Tested: The Best OTF Knives For Everyday Carry

Though they were once designed almost exclusively for tactical and self-defense use for military and law enforcement personnel, OTF — or “out-the-front” — knives have been increasingly widely adopted by the everyday carry community. With more options on the market now than ever before, we thought we’d carve out some time to take a deep dive into this spring-loaded segment in order to deliver this buyer’s guide to and hands-on review of the best OTF knives for everyday carry.

Selection & Testing

There’s a staggering number of out-the-front knives currently on the market, so when we initially set out to uncover the best this segment has to offer, we kicked off our search by first defining the criteria we’d use to judge each potential entry. This included scrutinizing blade and handle constructions, reviewing deployment setup along with hardware and trim, and examining how conducive each OTF is to everyday carrying.

This process ultimately gave way to a shortlist of candidates that we then proceeded to get hands-on with for an extended period in order to discover how each one actually performs in practice, and what they’re actually like to live with and carry. So, for several weeks, each OTF on our shortlist was carried as our primary EDC knife, before later being compared and contrasted side-by-side.

In addition to this more unstructured daily-carry testing, we also performed several more tests to judge these knives in a more objective manner. This included a paper-cutting test to judge factory edge sharpness, a cardboard-stabbing test to determine both penetration power and ergonomics and grip. Because of the blatant tactical advantage that they provide, we also performed a quick-draw test, where we reviewed how difficult it was to remove each OTF from the pocket, get it in hand, and deploy the blade.

We also thoroughly scrutinized the overall build quality of each OTF, and how much or little blade play each one exhibited. We also paid close attention to how each knife felt, both in the hand, and how it felt to fire open the blade. Once armed with the information obtained through our hands-on testing process, we then narrowed our shortlist down to our final selections below.

What Exactly Is An OTF Knife?

OTF stands for “Out-The-Front,” which is actually a handy descriptor for what these knives actually are. You see, whereas folding blades (as their name suggests) fold in half, OTF knives don’t fold at all. Rather, the blade (when collapsed) is actually housed inside the handle itself. When deployed, the blade is extended outward and into open position via an automatic mechanism (also housed within the handle) — usually via a button or slider. Then, once the user is finished with his or her cutting task, the blade slides back into the handle for secure and safe carry until the knife is needed again. For reference, OTF knives are also sometimes known as telescoping or sliding knives.

A Note on Local Legality

Because of the nature of OTF knives — which, legally, are a type of automatic switchblade — the laws regarding carrying them and/or using them are fairly strict. In places where you might be allowed to carry a manual folding knife, you might not be able to legally carry an OTF knife. While we don’t agree with the categorization, many governments view automatic knives of any type to be weapons first, especially when it comes to the OTF variety. As such, users need to be very cautious and well-informed as to whether or not they can rightfully add one to their everyday carry loadout. That means learning whether you can carry automatic knives at all, if the length is a determining factor, and/or the legality of any other defining features. If you choose to ignore the seriousness therein, you could face fines, confiscations, and even jail time. As far as we’re concerned, that is not a risk worth taking, so stay informed before you try to purchase and carry an OTF knife.

Hogue HK Micro Incursion

Best Mini/CA-Legal Pick: There’s actually a pretty massive number of California-legal OTFs on the market at the moment, so the fact that the Hogue HK Micro Incursion managed to secure our top spot for the best Mini/CA-legal OTF no doubt speaks volumes about the overall performance and prowess of this pick. Manufactured for German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch by Hogue, the Micro Incursion features a standard aluminum handle construction that accommodates a 1.95-inch blade forged in 154CM — a tough steel offering a solid combination of edge retention and corrosion resistance (as well as basically being a modified version of 440C with some molybdenum added to the mix. 

The Good

For its size, the Micro Incursion’s aluminum handle is shockingly ergonomic. The front of the bottom of the handle has a small finger guard and a second protruding section roughly 2/3s of the way back — perfectly accommodating my middle and trigger fingers — while the final 1/3 of the bottom of the handle accommodates my ring finger. Despite offering a three-finger grip, the bottom of the knife allows my pinky finger to rest behind it, providing more leverage and grip. The thumb slider also doubles as a damn-near-perfect resting point for my thumb, too. It just feels surprisingly comfortable and natural for being so small. 

The thumb slider boasts just enough resistance and requires just enough oomph to ensure the thing doesn’t accidentally deploy when being carried in your pocket, while not being so stiff that it’s hard to intentionally slide open. The spring is also more powerful than I anticipated, kicking just about as hard — if not harder — than some of the full-size OTFs I tested like the Kershaw Livewire and Benchmade Autocrat. It also weighs at at only 1.5oz, adding a negligible amount of weight to my EDC loadout. 

