OTF auto vs manual flipper for EDC

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KUP12

Joined
Oct 18, 2022
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Hey guys, new here but not to knives. A few years back I had to sell my collections (ZT's, benchamde's, spyderco's) and currently only own a Spyderco Tenacious and a Gerber 06 auto. I'm currently looking for a new EDC/duty knife (LEO). I really rely on being able to open my knife with one hand and prefer to close it one handed as well, but if I can't, its not a huge deal. I've never owned an OTF but they have always intrigued me as I do tend to fidget with my knives a lot while at home. I have also really enjoyed the auto deployment of my Gerber. However, from what I remember with my ZT's and the rest of my Spyderco's, the auto wasn't much faster, if any, than the auto. I prefer auto or a flipper, but wouldn't rule out another Spydie hole knife if there's a convincing argument. I also really love the wharncliffe/reverse tanto/sheepsfoot blade profile if possible.

That being said, I was looking at something like the ZT 0562cf and a Microtech ultratech. Both I can get for a pretty steep discount, but I have to keep it under $300 and can't afford both (however if it were 2 cheaper knives that would fit in this budget, I'm game).

What are your thoughts on OTF vs flipper? any suggestions on which direction I should go? Any other knife suggestions for my use case?

Thanks for the help!
 
Hello and welcome:)

I edc an otf of some kind. I'm a huge fan of Microtech and gravitate toward the Combat Troodon. However, a couple of points:

The obvious first is Murphy's Law. OTF knives are more prone to misfiring. It's usually nothing that a yank on the partially protruding blade or a flick of the wrist can't fix. You'll need to keep it free of pocket fuzz and make sure to keep sticky stuff like tape off the blade. I've never had an issue in the last several years of carrying then as a contractor. However, I'm obviously not doing potential life and death stuff. I do prefer the ease of opening and closing the knife with one hand to vastly outweigh the shortcomings. It's really nice to be able to draw my knife, open it, make a cut, retract it, and pocket it without even looking at it.

The Ultratechs are great, but to be honest, I find them a bit skinny. I don't have huge hands at all, but short of wearing them as subtle weekend carry or for dress, they just feel a little narrow and the switches on the Microtechs seem to be pretty dang stiff at times.

If I could suggest an OTF that meets your budget and has proven to be a really solid performer at work, it would be the Benchmade Shootout. It's lightweight since it has a polymer handle, the sliding switch is way easier than any of my Ultratechs, the switch is more pronounced and would be easier to use with gloves on, it sports a really nice Cruwear blade, and it comes in around $270. It's become one of my favorite work knives.

Best of luck and welcome aboard 👍 😀
 
Steely_Gunz said:
Hello and welcome:)

I edc an otf of some kind. I'm a huge fan of Microtech and gravitate toward the Combat Troodon. However, a couple of points:

The obvious first is Murphy's Law. OTF knives are more prone to misfiring. It's usually nothing that a yank on the partially protruding blade or a flick of the wrist can't fix. You'll need to keep it free of pocket fuzz and make sure to keep sticky stuff like tape off the blade. I've never had an issue in the last several years of carrying then as a contractor. However, I'm obviously not doing potential life and death stuff. I do prefer the ease of opening and closing the knife with one hand to vastly outweigh the shortcomings. It's really nice to be able to draw my knife, open it, make a cut, retract it, and pocket it without even looking at it.

The Ultratechs are great, but to be honest, I find them a bit skinny. I don't have huge hands at all, but short of wearing them as subtle weekend carry or for dress, they just feel a little narrow and the switches on the Microtechs seem to be pretty dang stiff at times.

If I could suggest an OTF that meets your budget and has proven to be a really solid performer at work, it would be the Benchmade Shootout. It's lightweight since it has a polymer handle, the sliding switch is way easier than any of my Ultratechs, the switch is more pronounced and would be easier to use with gloves on, it sports a really nice Cruwear blade, and it comes in around $270. It's become one of my favorite work knives.

Best of luck and welcome aboard 👍 😀
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Thanks! Yeah I’ve handled a few ultratechs, and they seem to fit my smedium hands well. However the switch was pretty stiff.

Yeah this won’t be a combat knife or anything (although I do prefer large knives). I’ve got a punch knife and a small fixed blade that will be last resort if I have to use one. This will be for other random tasks, tape cutting, opening boxes/envelopes, cutting clothes from time to time, and likely a few seat belts.

I’ll take a look at the shootout!
 
When I owned a Scarab, I found the biggest advantage with a D/A OTF wasn't in the opening, it was in the closing. It's so much easier (once you develop the thumb strength, anyway) to simply retract the blade closed then it is to disengage a lock, get any digits out of the blade path, then maneuver the blade closed.

I found this advantage was largely mitigated with manual AXIS lock Benchmades, where you can simply retract the AXIS and flip the blade closed without worrying about digits in the blade path. Not as "fun", perhaps, as a D/A OTF, but still fun and very practical.
 
