There are arguably a lot more out-the-side knives out there than there are out the front knives, especially in the realm of automatic knives, or autos. 

With that concept being broached, here are 5 reasons an automatic OTF knife might be a better match for you than an equivalent OTS, or out the side, knife. 

They’re Just As Fast If Not Faster

Automatic knives get a lot of press for how fast they are, despite the fact that a skilled user can likely actually deploy a manual knife nearly as quickly if not as quickly as an auto.

With that being said, it has more to do with how the knife opens than it has to do with the mechanism that actually opens it, and it is faster to open an OTF knife than it is to open an OTS knife, regardless of whether it is an auto or a gravity knife. 

The bottom line is it is easier to flick a knife forward in whatever bears it than it is to flick it outward from the side, making an OTF knife just as fast if not faster than an OTS knife. 

Strong Lock Types 

There are some strong lock types among OTS automatics, but some of the locks used in OTF knives are as strong if not stronger considering how they secure the blade in the frame. 

Also, the cool thing about lock strength with an OTF knife is that there is no pivot mechanism and the blade doesn’t fold, so even if the lock does somehow fail, the knife blade will only slide forwards or backwards in the frame. It can’t swing closed on your fingers. 

There’s No Rotational Momentum

Larger blades make more sense as OTF knives than smaller ones, because there is no rotational momentum with an OTF knife, whereas there is with an OTS knife, since the blade has to swing open. 

In an OTF knife, the blade simply moves forward; with an OTS knife, it has to swing open around a pivot point. This eliminates rotational momentum that can slow deployment of the blade, and even in some circumstances make it harder to handle.

There Are Double Action Automatic OTF Knives

Another cool thing about some OTF knives is that some of them exhibit double action. What this means is that the same mechanism that deploys the blade can also be used to retract the blade. 

This substantially increases the utility and usability of the knife as it means that the knife can not just be deployed with one hand, but can be retracted with one hand, making use entirely one handed. 

Cool Factor

Lastly, there’s just the fact that to some people, an OTF knife is just a lot cooler than an OTS knife. Although this is a matter of personal preference, there’s no denying that an OTF knife can have quite a character that’s impossible to overlook.

Here for a New OTF Knife?

In the market for a new OTF knife for your collection, or are you interested in upgrading your EDC loadout with one? Visit True Swords first. Don’t let the name put you off; they do carry a wide collection of battle ready swords and weapons, but they also carry a fairly impressive catalog of fixed and folding knives, including automatics. 

If you’re looking for a new OTF knife they’re one of the best places to check out. Visit their website first and if you have any questions about what they sell or just need a recommendation, get in touch with them directly.

For more information about Defense Umbrella and Realistic Katana Please visit: True Swords.