Ever heard of an OTF knife? If you’re on this page, the assumption is that you have. There are many instances in which an OTF knife will outperform an OTS, or out the side folder.
These observations will hold true even for OTS folders that are similarly automatic. Here are some of those times that an OTF model will outshine a conventional OTS auto.
When There’s Limited Clearance
Whether an OTS folder is conventional or automatic, you’ll still need a little more clearance to deploy an out the side knife.
With an OTF automatic knife, you need much less clearance – pretty much just the space in front of the knife.
As long as you have that clearance, you can deploy an OTF knife – but you can easily get an OTS folder jammed by trying to deploy it when there just isn’t the room needed.
This definitively makes an OTF better than an OTS folder if you need to get the thing deployed in cramped quarters, which is one of the reasons that they’re often go-to options for defensive carry.
When You Don’t Feel Like Getting Familiar with the Deployment Mechanism
All in all, this is probably the single biggest reason that an OTF knife can deliver greater value than a conventional folder, although perhaps not directly more than an OTS auto.
While you can become very proficient with a knife’s thumb studs, holes, flipper tab or any other type of deployment mechanism, it’s not necessarily easy.
Moreover, many knife users struggle to get familiar with new deployment mechanisms, even those as basic as thumb studs.
It’s second nature for some, but for many there’s a pretty steep learning curve associated with conventional deployment mechanisms.
With an auto, OTF or otherwise, there’s just a button; you press it and the knife opens. That’s all there is to it.
There’s really nothing to get familiar with and you can become proficient in deployment in all of 2 seconds – much more quickly than with pretty much any other type of folder’s deployment mechanism.
When You Need Speed
Out-the-front folders are fast, like lightning fast, and you don’t even need to get used to deploying them.
In the hands of a user that’s familiar with a conventional knife with a flipper tab or thumb studs, a conventional folder can be pretty fast, but it’s still nothing next to an OTF auto.
An out the front knife with a strong spring is fast, probably the fastest general type of model in the knife industry.
If you’re here because you’re looking for a fast option, you will likely not be able to beat a solid OTF knife.
When You Love the Cool Factor
Lastly, there’s a lot different about the form factor between an OTS and OTF folder, and the aesthetics of an OTF model are less frequently encountered.
That being the case, there are some that naturally gravitate towards the aesthetics of the OTF option.
You like what you like, and if you prefer the form factor of an OTF model, then that’s a reason in and of itself.
Where to Get an OTF Knife?
Here to add an OTF knife to your collection? Looking for something new to refresh what you carry? Take a look at what they offer over at True Swords.
While the company’s bread and butter is battle-ready sword patterns, they also sell a wide variety of high-quality daggers and knives, and among them are OTF models.
To learn a little more about the bladed tools they sell, take a look at their website or get in touch with them directly.
For More Information About Odachi Sword and Wakizashi Katana Please Visit: True Swords.
