been popularized by the media and some films, making them a focus for many people who may not have otherwise taken an interest in knives or their use.

Though they are a little different than OTS, or out to the side, knives, OTF knives are equally as functional. As with most things in the weapon world, you get what you pay for in terms of quality with OTF knives.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Does OTF Mean in Knives?

OTF knives, also known as sliding knives, are out the front knives or knives that deploy the blade from the front of the casing handle rather than the side like standard knives or OTS knives.

Though there are some manual OTF knives that require the user to pull the blade from the handle manually, most are automatic, releasing the blade quickly when a spring is activated.

Are OTF Knives Illegal?

In some states, OTF knives are illegal, but in most states, they have a few regulations for use that other knives do not. These regulations usually address blade length and may be stricter for automatic OTF knives than they are for manual or assisted OTF knives.

Why Are OTF Knives Illegal?

Some states have made automatic OTF knives illegal because they are a deadly weapon, easy to hide, and quick to deploy. The foundation of the law is the notion that no one would need a weapon that would deploy that quickly unless they meant to do harm and could not get or hide a gun, therefore they have been banned for possession, sale, open carry, and quick carry in 11 states.

In a few other states, they are banned for all but for possession and sale as long as the knife is a collectible only and not going to be used.

What Are Double Action OTF Knives & How Do They Work?

OTF knives are usually automatic, requiring no manual effort to pull the blade out of the handle. Instead, when deployed, a spring releases the blade quickly. This is the function of a single-action OTF knife.

A double-action OTF knife does not require manual operation to deploy the blade, and it also retracts the blade automatically. Single-action OTF knives require the user to fold the blade back into the handle manually.

What Are the Best OTF Knives?

The best OTF knives, like all weapons, will come down to price and preference, but for knives that are less than $200, any OTF knives made by Boker will be a solid choice. Lightweight, easy to open, and durable, Boker knives last a long time.

Viper Tec also has some good options, especially the Black Zed with its many blade design options, durable materials, and ease of use, whether you are left-handed or right-handed.

If you’re not sure which OTF knife is right for you, come down to Delray Shooting Center and let us help you pick out the best one for your needs.