OTF

OTF knives, from the English "out the front," are spring-assisted designs where the blade slides out directly from the front of the handle. The movement is linear thanks to a spring and guide grooves, controlled by a slider or button. This principle allows for an extremely quick transition from idle to working mode without having to open the knife with both hands or perform a complex wrist movement.

The handles are usually made of light metal alloys, titanium, or modern composites. The construction must withstand the stress of the spring mechanism and repeated shocks when extending the blade, while at the same time not feeling cumbersome. The surface finish often combines roughened or milled elements for a firm grip and design details that emphasize the technical purity of the tool.

The blade has different profiles depending on its purpose: spear point for universal use, tanto for penetration, dagger for symmetrical cuts. High-hardness and corrosion-resistant steels ensure a long blade life. Modern coatings, such as DLC or titanium nitride, reduce friction, protect against moisture, and give the surface a matte or satin finish.

Safety features are an important part of the whole. The locking mechanism prevents accidental extension when carried, and some designs also use a system where the blade releases on contact with a hard obstacle and remains in an inactive position to prevent damage to the internal spring.