Unlike an OTS knife, which deploys out the side, an OTF knife deploys the blade in linear fashion out the front of the knife. OTF knives have many potential advantages over other traditional pocket knives, so here are some of the features you might find in the best OTF knife.

An OTF knife will feature either a single action or a double action deployment mechanism. A single action mechanism will deploy but not retract the blade, and a double action deployment mechanism will both deploy and retract the blade. Therefore, while a single action OTF knife can be deployed with one hand, two are needed to close it. A double action OTF knife can be deployed and retracted entirely with one hand, making these more faster and more convenient to use. This is one of the most important features to understand in OTF knives because it will determine how easily they can be used with one hand, and the complexity of a double action mechanism often results in a knife that is more expensive. Whether or not a single or double action auto is the best OTF knife for you depends on your requirements and intended use.

Many OTF knives also sport a safety mechanism that keeps the blade locked in a closed position when the knife is not in use. This is a pretty common feature on the best OTF knives because it prevents the knife from deploying accidentally.

Many OTF knives are made with high-end, corrosion resistant super steels, like MagnaCut, but not all are. If you carry your OTF knife daily and aren’t the most fastidious about keeping it clean, then the best OTF knife for you is one with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade. One that is made with a non-stainless alloy will rust if you are not meticulous about keeping the blade clean.

Some of the best steels on the market are:

• MagnaCut
• S90V
• S35VN
• 20V
• 14C28N

These are all fairly resistant to corrosion. Some other great steels include:

• 1095 and other steels in the 10XX class
• D2
• 3V

Although these are good steels, they are not particularly corrosion resistant, so they will rust if you are not careful about keeping the blade clean.

The blade profile of an OTF knife will significantly influence not just what the knife is useful for but how it can be effectively used. Some of the most common utilitarian profiles include drop point and tanto points, both of which are useful for general purpose utility, and which have fairly robust tips. More specialized blade profiles include needle point (or stiletto-style) blades and wharncliffe or sheepsfoot blades. In the former case, needle point knives, though they have more fragile tips, are ideal for piercing and puncturing tasks. Wharncliffe-pattern blades are also practical for piercing though they have more robust tips. Some OTF knives even have inwardly-curved, talon-style or karambit knives. These are specialized for hooking, slashing, and draw style cuts. As in other cases, which blade profiles determine the best OTF knife will depend on what your intended application or discipline is for the knife.

How you carry an OTF knife will also determine whether or not you need a pocket clip. Not all OTF knives have them, but the best of them do, which will enable you to carry the knife clipped to a pocket or pack, or clipped to a MOLLE webbing slot, increasing the flexibility in how you carry.

An OTF knife might not even be for you, but if you are looking at some of the relative advantages regarding OTF vs. OTS knives, some of the best of them are as follows:

• Automatic OTF knives are quicker and easier to deploy with one hand than OTS knives.
• Some can be deployed and retracted with one hand.
• It is easier for most people to learn to use an OTF knife than an OTS knife.
• Many consider OTF knives to be more convenient than traditional folders.
• The safety mechanism that keeps the blade locked can make the knife safer as well.
• They’re easier to operate while wearing heavy gloves.
• There are no thumb studs or flipper tabs with an OTF knife that can snag on a pocket.

These are only some of the more salient features that make an OTF knife a great choice, but they represent a good place to start.

Not sure what the best OTF knife for you is? Shop our collection to get a better impression of what’s out there, and if you have any questions or need a personalized recommendation, get in touch with us directly and we will be more than happy to help you out.