An out-the-front knife slides its blade through the front of the handle. Many OTFs are double-action automatics, using a switch to extend and retract the blade; others, such as the Kershaw Kapsule, are manually operated.
This guide compares ten OTF families and identifies the exact versions behind our current product links. Some entries remain historical comparisons because a current buying option is not confirmed. Availability was checked September 17, 2026; product pages carry current prices and stock information.
For a closer look at how different designs work, see our guide to unique knife opening mechanisms.
Current OTF options at a glance
| Exact model | Version linked | Comparison point |
|---|---|---|
| Benchmade Infidel 3300BK | Black-coated D2 dagger; black aluminum | Full-size double-edge design |
| Kershaw Livewire 9000BLK | Black PVD MagnaCut spear point | Current black-blade Livewire |
| SOG Pentagon 15-61-01-57 | Blackout S35VN version | Longer blade and aluminum handle |
| HK Hadron 54012 | Gray handle; black clip-point blade | A different configuration from the original bayonet model |
| Benchmade Claymore 3370SGY | Black handle; partly serrated gray dagger | Different from the earlier green plain-edge version |
| Hogue Exploit 34042 | CPM S30V tanto; gray aluminum handle | Single-edge tanto in a contoured aluminum handle |
Choose the blade shape, edge configuration, opening type and carry requirements before comparing finish or price. Verify the requirements that apply to your chosen model and location.
1. Benchmade Infidel
Current version: The Infidel 3300BK linked here has a black-coated D2 double-edge dagger blade and a black aluminum handle. The current product photo replaces the original roundup image so the finish matches the linked model.
The Infidel is a full-size double-action OTF. Its dagger geometry makes it a different comparison from a single-edge clip-point or tanto: both blade configuration and size deserve consideration when choosing a knife for your intended cutting tasks.
2. Kershaw Livewire OTF
Model update: Product links in this section now lead to the Kershaw Livewire 9000BLK, with a 3.3-inch black PVD-coated MagnaCut spear-point blade and black aluminum handle. The photo and video show the original stonewashed version.
Kershaw joined the automatic OTF category with the Livewire. In 2023, Kershaw released its very first automatic OTF knife to much fanfare.
Kershaw is well-known for its high-quality Launch series of automatic knives and the brand has been exploring manual OTF designs like the Kershaw Interstellar and Kershaw Kapsule. It only made sense for them to merge its knowledge of OTFs and automatics into something amazing.
The result is the Kershaw Livewire.
It has a pretty tried-and-true design that doesn't break barriers. Its aluminum handle is comfortable and durable with welcomed texturing. The current linked 9000BLK version has a 3.3-inch blade with a black PVD coating.
The three main selling points of the knife are its use of MagnaCut super steel, its US-made reliable construction, and its competitive price tag for what it's offering.
Check current price and availability
3. Boker Plus OTF
Historical comparison: A current buying link for this Boker/Hogue model is not confirmed. The linked Kalashnikov below is a separate Boker model.
Boker itself makes some really great OTF knives like the unique Boker Plus USB OTF and Boker Kalashnikov OTF, but its collaboration with Hogue Knives is off the charts.
The simply named Boker Plus OTF is a US-based project that's the result of work with Hogue Knives in Nevada. As you'll see later on this list, Hogue makes some of the best OTF knives on the market.
This knife has a 3.46-inch blade and Boker-inspired texturing on its aluminum handle.
It's just a good and solid OTF from Boker and Hogue.
4. Microtech Ultratech
Historical comparison: The pictured Ultratech 122-10 does not have a confirmed current Knife Depot buying option. It is retained here as a model reference.
You're probably wondering why we took so long to get the gold standard for the OTF. We just wanted to keep you in suspense.
The Microtech Ultratech is widely considered not only one of the best OTF knives, but one of the best knife designs ever.
Simply put, if you have even a passing interest in OTF knives, the Microtech Ultratech is a must-own knife.
The basic version comes with a 3.4-inch dagger blade and an aluminum handle with glass breaker. As you can guess, Microtech makes plenty of variations these days.
