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.
The first OTF knives were gravity knives, which meant that you had to hold the handle with the blade opening pointed down. You would then release the blade via a button or lever, and once the blade was fully extended, it locked into place until you reversed the action and the blade slid back into the handle. Some time in the early 20th century, a spring was added so that the blade could shoot out the front of the handle, against gravity. Because the blade had to be manually retracted, these knives came to be known as single action OTF knives.
Double action OTFs are pretty much the standard today. This style of switchblade allows you to both open and close the knife by either pushing or pulling a thumb lever. While the history books are never quite clear on where any knife got its start, it seems that the double action OTF was first developed in Toledo, Spain in the 1960s.
OTF knives are fun to use and make great tools if you know how to use them. The Microtech Ultratech is a well-known, reliable out the front knife that has been in the industry for years. Check out the review above to see it in action.
Check out our Best OTF Knives Guide to see our best sellers and what makes them great.
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.
