In its broadest sense, OTF knives are folding knives with blades concealed inside a handle. The meaning of OTF is: Its a gang or squads for like field butt it means off the forum. Also known as switchblades, these fully automatic knives are always a great option to make your EDC. What is an OTF knife and how does it differ from other switchblade types. However, there’s much confusion over what OTF truly implies when talking about knives. Top OTF abbreviation related to Switchblade: Out of the Front So, if you’re new and looking to buy a knife that’s an OTF in its true sense, there’s a bit of education you’ll have to go through. When retracted, the blade is hidden within the handle. This is because of strict legal restrictions within the U.S.A (and even other countries across Europe, South America, and Australasia). OTF knives are either outright or practically illegal in only 10 states and the District of Columbia. One point to keep aware of, a single edge adds a measure of safety. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knifebuzz_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',144,'0','0'])); OTF knives are also ideal for people with reduced grip strength. Out-The-Front, or OTF knives get their name from the fact that the blade immediately and automatically comes out-the-front, not the side, at the pressing or switching of a button on the knife’s handle. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knifebuzz_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',138,'0','0'])); OTF and traditional switchblade knives, on the other hand, use a spring mechanism to push the knife out of the handle. Depending on the knife, the release action may be different but the blade always comes out from the side - and never from the top. Obviously, this type of blade gives you more options against an adversary, making it the best OTF knife for self-defense. The good news is that cleaning and caring for an OTF can be very… This need led to the first quality mass production of switchblades, which included OTF knives. A single edge blade having only one cutting edge, maybe better for your usual cutting works. The ability for one-handed deployment, usually through a raised thumb-stud, made the switchblade practical. Before you purchase an OTF knife, it is important that you understand the laws in the state where you reside. There are two kinds. The OTF knife is great for anyone that has a busy hand and needs to open and close a knife with one single hand. In this day and age of the internet, the term OTF is exceedingly sweeping and hence often misused. Rather, the blade (when collapsed) is actually housed inside the handle itself. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knifebuzz_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',140,'0','0'])); With a double-action OTF knife, the opening action also recompresses the spring mechanism to assist in closing using the same switch or button used for opening. Its opening mechanism works like a utility knife or a box cutter. Yet one of the knives that fascinated me the most is the OTF knife. This is a popular choice of knife for many tradespeople - from carpenters and dock workers to stagehands and even extreme sports enthusiasts. And today, I will share how it differs from other knives, how it works, as well as the things you need to consider when buying one. But with one major difference. Ever wondered how your double action OTF knife does its glorious, fidgety thang? OTF or out the front knives are spring-loaded knives that open at the push of a button. They eventually evolved to have mechanical systems of deployment. that deploy the blade from the side of the handle. Please be advised that blade movement is a normal part of any out the front knife. OTF knives, like firearms, can be single action or double action. Kaylene. Some of these states allow possession and use for people with disabilities. The blade of an OTF knife emerges from the front of the handle with a switch or a button. Also, the act of closing the knife recompresses the spring mechanism for the next opening. You see, whereas folding blades (as their name suggests) fold in half, OTF knives don’t fold at all. Here are a few of the other factors you should consider when buying an OTF knife. For me, a double-action OTF knife is the best OTF knife as it offers all the advantages possible from the design, including a complete single-hand function for both opening and closing. It’s time to add an OTF knife to your collection. So what is an OTF knife? Then it is possible to change it again, and the blade will automatically vibrate, so it is among the simplest automatic OTF knives you’ll be able to utilize. If the blade's natural position is open without resistance, it's a switchblade. Out-the-front knives, or OTF knives, are a popular choice for their reliability, durability and convenience of carry. In its broadest sense, OTF knives are folding knives with blades concealed inside a handle. But unlike these two, there is so much more to