OTF Knives (Out the Front Knives)
OTF knives, Out the Front knives, or Switchblades. Whatever you prefer to call ‘em, we’ve got ‘em. While these knives are primarily used by and made for law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders, they make a great addition to any collection. Plus, they help tone your thumbs.
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About OTF Knives (Out the Front Knives)
Best OTF Knives
Updated by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 11/03/2020
It’s time to add an OTF knife to your collection. From the budget friendly Schrade, to the lust-worthy Microtech, and the newcomer Guardian Tactical, we’ve got all the best Out the Front knives for your viewing pleasure.
After we break down the specs and details of each knife, I’ll drop in a review from one of our many amazing customers.
1. Microtech Ultratech OTF Knife
When you step up to the plate and put down your hard-earned money for a Microtech knife, you know you’re going to get an OTF with perfect fit-and-finish, quality materials, and a distinctive design philosophy that others can only imitate. If you’re able to catch the Ultratech of your color preference in stock, you can’t go wrong adding one to your collection. Click below.
- 3.44" Bohler M390 Drop Point Blade
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Handle Scales
- 3.60 oz. Weight
- Made in USA
Zach F. says…
"This is my 4th Microtech OTF. It feels great in your hand, and you can barely tell you’re wearing it when it’s clipped onto your pocket. The double action is strong and smooth. The blade is razor sharp like all my other Microtechs. The Ultratech is the perfect size and is really convenient to deploy the second you need it. As with all my other Microtech knives, I couldn’t be happier. You won’t be disappointed. I’m a Microtech customer for life."
2. Benchmade Infidel OTF Knife
Kind of like USA at the Olympics, Benchmade kicks butt in every category within the knife industry. The Infidel OTF knife is a beastly tactical tool (and you can even snag one in a mini form-factor). From EDC to SEAL Team, the Benchmade Infidel is ready for action and up to any challenge. Pick up this legendary OTF knife by clicking below.
- 3.91" CPM-S30V Dagger Point Blade
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Handle Scales
- 4.90 oz. Weight
- Made in USA
Randy J. says…
“I have tried several different OTF's in the last couple months. I went through at least 3 or 4 before I found the one. And it is definitely the infidel... a little costly but well worth it!!! The double edge d2 blade is sharp as a razor. The action in and out is spectacular. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a great knife!! Thank you Benchmade and Blade HQ.”
3. Smith & Wesson OTF Knife
Let’s be real (and we’ve said it before)… The Smith & Wesson OTF Assist Finger Actuator may be the apex of great knives with terrible names. I will die on this soapbox. But don’t let this Finger Actuator scare you away. This single-action OTF deploys hard, has a ridiculously rigid lockup, and best of all, it won’t break the bank. See more about this OTF by clicking below.
- 3.25" AUS-8 Spear Point Blade
- Aluminum Handle Scales
- 6.09 oz. Weight
- Made in China
James V. says…
"Solid OTF at a reasonable price. If you are on a budget and want a solid, nicely made OTF then look no further. Rapid deployment, feels good in the hand, and has that cool look factor. A bargain at this price level. Order one now from Blade HQ. You will not be disappointed. I know I was not.”
4. AKC F-16 OTF Knife
Italians have been making awesome switchblade knives for close to a hundred years, if not more. You can sense that storied foundation with the AKC F-16. This double action OTF has clean lines and functions beautifully with a reliable, satisfying action. Pick up this sweet OTF by clicking below!
- 3.375" 440A Bayonet Point Blade
- Aluminum Handle Scales
- 3.15 oz. Weight
- Made in Italy
Richard G. says…
"Overall, I am rather impressed with this knife. The action is smooth and fires hard. The fit and finish is much better than its price tag would lead you to think. There is the expected blade play, but it is very minimal. The blade was sharp and the 440A should make it easy to maintain. Should be good for light duty use. I initially wanted to try this knife out and decided to get this olive drab version since it was the least expensive one. But now that I have it, I'm probably going to get more of them. Compared to other inexpensive OTF's in the same price range, I feel this one is at the top!”
