Thinking about swapping your OTS folder for an OTF knife? They are quick to deploy, potentially better (and faster) in tight quarters, and dripping in cool factor.
But how can you choose the best OTF knife? Here are a few ways to go about that.
Size and Weight
No knife will be the best knife for you, folder or otherwise, if it is not an appropriate size. For instance, a 2 inch camp knife wouldn’t be much use.
The same basic principles apply here. Get an OTF knife of a size and weight that works for your intended application.
If that is general utility or EDC, probably a knife of a few ounces with a blade between 3 and 4 inches will work fine for daily carry without being overly large or inconveniently small.
Blade Steel
Blade steel is also a huge thing to consider here, as even though there are OTF knives made with super steels, some are made with cheap budget steels as well.
The most critical thing here, for most intents and purposes, is corrosion resistance. If you’re not willing to invest in the care necessary to maintain a high-carbon blade that is not rust resistant, the best OTF knife for you is one that sports a stainless blade.
Blade Profile
The blade profile is another thing that will greatly (and directly) impact the suitability of a knife for your purposes.
Basic drop points and clip points are good for general utility, but there are lots of options in addition to these as well.
For instance, needle points, like stiletto style blades, are better for piercing. Sheepsfoot and wharncliffe blades have robust tips that are unlikely to break, as do tanto points.
Deployment Method
When evaluating the deployment method in an OTF knife, it is important to consider that not all OTF knives are automatics, or autos.
In other words, some OTF knives will require an active effort from you to deploy the blade. Generally these are called gravity knives and will require a flick of the wrist from you to deploy them.
Automatics feature a button that can be used to deploy the blade. Single actions deploy the blade automatically and require manual retraction; double actions use a button both to deploy and retract the blade.
Lock Strength
Just like all knives, OTF knives are made with different lock types, and some are better than others. Evaluate the lock style and its strengths and weaknesses before you make a decision about which is the best OTF knife for you.
Other Features
While you’re shopping around, some other questions to consider are:
- Does the knife have a pocket clip? How is it intended to be carried?
- Does it have a lanyard hole?
- Are there any safety features that prevent accidental deployment? (Can the blade be locked in the closed position?)
- What are the scales made of, and how much maintenance will they require?
These are just a few of the things to consider in an OTF knife, but they can help you get closer to a decision about which one is the best for you.
Here for the Best OTF Knife?
Whatever the best OTF knife for you is, you will find it online at BUDK, if only for the fact that they offer so many.
Get a better look at their collection via the previous link and let them know if you have any questions before buying; they’ll help you find the best one for you.
