There’s a whole world of variety out there in folding knives, not just for duty and everyday carry, but for collectible purposes.
Among the most popular types of folding knife configurations are out-the-side and out-the-front knives, also referred to as OTS and OTF knives, respectively.
But which is for you? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s an OTF Knife? Why Carry One?
An OTF knife, or out-the-front knife, is a knife that stores its blade within its handle in such a manner that it comes out the front of the handle, point forward, as the name might suggest.
This configuration makes it easier to operate the knife with one hand. Further, some are gravity knives while others are operated via a button and a spring, which means you don’t need to impart any action from your wrist to deploy the blade. A simple push of a button and the blade will spring out.
An OTF knife is a good option if you need quick access to your blade and if knives that require two hands to open are off the table.
However, OTF knives tend to be designed for penetration and thrusting, rather than for camp chores and general utility. For outdoorsmen, an out-the-side folder with a more conventional blade pattern is likely a better option.
Moreover, if you are seriously thinking about getting an OTF knife, consider how it opens and what safeguards there are to prevent it from being unintentionally opened in a pocket, which scenario can be dangerous.
Some OTF knives sport safety mechanisms that keep them closed until deliberately opened, improving safety. Some sport features that enable the user not only to lock the blade open, but closed as well, serving as a redundant backup safety.
What About the More Conventional Option?
Now let’s take a closer look at OTS knives, or out-the-side knives, which account for the vast majority of folding knives on the market.
In an out the side configuration, the blade of the knife folds into the side of the handle and rotates around a pivot mechanism or less commonly a pin, that enables the blade to swing open and closed.
Some basic out the side knives do not lock, but rather have a slipjoint mechanism that is basically a spring bar that holds the blade open under tension but which does not lock it.
With that said, the vast majority of modern out-the-side folding knives feature some sort of lock type. Many of these, such as liner locks, frame locks, button locks and bar locks, can be operated with one hand.
Other lock types, like collar locks and lock back mechanisms, require two hands to operate. Also, while many out-the-side folding knives feature thumb studs or holes enabling one-handed operation, some require two hands to open as well.
This inconvenience, where it materializes, may make an OTF knife a better option for you. With that said, there is a greater deal of variety and diversity in OTS folders, so if you’re looking for something highly specialized, that’s likely your best bet.
Here for an OTF Knife or Another EDC Blade?
Regardless of whether you’re in the market for an OTS or OTF knife, take a quick look at what’s in stock over at True Swords. Don’t let the name fool you, though they carry a wide variety of real, battle-ready swords and other weapons, they carry a fairly unique assortment of knives, too, and many are out the front models.
Shop their collection of high-quality OTF and OTS folders, along with fixed blades, and refresh your collection today.