Planterz said:
When I owned a Scarab, I found the biggest advantage with a D/A OTF wasn't in the opening, it was in the closing. It's so much easier (once you develop the thumb strength, anyway) to simply retract the blade closed then it is to disengage a lock, get any digits out of the blade path, then maneuver the blade closed.

I found this advantage was largely mitigated with manual AXIS lock Benchmades, where you can simply retract the AXIS and flip the blade closed without worrying about digits in the blade path. Not as "fun", perhaps, as a D/A OTF, but still fun and very practical.
Click to expand...

Good call on the Axis lock. You're absolutely right about it being very easy to close. When I'm not carrying an OTF, I usually carry an Adamas Mini specifically because of what you noted. I carried a Cold Steel Counter Point over the weekend while on a quick hiking trip, and I was really missing the fast action of the Axis lock. Triad locks are strong, but I certainly find having to fiddle with them to get them to disengage frustrating when you compare how fast the Axis or OTF is.
 
The simplicity, ease of maintenance, and "less to go wrong" with a good modern manual flipper is where I usually land. With the right action and detent, I see no advantage and only disadvantages with either assisted or side-opening autos. If I'm going auto, it's going to be OTF. However, it mostly feels like a novelty choice when I do.

Planterz Planterz is right about ease of closing on a DA OTF. Some have easier actions than others too. It can be handy both ways. There can be issues though and Steely_Gunz Steely_Gunz covers some of them. Another common complaint is that lots of them can have blade play when open. An issue I have is that they often seem expensive for what they are. I also don't love aluminum as a handle material. Compared to manual flippers, titanium is pretty much the standard at similar prices and even the budget options tend to offer more solid lock-up.

I generally don't have issues closing most liner or frame locks but sure, it does take a little more care or attention. Cross-bar and button locks have gotten more common and can be fun. They might have an advantage in keeping your fingers out of the blade path for disengagement but at least in my daily use, it really isn't an issue. If anything, I often find myself instinctively reaching a finger for a frame/liner lock that isn't there. None of them match the DA OTF on ease of closing and that seems like the best argument for them, outside of style or fun.
 
I have the 562CF and find the thumbstuds sharp and doesn't work well...the flipper is fine. My Hinderer had the same issue, but broke in alot better and is now butter smooth.

Does protech give you a discount? Why not try a Malibu or similar button lock? Easy to deploy, play with, disengage, and comes in a wharnie bladeshape. Other companies also have button locks you can look at, such as the cormorant, that fits your bill.

I will admit, if I could carry an OTF all the time, I would. The one-handedness of it makes it so much easier sometimes. I carry a little UTX70 with me when I fish, the pointy tip, half serration side makes it extremely handy. You can't beat an OTF in this regard.

My ideal carry would be a small fixed blade and an OTF of some kind...but alas I'm in CT and can only carry autos (double edge knives as well) when I'm hunting/fishing etc.
 
Another notch for the shootout, as it has replaced ma boi the recon-035 as a work OTF, for all the good reasons exposed above.

However, while it may not concern you as a LEO, I wouldn't say that an OTF is a subtle carry. I find myself unable to use mine most of the time in public areas, as it would definitely send panic vibes. Pretty frustrating to carry such a nice piece as a Makora or a Dirac Delta and not being able to use them as EDC 😔
 
As mentioned above about the D/A OTF - it's all about the ease of closing.

I will get one (D/A OTF) myself, once the word has spread to every PD in Ohio that they are now legal to carry.

As of right now, I'd guesstimate that roughly 90% of the PD would be very happy to relieve me of an expensive knife and have it somehow get lost before it would be returned to me - despite the fact that they have been legal now everywhere for a month or two.
When I renewed my CCW back in August, the deputy told me a story about a guy in Cleveland that was charged with a felony for carrying a concealed weapon - even though he had a valid CCW and wasn't in a prohibited location.
His crime? A switchblade in his pocket in Cleveland.
A felony in August and a non-crime in September.
Ain't life in Ohio great?
 
KUP12 said:
Hey guys, new here but not to knives. A few years back I had to sell my collections (ZT's, benchamde's, spyderco's) and currently only own a Spyderco Tenacious and a Gerber 06 auto. I'm currently looking for a new EDC/duty knife (LEO). I really rely on being able to open my knife with one hand and prefer to close it one handed as well, but if I can't, its not a huge deal. I've never owned an OTF but they have always intrigued me as I do tend to fidget with my knives a lot while at home. I have also really enjoyed the auto deployment of my Gerber. However, from what I remember with my ZT's and the rest of my Spyderco's, the auto wasn't much faster, if any, than the auto. I prefer auto or a flipper, but wouldn't rule out another Spydie hole knife if there's a convincing argument. I also really love the wharncliffe/reverse tanto/sheepsfoot blade profile if possible.

That being said, I was looking at something like the ZT 0562cf and a Microtech ultratech. Both I can get for a pretty steep discount, but I have to keep it under $300 and can't afford both (however if it were 2 cheaper knives that would fit in this budget, I'm game).

What are your thoughts on OTF vs flipper? any suggestions on which direction I should go? Any other knife suggestions for my use case?