Despite carrying it for more-than-a-week, it wasn’t until using the Micro Incursion right after going to the shooting range that I took notice of the fact that the handle’s diagonal machining lines appear to be modeled after the milled lines found on Heckler & Koch’s sidearms like the P30 and VP9 — a subtle but immensely cool touch in my opinion, and one that more tangibly ties the knife back to H&K. 

Supplementary Strengths

The blade shape is also pretty utilitarian, with a silhouette landing somewhere between drop point and clip point — offering the general utility and stellar slicing abilities of the former with much of the piercing and puncturing power of the latter. And, credit where credit is due; the blade’s cryogenic heat treatment definitely helps. For an OTF of this size, the Micro Incursion’s 0.125-inch blade thickness is also pretty impressive. The stonewashed finish also does a terrific job of hiding the types of scratches and scuffs that EDC blades tend to collect when being used on the daily. 

This knife’s tiny size also makes it much less aggressive-looking and intimidating than full-size OTFs. While its build quality isn’t off-the-charts or anything, its craftsmanship is still pretty on point — to the extent where I wasn’t remotely surprised to learn the thing is manufactured right here in America. This detail obviously contributes to it ultimately having a steeper price, but I’d argue it’s well worth it. 

The Not So Good

While it’s a fantastic little OTF all-around, Hogue’s Micro Incursion isn’t without a few minor issues here and there— granted most of them can be traced back to the size of this California-legal automatic. The knife does feel a little awkward when carried in a reverse grip, with both the thumb slider and pocket clip creating significant hotspots at times. Also, with a price that comes out to around $200, all told (with tax and shipping), I’d really liked to see Hogue step up the Micro Incursion’s blade to a more premium steel, though its 154CM construction is admittedly nothing to scoff at, it’s just not as high-performance as steels like S35VN, MagnaCut, or M390. 

Verdict: Sporting a grip pattern modeled after Heckler & Koch’s sidearms, the Hogue HK Micro Incursion is a pocketable, California-legal OTF that offers much of the utility of its larger counterparts in a markedly more compact package. With a decent blade thickness, utilitarian clippy, drop-point profile, and shockingly good ergonomics for its size, this micro OTF truly punches well above its weight. 

Kershaw Livewire

Best Value Pick: Penned by renowned knife designer Matt Diskin, the Kershaw Livewire is the brand’s first-ever double-action OTF offering, however, you’d never know it from the overall top-notch design and execution that it boasts. Winner of BLADE Show’s 2024 “Automatic Knife of the Year” award, the Livewire is made in America and consists of an anodized aluminum handle paired with a black PVD-finished blade made from top-shelf CPM MagnaCut. While it’s definitely a much more premium knife than Kershaw normally delivers, it maintains the KAI-owned outfit’s usual bang-for-your-buck — so much so that I’d argue this is the most value-laden American-made OTF currently out there. 

The Good

It feels incredibly natural in the hand, and somehow feels even better when clutched in a reverse grip. A combination of diagonal machining lines and a deep grooves adorn the front, back, and sides of the handle, adding some visual flair while simultaneously bolstering grip. Its dimensions also allowed it to perfectly nestle in my palm. All in all, it’s blatantly clear a lot of time went into dialing in this OTF’s handle’s ergonomics. 

Most small pocket clips don’t lend a ton of confidence, but the Livewire is probably the first knife with a mini clip that I’ve ever felt comfortable keeping clipped to my pocket while riding a motorcycle — rather than tossing it in a backpack or jacket pocket. Additionally, the pocket clip also does a phenomenal job of staying out of the way when the handle is being gripped, to the point where I can hardly even notice or feel that it’s there. Often times pocket clips create major hotspots when a knife is gripped tightly, but this couldn’t be further from the case with the Livewire. 

Supplementary Strengths 

The Livewire’s factory edge also surprised me a bit, being more in line with the Zero Tolerance knives I’ve handled than your average Kershaw knife. Sure, it’s not quite on par with Benchmade or Microtech’s factory edges, but it’s still an excellently-honed edge. The fact the blade is constructed from Crucible Industries’ revolutionary CPM MagnaCut is another major highlight in my eyes. 

The immense and continued popularity of the Livewire has prompted Kershaw to now offer the OTF in a variety of handle color options and blade shapes, plus the thing is even available in more high-end carbon fiber-handled versions and super premium Damascus-steeled variants. Kershaw also fully stands behind the Livewire with a generous lifetime warranty —giving this already value-rich knife that much more bang-for-your-buck. 

The Not So Good

Because it’s essentially a slightly more budget-friendly, value-laden take on a premium USA-made OTF, I expected Kershaw to make some noticeable sacrifices when making this Matt Diskin design, but after weeks of testing I came up with very few complaints, and even  fewer areas where I felt like it’s design could be improved. While the blade clocks in at 0.125” thick at its widest point, the front 4/5ths of the blade measures closer to 0.09”. This no doubt gives it better slicing power, it also gives me a little apprehension as to how it would perform under hard-use tasks or in self-defense scenarios. Additionally, its slider’s button pocket is also prone to gathering a lot of lint and debris. 

