Choosing the best OTF knife for your carry and applications is a lot like getting any other tool. It all starts with knowing what you need so you can make the purchase in the full confidence that it will ultimately suit you well.
That being the case, here are some questions to help you get closer to attaining that goal.
- What is the deployment mechanism? Some OTF knives deploy with a button, others with a slide mechanism, and some with a lever. There are others yet that might be proprietary to a brand or model and which are not listed here. Either way, know what it is before you buy because that’s what you’ll end up carrying and using once you buy it.
- What is the blade profile? As with any knife, blade profile is one of the primary determinants of the utility of a knife. If you’ll just be carrying the OTF knife for EDC and need a blade for general utility, you can’t go wrong with a straight back, drop point, or tanto point, among others. On the flipside, needle points and stilettos are better for thrusting and piercing.
- Is the knife single or double action? A single action OTF knife will deploy easily with one hand, with the push of a button. However a second action that may require the use of your other hand will be needed to retract the blade. A double action OTF knife will both deploy and retract the knife via the same action, such as a button, so that the knife can be used with one hand.
- Can the knife be locked closed? Some OTF knives have safety features like locks that prevent accidental deployment in a pocket, making it not only safer but more convenient to carry them.
- What type of lock does it have? OTF knives tend to have different locks from OTS folding knives, but nonetheless you should dig into this a little as lock type is one of the most important features of a folding knife.
- What type of steel does the knife have? Is the knife blade steel stainless or not? What type of wear resistance does it offer? How tough is the alloy considered? These are all questions you should ask before buying, as they will impact the utility and value of the knife, not to mention the fact that if you get a knife with a non stainless alloy, it will be a little harder to clean and maintain, especially if you use the knife around water.
- What type of scales does the knife have? Many modern OTF knives are made with synthetic scales like G10 or Micarta or carbon fibers, and some are made with alloy scales like brass, copper, steel or titanium. Any of these can be suitable.
- Do I really need an OTF knife or would an assisted opener or conventional folder be better? You might be looking for the best OTF knife, but it is also true that conventional folders will require less maintenance, will be a lot more affordable, and most importantly, with a little practice, many can be used entirely with one hand, just like OTF knives.
The Best OTF Knife for You Awaits at BUDK
Not sure yet what’s the best OTF knife for you? No worries; you can explore some of your options (and expose yourself to some of the most popular models in the industry) over at BUDK. Check out their website and get in touch with them directly if you still have questions before buying.
For more information about Spy Gear and Lock Pick Set Please visit: BudK Worldwide Inc.