5. Guardian Tactical RECON-035 OTF Knife
When the Guardian Tactical RECON-035 dropped, I was eager to see what this OTF was all about. Could it possibly stack up against Microtech? Featuring a patented ceramic ball slider system, these knives have raised the bar in terms of OTF action. Try the RECON-035 if you’re looking for a knife that performs, but also possesses that major fidget factor. Learn more by clicking below.
- 3.375" CPM-154 Drop Point Blade
- Aluminum Handle Scales
- 3.81 oz. Weight
- Made in USA
Mike W. says…
“First off, my wife said I shouldn't buy it because she knows I have the tendency to spend a lot of money at BHQ. Naturally, I bought it because she told me not to... Couldn't be happier, I can't put this thing down. I own a few Microtech Ultratechs and UTX-85s. I have to say, this is right up there with them. If not better. Don't listen to the wife, buy the knife.”
6. Schrade Viper Assisted OTF Knife
Schrade has built its legacy on offering value-driven pieces to the masses. When you buy a Schrade, you know you’re going to get a dependable and well-engineered knife, be it a fixed blade, side-opening automatic knife, or, of course, this Viper OTF. The functionality of this knife is comparable to the previously featured Smith & Wesson, so it all comes down to your personal taste and style. Get yours today!
- 3.375" Stainless Steel Tanto Blade
- Aluminum Handle Scales
- 4.53 oz. Weight
- Made in China
Matthew B. says…
“First off, I am beyond satisfied! The knife is everything promised and more! Smooth crisp action with zero blade wobble. Purely perfect in every way. Shipping was faster than promised and I'm one happy man. 10 out of 5 stars. Blade HQ will be my only source for cutting tools—everyday carry, self-defense and work alike. Good job guys!! Proud to be a returning customer!”
7. Boker Kalashnikov OTF Knife
Last but certainly not least, the Boker Kalashnikov OTF is a rock-solid automatic knife with great ergonomics, an awesome acton and quality materials at a great price! The Kalashnikov OTF features a black, stonewash finished D2 steel Bowie blade and a generous thumb slide for that sweet, sweet double-action snap. A strong, deep carry pocket clip keeps the Kalashnikov OTF secure in your pocket. Check it out by clicking below.
- 3.50" CPM-154 Tanto Point Blade
- Aluminum Handle Scales
- 4.75 oz. Weight
- Made in USA
Timothy C. says…
“I've been on the fence about wanting an OTF. Mostly wanting one for the cool factor, and as a collector not having one. I didn't want to take the cheapest route and couldn't justify the more expensive. The D2 blade came sharp enough to shave arm hairs. Wouldn't use it on the face! The action was pretty stiff at first. But, that smoothed out. It fires and retracts fast and hard. I can't personally say how blade wobble compares to other OTF. I would say it seems minimal and totally acceptable to me."
Final Thoughts
otf knife overview
OTF knives are awesome in that they combine ultimate knife functionality with a fidget factor that will make you feel like it's Christmas morning every time you push the switch. Some guys get super into watches—they appreciate the internal working mechanisms and design that goes into each piece. Out the Front knives are the same. You can't go wrong with any of our top picks. Just choose the piece that speaks to your heart.
So now you've got all our recommendations, but Blade HQ has got way more OTF knives than just the 7 featured here. Give our website a browse, and find the best out the front for yourself. Once you've got your knife situation dialed in, email me a picture and few words about your bushcrafting philosophy at AHamilton@BladeHQ.com. We'll feature the best submissions on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
How To Choose An OTF Knife
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 12/1/2020
Pictured: Microtech OTF knives
Buying an out-the-front automatic knife for the first time is a daunting task if you’re not quite sure what to look for. They come in all shapes, sizes and prices, and can really differ from brand to brand. Chances are you’re reading this article because you’d like to know what to look for, how to decide and ultimately what to expect when you make your purchase. We’ll take a look at five things to consider when buying an OTF and hopefully they’ll help you as you make your decision. Here’s how to choose an OTF knife. Let’s get to it!
