Knives often struggle finding a balance between offering something unique or eye-catching and something highly functional. The Cold Steel Ti-Lite Kris manages to perfectly blend the two extremes together.
Way back in 2019, the original Ti-Lite was a Knife of the Week because of its large size and slim design. However, the Kris version takes things to a whole other level.
This Ti-Lite has the same dimensions, including a 6-inch blade, Zytel handle, and impressive reach. What really sets it apart is the blade.
The blade takes inspiration from the asymmetrical Javanese dagger with a wavy edge. The daggers were mostly ceremonial, but they also excelled at self-defense.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When it comes to best everyday carry knives of all time, only a few knives can stake the claim, including the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, CIVIVI Elementum, and the Kershaw Leek.
The latest Knife of the Week has quickly gained a spot on that coveted list.
The Benchmade Bugout is a lightweight folder with a simple yet effective design that disappears in your pocket until you need it.
Some people say fixed blades don’t make good everyday carry knives. Those people have clearly never seen the CRKT Razel.
The Razel boasts the late great Jon Graham’s innovative blade shape that blends together elements from the chisel and the straight razor to create something strong and utilitarian.
The Razel has a 2.97-inch blade that can cut, scrape, pry, and more. With its D2 steel, you know it’ll be tough as nails. The Razel blade shape has long been one of our most unique blade shapes.
Along with the unique blade shape, the knife has Micarta handle scales that feel great in the hand.
Some people think folding cleavers are simply gimmicks, nothing more than a cash grab by Big Knife. Those people have clearly never had one for an EDC.
The original FlatIron was a Knife of the Week back in 2020 because of its versatile design. But this upgraded version is worthy of a second look.
First, let’s extol the virtues of the cleaver design. The cleaver has a strong point that won’t break even in hard use. It’s also versatile for slicing, chopping, and finer tasks. On top of everything, its blade shape is much less aggressive than others with similar attributes (looking at you tanto!).
You can find other blue knives by searching at knife-depot.com, but hopefully some of these will inspire your own blue period.
Kershaw Blur
Let’s kick things off with an iconic EDC from Kershaw. The Blur is available in all types of colors and materials.
This version with navy blue scales and black Trac-Tec inserts is quite a looker.
Hogue Ballista I
The Ballista is a real beauty and one of the best EDC automatics to come out in the past five years (it’s not surprise we named it one of the best new knives of 2022).
This version has blue aluminum scales with a drop point blade, but the Hogue Ballista I available in a few different iterations
Spyderco Resilience
Spyderco went through and upgraded some of the knives on its Value Series of folders named after admirable traits. The Resilience is one of our favorites because it’s much longer with a 4.2-inch blade. It uses S35VN steel and a dark blue FRN handle.
Cold Steel Tuff Lite
Cold Steel is best known for its huge folders, but the Tuff Lite may very well be the best EDC Cold Steel has to offer. This small Wharncliffe-bladed folder uses Demko’s Tri-Ad locking mechanism. This version has an eye-catching blue handle.
KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter
The Dozier Folding Hunter has been a mainstay of KA-BAR, so it’s no surprise this folding hunting knife continues to receive praise and varied colors.
Despite the legal gray areas, automatic knives — often referred to as switchblades — remain some of the most satisfying and effective knives on the market.
For the uninitiated, an automatic knife opens with the push of a button or switch. If you’re curious about how they differ from assisted-opening knives, we’ve got a deep dive on that, here.
We’ve been steadily rounding up the best knives by brand and category, so it was only a matter of time before we tackled autos.
One quick note: This list does not include out-the-front (OTF) knives. While most OTFs are technically automatics, they’ve carved out their own category — and they have their own dedicated list.
Now, let’s get to it. Here are the best automatic knives right now.
1. Buck 110 Auto
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is hands-down one of the most legendary folding knives of all time. The only real drawback? It’s not exactly quick to deploy one-handed.
With a simple press of a button, the classic 3.75-inch clip-point blade snaps open with authority. It stays true to the original with 420HC stainless steel and the reliable lockback mechanism — a combo that delivers rock-solid performance and time-tested durability.
The handle features beautiful Crelicam genuine ebony, complete with brass bolsters and pins, maintaining that iconic look and feel.
Even decades later, the Buck 110 is still a top-tier choice — and the automatic version cranks things up a notch. If you’re looking for upgrades, the Buck 110 Auto Elite steps it up with S30V steel and a G-10 handle. And for something a bit more compact, the Buck 112 Auto is also worth checking out.
2. Kershaw Launch 6
With the Kershaw Launch 15 dropping in 2023, it’s honestly tough to pick just one Launch model for this list — they’re all that good.
But for the sake of variety, we went with the Kershaw Launch 6. This full-sized automatic features a 3.375-inch drop-point blade and a sleek aluminum handle.
Its all-black aesthetic gives it a clean, tactical look that’s hard not to love.
The OTF is a fan-favorite design because it’s so unique with a rich history. Unfortunately, most out-the-front designs are exclusively automatics, which means they’re illegal in many places.
However, there’s an increasing amount of manual OTF knives that skirt the definition of an automatic knife.
One of the best manual OTF knives is the Boker Plus Slike.
This manual OTF is as light as a feather at just 1.27 ounces. Despite its light weight, it features a 2.99-inch dagger blade made from D2 steel.
Getting your first knife is a rite of passage. Whether you’re receiving one or giving it as a gift, it’s more than just a tool—it’s a symbol of trust, responsibility, and a step into maturity. A first knife should be practical, safe, and built to instill good habits. You want something that teaches respect for blades while also being useful and fun to carry.
Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of “first knives” given out—some great, some… not so much. Since writing the original version of this list back in 2012, I’ve not only handled thousands more knives, but I’ve also become a parent. That perspective has completely reshaped how I evaluate a “starter” blade. Maturity, dexterity, and responsibility should all factor into the decision. After all, you wouldn’t hand a Smith & Wesson MAGIC assisted opening knife to a seven-year-old.
So, whether you’re prepping for your kid’s first camping trip or looking for a simple starter knife for yourself or a friend, here are some of the best first knives out there—spanning different styles, price points, and ages.
Let us know your first knife in the comments!
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Tinker
This classic is the go-to starter knife for good reason. It was my first knife and probably yours. The Tinker includes a blade and multiple useful tools, all in a non-threatening, easy-to-carry package. Its compact size and familiar design make it unintimidating for beginners, while its quality ensures it will last for years. If you’re unsure where to begin, the Tinker is a safe bet.
Spyderco Ambitious
Spyderco makes an array of excellent knives that could work well for younger audiences. For example, there’s the Delica or Dragonfly (the latter of which you could get a wooden version as a trainer), but those tend to be a little more expensive.
Therefore, my choice is the Spyderco’s Ambitious, a small but mighty folding knife with a 2.25-inch blade. It features G-10 handle scales, a secure liner lock, and that signature Round Hole for easy one-handed opening. It’s the most compact member of the popular Tenacious family, offering high performance in a kid-friendly size.
The first Spyderco was a revolutionary folder. It had a thumb hole for one-handed opening, a lockback mechanism for strength, and a durable stainless steel handle.
More than 40 years after that first Spyderco folder, Spyderco took many of the design cues from the original while adding quality-of-life improvements.
That resulted in a new yet instant classic called the Spyderco UpTern.
The UpTern actually has a unique backstory. It was inspired by a nonlocking model made specifically for Spyderco’s budget brand Byrd Knives in 2012 called the Tern. However, they upgraded almost everything and put in many of the classic Spyderco design elements.
