In the world of pocket, utility, and tactical knives, one brand that stands out is Benchmade, an Oregon enterprise that has been dedicated to forging steel and other advanced materials into high-quality knives since the late 1980s. A Benchmade OTF knife makes a great gift for individuals who need a reliable, convenient, and highly durable cutting tool; think about hunters, paramedics, anglers, police officers, mechanics, building contractors, and others. OTF stands for “out-the-front,” which refers to the kind of mechanism that deploys the blade in a pocket knife.
Practically speaking, OTF knives are switchblades; however, they aren’t always referred to as such because of carry restrictions in some jurisdictions. If you are in a state that does not have switchblade laws, you wouldn’t usually call a Benchmade OTF knife a switchblade because it has a distinct mechanism allowing the spring-loaded blade to be deployed and retracted at the touch of a button. Technically speaking, OTF knives are automatic. To this effect, Microtech automatic knives are also push-button switchblades, but the mechanism is different because the blade is deployed from a swivel point instead of popping out from the front of the handle.
Microtech automatic knives feature a folding mechanism. The design of OTF knives features more moving parts such as the spring, button, and safety; these parts converge within the blade carrier for quick automatic deployment which is useful in many situations. In essence, when the button or lever of an OTF knife is pressed, the spring is compressed. When the spring is released, it propels the blade carrier forward, thus sliding the blade out of the handle. The safety mechanism prevents the blade from deploying unless the button is activated. The OTF mechanism of is reliable and efficient way; it makes blades more convenient to carry in pockets, toolboxes, or the glove compartment of your car.
To learn more about sharps, blades, and other high-performance cutting tools, visit Viper Tec Knives today and browse through the online catalog of switchblades and OTF knives.