Purpose/Use
Pictured: Hogue OTF knives
The first thing to take into consideration when choosing an OTF knife is simple: What are you going to use it for? Are you someone who requires quick access to your knife? Someone who needs a knife that’s easy to open and close with one hand? Or are you someone who just wants a badass knife to show off to your friends?
OTF knives have many uses and offer a great deal of utility to anyone who works in stressful conditions. They also have a huge wow factor and become quite the point of conversation when used among company. Once you know how you plan to use your OTF, you can make a better decision when you buy one.
Size
Pictured: Heritic Manticore OTF knives
Like a pair of pants or a t-shirt, the size of the knife you buy can really make or break your experience with it. Too small and you might not be comfortable gripping it during bigger tasks. Too big and you may find that it gets in the way among the other things in your pockets. Buying the right size OTF for your hands and preferences is an incredibly important consideration to make when you buy one.
Some smaller OTF knives are hard to grip and can become a challenge to use when your hands are large. On the flip side, a large knife can offer confidence, but is typically heavier and cumbersome to carry. Our suggestion is to find the size that works best for your style and your hand size. The way the knife feels in-hand will make a huge difference to you especially if you spend several hundred dollars on one.
Pictured: Microtech Exocet and Microtech Ultratech
Materials and Construction
Pictured: Microtech Exocet
Another thing to consider when purchasing an out-the-front automatic knife is what it’s made of and how it’s put together. There are many low-end OTF knives that feature basic materials and don’t quite have the best construction, but they are inexpensive and easy to justify if you’re looking to get your OTF fix.
If you’re more serious about carrying an OTF everyday or prefer the finer things in life, choosing one with a milled aluminum chassis, premium steel blade and hand-built construction is the way to go. These kinds of knives are more expensive, but they truly last longer and perform better.
Action
Pictured: Benchmade OTF Knives
Single action or Double Action? What’s the difference and why does it matter? The answer is simple; single action knives fire with the push of a button and require the operator to “re-charge” the blade to fire it again. Double action OTFs can be deployed and retracted by sliding the firing lever up or down (this is a much better option for one-handed operation). Other aspects of the action to consider are how it sounds and performs. Low-end OTFs feel chunky to operate and often sound louder than their more expensive counterparts.
Price
Pictured: Smith & Wesson OTF
The last thing to consider when buying an OTF knife is what your budget will allow for. Out-the-front knives, like many things, can get really expensive. The right knife for your budget is the best knife to buy. More expensive knives offer better performance and incredible looks, but they do the same job as low-end knives. If you consider everything else on this list, and come to find that your needs or preferences require spending more money, save up and get that grail knife. If money isn’t an issue, lucky you! May we direct you to our custom knives category? ;) All jokes aside, you can find an amazing OTF knife at any budget.
Final Thoughts
Pictured: Guardian Tactical OTFs
My final piece of advice for anyone looking to add an OTF knife to their collection is to get the one that makes you happiest. Whether it’s an inexpensive OTF or a custom made one, the satisfaction that comes from an OTF is something hard to beat. Check out our full selection of OTF knives by clicking below and be sure to check back regularly for other how-to and best of articles. Until next time, thanks for reading!
Final Say and the Law
There are many great companies producing OTFs. Some of the top dogs are Benchmade, Microtech, Protech, and Smith & Wesson’s tactical line. In the early 50’s, Hollywood often depicted these blades as the trademark weapons of rough or criminal-prone characters, creating a lot of negative associations with stiletto style switchblades and, by default, OTF knives. As a result, the United States began passing laws against switchblade knives. Know the laws in your area before you purchase.
