Aaron, I love your videos, but I'm gonna have to disagree with some points in this one. Yes, price and legality are issues with OTFs, that's just the way it is right now. However, as far as reliability and utility are concerned, I have found that OTFs really stand out in these areas, especially for what I do. Allow me to explain. I've been carrying a Microtech Ultratech for almost a year now. I'm an M1A1 Abrams tank mechanic and my knives get DIRTY - oil, grease, mud, you name it, it gets all over everything while I'm working. Despite this, I've found that my Ultratech has only failed to deploy roughly once every few weeks. Since I fidget with it a lot in addition to working, that's probably close to a 1/1000 failure rate. And every time it fails to come out all the way I just flick my wrist hard and it locks open. Eventually the knife does reach a point where it's dirty enough that it stops deploying reliably and I have to take it apart to clean it. This tends to happen very suddenly, and has consistenly been every 2-3 months for me, which is LONGER than I get out of a regular folder. This is because there is almost no way for debris and gunk to enter an OTF, just a small hole for the blade that normally sits very well protected at the bottom of a pocket. This is something often overlooked with OTFs but it is a big advantage IMHO. As far as utility goes, the ease of deploying/retracting with a simple switch is a total game changer for me. Is it hard to open and close a normal folder? No, but it does take a very small level of dexterity. When my hands are cold, wet, greasy, when I'm bouncing around in a moving vehicle, when I have to use my left hand, or some combination of all of those is happening, anything at all that makes it easier/safer for me to use my knife suddenly becomes a big deal. People are going to misinterpret this so I say again, yes it is easy to open/close a normal folder, all I'm saying is that an OTF is just a little easier, and in many situations that I encounter that is a really big deal. In fact I would say that ease of use is the primary advantage of an OTF. Finally, OTFs are much stronger than most people realize. With a little searching you can find a video of a guy hammering a Combat Troodon into a 2x4, or a BladeHQ video where they baton an Ultratech, plus a few others random ones. In addition to that, if an OTF were to fail, there's no way for it to close on your fingers, further adding to its safety. The mechanism inside is really quite simple. Watch a disassembly video and you will find that it's basically just a switch, a spring, and two locks. Not a whole lot to go wrong, despite what it looks like from the outside. Apologies for the long winded explanation. This is not a personal attack on you or anything against your videos. I just wanted to provide a different point of view so that more people might consider and try out out these awesome knives. Looking forward to whatever is next from your channel!

Got a Lightning for $25. Cheap as heck in all ways possible but satisfies the "need to click" without blowing the kids' college fund.

Living in Florida, it's crazy to hear about a knife being Illegal. Just got a Krate ghost

My first OTF was a $30 Lightning OTF..it is literally been fired tens of thousands of times and has never misfired..I use it everyday as a work knife and it has held up surprisingly well..I have much nicer higher quality knives in my collection (OTFs included) but the Lightning is a perfect work knife 1)it’s only $30 so I really won’t be out much if it breaks,if I lose it or if it is stolen 2)it is surprisingly durable 3)one handed operation..It’s certainly not the best knife to show off although many people are gonna still think it’s awesome because it’s a OTF...lol..it’s a far cry from a Microtech it’s really not fair to compare a $30 knife to a $300+ knife but with that being said,I refuse to bring any of my higher end knives to work to beat up and possibly lose

Akc makes good inexpensive otf’s. So does Lightning.

with any kind of folder, you would wipe off the blade when folding it back in.

I own a microtech Dirac and I love it you do need to keep all otfs clean and oiled you won't regret buying one or two.

I have used my MicroTech OTF everyday for a couple of years. It is ridiculously convenient to be able to deploy and retract the blade with a single hand easily with out trying to manipulate a flipper.

My reason that they suck, is because , once you buy one, you are definitely going to want more. I handled one about a month ago , since then I've bought 7 . None less than $250. 00. They are like crack !!!

I have a guardian tactical recon that I bought a few months ago and it has not failed me one bit! I play with it every time I use it and I use it alot. As long as you take care of your things, they will last. The recon in my opinion is one of, if not the best otf's on the market today! Worth every penny!