Verdict: The Kershaw Livewire is an American-made auto out-the-front model that boasts high-end materials and excellent build quality, while still offering the same ample bang-for-your-buck that Kershaw’s knives are typically known for. If you’re on a budget and still want a fantastic full-size OTF, this is definitely your best bet. 

Microtech Cypher II

Best For EDC: If you were to engineer an OTF knife from the ground up for everyday carry use with little to no concern for pricing or cost, there’s a very decent chance the end result would look a whole lot like the Microtech Cypher II. Arguably the ultimate OTF for EDC, the second-generation Cypher is comprised of an anodized aluminum handle and a 3.50-inch-long, 0.11-inch-thick wharncliffe-shaped blade. 

The Good

With an overall length of 8.50” and a 3.50-inch blade length, the second-generation Cypher is damn-near perfectly sized for EDC, all while still being big enough to make for an effective — and quite frankly deadly — self-defense or CQC weapon. These areas are furthered by its versatile — yet very pointy — wharncliffe profile, which also lends itself to both tactical and EDC uses. Just like with Hogue’s Micro Incursion, the Cypher II’s blade finish works wonders at concealing the typical scratches and scuffs that stem from daily use. 

Though I love how it looks and performs, my favorite aspect of this USA-made OTF is almost certainly how it feels in the hand. It’s comfortable, yet is still able to provide the ergonomics and grip needed to perform everything from hard-use cutting tasks to close-quarter-combat. Another one of my favorite details of this knife — above and beyond its truly stellar craftsmanship and build quality — is the fact that the entire thing is  made completely in-house by Microtech, down to the hardware. 

In typical Microtech fashion, the Cypher II leaves the Carolina workshop with an insanely sharp factory edge. Additionally, not only does the Cypher II also benefit from the use of some decidedly premium materials and exacting manufacturing, but it also features an insanely cool design that any EDC nerd will thoroughly appreciate, as the outside of the handle is totally devoid of any visible screws or hardware. Also of note for EDC aficionados is the Cypher II’s use of Microtech’s new proprietary M390MK blade steel, which is an updated version of M390 co-developed by Microtech and Böhler. 

Supplementary Strengths 

As part of Microtech’s latest generation lineup, the Cypher II hugely benefits from a myriad of newly-designed proprietary systems including the company’s novel two-spring “Dual Fuel” drivetrain system. It’s also equipped with Microtech’s new “crud cutter” system which is essentially a track lined with small diagonal cutouts that provides an area for dirt, dust, grime, pocket lint, and other debris to get displaced, thereby allowing the thumb-slider to more smoothly and freely travel within the button pocket. It also gets the same fancy milled billet titanium pocket clip which features an integrated lanyard hole and an embedded ceramic bead that bolsters retention while also making it easier to draw the knife from your pocket. 

At the end of the day, the greatest complement I can pay this knife is to admit that, despite owning several OTFs, I’d never opted to daily-carry one, that was, until getting my hands on Microtech’s second-gen Cypher, as it’s conduciveness to EDC is unlike any other OTF I’ve tried. Lastly, Microtech also offers the Cypher II in a variety of handle color options and even with a few different blade shape choices. 

The Not So Good

Whether viewed through the lens of being a tactical self-defense knife or an ordinary EDC blade, I just couldn’t find a single gripe with the Cypher II that I actually took issue with — at least in terms of its performance and user experience. My one and only caveat with this knife is that it doesn’t come cheap — though I’d argue this is an example of an expense knife where you really do get your money’s worth. 

Verdict: If you’re after an extremely well-balanced USA-made OTF that excels at EDC tasks just as well as it does tactical scenarios, Microtech’s Cypher II is the obvious choice. Sure it doesn’t come cheap, but you really do get what you pay for here. 

Heretic Knives Hydra V3

Best Single-Action Pick: When talking about modern automatic OTFs, double-action models are typically what springs to mind, as they constitute the vast majority of what’s currently on the market. And that’s a real shame, because I’d argue one of the very best options currently out there is the Heretic Knives Hydra V3. The latest, now-third-generation iteration of a game-changing single-action model that was first introduced in 2015, this single-action out-the-front knife is comprised of an aluminum handle housing a 3.625-inch two-tone tanto blade. Being a single-action model, the Hydra’s blade is deployed via a push-button mechanism, and the blade is then retracted by pulling a level out from the bottom of the handle before pushing it back up, at which point the knife is ready to fire its blade once again. 

