introduction
This best list is not your typical top 10 list. We have listed the 15 best OTF knives in their respective categories. We’ll cover more than just picking the Best EDC OTF and Best Tactical OTF here. Have you ever wondered what is the best OTF for fidgeting? Or is it the best weird OTF? What about OTF’s hidden gems?
In addition to stating why each knife was chosen, it will be rated on a scale of 1 to 10 on six points:
- Blade steel: The quality of the blade steel.
- Ergonomics: The ease of holding and using the knife.
- Fit and Finish: Quality of construction and components.
- Operation: How practical, comfortable and easy it is to open and close the knife.
- Lockup: The strength of the lockup of the blade when the knife is open.
- Affordability: How affordable the product is.
The higher the rating, the better! Each knife is given a total score that helps you compare these models.
Without further ado, here are the 15 best OTF knives by category, in no particular order.
1: Best OTF for EDC: Guardian Tactical RECON-035
Score: 48/60
Fit and finish: 9 Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: 8Surgery: 9 Confinement: 8 Affordable: Four
of RECON-035 It was the first knife to appear. guardian tacticalPatented ultra-smooth sliding mechanism. The mechanism consists of a thumb-friendly steel slide that moves up and down a polished steel plate on ceramic bearings. result? The smoothest and most comfortable thumb slide operation on the market. Combine this with the 035’s great blade-to-handle ratio, edge shape, and premium American craftsmanship, and you have his OTF that’s perfect for EDC. Easy to use, ideal medium size, with reliable and satisfying action.
2: Most Accessible OTF: Kershaw Livewire
Score: 48/60
Fit and finish: 9 Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: 7 Surgery: Ten Confinement: 7 Affordable: Five
of Great skillDesigned by Matt Diskin, this knife is a favorite among both long-time knife users and those new to OTF automatics. Not only is it easy to access with a mechanism that anyone can use comfortably, but it also features high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship at a reasonable price. It makes a unique statement with its style and angled pocket clip, but it doesn’t come at the expense of user comfort. car show‘s USA team has been active lately, and Livewire is taking things to the next level.
3: Best Selling OTF: Microtech Ultratech
Score: 47/60
Fit and finish: Ten Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: 8 Surgery: 7 Confinement: 9 Affordable: 3
of ultra tech It can be said to be a truly symbolic OTF. of O.T.F. microtech We have a reputation for excellence and continuous improvement. Since its release in 1999, the Ultratech has undergone repeated upgrades to become the accurate and reliable cutting tool it is today. Microtech’s signature X button ensures your thumb always has plenty of force when deploying and retracting the blade, making it ideal for EDC and tactical situations. Ultratech’s top quality, unparalleled fit and finish are two of the many reasons why this is the best-selling OTF knife of all time. Choose from a wide variety of colors and blade shapes to find his Ultratech configuration that’s right for you.
4: Best Tactic OTF: Benchmade Heathen
Score: 42/60
Fit and finish: 9 Blade steel: 6 Ergonomics: 9 Surgery: 7 Confinement: 9 Affordable: 2
of Benchmade 3300 Infidel Designed by Bill McHenry. He is the person who designed the AXIS lock with Jason Williams. The knife features a reliable double action, non-slip thumb slide, and solid lockup. The double-edged blade is perfect for self-defense, and the anodized aluminum handle provides perfect control. The pocket clip keeps the knife securely at your side until it’s time to deploy it.of bench made The reputation is one of enduring American quality and lifelong satisfaction, and Infidel fully lives up to that reputation.
5: Best Budget OTF: AKC F-16
Score: 42/60
Fit and finish: 6 Blade steel: Five Ergonomics: 7 Surgery: 8 Confinement: 7 Affordable: 9
of F-16 by A.K.C. is a Taiwanese-made double-action OTF knife that brings a lot of value to your EDC lineup. It features a unique design in which the slide part of the thumb doubles as an Italian stiletto style guard. If you want some great his OTF action in your life and don’t worry about getting the best, look no further.
6: Best Premium OTF: Hawk Knife Design Deadlock (Model C))
Score 51/60
Fit and finish: Ten Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: Ten Surgery: Ten Confinement: Ten Affordable: 1
of deadlockdesigned by a father and son duo grant and gavin hawkeis a double-action OTF automatic knife with no blade play. That’s right, the blade doesn’t move at all when deployed. Other than that, it has an ergonomic handle, great action, and a unique hinged pocket clip. If you want the best and price isn’t an issue, this is the OTF for you if you can get it.
7: Best Mini OTF: Microtech UTX-70
Score: 46/60
Fit and finish: Ten Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: 7 Surgery: 7 Confinement: 9 Affordable: 3
Why is this the best mini OTF knife? Because it’s literally a scaled-down version of the best-selling OTF of all time: the Mini Ultratech.of UTX-70 It gets its name because it is 70% the size of Ultratech. Other than the lanyard hole on the Ultratech pocket clip, the two knives are identical. This is a very fun, cute, and even novelty knife, but it’s built like a tank and has all the good features of Microtech’s other his OTF automatic knives. If you want a premium, fun-sized he OTF knife, this is definitely the best choice.
