The Pros and Cons of Using OTF Knives
OTF Knives, or also called an out-the-back knife, folding knife, or telescopic knife, is usually a traditional pocket knife with a closed blade which opens and closes through an opening at the side of the handle. Compare this with most other knives, which either are fixed blade or are folding knives. This OTF knife is usually made of a strong durable knife steel with a smooth non-reflective surface finish.
This type of knife has many benefits and uses including camping, sports, hobbies and home maintenance. Some of the reasons why people choose OTF knives instead of other types are because they are easier to use, safer, faster and quieter when compared to other types of pocket knives. These knives can be easily stored in a pocket, purse or in a backpack without the fear of it coming off while in use. Most of them have blades that fold back into the handle of the knife making it easier to carry and use. Some even come with a built-in thumb hole which allows the knife to be gripped more comfortably when holding it by the handle of the knife rather than the fingers. Click here for more information on the types of blades found in OTF knives.
It is not advisable to use OTF knives that contain regular blades or other spring loaded mechanisms. These can break and cause injury if the incorrect weight or pressure is used on the blade or other moving parts. Always follow all the proper safety steps and use the knife accordingly including ensuring that you hold the knife in a safe and comfortable grip. Make sure to check the length of both the blade and the handle before purchase to ensure that it will fit safely in the hand. This is especially important for automatic knives, as these types of knives may sometimes come with an added feature allowing the blade to be shortened.
Two of the most dangerous uses of OTF knives are opening cans and using them to cut down limbs and pests. Cans are opened by pressing a button, so make sure that this function is available before purchasing. Deadlock is when two knives lock together, so always double check to ensure that both blades are usable. Some models of automatic knife use a slide mechanism to lock when not in use. Some also contain a thumb depressor which allows the blade to slip out of the handle when necessary.
In contrast to the popular spring loaded knife like those found in stores, OTF knives do not contain any mechanical parts which run when pressure is applied to the blade. Instead, they contain two sliding mechanisms that cause the blade to move up and down. While some brands of automatic knife users find this feature inconvenient, others appreciate the ease in opening cans and other objects. If you use your gravity knives properly, you will find the benefits to be well worth the effort.
A great feature that some models of OTF have is an anodized finish. This means that the knife's surface has been phosphate-coated, thus preventing rust from forming on the knife's blade. Anodized knives are generally less expensive than their non-oxide finished counterparts, so an anodized OTF knife is definitely worth checking out if you're shopping for an inexpensive, durable survival tool. Remember that an OTF knife's overall length is directly related to its weight, so make sure that you choose one that is not too bulky or heavy for your purposes.Acquire more here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchblade#Out_the_front_(OTF)_knives.