The Good

Inside, this single-action model benefits from the use of a stainless charging handle coupled with a charging plate made from carbon fiber, allowing the gen-3 Hydra to boast one of, if not the single most powerful OTF deployment action I’ve ever experienced. With that said, using the knife makes it abundantly clear that this element was a thoroughly calculated one and Heretic didn’t just opt for the most potent spring possible, as the thing is just about as powerful as an OTF can get, without the entire knife feeling like it wants to jump out of your hand upon deployment. On top of being noticeably longer than the blade, the heft and mass of the handle also helps to soak up some of the blade’s firing energy, making the powerful spring even more manageable. 

The ergonomics of the Hydra feel solid, whether clutched normally or in a reverse grip. With the handle being nearly 2” longer than the blade, the Hydra also provides a bit of extra length and reach, which can be particularly advantages in self-defense and CQC scenarios — especially when carried in a reverse grip. Scalloped sections on the top and bottom of the handle add a decent amount of extra grip without being rough on the hands or requiring gloves to comfortably use. 

Not only does the third-generation Hydra ship with a truly razor-sharp factory edge, but I was actually surprised by just how well it sliced and cut considering its bevel ultimately culminates in an overall blade thickness of 0.15” — a beefy figure for pretty much any knife, let alone an OTF. The use of CPM MagnaCut — my personal favorite blade steel — also gives the Hydra’s blade stellar edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, while still being relatively easy to sharpen. 

Supplementary Strengths

While the slight brim and texturing of the blade’s reload lever makes it fairly easy to get a solid grip on, I nonetheless like that the Hydra ships with an attached piece of paracord with a small knot tied halfway up, making it markedly easy to reload. And, though I didn’t notice its performance being all that different from any other billet pocket clip I’ve used, I still really appreciated the unique Y-shaped pocket clip design. Also, I very much took notice of the fact that Heretic’s third-gen Hydra single-action exhibits zero blade play when deployed — which isn’t as impressive as accomplishing this on a double-action OTF, but is still pretty cool. It also no doubt adds to the OTF’s unmistakably premium nature. 

Not only does the power of the single-action OTF’s spring make it ridiculously satisfying to deploy, but there’s also something really enjoyable about pulling back the lever to reload the blade — a beyond-fidget-friendly experience I’d almost compare to a using bolt-action setup. Based on how powerful the Hydra’s spring is, I applaud Heretic for opting to bestow the firing button with a sculpted titanium swivel cover to prevent accidental misfires. 

The Not So Good

I did have a few minor gripes with the Hydra V3, though some of this stems from it simply being a single-action OTF, such as requiring two hands to close, unlike double-action OTFs. Additionally, when I initially received the Hydra (which was admittedly a used sample), the blade had some issues with fully locking up upon deployment, though with just a touch of ultra-low viscosity, OTF-specific lube, and the thing locked up every time. And, while it honestly looks and feels great, I do wish the Hydra V3’s handle had just a bit of texturing or machining lines to further bolster grip. The one caveat I had with its ergonomics is that my thumb feels a little awkward when pressed over the lanyard hole at the bottom of the handle — though this only applies to carrying it in a reverse grip. 

Verdict: The Heretic Knives Hydra V3 is a thoroughly premium single-action OTF that combines a generously-sized handle with a powerfully-firing 0.15-inch-thick MagnaCut blade. If you’re interested in a single-action OTF, we’d recommend saving yourself the time and just getting this — hell, even if your search isn’t limited to just single-action options, you should probably still consider the Hydra V3. 

Benchmade Autocrat

Best Premium Pick: First released in 2019, the Benchmade Autocrat is the Oregon City outfit’s take on a premium OTF that aims to strike a balance between conduciveness to tactical scenarios and overall EDC readiness. The Autocrat is pieced together around a black-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum frame that’s been sandwiched between a set of smooth, milled and contoured black G10 handles — marking Benchmade’s first-ever use of G10 on an OTF.  Made in America, the entire thing is also assembled using blue sapphire-PVD-coated hardware. 

The Good

The Autocrat sports a sleek and elegant design that borders on almost being a “Gentleman’s OTF” (if there is such a thing). Benefitting from a few strategically-placed grooves and contours, the Autocrat’s handle’s regular ergonomics are solid, but nothing to really write home about. I did, however, notice, that the thing feels absolutely perfect when carried in a reverse grip though. It also doesn’t hurt that the entire knife just happens to be one of the best-balanced OTFs I’ve ever carried or even held. 

As a premium knife from a premium knife brand, it came as no surprise to see that Benchmade bestowed the Autocrat with a few decidedly premium features, from its top-shelf double-edge S30V blade to its blue sapphire-PVD-coated hardware. Additionally, the Autocrat also comes backed by Benchmade’s signature lifetime warranty, and its price includes the brand’s LifeSharp Services which will clean, lube, tune, and sharpen your knife, for free, for life (you just pay shipping and that’s it). 

