Talk me into/out of an otf

[unhappyfarmer]

OTFs are usually built for one reason: stabbing. The blade is a spearpoint for a reason.

For utility work, I would worry about blade play. Both microtechs and $500 benchmades have bladeplay, and would not be suited for regular use.

It does have a nice wow factor! I would crap my pants if somebody drew an OTF on me!

It would work fine for a self-defensive scenario where you needed a stabbing implement to compliment your style/getup.

Just don't be a mall ninja!!

[climbingrocks]

And that's exactly why I like to carry a DA OTF. The onehanded convenience.

But somehow this discussion got off on self defense and whatnot...

That is a bit of a circular argument. To me, a tool has utility when it is able to accomplish a task with the fewest number of moving parts, least likelihood of failure, cheapest to buy, cheapest to maintain, usable in the most number of expected environments, and relatively ergonomic. Anything past that is simply what we "like". It no longer adds utility, but rather, makes us happy. Aesthetics, novelty, who knows. When you look at the overall cost of an OTF auto, a disproportionate amount of money goes into the part of the knife that doesn't do any cutting. Almost no utility is gained despite increased overall cost and complexity.
Regarding the topic of self defense, I was speaking in terms of utility again. You may be able to end a fight simply by deploying your knife. Lots of pomp and circumstance of a noisy blade popping out add tremendously to the theater of the interaction leading up to the actual fight. Utility is gained as that OTF auto was able to increase your odds of winning a fight.

[HuntBomb]

Well said.
There's alot of mall-ninja tactical flash and less utility.
The MT Troodon that I played with only fired and locked open about 70% of the time.
And the LEO that owned it was kicking himself.
I'd imagine there would be several parts that would eventually wear out and need replacing as well.
Im glad it works for someone though.

[Blais]

This thread is so full of conjecture and uniformed opinion it's giving me a headache.

OP, if you like OTFs and you're interested enough in them to buy one, please do. They are interesting little mechanical marvels and are worth having just for the 'cool-factor'. If you don't plan on engaging in any Filipino knife fighting, don't violently cram 7 sets of keys into your pocket at any one time, and don't care whether or not you look like Jack Bauer, then there isn't any reason to not buy one.

[climbingrocks]

This thread is so full of conjecture and uniformed opinion it's giving me a headache.

OP, if you like OTFs and you're interested enough in them to buy one, please do. They are interesting little mechanical marvels and are worth having just for the 'cool-factor'.

Exactly.

If you don't plan on engaging in any Filipino knife fighting, don't violently cram 7 sets of keys into your pocket at any one time, and don't care whether or not you look like Jack Bauer, then there isn't any reason to not buy one.

The only reason I can think of is everything we've been talking about for the past hour. Those were just examples of utility or absence of utility in specific situations.

[gzb]

OTFs are usually built for one reason: stabbing. The blade is a spearpoint for a reason.

Look around. There's a lot of DA OTFs w/o DoubleEdge (spearpoint) blades.

Most folks have no need for such a blade design. It's really the most non-useful (useless?) shape for anything but maybe for stabbing.

Or Mall Ninja types...

[Bigfatts]

Well I am no sort of ninja, mall or otherwise. No self defense motives here. I have just always thought they were neat and it would be cool to have one. I think I will go take a look at them and see what I think in person. The guy I'm dealing with is a Microtech dealer, I know that for sure so I'm sure he can give me even more insight. Who knows, it may end up like a lot of things, maybe get one, use it a while and get tired of it and trade it off. Please keep the info coming but let's keep the SD and "tactical" talk to a minimum if we can.

[tyr_shadowblade]

Microtech makes a top quality series of OTF knives that are very sharp and durable enough to use as a utility knife. Major caveat being to be certain the blade is clean -- especially of tape adhesive -- before retracting it as goo can gum up the rails. Microtech is the industry standard for a reason -- it is the best.

If you do not want to invest several hundred dollars on an OTF and want to try out a cheapie first, try an AKC "Concorde" -- it is the only cheap OTF worth buying, and if the blade doesn't say AKC it is a clone which will not take an edge and will break. The majority of OTFs I see at gun shows are clones, because they look almost like the real thing and the dealer can make a far greater profit.

[Chipped Karambit]

Anything u can do with an OTF can be done better with another knife most of the times. I have been through a few and now my only OTF is a Dalton Cupid, Its illegal most places, Its not able to do a lot actually. its primarily for piercing. Just stabbing stuff. You can get an umnumzaan and do the same thing. You can pull it out and let it hook ur pocket lip and open,and have it out same speed u can pull and open an otf.Be honest, Do you need one? they are fun toys though, just dont seem to be practical.

This is all IMHO

[videl]

He said he wanted one, not what is the best style of knife for utility purposes. You could say the same about any knife, why have a balisong when you can have a folder, why have a folder when you can have a fixed blade etc, the arguments are irrelevant.

