The internet has convinced me I need an OTF. Think about it. I can't carry cheap Chinese GMRS radios without an expensive knife.

Now, I already have an assisted Kershaw Black Wash, courtesy of a Karma from 226RN, and I have never been a fan of flip open autos, so in the pushbutton realm, only OTF works. I also understand that OTF doesn't mean Auto Stabby Thing, and that there is no penetration with the blade as it's purely an opening mechanism.

I have used the HK OTF, and like it. It seems to be made by Hogue, who also has their own line.

I have looked at Microtech Ultratech knives as well.

I won't buy a Benchmade out of principal.

My preference is for a drop point with some serrations near the handle (Microtech yes, apparently Hogue, no) but that's not a deal breaker. (ETA) I'm not looking for something longer than 3.5 inches or so, this needs to be a pocket clip knife for utility and defense use, not a heavy hunting or work kinfe.

Which is the better knife? I will only be buying one until the bank account is over 7 figures. Are there others I should consider?

Thanks for your help, you bunch of enablers! I love this place.

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

Well, the good and/or bad news is the serrations pretty much limit you to Microtech on the whole, and I don't know why. If anyone does, please post below. They're about the only one that constantly manufacturers OTFs with serrations.

The Ultratech is a very solid choice. The Tanto serrated might be worth a look as well as their Tanto has a very aggressive angle compared to most. The other thing not mentioned in your post is how big of a knife are you looking for?

The only other knives I can think of that hit your wants is the Guardian Tactical Scout and Recon line ups. They'll be much easier to fire and smoother than the Ultratech and depending on size will also be less expensive.

https://www.bladehq.com/cat--G...n-Tactical-USA--2054

No matter which knife you go with unless it's a Heretic Colossus or a Microtech Scarab 2, something that will be a live saver is Dragon Grips Clear Hexagons for extra grips since hardly anyone textures their aluminum scales.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/...4D0A640?ref_=ast_bln

Thanks. Original Post edited to add 3.5 inch or so pocket carried knife.

Also look at Guardian Tactical

I like Hogue knives but their return policy for OTFs is stupid. They offer lifetime sharpening but OTFs have to be sent to them through the dealer you purchased the knife from. Also has to be returned to them when completed. This goes for any repair service also.

Take a look at Guardian Tactical and the Axial Shift.

Guardian tactical-good choice, IMO, and I am carrying an 025, tanto, red handle and DLC coated blade today since I am headed to Church in a bit (our Missions week) and a larger one is slightly inconvenient.

In the safe I have an 035 which I like less than the smaller 025, but it is better known. There are larger ones, too, but I have never seen one in person.

Lightnings are available, multiple colors for the bodies, tanto, dagger or drop point blades and serrations, either all the cutting edge or, as I prefer, only partially serrated. I have two, a red and a black and the good part is their price is about $39.95 and, I remind myself every time I buy a Microtech, they seem to work and work and work....

Ultratechs are, for me, very hard to open so I am staying clear of them (on the wagon, so to speak, for a good 5 days now).

I've got a Benchmade coming, but it's from another collector as I try to avoid giving the company or their dealers any of my $.

Hope you find just the one you want, lots to choose from.

Bob

I like my Guardian Tactical Recon a lot more than my Microtech Ultratech. The action feels better, the factory edge is definitely better, and they use normal Torx fasteners which makes opening it up to clean out any gunk that might accumulate in there easier. I've got the Recon 35 which is a very handy sized 3.5 inch blade.

Something I noticed is that Guardian Tactical has a new model in the Scout lineup that would be perfect for you:

https://www.bladehq.com/item--...l-Black-Serr--194594

Originally, the Scout came out last year with a Carbon Fiber inlay and cost around $400. This new model linked above has a textured aluminum scale with everything else the same for $275. It even has 3 carbide ball bearings at the rear to act as a glassbreaker instead of the wart sticking out of a Microtech or Hogue.

Thanks for all the suggestions. That Guardian Scout looks really nice.

Another OTF that gets good reviews is the Kershaw Livewire.

The Scout is a kickass looking OTF. Please let us know how you like it.

I hate it when I see these threads, I too am in NEED of an OTF.
Don't know why I have never got one?

Well, good on them for finally making one in the Ultratech form factor, but a giant thumbs down for asking an extra $125 for a plain edge over the partially serrated. Ugh.

quote:

Originally posted by P220 Smudge:
Well, good on them for finally making one in the Ultratech form factor, but a giant thumbs down for asking an extra $125 for a plain edge over the partially serrated. Ugh.

If you're talking about the Scout, they don't charge an extra $125 for a plain edge unless you want one with Carbon Fiber scales. This guy is the same $275 as the serrated is.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--...-Al-Black-SW--194593

quote:

Originally posted by SIG228:
Another OTF that gets good reviews is the Kershaw Livewire.

I have a Kershaw Livewire. It is a great knife. Mine does not have any serrations on the blade, I realize that is a personal preference, as my previous assisted opening knife did have them...and I don't miss the serrations.

I just picked up yet another Microtech. No regrets at all. Sits in my uniform pocket kind of weird, but I can deal with it.

Next is probably going to be the Guardian Tactical or a Heretic

After getting one of the newer dual spring Microtechs, I see very little reason to go with a Guardian Tactical. The Guardians are hard to find and with few exceptions are very slick. Heretic has also started making the Manticore with Frag milling on the scales.