New to OTF's - recommendations?

H

Hoyle33

Joined
Feb 27, 2019
Messages
5
Hey all,
I'm a relative novice compared to so many people here when it comes to sharp pointy things.

I've always gone the cheaper route with Kershaw knives (folding, spring assisted, auto, etc), but I kind of want to splurge and get a nice OTF.

Suggestions on where to start? I usually browse through the bladehq.com but cannot make a decision for the life of me.

I'd like the blade to be between 3" and 3.75" and to keep it under $400

Manufacturers I do like:

Microtech, Hogue, Guardian Tactical, H&K, and I did like Benchmade up until their decision to chop up guns for the Oregon PD (I'm an avid shooter and gun owner)

Any other brands to consider?
 
Hey H Hoyle33 , welcome to Bladeforums. You'll get all kinds of suggestions from various folks and it all boils down to preference. Microtech and Heretic make knives that fit your requirements. Benchmade makes a Precipice OTF auto as well as the mini-infidel that also meets your criteria, but they've got some PR problems at the moment. Boker introduced an OTF recently. The list goes on. My personal favorite OTF with a 3.XX" blade is the UTX-85 from Microtech, and it's actually somewhat affordable at $235. They've got it in a variety of colors and blade grinds, and it fires hard and stays out.

Best of luck!
 
As someone who owns a bunch of fancy OTF's I would say:

1. If they are not legal in your state they are just a toy to play with at home. YMWV on that.

2. If you intend to use it, I would get a single action, as lockup will be better. Most DA knives are more fun but have a little wiggle. (And to head off the contradiction, I know there are a couple manufacturers/makers who make DA OTF's with no wiggle (G+G, Sandshark), but they are outside the stated price range)

3. Again, if you intend to use you might want to consider a single edge as this allows some better blade geometry as far as the steepness of the grind needed to create an edge on both sides from the centerline of the blade (for a dual edge) versus being able to gradually taper from the spine for a single edge. Someone else may be able to explain it better.

4. If Benchmade's decision making is an issue for you you might want to de-consider Microtech since they have a checkered past in the ethics department.
 
I'd go with a Microtech UTX-85, in either tanto or drop point. Microtech makes a better made knife for the money than just about any of those other companies you listed. As mentioned above, single edged designs will cut better and be more practical, unless you find yourself plunge cutting with a knife frequently.

Don't worry about any slight amount of blade wiggle from a D/A OTF. It doesn't have any effect on cutting performance or stability, and due to the way they're locked open with sears, minor play won't cause lock failure either.
 
marrenmiller said:
Don't worry about any slight amount of blade wiggle from a D/A OTF. It doesn't have any effect on cutting performance or stability, and due to the way they're locked open with sears, minor play won't cause lock failure either.
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For the record, I don't think any of my Troodons will fail, I just love how solid lock up is on a Halo.

For fun and John Wick factor, DA win though.
 
jceckrosh said:
For the record, I don't think any of my Troodons will fail, I just love how solid lock up is on a Halo.

For fun and John Wick factor, DA win though.
Click to expand...
I think D/A is more practical. Easier and quicker to retract, and has a pocket clip unlike the Halo series. For convenience, I'd rather have a combat troodon or ultratech.

The blade play doesn't affect cutting in the slightest. It's not something that's even noticeable unless you're checking for it.
 
marrenmiller said:
I think D/A is more practical. Easier and quicker to retract, and has a pocket clip unlike the Halo series. For convenience, I'd rather have a combat troodon or ultratech.

The blade play doesn't affect cutting in the slightest. It's not something that's even noticeable unless you're checking for it.
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DA is more practical for the reasons you list. So we agree there.

However, I feel the wiggle is absolutely noticeable.
 
I checked out the Microtech UTX-85 and I am liking what I'm seeing

The configurations I do like are out of stock all over the Internet. Do they restock frequently?
 
So if the dagger grinds on OTFs are thick, sounds like they are ripe for a zero-edge.

If someone could make one with a super tight lockup and zero edge around 4" man that would be tits.
 
jceckrosh said:
DA is more practical for the reasons you list. So we agree there.

However, I feel the wiggle is absolutely noticeable.
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But does it affect cutting? I have one and can't say it's ever impacted how the knife cuts, nor the ability of the knife to accurately cut precisely where I want to cut.
 
Hoyle33 said:
I checked out the Microtech UTX-85 and I am liking what I'm seeing

The configurations I do like are out of stock all over the Internet. Do they restock frequently?
Click to expand...
They do batches all the time. Follow them on social media and they'll announce when runs are going to dealers. That's the most reliable way to get the one you want.
 
I have:
3 Microtech's
A Combat Troodon, a UTX-85 & a Executive Scarab

2 Benchmade's
Both Phaetons

I prefer the Phaetons
They are lighter weight, easier to actuate, I prefer S30V over Elmax and BM has a better warranty/customer service.
 
Microtech! Pick the size in the UTX model that fits your hand and enjoy.
 
Microtech ultratech single edge or tango, got bit bad by the microtech bug
 
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