Thanks for the help!
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I rotate between flippers, front flippers, thumbhole, auto, and OTF. I have 4 OTF's: Heretic Manticore E, Brian Tighe and Friends small Twist Tighe, Hogue Exploit, and Axial Shift. If I had to choose one for duty as an LEO, it would be the Heretic. It and the BT have very minimal play, and it is very robust without being overly heavy and the blade is a nice balance between cutting and stout. However, of the four, it is the most difficult to actuate. It takes a little break in, but its a very short but button/slide.
 
You should also look at Heretic Manticore OTFs, they're about the same price as an Ultratech, and in my opinion they're more ergonomic and smoother to open and close than the Ultratech. To be fair, I'm only comparing one Manticcore E to one Ultratech, but my Ultratech seems a lot more sensitive to dirt and gunk than my Manticore. I've had the Ultratech misfire far more often than the Manticore, despite the fact that I've owned the Manticore longer, and use it more often.

Also if you like Sheepsfoot, Wharncliffe and Reverse Tanto blades, I'd suggest checking out the ProTech Malibu. It's one of the best flippers on the market, and it's a pretty good value if you can find it at retail.

Otherwise, as a duty knife, I'd go with a Benchmade 550 Griptilian with the sheepsoot blade and opening hole. It's a classic for a reason: it just works.
 
I'd also suggest the Protech Malibu. It's a reverse tanto, like you like, and also a very fast smooth flipper. It's a button lock, so it'd be fun for you to fidget with like you like doing. And finally, you don't have to worry about any springs failing for blade deployment. It's a button lock so it's ambidextrous. I got one a little while back and love it. I'm sure a good OTF would be alright for ya though too, I just don't have a lot of experience with them.
 
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Welcome to the forums.

Just to be clear, OTFs are legal to own and carry where you live correct? I hate to be that guy but I want to make sure.

I'm not an OTF/auto guy so I can't comment on those.

The good news is that plenty of button of locks have hit the market in the last few months. You can press the button lock, flick it out, press the button and it closes. Easy for one hand operation.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CI...tonewashed-sheepsfoot-blade-black-g10-handles

There is always the Axis lock from Benchmade and the variations since their patent ran out.
 
Do any (or many) of your LEO buddys you work with carry autos? Just curious.
 
K.O.D. said:
I rotate between flippers, front flippers, thumbhole, auto, and OTF. I have 4 OTF's: Heretic Manticore E, Brian Tighe and Friends small Twist Tighe, Hogue Exploit, and Axial Shift. If I had to choose one for duty as an LEO, it would be the Heretic. It and the BT have very minimal play, and it is very robust without being overly heavy and the blade is a nice balance between cutting and stout. However, of the four, it is the most difficult to actuate. It takes a little break in, but its a very short but button/slide.
Click to expand...
Awesome! I’ll check out the Heretic stuff as well. I’ve honestly not heard much about them so I’d never really given them a look.
 
Dergyll said:
I have the 562CF and find the thumbstuds sharp and doesn't work well...the flipper is fine. My Hinderer had the same issue, but broke in alot better and is now butter smooth.

Does protech give you a discount? Why not try a Malibu or similar button lock? Easy to deploy, play with, disengage, and comes in a wharnie bladeshape. Other companies also have button locks you can look at, such as the cormorant, that fits your bill.

I will admit, if I could carry an OTF all the time, I would. The one-handedness of it makes it so much easier sometimes. I carry a little UTX70 with me when I fish, the pointy tip, half serration side makes it extremely handy. You can't beat an OTF in this regard.

My ideal carry would be a small fixed blade and an OTF of some kind...but alas I'm in CT and can only carry autos (double edge knives as well) when I'm hunting/fishing etc.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately protech does not (not that a discount is a deciding factor though). I’ll definitely check out the Malibu. A button lock flipper does sound like it would fit the bill very well. This is how I got sucked into knife collecting before, too many knives looked appealing. Down the rabbit hole I go
 
KUP12 said:
Awesome! I’ll check out the Heretic stuff as well. I’ve honestly not heard much about them so I’d never really given them a look.
Click to expand...
They are made by the son of the owner/founder of Microtech. My Hogue Exploit is nice for lighter, slicier tasks. 99% of OTF's have a little bit of blade play. My Axial Shift and Hogue Exploit both have upward play, ie when you press down to cut, the blade slightly shifts up. My Heretic and BT&F have down play, which is only noticeable if you press down on the spine. The Axial and Hogue also have some minor side to side play.

I do not own a Microtech, I find the Ultratech and its derivatives a bit skinny for their length, and the jimping on the button/slide is quite rough. If they ever make a Star Wars version of their Hera model, I will buy one.

The only thing I don't like about the Heretic is the lanyard hole.
 
K.O.D. said:
The only thing I don't like about the Heretic is the lanyard hole.
Click to expand...

I agree with all of your other points about Heretic, but this one. I think their solution for the lanyard hole at the end of the handle/ part of the glassbreaker is as onobtrusive as possible, and the whole butt of the handle is much better than Microtech's glassbreaker and lanyard hole layout.
 
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