How much would I expect to spend for a dead nuts reliable, production (not custom or hand made) OTF Auto pocket carry piece ?

I don't actually know if any OTF knives are not reliable, so forgive me of my ignorance.

So how much for something of reasonable quality, is durable and reliable enough to serve in opening a package, or survive an emergency ?

Are we talking a Benjamin for a reasonable quality production unit without compromising these two requirements ? I'm talking maybe like a CRKT level of quality, or maybe slightly better, nothing fancy, but usable, durable enough, and not expensive. No junk though.

I'm can judge fixed blade knife quality pretty well since I have so many, and some quality folders, but I don't know squat about autos, particularly OTF knives suited for emergency SD.

What do you guys advise ?

Interesting question because dead nuts reliable and OTF aren’t necessarily two things that always happen regardless of cost. That is not to say there aren’t dead nuts reliable OTF knives at every price range. For my OTF knives I have chosen Microtechs and they have all been perfectly reliable. I have a buddy that had one he returned to the factory two times before he sold it. I’m sure others will speak to different knives at different prices points but I will break it down like this…

Budget friendly $50-$150 (S&W, SOS)
Mid range $150-$400 (Hogue, Benchmade, Kershaw)
High end $400+ (Microtech, Heretic, Hawk)

I would stay away from the no name import knives if it is truly going to be used as a serious carry piece.

OTF's aren't necessarily unreliable, but of course there are more moving parts than a simple folder. I would recommend avoiding any cheap ones, and jump right into the entry-mid range (Kershaw, some Microtechs, Guardian Tactical). Once you're in the 250 dollar area then going up will get you certain features (Microtechs ZBP for example), or different materials/finishes.

I'm actually ditching my Ultratech for a Guardian. Just handle size is my main reason, but the Ultratech line is a great point for anyone.

As for any limitations on use, at the end of the day it's a pocket knife. It's not a pry bar, a field knife, or any of those roles. They do carry small in the pocket, will do normal pocket knife things (cutting open boxes, cord/rope, getting a splinter out). Just don't use it to cut food since it'll end up in the action.

Maintenance also tends to be fairly minimal. You don't need to slather grease on like pistol rails, and tend to be better using the lightest coat of oil possible (use a clean rag after oiling to try to remove it all so it's the lightest film left).

I would stick to USA made, just for the fact that most of them have some type of warranty. But I've also had a $30 (China)Lightning that I've had for 10 years that's never failed, but I don't use it much either.

I own a few Guardian Tactical's and a few more Microtech's. You can get in under the $300 mark on both brands, depending on what you want.

I don't have any experience with Hogue, Heretic, or Kershaw, but I have heard nothing but positive experiences all of them. Hawk is way out of my price range.

I haven't heard any good things about Benchmade, and I believe Smith and Wesson are imported.

When I left NY and moved to a new place where autos were legal, I got on an auto knife kick for a while. I won’t do Chinese, so mine were Benchmade & pro tech ( side openers) and a Microtech OTF. I still carry the Microtech frequently. Being left handed the side one Benchmade s were cumbersome. The left hand protect is great but a bit heavy for my EDC needs.
The Microtech has failed to fire when dirty, and I have to oil it and keep an eye on it to ensure reliability. Sent back to factory once for a broken spring.

Honestly when all is said and done, I find manual openers more convenient and as fast or faster than autos

I don’t think I’d put that much faith in any OTF until you get into the $250-$300 range.

Knives Ship free has some Kershaws on sale right now as low as $199, the alway seem to have good prices.

https://www.knivesshipfree.com...earch_query=Otf+auto

$400





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Kershaw Livewire is the cheapest I'd go. It was the first that came out with the dual spring action and they all come with Magnacut steel.

I have been a diehard Microtech collector for many years, & that is what is usually in my pocket. Every one I hvae ever carried has been very reliable, in my opinion they are the standard.

With that said I have just picked up my 3rd Axial Shift v3 & I am in love with everyhting about them. All made in USA (UT), Crazy good warranty, & an action that I sheepishly admit is superior to anything that Michrotech is producing. Might wanna check em out. They are usually Sub $300 when you can find them . . .

This message has been edited. Last edited by: amhaynie,

I've had to send my Microtech back to them twice for what seems to be having the knife fire in pocket while being carried and the blade coming off the track. Disappointing. It now is a safe queen. I am torn between selling it or just keeping it as an example of an OTF.

I have three of those $30 Lightnings and none has ever failed. Have a Guardian Tactical, a Kershaw Livewire, some Microtechs which cost a lot more money and none of them has ever failed either.

Captain127 is correct, IMO, the manual opening knives, flippers, are faster to open from the pocket than an OTF. Perhaps that's because one reaches into the pocked, grabs the knife and, as one pulls it out the index finger goes on the flipper. With the OTF, I find I have to make an adjustment of my hand most of the time before I open it.

I've heard many good comments about the Axial Shift Knives, but have never owned or even fired one. Probably won't as I'm down to a just a few OTFs as a collection and probably won't buy more.

Bob

I have a Benchmade Infidel That's been my OTF for 20+ yrs. If you need it then how much $ is it worth? If I ever need it then the matter will be settled.