Dumb question alert

[RugerNurse]

Sorry for the dumb question, but with OTF knives what stops them from opening in the pocket? I’ve never handled one and am starting to get curious since they are totally one handed in operation.

Also, what would be a good beginner one to try and any cons to them?

 

[Jdottinger]

It takes a steady deliberate maintained push to open every otf I’ve had. You don’t just accidentally bump it open.

 

[Modernflame]

Double action OTFs are locked closed and not under spring tension until you cock the mechanism by moving the switch forward.

 

[luethge]

R RugerNurse - The question was not dumb at all. What’s that saying we’ve probably all heard “ the only dumb question is the one that’s not asked “ ( or something similar ).

 

[Kettleman]

Sorry for the dumb question, but with OTF knives what stops them from opening in the pocket? I’ve never handled one and am starting to get curious since they are totally one handed in operation.

Also, what would be a good beginner one to try and any cons to them?

I didn’t understand it myself until I got my first one a month or so ago.

 

[bikerector]

The slider button is also much harder to open than many people expect. My wife won't use my ultratech as it's too hard for her to operate comfortably. It takes a very deliberate push to open.

I have not used inexpensive OTFs, so can't comment of those.

 

[Wild Willie]

I have not used inexpensive OTFs, so can't comment of those.

I have an old cheapie branded "Onyx" that was given to me when I was about 17. I've carried it a bunch, there's no setting the switch off unless you want it to open. Of course, the thumb ramp part of the switch usually falls off in your pocket, so the whole one handed thing becomes null and void.

 

[drawkcaB]

Sorry for the dumb question, but with OTF knives what stops them from opening in the pocket? I’ve never handled one and am starting to get curious since they are totally one handed in operation.

Also, what would be a good beginner one to try and any cons to them?

Not dumb at all, OTFs have become my favorite type

This thread discusses economical OTFs and side openers:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/any-50-switchblades-worthy-of-every-day-use.1943782/

The original Lightning OTF (not the newer "elite") was my choice. I show photos of disassembly in one post.

 

[BlindMouse2of3]

I carried a double action otf for a long time when my daughter was small because they are child safe.

 

[Grasshopperglock]

I've had a Benchmade infidel misfire while it was in my pocket. It poked a hole in the pocket lining. You'd think it would stab your leg. But the blade isn't locked, it just became unlocked, and if you know your knife. You'll feel it rattle. Something ain't right.

Expect a misfire on a new and stiff OTF. But after it breaks in. Then you can trust it to not tear your pocket up.

 

[Tsujigiri]

A single action otf could open in your pocket from a bump, but double actions require you to build up the tension with the switch, so they would be the hardest of all knives to open on your pocket, automatic or manual. Also the force behind the blade is barely enough to pierce cardboard.