OTF knives are great for situations that require a blade that deploys out the front. They also take up less space than a knife that opens sideways.
The blade material and shape are two important factors to consider when choosing the best double action otf knives. Moreover, the design of the handle is another important consideration.
ProTech
The ProTech Infidel knife is one of the most popular double-action otf knives available. It can be easily used with just one handed. It retracts and deploys with a push of a single button. This knife comes with a D2 steel blade. It is a great choice for an OTF, as it can withstand a lot of abuse. The handle is made of 6061-T6 aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. The grip features a fish scale design that provides excellent traction. A pocket clip is attached to the handle’s butt for deep carry.
The Microtech Combat Troodon, the flagship of Microtech’s OTF line-up, offers a wide range of options and finishes that will suit any taste. It has a range of blade shapes from the fuller Tanto to the compact Drop Point. It comes with a stylized spike for breaking glass. The handle is machined to have a stepped surface and the thumb slide mounted on the front of the handle is designed so that it sits flush against the handle, unlike other side-mounted thumb sliders on Microtech OTF models.
The Hogue Hydra is a great OTF and it comes from a company who has a lot experience in making knives. This model has a blade made of 3.6-inch CPM stainless steel with a combo edge. It’s also coated in black DLC. The handle is anodized black and has a textured grip for excellent traction. It also has a small thumb ramp and jimping on both sides, making it easy to use for left or right handed users. It also has a unique ambidextrous switch that’s mounted on the spine of the handle for right or left-handed operation.
Paragon
Double action OTF knives have a relatively narrow slice of the knife market but are becoming increasingly popular. They are easy-to-carry and come in a variety blade shapes and sizes to suit specific purposes. There are a limited number of manufacturers making these knives but some are exceptional and worth the extra cost over other models.
Microtech is probably the most popular OTF producer. Their knives are highly regarded and run anywhere from $250 to several thousand dollars. They may not be the best OTF double-action knife, but they are still a great option for anyone looking to experience what this type offers.
Another Microtech competitor is the Guardian Tactical line of OTF’s. This company is a relative newcomer to the OTF market but has made a huge impact in a short period of time. They are direct competitors to Microtech and try to set themselves apart through superior craftsmanship, manufacturing quality and company integrity.
The Asheville Steel Paragon Para-XD Bloodline OTF is a good example of their quality and features. It has a fast, smooth out the front action and a 3.5″ stonewash finished S30V dagger blade with dual plain (standard) edges. It also has a black anodized aluminum handle and a tip down pocket clip for convenient carry.
Piranha
Piranha, a brand not well known to most people who are into knives, is a company that specializes in OTF knives. They have a solid name in this niche. They are based in Idaho and have a few models, including the Rated-R. Both models have a double-action out the front blade which can be deployed or retract with a slide. This allows the user to keep the blade locked in a closed position until needed, and skirts some laws where true automatics are illegal.
The Microtech Ultratech OTF is the flagship model of their OTF range. This model comes in a wide variety of versions and is a favorite among OTF fans. Brand also offers smaller versions of Ultratech for those who want a blade with a smaller size.
Another popular OTF series is the Guardian Tactical RECON line. This line features a multitude of options for blade shape, edge type, and handle color. You can choose between tanto and drop point models as well as stonewashed finishes and double-edged blades. The RECON is equipped with a glass-breaker and a butt mounted clip. This is different from most OTFs, which use a standard clip.
Henckels HK OTF, also made by Heckler & Koch, is a good OTF. This knife was made in the USA. It has a double-action blade that slides out of the front and opens and closes. It has a blade of 154CM and a red anodized handle in the tombstone style. The blade has partially serrated edges and a tip down pocket clip for easy carry. The HK is available with a variety colors and has a smooth and reliable action.
Hogue
Hogue makes a variety of double action OTF knives that are designed to be useful and durable. OTF stands for out-the-front, which is how these knives are stored. OTFs are not like folding knives, which fold in two. Instead, they are completely housed inside the handle. When deployed by an automatic mechanism (usually via a slider or button), OTFs extend. Once the user is done using the knife, it can be retracted into the handle for safe storage until needed again.
The OTF knife industry is quite volatile, which means there are plenty of great options to choose from. Many of these OTF knives were made by small boutique knife makers who are able to produce a very high level of craftsmanship. Others, however, have been produced by larger operations and may not be as well-made.
When choosing the best OTF for you, consider some key factors such as blade steel type and size. The type of tasks a knife is conducive to will be largely determined by its profile, while the ability of a blade to retain a sharp edge will depend on the type and heat treatment of the steel used.
The Heretic Knives Hydra V3 OTF is a powerful and easy-to-use OTF knife. Despite its incredibly robust spring, the Hydra has zero blade play upon deployment and retracts into the handle with a distinctive “thud” sound. While it didn’t make the main list, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an exceptional EDC-ready OTF.
Kershaw
The Kershaw Livewire is the first double-action OTF automatic knife from the company. It was designed by renowned knife designer Matt Diskin and offers a top-notch design at a premium price. It has an anodized aluminium handle and a blade made from premium CPM MagnaCut Steel. This makes Livewire a serious contender in the OTF and EDC market.
The Livewire’s ergonomics is outstanding, especially when you consider its size. The handle features an hourglass-shaped contour, which perfectly nestles in your hand and provides a comfortable grip. The handle also has a fine texture, offering a bit of toothiness for improved traction and control. Lastly, the actuator button has a curved staircase-like shape for easy operation and deployment.
The superior quality of the blade materials and workmanship is another advantage. The blade is made from premium CPM MagnaCut which offers exceptional stability and cutting performance. The blade has also been hardened up to a tensile force of 62HRC. This hardness increases the durability and resistance of the blade, as well as ensuring that it retains its edge longer.
Some OTF knives are better than others in terms of quality and design. One such company is Microtech, which specializes in high-end OTFs. Their Ultratech series is a testament to the brand’s dedication to form and function, and it is arguably the best double action OTF in the world.