8: Best large OTF: Guardian Tactical RECON-040/Heretic Cleric II/Microtech Combat Troodon
RECON-040
Fit and finish: 9
Blade steel: Ten
Ergonomics: 8
Surgery: 9
Confinement: 8
Affordable: 3
Score: 47/60
Cleric II
Fit and finish: Ten
Blade steel: Ten
Ergonomics: 8
Surgery: 7
Confinement: 9
Affordable: 2
Score: 46/60
Battle with Troodon
Fit and finish: Ten
Blade steel: Ten
Ergonomics: 8
Surgery: 6
Confinement: 9
Affordable: 2
Score: 45/60
This is a trifecta of the best large OTF knives. Guardian Tactical RECON-040 The largest and most user-friendly, it features Guardian Tactical’s patented thumb slide system.of Heretic Cleric II The best long OTF, featuring a slender profile and a blade over 4 inches long.And that Microtech Combat Troodon OG big boy OTF. All three are great options. Choose the one that suits your style. Looking for something big and accessible? The 040 is for you. Want something nimble and sophisticated? Try Cleric. Want meaty, unparalleled quality all over? Go with the Combat Troodon.
9: Best Single Action OTF: Para-X
Score 46/60
Fit and finish: Ten Blade steel: 8 Ergonomics: 9 Surgery: 6 Confinement: Ten Affordable: 3
of Para-X What I got was a knife. paragon recovered before introduction warlock gravity knife. Paragon recently partnered with Hypercut Manufacturing to take their knives to the next level. The latest version of Para-X is definitely a masterpiece. Action is smooth and powerful, the buttons are responsive, and the blade locks securely in place when deployed, so you’re ready for your cutting needs. Single-action OTFs are on the brink of extinction, largely due to the fact that they require two hands to close, but the Para-X proves they are still desirable today.
10th place: Best Gravity OTF: EXO-M
Score: 48/60
Fit and finish: Ten Blade steel: 9 Ergonomics: 8 Surgery: 9 Confinement: 8 Affordable: Four
of Riate EXO-M is a more EDC-friendly version of the fan-favorite EXO-M EXO A gravity knife with a slightly shorter overall length, equipped with a pocket clip and a safety lock to prevent the blade from being opened or closed accidentally.of EXO-M It’s fun to use and addictive to moving the blade in and out using just gravity!
11th place: Best Spring Assist OTF: Smith & Wesson OTF
Score: 39/60
Fit and finish: 7 Blade steel: Four Ergonomics: Five Surgery: Four Confinement: 9 Affordable: Ten
Spring-assisted OTF knives were created as a workaround to federal switchblade laws. Initially, this led to more widespread legalization. When you push the blade through the switch, the detent passes and the spring force allows the blade to open the rest of the way. A big bonus is smith & wessonThe assist OTF is that it is affordable and has most of the fun things you need when buying an OTF. Closing the knife is a little complicated, but that’s easily offset by the satisfying blade deployment.
12: Best Manual OTF: Bowker Plus Like
Score 39/60
Fit and finish: 7 Blade steel: 6 Ergonomics: Five Surgery: 6 Confinement: 6 Affordable: 9
of Boker Thrike A very lightweight manual OTF knife. It has a button lock that allows you to lock the blade either fully or partially out, making it a great utility cutter. Features a durable D2 steel blade, a secure pocket clip, and an ultra-sharp double-edged blade. The Slike is perfect for anyone looking for a low-profile utility knife with a gangster flare.
13: Best OTF for fidgeting: GTX-025
Score: 49/60
Fit and finish: 9 Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: 7 Surgery: Ten Confinement: 8 Affordable: Five
The first time I held one of these in my hands, I knew I had something special.of Guardian Tactical GTX-025 It has the same buttery action as the RECON-035 and RECON-040, but in a much smaller knife with a lighter spring. The result is fidget heaven. Once you start moving the blade in and out, it’s difficult to stop. And the best part is, this isn’t just a fun OTF. A premium product that will last for years and cut like a chainsaw. If I had to choose one knife on this list that I highly recommend, it would definitely be this little knife.
14: Best Weird OTF: Heretical ROC
Score: 45/60
Fit and finish: Ten Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: 8 Surgery: 6 Confinement: 9 Affordable: 2
Looking for a non-standard or “weird” OTF knife? Check out heretic knife ROC: It’s crooked! The karambit-style blade moves in and out of the curved handle with a snappy automatic action. It seems impossible, but it works like a charm. If you want to start a serious conversation or start a conversation, Heretical ROC is here for you.
15: Most Underrated OTF: Hogue Counter-Strike
Score 49/60
Fit and finish: 8 Blade steel: Ten Ergonomics: Ten Surgery: 8 Confinement: 9 Affordable: Four
Last but not least, Hogue’s Counter Strike. This hidden gem is the perfect size for EDC, has a textured handle that feels super nice to the touch, has a removable glass breaker, has a separate pocket clip, and has a great lockup. It disappears into your pocket when you’re not using it, but it pops out when you’re working. When I first picked up this knife, I was immediately impressed. well done, Hogue!
conclusion
So you ask, is it really that? whole Best OTF? Maybe it is (looking at you, Ultratech), but I think the answer is more complicated. Different types of OTF play different roles. We hope that you will peruse this list of best her OTF knives by category to better understand the type of knife that will meet your needs and solve your OTF troubles.
You may not agree with our list, but it gives you an idea of the types of OTF knives out there and what features to look for when buying your next (or first) OTF knife.
So… which one will it be?