The Autocrat also very much benefits from Benchmade’s usual brand of top-notch build quality. Plus, just like with every other brand-new Benchmade knife I’ve ever used, the factory edge on the Autocrat is just superb. Both sides of the double-edge dagger have been honed to a razor’s edge — and thanks to its S30V construction, you can rest assured, knowing it will retain that edge for a good long while. 

Supplementary Strengths

I’d normally complain about an EDC knife with a blade thickness of just 0.10”, but the Autocrat’s double-edged dagger shape makes this perfectly acceptable in my eyes, as it makes it a highly effective CQC weapon, while also having no problem slicing and dicing up daily tasks. And, while it’s no drop point, the dual-edge dagger still had no problem handling 95% of the EDC tasks I threw at it during testing, from cutting rope to breaking down boxes to slicing up my lunch at work. 

Unlike several of the other OTFs I tested that readily announce themselves as being automatic out-the-front knives when clipped to your pocket, the Autocrat’s deep carry clip and plain-looking back spacer make it resemble a normal EDC knife. And, while I’m not typically a big fan of pressed steel pocket clips — especially on high-end knives — I can’t deny the matte black finish on the Autocrat’s clip looks fantastic, and pairs wonderfully with the blacked-out G10 scales and blade. 

The Not So Good

I was disappointed to stumble across a few issues with the Autocrat during my testing. Out of every OTF I tested, the Autocrat required what was by far the most force to push its slider to the point where its blade would deploy (or retract). The G-10 handles look great, and while you can see the pattern of the top layer of the resin-laminated fiberglass, the handle is just as smoother as the aluminum-handled OTFs I tested, which seems like a real missed opportunity as it would have been incredibly easy for Benchmade to bestow the Autocrat’s handle with some texturing. What’s more, I wish the thumb slider more precisely matched the finish of the hardware. Sure, this is a super minor detail, but when your’e paying north of $500 for an OTF, these are the kind of elements and level of attention to detail that you’d expect. 

Also, getting your hands on an Autocrat definitely requires paying the so-called “Benchmade tax,” as it’s for sure a great OTF knife, but it doesn’t offer the best value — far from it in fact. While there’s no denying the Autocrat’s premium material selection or top-notch build quality, there’s still no getting around the fact that it comes at a steep price with an MSRP of $525 — even if that figure includes a lifetime warranty and free tuning and sharpening services for life. 

Verdict: Made in America, the Benchmade Autocrat is a versatile, gentlemanly automatic OTF that makes a stellar addition to any tactical or everyday carry loadout — assuming you can swing its admittedly steep price. 

Microtech Combat Troodon Gen III

Best Self-Defense Pick: Most modern automatic out-the-front knives offer a balance of self-defense and EDC-friendliness. The Microtech Combat Troodon Gen III, however, jettisons this balance in favor of a design that puts a premium on combat-readiness (as its name suggests) and little else. Spanning 9.375″ overall, the Combat Troodon Gen-3 — or “CT3” — is constructed around an anodized aluminum handle that comes fitted with a razor-sharp 4.0” blade. 

The Good

With it measuring 5.50” L x 1.13” W x 0.56” D, the gen-3 Combat Troodon’s handle almost feels more like something you’d find at the base of a short sword than it does your average pocket knife handle. It’s just perfectly sized for me to wrap my hand around, providing what’s clearly a thoroughly optimized grip and an ergonomic setup that feels fantastic whether gripped regularly or tightly and whether carried normally or in a reverse grip. Just like with the Cypher II, the Combat Troodon 3’s handle milling gives the thing a more interesting and eye-catching aesthetic while at the same time noticeably bolstering grip. 

More than making up for whatever it lacks in EDC-readiness with its extreme conduciveness to self-defense and CQC scenarios, the CT3 — just like the Cypher II — benefits from all of Microtech’s new proprietary systems such as its  “Dual Fuel” drivetrain system and “Crud Cutter.” It also has a super robust overall feel to it that genuinely makes me confident in my ability to trust this OTF with my life in self-defense and CQC scenarios. 

For its latest generation of knives, Microtech has introduced what’s unequivocally one of the coolest pocket clip designs currently out there — a machined billet titanium item that’s partially built into the handle and fitted with an integrated lanyard pass-through hole and an embedded ceramic ball that helps to provide ample retention while also making it easier to slip the clip over the brim of your pocket. The robust nature of the knife, it’s overall durability, and generously-sized blade also allowed it to handle every EDC task I threw at it during testing.

