Best OTF Knife for the Money: Top Picks and Buying Guide
An OTF (Out The Front) knife is a type of pocket knife that has a blade that extends straight out of the handle with a sliding mechanism. This type of knife is popular among knife enthusiasts because of its unique design and functionality. The blade is typically made of high-quality steel, making it durable and long-lasting.
When it comes to purchasing an OTF knife, there are several factors to consider. The first is the blade quality. A high-quality blade will hold its edge longer and require less maintenance. The handle material is also important, as it affects the knife’s grip and overall comfort. Additionally, the size and weight of the knife should be considered, as it can affect its portability and ease of use.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various OTF knives to identify the best ones for the money. We looked at factors such as blade quality, handle material, size, and weight to determine which knives offered the best value.
In this article, we will review the top OTF knives for the money and provide a detailed analysis of each one. Whether you are a knife enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable and functional pocket knife, we’ve got you covered.
Best OTF Knives for the Money
We have researched and tested various OTF knives to bring you the best options for the money. Whether you’re a collector or someone who needs a reliable knife for everyday carry, we’ve got you covered. Our list features knives with different blade lengths, handle materials, and locking mechanisms to suit your preferences. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best OTF knives for the money.
Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife
If you’re looking for an affordable OTF knife, the Kershaw Interstellar is a great option. It has a sleek design with a blackwash finish and a glass-filled nylon handle.
Pros
- The sliding mechanism and button lock make it easy to open and close the blade with one hand.
- The 8Cr13MoV blade is sharp and easy to re-sharpen when needed.
- The bottle opener integrated into the backspacer is a handy addition.
Cons
- The black-oxide-coated sliding button can be difficult to push in at times.
- The plastic push button feels a bit flimsy.
- The blade is on the smaller side at 2.7 inches.
Overall, the Kershaw Interstellar is a solid choice for those on a budget who still want a reliable OTF knife. It’s not the most high-end option out there, but it gets the job done.
KinStore 8” Spring Assisted Folding Joker Tactical Pocket Knife
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable OTF knife, the KinStore 8” Spring Assisted Folding Joker Tactical Pocket Knife is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 440 black coating stainless steel blade is sharp and durable, making it perfect for various outdoor activities.
- The assisted folding feature makes it easy to open and close the knife with just one hand.
- The plastic handle with 3D printing provides a comfortable grip and a unique look.
Cons
- The knife is only available for purchase by individuals who are 18 years old or over.
- Although the knife is relatively lightweight, it may not be suitable for those who prefer heavier knives.
- The clip point blade shape may not be ideal for certain tasks that require a different blade shape.
We recently had the opportunity to test out this knife, and we were impressed with its overall performance. The blade is sharp and can easily cut through various materials, while the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. The assisted folding feature is also a nice touch, as it makes it easy to quickly open and close the knife with just one hand.
One thing to keep in mind is that the knife is only available for purchase by individuals who are 18 years old or over. Additionally, while the knife is relatively lightweight, it may not be suitable for those who prefer heavier knives. Finally, the clip point blade shape may not be ideal for certain tasks that require a different blade shape.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the KinStore 8” Spring Assisted Folding Joker Tactical Pocket Knife to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable OTF knife. It’s a great option for various outdoor activities, as well as everyday use.
Carimee Slim Pocket Knife
If you’re looking for an affordable pocket knife that you can carry around with ease, then the Carimee Slim Pocket Knife might just be the one for you.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- D2 blade is razor sharp and great for slicing
- One-handed flipper and solid liner lock for easy use
Cons
- Handle feels cheap and not very durable
- Blade may need some finishing work to lock up properly
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
We’ve been using the Carimee Slim Pocket Knife for a while now and we’re impressed with its lightweight design. We can easily slip it into our pocket without feeling weighed down. The D2 blade is sharp right out of the box and is perfect for slicing things. We also appreciate the one-handed flipper and solid liner lock, which make it easy to use.
However, the handle feels a bit cheap and not very durable. We wouldn’t recommend using this knife for heavy-duty tasks as it may not hold up well. Additionally, the blade may need some finishing work to lock up properly.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight pocket knife for everyday use, then the Carimee Slim Pocket Knife is a good option. Just keep in mind its limitations and don’t expect it to handle heavy-duty tasks.
NNL Pocket Hunting Knife Outdoor Tactical Knife Christmas Gift
We highly recommend purchasing the NNL Pocket Hunting Knife Outdoor Tactical Knife Christmas Gift for anyone in need of a reliable and affordable OTF knife.
Pros
- The blade is sharp and durable, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
- The foldable feature makes it easy to carry around in your pocket or backpack.
- The handle is made of high-quality zinc material, providing a comfortable grip and added durability.
Cons
- The blade can sometimes get stuck when opening or closing, which can be frustrating.
- The knife is not as high-end as some of the more expensive OTF knives on the market.
- The product care instructions recommend hand washing only, which may not be convenient for some users.
We were impressed with the quality of the NNL Pocket Hunting Knife Outdoor Tactical Knife Christmas Gift, especially considering its price point. The blade length of 9 centimeters is perfect for outdoor activities, and the foldable feature makes it easy to carry around. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the zinc material adds extra durability. However, the blade can sometimes get stuck when opening or closing, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the knife is not as high-end as some of the more expensive OTF knives on the market. Lastly, the product care instructions recommend hand washing only, which may not be convenient for some users. Overall, we believe that the NNL Pocket Hunting Knife Outdoor Tactical Knife Christmas Gift is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and affordable OTF knife.
