The Xolotl was already one of the more interesting designs in CRKT’s Forged by War lineup when it debuted as a manual folder back in 2020. Designed by veteran and former Green Beret Michael Rodriguez, the knife drew from Aztec mythology while staying true to its tactical roots. A fixed-blade version followed in 2024, but now CRKT is completing the trilogy with what feels like the most natural evolution yet: an out-the-front automatic.
Heritage Meets High-Performance
Named after the Aztec deity associated with fire, lightning, and guiding souls to the afterlife, the Xolotl has always walked a line between ancient inspiration and modern utility. Rodriguez’s background — graduating at the top of the Irish Army Ranger Wing Sniper Course and serving as an advisor to President George W. Bush — informed a design philosophy that prioritizes both form and function.
CRKT made the smart call to go all-in on materials here. The 3.5-inch spear-point blade is crafted from MagnaCut steel, a significant upgrade from the SK-5 and 1.4116 steels found in earlier Xolotl models. For those keeping score, MagnaCut offers superior edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The double-edged grind on the spear point maintains cutting capability regardless of blade orientation.
Design With Purpose
The machined aluminum handle carries forward the Xolotl’s skeletal motif with 21 sculpted ribs running along the grip — one for each of Rodriguez’s years of military service. It’s a personal touch that doesn’t sacrifice ergonomics. The sternum-shaped pocket clip is reversible for left or right-hand carry, and the spine-mounted slider controls the dual-action OTF mechanism. Push forward to deploy, pull back to retract. It’s simple, fast, and designed to work even with gloved hands.
At 8.88″ overall and weighing just 3.2oz, the Xolotl Automatic is both tactical and portable. The titanium nitride finish on the blade adds durability and a distinctive look that sets it apart from the sea of black-coated blades on the market.
The OTF Landscape
This is only CRKT’s second OTF knife, following the Twist Tighe family. While automatic out-the-front knives have been around since the 18th century (evolving from spring-loaded bayonets on flintlock muskets), modern iterations benefit from precision engineering and materials science that early adopters could only dream of. The Xolotl Automatic demonstrates how far the category has come.
Spec Sheet
Model: CRKT Xolotl Automatic
Blade Steel: MagnaCut
Blade Length: 3.5″
Blade Finish: Titanium nitride
Blade Edge: Plain, double-edged spear point
Handle Material: Machined aluminum
Overall Length: 8.88″
Closed Length: 5.31″
Weight: 3.2 oz
Deployment: Dual-action OTF
Made in: USA
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $325, the Xolotl Automatic is available now from CRKT’s website. As with all Forged by War designs, a portion of proceeds supports Rodriguez’s charity of choice: the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. It’s also worth noting that automatic knives face heavy regulation, so check your local laws before purchasing.
Recap
CRKT Xolotl Automatic OTF Knife
CRKT just dropped an OTF automatic version of Michael Rodriguez’s Xolotl knife, complete with a MagnaCut blade, dual-action deployment, and those signature 21 ribs honoring his years of service.