Supplementary Strengths

No different from any other Microtech knife I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting my hands on, the Combat Troodon 3 is pieced together using the brand’s meticulous build quality and ultra-stringent quality control standards. Another defining characteristic for Microtech that’s present in spades on the CT3 is the brand’s signature razor-sharp factory edge. I’ve now passed Microtech OTFs to multiple friends and coworkers that have remarked something along the lines of “I didn’t know a pocket knife could be this sharp.” 

While it takes up markedly more pocket real estate than every other knife I tested — save for the Heretic Hydra V3 — the CT3 is still fairly pocketable, and will no doubt fit in the front pocket of any ordinary pair of jeans, slacks, or work pants. And, while it has zero impact on its performance or user experience, I nonetheless think it’s pretty cool that this OTF just so happens to be (an even newer generation of) John Wick’s knife of choice in the franchise’s first few installments. 

The Not So Good

The downsides to the gen-3 Combat Troodon are not only few and far between, but they’re also all pretty obvious. The same properties that make it so ideal for self-defense also give it a fairly aggressive appearance for EDC, and make it a bit bigger than you’d typically want or need for normal daily carrying. It also comes at a pretty exorbitant price, with the CT3 starting at the $450 mark and going up from there depending on options. 

Verdict: If you’re simply after the most tactical, self-defense, and CQC-ready OTF there is — while still being able to take on most EDC tasks — the Microtech Combat Troodon Gen III is the obvious knife to get. After all, if it’s good enough for John Wick, it should have no problem standing up to the rigors of your everyday carry routine. 

Hawk Knife Designs Deadlock Model C

Best Overall Pick: Though it’s admittedly a bold statement, I’d argue the Hawk Knife Designs Deadlock is the most innovative and game-changing OTF in recent history. Not only does it boast a beautiful design, excellent craftsmanship, and thoroughly premium materials, but it also manages to solve one of the most common gripes with OTFs by completely and totally eliminating any and all blade play. 

The Good

Headed up by Gavin Hawk and his father Grant Hawk, Hawk Knife Design hasn’t just been slowly pushing the envelop since first debuting the original Deadlock in 2016, it’s been blowing it the damn envelop off the table with an industrial leaf blower. The knife sports an updated titanium chassis and a slimmer and overall more pocketable profile. The Deadlock Model C’s stepped slider and reverse grip pad provide plenty of traction, plus the handle’s shape is super ergonomic too. 

When unpacking exactly what it is that makes this knife so special, it’s legitimately hard to even know where to begin. It features an insanely cool hinged pocket clip design — that’s of course been brought to life in billet titanium. It’s ultra-premium material selection also comes backed by an equally top-shelf level of craftsmanship. It’s also one of the very few titanium-handled OTFs on the market which just makes it that much more special. It’s also just the very definition of a spare-no-expense knife. Most importantly, however, what really distinguishes it from other automatic OTF’s is the fact that the Deadlock is completely and totally devoid of any blade play, whatsoever. Like seriously, none. 

Though it’s admittedly a thoroughly complex — and seriously brilliant — design, a highly condensed explanation of how the Deadlock mechanism works is the blade basically shoehorns itself into a space that’s just big enough for it to fit, with zero room for it to move in any direction. Add in some extraordinarily tight tolerances, and you’ve got an OTF that’s completely and totally devoid of any blade play whatsoever. Gavin Hawk actually has a great YouTube video showing off the Deadlock’s internal firing mechanism, breaking the whole thing down, explaining how it works, and what makes it so incredibly special. 

Putting aside the Deadlock’s complete and total lack of blade play — which is admittedly difficult to put aside as it’s truly unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced on an OTF — every other minor element on the knife has clearly been painstakingly considered. Even the sound it makes when its blade is deployed is unique — an area no doubt owed to the zero-blade-play firing mechanism — especially when being closed, as the blade retracts into the handle with a distinctive thud-like noise (and an immensely satisfying one at that!). 

Supplementary Strengths

Obviously the use of some of the finest materials available doesn’t come cheap, but what really makes this world-class OTF so pricey is the insanely involved and time-consuming process required to machine and assemble each unit. It’s also worth mentioning the latest generation of this OTF is actually easier to produce than its predecessors too. Just from holding it in my hand, I could tell this was a really special knife. 

As you’d expect from any knife costing several grand, the Deadlock’s factory edge is legitimately world-class, and has been ground to an almost irresponsibly sharp edge. Obviously it could effortlessly dice through regular printer paper, but I also found it just as effortlessly (and just as cleanly) diced right through paper towels and even rolling papers. I also love that Hawk opted to bestow the latest version of its flagship OTF with super-premium CPM MagnaCut.