I keep an Ultratech in my mountain biking pack. I crash fairly often and I worry that a regular folder might open up and stab me in the back, or worse. I feel a lot more comfortable with a quality OTF in the bag instead. That's just one use case I think is appropriate for this type of knife. I occasionally EDC an Ultratech as well, but it certainly isn't as reliable as a regular folder. Every once in a while mine will fail to deploy. It's easy to just grab the blade and give it a tug to lock it into position, but this is not something I'd want to deal with if I needed the knife in a crisis. For what it's worth I've owned a dozen different brands of OTF knives and the only ones I've kept are Microtech. They are the most reliable, highest quality and most consistent that I've owned. The Ultratech in particular fits my hand well and the action is easy to manipulate. Lastly, I'd like to point out that the blade has very little force when it "shoots out" - people worry that it will stab you as it extends, but it will barely make it through a single sheet of paper held right at the opening. So for example if you put your hand over the knife and opened it, the blade would stop instantly, not go through your hand like many folks may think. Thanks for another great video. Take care.

I would say go with microtech. Also if the blade falls off the track, you can just pull the blade forward and it pops back in place. No need to send it in. Great video

What about cobratec? They start out at like 50$ with D2 steel. Made in Texas. I don't like how if you're cutting something hard the blade can get stuck and stress the springs

So nice of the ruling class to"allow " rights for the peasants.

I’m about to move to america and an otf will be my first knife I’m about to buy because I can’t have them in germany and they just so cool and fun 😄🤗 It’s gonna be a microtech 🤠 Thank you for your opinion 😃

I’ve done some light batoning and some serious prying with my microtech utx 85 and it still works great! And has M390 steel! Cant pry or baton with a folder without creating blade play. That’s the big thing that an OTF can do that I dont do with a folder. But good video!

They are legal here in Illinois. Yes, autos are now legal in the People's Democratic Republic of Illinois......IF you are carrying your state issued FOID card. But you gotta have one for a gun anyway so no biggie.

Fixed blades should be used for food prep or any other "wet'" work. Flippers and OTFs are your utility/defense knives.

Hey man, how do you store your fixed bladed knives?

My Microtech has never malfunctioned and my Benchmade made HK termoil only did once after it was submerged. I may be wrong but you got a really random issue on that knife. I’d also have added that it’s not gonna be a hard user like a cold steel triad (if I spelled that right) lock.

I'm getting an OTF because they can be a double edged pocket knife. Full serration and straight edge in one knife. It's also fast and easy deployment.

I've used my lightning for a lot of stuff around the house. Especially if I have to use a ladder. 30 bucks. Only thing I don't really like is the chisel grind. About 6 or 7 years no real problem.

I'm just up the road from you and yea--since they legalized auto's here I have gotten a few LOL. I have 2 OTF's and found some for the 100 dollar range at the Tanner Gun Show--USA made. I really didn't need one but I had to get at least one for the cool factor since I can--I don't really use it because I have way better knives but it's fun to keep in my desk drawer and just play with it every once in a while

Makes you feel like John Wick watch out for common with his fix blade

Really wish my state wasn't behind the times and would allow us to legally carry autos and OTFs. Someday maybe...

To fix a otf off the track is pull the blade all the way out until it clicks then it should work fine

The reason a lot of knife springs prematurely fail is because people sit there and fidget with them all day and cause excessive wear and tear on the springs unnecessarily. If you open and close it 50 times a day just in playing with it, that is 1500 actuations a month. So yeah i can see why people have to send them back in after a few months for repairs.

Looks like a fun tool to play with, but expensive for what you get. Also, the handles seem to be bulky... But if you like them, that's all that counts.

It can do something other folders and automatic knives can’t do. True one handed operation. It’s just an added convenience. Get a Cobratec. They have a decent price and a lifetime warranty.

I’d say another reason they’re good is because they have 100% one hand actuation.

Everything is legal here in Texas. I have 4 OTFs. Two stilettos, one swinguard, a shell puller, a Benchmade 42 balisong, a buck 110 auto. I have them all in a box on my nightstand and I just grab one on my way out the door. I don't understand the legality aspect. I can deploy my old timer lock back with one thumb as easy as an automatic. And especially with assisted it's a defunct point.

Not the knife I’d want for survival but there just damn cool ya can’t beat how cool an otf is.

First time Alabama has been called "Progressive" 🤣

Otf for your OCD. That's an expensive fidget spinner 😀

Michigan recently legalized them.

Any tips on OTF safety? I cringed @ 2:17. Awesome video, btw. I’m in the market for my first OTF.

I want to get a Marfione/Microtech beard comb ppb account OTF knives being banned where I live. I don't even have a beard, but it's still a cool thing and will be great for playing with.

