Guardian Tactical RECON-035 D/A OTF Automatic Knife OD Green (3.3" SW) 98511

I've had a couple of Microtech OTF knives and they're great.... I've also had a bunch of OTF Piranha knives, also great. But, I've run into consistency issues with my Ultratech Microtech and have to service it so the actuator functions to retract it without having to use two thumbs. I've had my Guardian Tactical Recon-035 now for a while and have abused it...EDC for prying, box break-downs, carving, hide cutting, hose cutting (steel braided hydraulic lines), stabbing into tin cans, etc... I've been hard on this blade and it has held up incredibly. The edge holds I don't have to service it like my Microtech to actuate it, it takes a beating to do anything to take the edge off of it, and it does take a bit to put a razor-edge (and does take and hold a super razor-sharp edge) back on it but, any high-end steel does. With that being said, I think I prefer the Elmax on my Guardian Tactical Recon-035 over my M390 Microtech. I like that my Guardian Tactical Recon-035 came with a more acute edge as well. Microtech blades come with a fairly broad-angled cutting edge which is still sharp but, won't get shaving sharp without an angle regrinding. If you've read to this point my highlights are this: the actuator is better than any other OTF, the Elmax steel is Superman tough and takes/holds a razor-sharp edge, it comes with a more agreeable acute cutting edge than most OTF knives, and I don't have to "service" it like my other auto-knives... in short: purchase this knife and you will be EXTREMELY happy with it, as you cannot own a finer sharp for the money.

This is a great looking OTF with a snappy (and addictive) action, a razor sharp blade, great blade steel, and no more blade play than most OTFs suffer from (meaning, a lot of blade play, relative to a folder or side-opening auto). Compared to competitors, it also has a lot less handle for the amount of blade you get, making for a nicely compact EDC option. The knife only has two dings against it. The first is that the edge of the handle where the side meets the bottom is a little acute, and gets uncomfortable over prolonged or hard use. The second, and potentially more serious issue, is that (at least on mine) the very tip of the blade is just barely inside the end of the handle when the knife is retracted. If you run a finger along the opening, your finger will just barely be sliding over the sharp blade tip, potentially cutting you. The solution: don't slide your finger over the end. But they should have made the handle a millimeter longer to eliminate the risk. All in all, I think this is as good of an OTF as you can find for under $400, certainly for under $300.