Sporting a ramped and stepped design, the thumb-slider is ridiculously easy to get traction on and use, and it also provides a ton of extra grip once the blade is deployed. Another unique element on the Deadlock is the jimped titanium section on the opposite side of the handle from the thumb-slider, as it not only matches the slider’s motif and gives the design a more symmetrical feel, but it too provides a ton of additional traction and grip when handling the knife. The stepped thumb ramp also features asymmetrical jimping that provides plenty of traction when deploying the blade, while also being shaped in such a way that it doesn’t drag or create friction when being placed in your pocket. 

Offered with a variety of inlay options, he Deadlock also ships in a zipper-secured, custom logo-embroidered, heavy-duty nylon case with super thick padding and a microfiber-lined interior. And, though the Keanu character exclusively utilized Microtech knives for the first few installments of the John Wick franchise, the fourth film saw the titular character opt for the Hawk Knife Designs Deadlock — for what should by now be very obvious reasons. 

The Not So Good

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t come up with a single area where I felt the Deadlock Model C could actually be improved. With that said, there are a few minor downsides to this knife. First off, it’s wildly expensive, end not “expensive” like a normal premium $500, this thing goes for a few grand. While its price is somewhat justifiable considering its material selection and how much time it takes to manufacture a single unit, its price tag is still pretty enormous — and out of reach of a great many EDC enthusiasts. Second, even if you do have the necessary disposable income to throw at a Deadlock, you may still find it difficult to actually get your hands on one as they’re made in small batches, in small numbers, and they tend to sell out extremely fast. 

Verdict: If Benchmade and Microtech are to knives what BMW and Mercedes-Benz is to cars, Hawk Knife Designs is to Bugatti. That is to say, opinions aside, this brand objectively stands in a league of its own, with nothing else even coming remotely close. If you can afford the extremely steep price — and manage to find one for sale — this is unequivocally the best OTF money can buy, and by a pretty decent margin. 

OTF Knives Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

Being more complex and elaborate designs compared to ordinary manual folding knives, there are dozens and dozens of areas one can consider when shopping around for an OTF, though the reality is that there are just a few key areas that you really need to hone in on — the most important of what we’ll break down immediately below. 

Action Type: As touched on above, automatic out-the-front knives come on two main types; single-action; and double-action — with the former requiring you to manually retract the blade back into the handle while the latter’s thumb-slider can both deploy and retract its blade automatically. While the vast majority of auto OTFs are of the double-action variety, single-action modes shouldn’t be overlooked when shopping in this space, as they definitely have their own merit. 

Blade Shape: The type of tasks an OTF knife (or really any knife for that matter) is best suited towards is largely dependent on the profile of the blade. Though the majority of OTFs sport dagger and bayonet-style silhouettes, there are OTFs with everything from drop point and clip point profiles to tanto and wharncliffe blade shapes — making this a crucial area to consider when shopping. 

Blade Edge: Obviously, you’d want to keep an eye on the edges of any knife in which you’re interested. However, in the case of OTF knives, we’re specifically looking for whether a given knife features a single-edge or a double-edge (alternatively: S/E or D/E). Single-edged OTF knives are more well-suited to EDC usage, as users can place a thumb on the spine of the blade to increase pressure at the edge, which is helpful for utilitarian cutting tasks. However, D/E daggers are better for penetration and slashing — making them more aligned with fighting and combat knives and serving better for self-defense usage.

Blade Steel: While the type of tasks a blade will be conducive to is owed to its profile, how well that blade is able to hold and retain a sharp edge primarily comes down to blade steel type (and heat treatment). Blade steel will also determine other factors like toughness and corrosion resistance. It’s also worth noting that the same extreme levels of hardness that allow more premium blade steels to hold an edge for longer also makes these steels harder to sharpen. Because OTFs tend to be more premium knives, this segment typically features more premium blade steels. 

Blade Thickness: A blade’s ability to stand up to hard use tasks often boils down to the type of blade steel used, and the thickness of the blade. Thicker blades will offer better strength and structural integrity, though typically won’t slice as well as their thinner counterparts. As such, we recommend finding a blade that strikes a balance between these two areas. 

Handle Material: Though there are occasional outliers in the form of OTFs with handles made from steel or titanium, the vast majority of worthwhile out-the-front knives employ aluminum handle constructions, as this material is relatively affordable, easy to anodize, and offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Regardless of primary handle construction, it’s not uncommon to see OTFs bestowed with inlays made from materials like Micarta and carbon fiber. There are also some OTF handles made from carbon fiber or G10, though these are fairly rare. 

Deployment Mechanism: There are two things to look for in regards to the deployment mechanism of OTF knives. The first is whether or not a given knife features a “double-action” mechanism — meaning the button or slider will both deploy the blade into the open position as well as retract the blade to the closed position when you’re done using it. Not all OTF knives are double-action; some will deploy the blade but then require manual retraction to close it again. This does not necessarily affect the overall value of an OTF knife, but it will make a difference in how it functions. Second, you’ll want to look for the position of the deployment mechanism. This is more personal preference than anything else, but some OTF knives have the deployment mechanism on the front of the handle, whereas others have a slider on the spine or side of the handle. You will find, however, that the majority of OTF knives feature a spine-mounted slider.

