best OTF knife for general daily use

J

jacksonj574

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Dec 11, 2015
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I was wandering what the best OTF automatic would stand up to general daily use in a garage and home repair situation?
 
For that, of the major brands, I'd say the one with the best warranty and return policy.

I never felt like OTF's were real 'workers.' And I don't like the blade wiggle and play most of them have...both cases due to the inherent workings, and sensitivities, of the deployment mechanics.

Get drywall dust in one and forget it....

Maybe someone who knows better than I will have a different opinion.
 
Honestly none. My Benchmade Infidel never really ran that well, and while most of my Microtechs have ran pretty good, if you get one that doesn't their warranty repair service is pretty much the worst in the business. I personally wouldn't recommend an OTF for anything more than a fun toy, or a concealed carry knife, definitely not a worker.
 
OTFs are not meant for hard or dirty use...

Except these ones...

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There are some custom makers that could probably whip up a suitably rugged OTF, but you're looking at $2000+ for something like that. Some of the cheapest high-quality production autos are being made by Kershaw right now through their Launch series - I could easily see those standing up to some rough use.
 
Have seen Halo IIIs take a beating ... tighter lockup than a DA but takes two hands to retract the blade. Depending how rough you are going to use it, nothing beats a small fixed blade.
 
Microtech Scarab series, I have EDC'd one every day for a year now and have never had a single misfire. The Scarab series is way better than the Ultratechs but you have to pay for them with the cheapest option being $400.
 
My dad has used a lightning otf as his edc and he does concrete for a living plus isn't one to baby his knives.

He's used it for 2 years now so far
 
Double sided MT Scarab. And it locks up REAL tight...not like a fixed blade, but it locks up better than most.
 
Regular MT Scarab, not the lesser priced Executive model, I got one off of the exchange and sold my Ultratech's and Combat Troodon. I never had much luck with the Benchmade/HK's...but the MT customer service is legendarily bad so just hope that you never have to send it in for repair.

I also have a couple of Lightnings and they are great for light/medium EDC chores but I am not sure that I would rely on one for hard work.
 
I have several Scarabs, I don't dare touch any of the customs. I have a dagger point that is half serrated on one side, and plain edge on the other. Locks up real tight and have the best of both worlds with the 1/2 & 1/2 blade. For an OTF, it's really hard to beat. It's not the cheapest, but compared to the customs...it's not bad. For EDC, you don't need tritium, titanium hardware, high polish or damascus blades, etc. And since they are still in production, you should be able to find one rather inexpensive. I like the Navy model with the black clip point and tritium button and dust cover...
 
The Deadlock is a great knife, but not one I would consider using it in the garage or at a home repair station. No way. A Deadlock would be used for a classy self defense tool. Some custom Microtechs sell for a great deal more, but it's silly to "USE" these knives/pieces of art when they are that expensive. Like my Microtech knives, I have production versions that I carry and use, than I have custom versions that go under glass. BUT...if you are one that money is no object...by all means, do as you wish. But even if I personally had all the money in the world, I wouldn't use these masterpieces like a hammer. IMHO.


Harry
 
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