There's not much more to say about the Ultratech that hasn't already been said.
5. SOG Pentagon OTF
I've been quite fond of the original Pentagon design from SOG for ages. The old original Pentagon was a boot knife dagger that consistently made the list of best boot knives before SOG ultimately discontinued the knife.
The Pentagon made a triumphant return as a folder, including an Out The Front version.
Unsurprisingly, a boot knife makes a perfect OTF. With the push of the thumb actuator, the long 3.79-inch S35VN blade with fuller blasts out of the aluminum handle.
This has a cohesive blackout design with a black blade, handle, screws, and deep carry pocket clip.
Check current price and availability
6. Hogue Exploit
Current model: The Hogue Exploit 34042 linked here has a 3.5-inch CPM S30V tanto blade and gray aluminum handle. Check its product page for current price and availability.
Hogue makes a few great automatic OTFs that could have been on this list, including the Counterstrike and Incursion. However, the Exploit offers something a little different than the others.
The Exploit we're highlighting features a 3.5-inch Tanto blade with S30V steel. Its gray aluminum handle has a honeycomb-like texturing with contours along the grip.
For being such a robust tactical knife, the knife only weighs 4 ounces and has a slender design.
Check current price and availability for the Hogue Exploit 34042
7. Benchmade Shootout
The Shootout 5370FE uses a Flat Earth-coated CPM-CruWear tanto blade and a black CF-Elite handle. The model is a lightweight alternative to an aluminum-handled OTF.
Check the Benchmade Shootout 5370FE with black CF-Elite handle. The Ranger Green drop-point Shootout is a different version.
Other Benchmade OTFs to compare include the Autocrat 3400BK-1 with OD green G10 handles and the black Phaeton 4600DLC. These are separately identified alternatives, not replacement listings for the Shootout.
8. Electrifying Compact OTF
The Electrifying compact OTF is the budget entry in this comparison. Check the current product page for its dimensions and configuration before deciding whether it fits your intended use.
A low price does not establish the same materials, fit or service support as a more expensive model. We also would not use a product name or a rounded blade-length figure as a guarantee of legal carry.
Check the Electrifying compact OTF
9. HK Hadron
Current version: The HK Hadron 54012 has a gray aluminum handle and a black PVD-coated clip-point blade. It is made by Hogue for HK. This update replaces the original black-handle bayonet version in the shopping recommendation; the two configurations are different models.
The 54012 uses a 3.375-inch 154CM blade and double-action OTF operation. Choose this exact clip-point version if that configuration fits your needs, rather than relying on the Hadron family name alone.
10. Benchmade Claymore OTF
Current version: The Claymore 3370SGY has a black Grivory handle and a partly serrated, gray-finished CPM-D2 dagger blade. The photo and description now match that exact version. The earlier Ranger Green 3370GY-1 was a different, plain-edge configuration.
Its 3.89-inch blade makes it a larger option in this list. Compare the size and double-edge configuration with the smaller or single-edge designs before choosing.
Prefer a manual opening mechanism?
The Kershaw Kapsule 1190 in stainless finish gives you a manually operated front-sliding blade. It is a separate comparison from the automatic knives above.
For more everyday options, see our EDC pocket-knife comparison.
just received the Benchmade Claymore OTF with great anticipation. To my surprise it opened a half inch after multiple tries . Total Garbage.
Returned it as soon as I got it . What a disappointment!
I can’t say much about there OTF knives, but I do know there other knives aren’t anything to write home about. They do a pretty good job with the blades but handle material is cheap plastic, aka water series knives. I do own Benchmade, but they charge a premium price, for at best, a mediocre knife, If you want a high quality OTF knife that won’t cost you $500+ go with Heretic, Guardian Tactical, or Kershaw those are the best three all around solid performers, made in the USA, lifetime warranties, magnacut blades, and around $300. Microtech are probably alright it seems half the people who have them love or hate them and they can be pricy as well.
All of the letters in the hidden word will become green in default mode after you find it. There will be no more challenges for the day, and you’ll have to wait till the next one comes along.
Amazing post!!!!!!!!!!!!!