Size: Just like with regular EDC knives or out-the-side automatics, out-the-front knives can massively vary in terms of size. We recommend considering a combination of your locals laws and your intended use in order to figure out which size and length will best suit your needs. It’s also worth noting that in some regions like California, OTFs can only legally be carried if their blade spans under 2.0” (which is why you see so many mini OTF models with blades clocking in at just under the 2.0” mark). 

Build Quality: Again, just like with any other knife, out-the-front automatics can massively vary in terms of overall craftsmanship and build quality. Typically speaking, the OTFs from smaller boutique knife brands tend to be able to achieve higher quality control standards, though there are a few (relatively) bigger operations like Benchmade and Microtech that are able to provide stellar build quality despite producing OTFs in larger numbers. 

Hardware: When shopping for an OTF knife, the main areas you’ll want to consider are the handle and blade. Having said that, it’s still important to review smaller secondary elements such as an OTF’s hardware, pocket clip, glass breaker, lanyard hole, and slider switch or deployment button. 

Price: While price should be a determining factor in any knife purchase, the starting range is especially important for OTF knives. This is because their internal mechanisms are complex devices that require sound engineering and a sturdy construction — both in how they function and in their materials. As such, OTF knives tend to be on the pricier side of the spectrum. In fact, we’d suggest staying away from anything that falls under a $150 point, as there’s a fairly solid likelihood that these knives are not well-built verging on being dangerous to you, the user. It’s worth noting that a low price is not always an indication of poor quality, but the risks (in this case) far outweigh the benefits. The last thing you want is for your OTF knife to fail and/or break when you need it most.

Honorable Mentions

Designed by Lucas Burnley, the Kwaiken is one of Böker’s most popular EDC knives, so it didn’t come as a shock to discover the newer out-the-front version of the Kwaiken also happens to represent one of the best OTFs for everyday carry. Spanning 8.19” overall, the Böker Plus Kwaiken OTF features an EDC-friendly 3.19” drop point blade made from rugged D2 tool steel. All in all, with a sub-$200 price tag, Böker’s Kwaiken OTF is also one of the most value-laden OTFs on the market. 

Inspired by the Q division gadgets from the Bond film franchise, the D Rocket Lab Ultem 007 California OTF is a top-shelf mini out-the-front model from the mind of Darriel Gaston. Legal to carry in California — as its name suggests — this OTF is comprised of an Ultem handle paired with a sub-2-inch dagger profile brought to life in a special Japanese Laminated Copper Blade Steel. Though it was initially going to receive a main spot on our list above, this pick was ever-so-slightly edged out by Hogue’s Micro Incursion, leading to the 007 CA OTF getting a particularly honorable mention. 

While the Studies and Observation Group tends to operate in the mid-tier knife space, the SOG Pentagon OTF is an undeniably premium offering that features top-shelf materials pieced together using equally premium craftsmanship and build quality. Equipped with an oversized slider switch that makes it super easy to deploy, the Pentagon OTF boasts a hard-anodized aluminum handle housing a cryogenically-heat-treated dagger blade in CPM S35VN. While it’s a stellar OTF, its lack of conduciveness to everyday carry — at least compared to some of the other entries on our main list — has ultimately resulted in it being bumped down to an honorable mention. 

Made in America, the Guardian Tactical Scout is an incredibly well-rounded out-the-front knife that offers an ideal mix of tactical capabilities and EDC readiness. Clocking in at 8.0” in total, the thing features an aluminum handle with a unique machined grip pattern that’s paired with a utilitarian 3.375” ELMAX clip point blade. Though it’s a wonderful option for everyday carry, it just didn’t quite measure up to Microtech’s second-generation Cypher OTF, resulting in the Scout receiving another particularly honorable mention slot — though make no mistake, this is a knife that you should definitely still consider if you’re looking for an EDC-ready automatic out-the-front option. 

Since releasing the original model in 2006, the Benchmade Infidel has long been considered one of the best OTFs that money can buy. So, when the Oregon City outfit debuted a scaled-down version of its tactical out-the-front model that retains the full-size version’s winning features, we knew it had to be considered for this list. And while there’s absolutely no denying the immense quality and performance of the Benchmade Mini Infidel, its objectively steep price lead to us opting for a more value-laden entry in its place. 

Tested: The Best Automatic Knives for Everyday Carry

Want to check out some of our other favorite automatic knives that aren’t limited just to out-the-front models? Then be sure to head over to our guide to the best automatic knives for a curated selection of auto-firing blades that all wonderfully lend themselves to EDC use.