Sounds like if you use it for what they are intended and keep it well maintained you would get a lot of enjoyment from an OTF, go and play with a couple and see how you like them, who cares what everyone else thinks, its for you right?

[mr_anderson]

You my friend have never had a Sandshark.

My understanding of OTF's is that they will never be robust for any kind of "hard duty"

The nature of the mechanism does not lend it's self to robust locking, or repeated stress from use.


I have never owned an OTF, nor will I.


There are many side opening designs that are robust enough for hard use.

[PURPLEDC]

Well said.
There's alot of mall-ninja tactical flash and less utility.
The MT Troodon that I played with only fired and locked open about 70% of the time.
And the LEO that owned it was kicking himself.
I'd imagine there would be several parts that would eventually wear out and need replacing as well.
Im glad it works for someone though.

Thats the problem. your making assumptions. Based on 0 experience. You played with a few that werent working properly. Probably from another person who knows only enough to get himself into trouble. When properly taken care of an OTF is an incredibly convenient and useful tool that can be relied upon. I know people who have carried and used OTF's in Afghanistan with no issues. But those are people who actually know how to use and service their knives. We have no idea if the person with the troodon was loading up his knife with oil thinking that would solve missfiring issues. And Just for your information, you common folder actually has more moving parts than a moder OTF knife. So your "assumptions" are again wrong. I always find it comical when the people doing the most talking on a subject are actually the ones the the least experience. That always helps.

[PURPLEDC]

Well I am no sort of ninja, mall or otherwise. No self defense motives here. I have just always thought they were neat and it would be cool to have one. I think I will go take a look at them and see what I think in person. The guy I'm dealing with is a Microtech dealer, I know that for sure so I'm sure he can give me even more insight. Who knows, it may end up like a lot of things, maybe get one, use it a while and get tired of it and trade it off. Please keep the info coming but let's keep the SD and "tactical" talk to a minimum if we can.

Get a scarab if you want the ultimate in current hard use OTF designs. If the dealer has one from the year 2003 with a sheath that has a yellow beetle on it and a couple tools that is going to be an amazing knife. But even the most recent scarabs are amazing knives. If you just want a reliable OTF for multiple cutting chores then the Ultratech, Troodon, UT85 are all good choices as they all offer the same mechanism only a different size and styling for your preference. Another good option is the new HK epidemic OTF. I have one and its proven every bit as reliable as my M/T knives. If anyone tells you to oil the knife regularly proceed to raise either of your hands and extend middle finger politely. If it ever gets jammed with lint or other gunk simply flush it out with Tri Flow and then blow that out with compressed air. Dont use oil. Now go get yourself that OTF and let the haters hate and cry about subjects they know little of.

[Manoloiv]

Microtech OTF's are a work of art.
Not only are they useful and practical for EDC but they are also visually stimulating to the user.
I own several Microtech's and have never had a misfortune with any of them.
All of the models that have been recommended are great, the most heavy duty is certainly the Scarab.
Troodon, Daytona, Ultratech and UTX-85 are all great, I suggest you purchase one according to your budget, ergonomics and styling.

[button]

I understand that you have no interest in OTS knives,how ever,if you ever change your mind you might try a Dalton LTC. Just sayin'.

[HuntBomb]

So, handling a defective Microtech OTF isn't an experience?
And it sounds like a humid, dusty environment, such as Afghanistan, would be a great place for a fragile toy that apparently works best in the food court.
Oh, and beware pocket lint! LOL
When you're OTF fails...just reach for your handy tri-flow and compressed air right?
It's one thing to acknowledge OTF's as a "neato" product, but dont try to pass it off as a hard-use tool.

[gzb]

.
The MT Troodon that I played with only fired and locked open about 70% of the time.
And the LEO that owned it was kicking himself.
I'd imagine there would be several parts that would eventually wear out and need replacing as well.

OK HuntBomb:

You've "played" with one Troodon that had issues 70% of the time that belonged to an LEO.

You "imagine there would be several parts that would eventually wear out and need replacing as well."

Ive always been told not to buy any OTF's (especially Microtech) because they are notorious for breaking...and its apparently a nightmare dealing with Microtech's warranty/customer service.
Ive heard alot of owners complain about their $300+ MT OTFs failing to deploy the majority of the time.
Ive also heard that anything under $175 is even more of a gamble.

You've "been told" and "heard" other negative things.

Got it. I guess you've made some good points for the OP to consider so he's not mislead by others...

ETA: To the OP, do what you want. No one's going to talk you into an OTF. Most of us are just sharing our experiences. YMMV...

[HuntBomb]

Exactly.

[Striderco]

The only OTF I would purchase is a Benchmade! All the others break! I ve owned the other mentioned brands and the mechanisms just dont hold up. The Benchmade Infidels on the other hand are fantastic!

[hoyer]

OTF's will never fold on you..