AUBEY Damascus Pocket Knife
If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile knife, the AUBEY Damascus Pocket Knife is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The combination of high carbon steel, low carbon steel, and VG10 steel in the Damascus steel blade provides excellent cutting performance and corrosion resistance, making it a great slicer for everyday carry or collection.
- The aluminum alloy non-slip handle is solid, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant, with a good grip. The pocket clip works well for securing the knife in your pocket.
- The locking mechanism is well-designed, with a liner lock that safely secures the blade open and prevents unexpected closure. The ball-bearing assist knife allows for flipping the flipper mechanism with ease.
Cons
- The knife may be a bit heavy for some users, weighing in at 4.16 ounces.
- The blade length of 3.54 inches may be too short for some tasks.
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a budget.
Overall, we highly recommend the AUBEY Damascus Pocket Knife for its high-quality materials, ergonomic design, safe locking mechanism, and multi-purpose functionality. Whether you’re camping, fishing, or need a rescue pocket knife in your car, this knife is a great companion for all activities and situations.
YBW sagga Tactical Pocket knife Folding Knives with 440C Blade for Outdoor Camping
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable OTF knife, the YBW sagga Tactical Pocket knife Folding Knives with 440C Blade for Outdoor Camping is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 440C blade is sharp and durable, making it great for outdoor activities.
- The knife is foldable, making it easy to carry around and store.
- The safety feature provides added security and peace of mind when using the knife.
Cons
- The knife may feel heavy for some users.
- The blade may need to be sharpened more frequently than other knives.
- The reset mechanism may take some getting used to.
We’ve had the chance to use the YBW sagga Tactical Pocket knife Folding Knives with 440C Blade for Outdoor Camping on several camping trips, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The 440C blade is sharp and durable, making it great for cutting through rope, branches, and other outdoor materials. The foldable design is also a plus, as it makes the knife easy to carry around and store.
One thing to note is that the knife may feel heavy for some users, especially if you’re used to lighter knives. Additionally, the blade may need to be sharpened more frequently than other knives, depending on how often you use it. However, we found that the knife was easy to sharpen and maintain with a sharpening stone.
Another thing to keep in mind is the reset mechanism. While the safety feature provides added security and peace of mind when using the knife, it may take some getting used to. If the safety feature is tripped, you’ll need to flick the knife down hard with your wrist to reset it.
Overall, we think the YBW sagga Tactical Pocket knife Folding Knives with 440C Blade for Outdoor Camping is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable OTF knife.
FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable OTF knife, the FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The slim tanto blade is made of 7CR13Mov stainless steel, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and great hardness. It’s perfect for puncturing and piercing tasks.
- The black coating stainless steel handle is ergonomic and has a unique texture that allows for a stiff grip. The knife also features a cool window breaker that can come in handy during emergencies.
- The pocket knife is compact and portable, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or backpack. It can handle daily tasks like opening mail, preparing food, and cutting materials like rope.
Cons
- The blade may not be as sharp as some other knives out of the box. However, it can be sharpened easily with a bit of effort.
- The knife may feel a bit flimsy to some users due to its lightweight construction. However, this is a common tradeoff for a compact and portable design.
- The knife may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks due to its slim blade and lightweight construction. It’s best used for everyday carry and light outdoor activities.
Overall, the FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable OTF knife. Its slim design, ergonomic handle, and window breaker make it a versatile tool that can handle a variety of tasks. Plus, with a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service, you can feel confident in your purchase.
Mini RzrTech Spring Assist Pocket Knife
If you’re in the market for a compact and budget-friendly OTF knife, the Mini RzrTech Spring Assist Pocket Knife is a solid choice.
Pros
- The 2-inch drop point blade is made of stainless steel and sharp enough for everyday use.
- The 3.25-inch aluminum handle is lightweight and easy to grip.
- The knife features a pocket clip and spring assist for quick and easy access.
Cons
- The blade is not as durable as some higher-end OTF knives.
- The knife may require frequent sharpening to maintain its edge.
- The overall size of the knife may be too small for some users.
We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of this knife given its affordable price point. The blade is sharp and the spring assist mechanism works smoothly. The aluminum handle is comfortable to hold and the pocket clip ensures that the knife is always within reach.
That being said, the knife may not hold up as well as more expensive OTF knives over time. The blade may require frequent sharpening to maintain its edge, and the overall size of the knife may be too small for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly OTF knife for everyday use, the Mini RzrTech Spring Assist Pocket Knife is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When searching for the best OTF knife for the money, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Blade Material
The blade material is an essential factor to consider when choosing an OTF knife. The most common blade materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and Damascus steel. Each type of steel has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Blade Size
The blade size is another crucial factor to consider when choosing an OTF knife. The blade size will determine the knife’s overall length, weight, and cutting ability. It’s essential to choose a blade size that is comfortable for you to handle and fits your intended use.
Blade Edge
The blade edge is another important factor to consider when choosing an OTF knife. The blade edge can be either straight or serrated. Straight edges are ideal for slicing and cutting, while serrated edges are better for cutting through tough materials like rope or fabric.
Handle Material
The handle material is also an essential factor to consider when choosing an OTF knife. The handle material can affect the knife’s grip, weight, and durability. Common handle materials include aluminum, titanium, and G-10.
Deployment Mechanism
The deployment mechanism is what sets an OTF knife apart from other types of knives. There are two main types of deployment mechanisms: automatic and manual. Automatic knives deploy with the push of a button, while manual knives require the user to manually slide the blade out of the handle.
By considering these key features, you can find the best OTF knife for your needs and budget.