I got a Microtech UTX-85 in M390. Haven’t had issues thus far.

Holy shit man, I was watching one of your vids and I was looking at your backyard thinking how much it looks like just about any backyard in Colorado. Are you in the Springs?

My main concerns with these, and I have no idea because my state doesn't allow you to carry them, is how safe are they to carry in your pocket? I'd worry about it opening if I bumped the switch or something. Also how durable are they? I feel like the mechanism would be fairly fragile so any kind of prying or heavy use would not be recommended.

Microtech would be my pick, you can get m390 for 275 and they're just the best style

I really like to see some serious reviews of the spanish Muela knives. They're not that cheap, although I have not seen anything about those...

Good video my friend but you forget the blade play. OTFs all have them. Always. But I still love my Halo lol.

I really like my OTF knives. Probably my favorite type

OTF allows for a spear double edge, that's not possible with any other folder.

Grail knife is a Microtech Combat Troodon

I know there is a organization for knife people and they lobby for realistic modern knife laws (kinda nra for knives) but I can't remember who it is and searching the net is not working, do you or anyone here that follows you know the name of the organization? I want to get involved with them and try to get NM's knife laws changed.

I picked up a boker eagle otf for $87 + shipping and I stand by it

Even if the lock fail it ain't gonna close on your fingers, thats what I like about OTFs.

Do you have a video on the bench made that failed

You can buy a very decent quality OTF for $50 - its the F-16 FANTASY OTF. Spent $500 on a Microtech and lost it so will go for the F-16 FANTASY OTF next

Benchmade infidel is around $500. That's Glock money.

I drive a taxi at night So there’s always that danger of being robbed or just shot, (That has happened to me, guy came out of club, shot into my vehicle killing one person and wounding two others, but that’s another story) So I carry two OTF’s , one in each front pocket because that’s where my wallet is and my cash in the other front pocket . The way I see it, it’s better to have them than not. And you can get good ones for just under a hundred dollars

knife laws are just as dumb as gun laws. I drive over imaginary lines to get my good knives.

Has no one on this comment thread actually wanted the multiple torture tests done to Microtech knives. They’re the real deal.

And thank you for all the great videos

In California it's legal to own any knife and it's legal to carry almost any one as well. None the less double action otfs are still illegal to carry. Single actions with the blade actuator attached to the blade are legal just like a box cutter

Recently purchased my first OTF, microtech ultratech SE. OTF'S aren't worth it. Get yourself a good automatic like a Claymore.

My lightning otf is solid and very good quality, did i mention its only 30 bucks.

There aren't enough good reasons for me to pay for an OTF. Thanx for the video my Bladed Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲

OTF knives are really not for food. But I also clean my other knives

If they fall off track pull the blade all the way out until u hear a click. Boom

How is access ability not on a here as a reason to buy one? For self defense, what better knife can you buy? If someone bear hugs you or you're semi trapped in a car wreck. This style knife can save your life! It only needs the length of the blade and 3 fingers to open. I carry a double edged microtech. I think it 100 percent worth the money to own at least one QUALITY otf.

Sweety, it's more like if you're using if for anything other stabbing people and Pit Bulls you're going to foul them up, they're for combat.

I got a microtech ripoff for $45 on dhgate and it is so much higher quality than any $45 knife I’ve ever owned. If anyone is interested in OTF but the price turns you away I would highly consider that route. I’ve been fiddling with it for weeks and haven’t had a single issue. Sharpened it and tightened the screws after I got it and it’s been a dream. Surprisingly smooth. Probably 80% of what the real ones are like for 1/5 the price. After a sharpen and letting it get broken in a bit I couldn’t tell the difference unless I had them side by side.

The Pheaton and the Hadron is the exact same knife, literally the same design, from when Benchmade manufactured H&K knives. And now Boker is coming with there version of the same knife

My coworkers get mad at me all the time at work cause of messing with my otf.

One arm men love them.

I keep ALL my knives ultra clean,I NEVER go without drying a wet blade-tool steels will rust easy

The Joker threatens Gambol with Microtech Combat Troodon .... Nuff said

Benchmade as a whole is NOT what it used to be. I've paid enough money in shipping back knives (and travel to the dealer since they were autos).....to buy several top end blades.....like Hinderers or the like. I have three BMs left in my collection....and if I could get a good offer on them I'd let them go in a minute..... Presidio 2 Auto, CF Elite, and a BO 535GRY-1..... Once I get rid of them I'll never have another.... It'll be Spyderco, Kershaw, Cold Steel, Zero Tolerance, and Hogue...... No more butterfly tax for this white boy.

