Start Here
- OTF Knives Explained. The mechanism, single and double action, and the difference from a side-opener.
- Types of Switchblades. Every automatic mechanism, sorted.
- OTF Knife Buying Guide. Length, shape, steel, handle, mechanism quality and what to spend.
- What an OTF Knife Costs. What $150, $200 and $300 buy, and what you pay for above that.
- Automatic vs Folding Knives. Whether you need the spring at all.
Length, Hand and Place
- OTF Blade Length. 1.85, 3.5 or 3.8 inches, and the states where it matters.
- Best California-Legal OTF Knives. The under-2-inch automatics.
- Left-Handed Automatic Knives. OTFs for the left hand.
- Best Knife for Gloved Use. Sliders and clips that work in a glove.
- Knives for First Responders and Duty Carry. Glass breakers, gloves, steel, and where the badge exempts an officer.
- The Smallest Switchblade. How small an automatic can go.
The Knives
- A2 Badger. The 1.85-inch D2 OTF and the best seller.
- A5 Spry Mini. The 1.85-inch S35VN OTF with a glass breaker.
- Spry Mini vs Badger. Same size. Steel, handle and price decide.
- A5 Spry. The 3.5-inch everyday OTF in drop point, tanto or double edge.
- A3 Delta Forged Carbon. The side-opening automatic with a safety switch.
- A7 Zastava. The 3.6-inch double-edged OTF.
Owning One
- How to Clean and Oil an OTF. Without taking it apart.
- How to Reset an OTF. When the blade comes off its track.
- The Best Way to Carry a Knife. Clip orientation for an OTF, and where it cannot go.
- Knife Handling Safety. The two OTF habits: point it at nothing, retract before pocketing.
The Law
Every OTF is a switchblade in law. Legal to own in 45 states, banned in five, and restricted when concealed, by length or by age in about a dozen more.
- Knife Laws in All 50 States. One line per state and a full page for each.
- The History of Switchblades. How the bans came to be, and how they are coming off.
- Knife Law Watch. The four cases in court and the recent repeals.
- Ballistic Knives. The one knife banned almost everywhere, and why an OTF is not one.
The Automatics
Two minis for the 2-inch states, the full-size Spry, and the side-opening Delta.
-
-
A5 Spry Mini
Regular price $179.99Regular priceUnit price per -
-
People Are Asking
Is an OTF knife a switchblade?
Yes, in every state and under federal law. A blade that opens by a button, slider or spring in the handle is a switchblade whichever way it travels.
Which TEKTO automatic should I start with?
The A2 Badger: 1.85 inches, D2, under 2.2 ounces, the best seller and legal in California. If you want a longer blade and your state allows it, the A5 Spry.
Are OTF knives legal in my state?
In 45 states to own. Banned in Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Washington. Conditions on concealment, length or age in about a dozen more. The 50-state guide has your state.
How do I fix an OTF that will not fire?
Usually the blade is off its track: pull it fully out by hand until it clicks. If the track is dirty, blow it out and oil it. The reset and cleaning guides cover both.
Single action or double action?
Double action, which fires and retracts with the slider, is the modern standard and what every TEKTO OTF is. Single action fires on a button and is retracted by hand.