know about the OTF knife which we’ll tackle on the next sections. Updated by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 11/03/2020. The blades here. An OTF Knife, also known as an out-the-front knife, sliding knife, or telescoping knife, is a pocketknife with a blade that opens and closes through a hole in one end of the handle. The blade of an OTF knife emerges from the front of the handle with a switch or a button. As the name suggests, the blades in these knives require the force of gravity once released with a trigger. Switchblade knives, which use a spring mechanism to open the knife, have been around since the mid-1800s. In all other states, simple possession is legal. You press the stud, the tension of the spring is released back onto the blade and it fires open without any effort. - This is a knife that needs a gentle force of the finger to slide open. This OTF knife is a double-action version, meaning you simply need to hit the switch once, and it is going to extend the blade into its fullest length. You can use it for the same purposes, such as cutting tasks at work, hobbies or outdoor uses for fishing, hunting, and camping. Updated July 2020. Overall, the best OTF knife is one that feels right in your hand and suits your purpose well. RAPID - An all-black first-rate automatic OTF knife (combat, survival, hunting knife). Its opening mechanism works like a utility knife or a box cutter. A clean and well maintained OTF is a functional and useful tool. Even with a good maintenance routine, OTF knives should be thoroughly cleaned every month or two, depending on how often it is used. Its blade only comes out when activated through a switch or a button on the handle. It can eliminate the unintentional cutting of other objects or surfaces, especially when working in tight spaces. OTF knives come in two different versions, related to the opening and closing mechanism as follows: Only OTF knives allow the user to retain a full, firm grip on the knife handle during the opening, ensuring the knife is immediately ready for use as soon as the blade deploys. This is a popular choice of knife for many tradespeople - from carpenters and dock workers to stagehands and even extreme sports enthusiasts. These knives are NOT OTFs even though many sites list them as. The blade of an OTF knife is hidden until you trigger its switch. Also, you have to remember that unlike fixed blades, your OTF knife twitches more often. When the blade is extended “Out The Front,” it’s locked into place. The best OTF knife was designed to be light-duty knives that were used by people who usually had on hand occupied. was formed out of a Blood set called MMP What does OTF stand for in Switchblade? eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'knifebuzz_com-box-2','ezslot_1',146,'0','0'])); To give you an idea, an OTF knife is some sort of a switchblade or an automatic knife. Automatic knives were used to cut away tough shroud lines on malfunctioning parachutes while in the air, in order to safely deploy a secondary parachute. When the switch is pushed back, the blade will move back into the handle. These automatic knives open out of the side of the knife handle, in a similar manner to all other folding knives. List of 130 OTF definitions. We offer a variety of styling options, like stilettos and tactical pocket knives … An all-black first-rate automatic OTF knife (combat, survival. A good way to tell whether a knife is considered a switchblade or an assisted opening knife is the blade’s resting position. Unlike spring assisted knives, the natural position of the blade is ‘open’. OTF stands for Out-the-Front. Aside from the opening mechanism, be it single or double action, all the characteristics of a good knife must come into play when selecting an OTF knife. Observe this anatomy lesson and you'll never wonder again. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cleaning and caring for your OTF knife is a very important part of owning one. If the knife stays closed when unblocked, the knife is an assisted opener or folder. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knifebuzz_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',141,'0','0'])); For self-defense purposes, you can opt for a double edge blade since this kind of blade has sharp edges on both sides. Specifically, the OTF knife is a switchblade where the blade simply comes ‘out the front’. The blade itself will come out of the front (hence the name OTF). So what is an OTF knife? Different types of Switchblades or Automatic Knives. Acronym, meaning "Only the family" A crew started by Koray Oral or Killa K. His crew includes Big V, C-twizz, P.C., Ace, Lo Dogg, T-Money, and Mike Gunz.His crew controls 203rd street. The answer is a clear no. An OTF knife is one type of switchblade or automatic knife, but here’s how it differs from the knives of the same type: Using a broad definition, Gravity knives include older designs such as balisong or butterfly knives. 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