One more thing bro reason number one not the only one really should be reason number two why you should no one else has that's the cool Factor peace my brother

Böker has some otf for less than $100 FYI.

Your uses are limited and an otf is expensive! Cool factor is high enough to buy 1 or 2.

The only thing an OTF is good for is opening and closing it. I hate them cause of the reasons talked about, but number 3 is the best reason not to buy one. They Fail too often.

easiest blade to deploy wearing gloves.

You need to try a Microtech Combat Troodon. It will change your life. I see folks mentioning problems with Microtech customer service in the past. In the pat year they’ve really turned it around and are doing well. Anyone that got burned in the past should revisit. A fun inexpensive otf is the Lightening. The are made in Taiwan, but I’ve clicked mine thousands and thousands and thousands of times and it’s never failed. They run $30-40. They are a great gateway into the otf world. The AFC F16 is also a good entry otf. They are addictive. You’ve been warned.

I had a microtech ultratech break and fail after about a month I just got mad and threw it away! Too many working parts. I went fixed blade with a couple of awesome knives like a WINKLER belt knife, and a Dynamis alliance Revere ( made by WINKLER) , and a TOOR darter in Ranger Green.

U get what u pay for. Microtech all the way! Not a lot of moving parts. A slide and a spring.

2 gates 3 springs 1 blade and 1 plate. That's not alot of parts.

Cobratec is a budget otf

Legal in 44 states. That's not "a lot of places" that won't let you own them.

HK stands for (Hogue Knives)...it's not a collaboration with H&K. 😂

None of the cons are truly valid points. You missed the most important pro of the otf - fast deployment. Also they are tons of US made good otfs under $150 on the market, and even the higher end Microtech are not that bad price wise, they are in par with the same blade length midtechs if not cheaper.

Operating a OTF is like shucking a pump shotgun , addictive

They are illegal in most places to carry. I'll stick with my ZT or Emerson.

OTF’s have their purpose, they’re not going to chop wood but good for emergencies.

Better an OTF than an OTB

First time viewer. Great job!

They are cool looking and good for playing with but it’s a knife for cutting 🙂

let me tell you a story about my peanut butter nightmare

It’s a $300 FIDGET toy that cuts. I’ve always wondered how strong OTF knives are. I wonder what the guts look like too? Are there any good dissecting videos for these knives?

You forgot sticky( opening boxes)

300 ? Iv got two otfs. One is single the other is double action and I payed less than 50$ for them

People who have limited hand mobility can benefit from these knives.

How can you do a vid on otfs and not have a Microtech ?

We will ship to most states 😊GearBarrel.com. Good thoughts!

Hey remember You can't baton with them, not every knife is built for Bushcraft, some are built to use to eradicate an enemy

I had a Microtech and it was very smooth never a single failure. That being said it is a very expensive fidget spinner. I sold mine for a nice profit!!

My “needs” as as knife buyer were over years ago, maybe 40 knives ago!! I live in rural upstate New York as far from NYC as it gets, still NYS law says NO to the OTF, not to mention a magazine over 10….thanks you Albany…..not. Truthfully an OTF to me is just a category to check off on my knife hobby list which is all the rationale I require. I have autos and think they are a good EDC, so are all of my other knives, the laws are ridiculous and prevent little of what those who support that perspective hope to achieve, like firearm laws these only people who are controlled by the laws are citizens who are law abiding to begin with, the criminal will find and use anything legal or not. The OTF’s I see online seem cool and fun to fidget with, so naturally I will one day have one but, the blade shapes and general ergos of the standard OTF look less functional for many knife tasks I come across as an outdoorsman, hell my $40.00 Rat1 is probably a better user, which brings up the cost!!!! Ouch. I know there are “cheap OTFs” and not . Of course I would prefer the higher quality but for the functionality of the OTF at that higher price point is hard to justify for me unless I was some sort of combat pro or a gang banger, even then a knife is at best a secondary line of defense and a good old fixed blade or any old auto or just pick almost any cold steel model. I will gladly spend a hundred bucks on an OTF just so I can push that button, but that’s as much as I’d go for my curiosity.