THANK YOU! I'm not a big "torture test" fan for most things because it's often unnecessary but I'm buying a Microtech OTF to actually use as a daily cutting tool and 99% of all Microtech reviewers clearly don't even plan to ever use the knife so finding any kind of wear and tear and daily use feedback is next to impossible. Your testing is obviously a bit over the top but it definitely showed that these things can take a lot heavier use than I was even hoping for. That is a tough little SOB. Thanks for providing the info!
Thanks for the great comments always appreciate that. Hope you enjoy your new purchase. What color /model you going to get if you don’t mind me asking?
@@IY6C UTX-70 plain D/E , tan handle. Certainly the least robust of the lineup but I want mine for a shirt pocket, easy to use shop/studio knife. I slightly would have preferred the single edge but wasn't available and on a knife this small I don't think the double edge will bother me. Basically going to use it for cutting art paper, canvas, a wood marking knife, and general light shop duty.
@@IY6C thanks for the video. I've never spent more than 60 bucks on a knife and for some odd reason just felt I really wanted a microtech utx 70. Videos like this help make the choice easier as I will be using it daily.
@@MikeDiaz1484 lol nice one, tools not jewels haha. I'm surprised microtech service dept even has work to do since the majority of people keep them as a safe queen and never use the blade or anything
J, I need one! Thing is, nowhere to be found in Europe. Not allowed as if I would give a shit, so.....can you help? Advise, maybe.... something else?! Thanks for your reply....👍
@@pinopino1086 if automatic knives are generally restricted in your Country, then you will have no chance to get one. Some Countrys also have special rules, and if the blade of the knive is under 5cm they are alowed. Microtech has the utx 70 ca ( California legal ), blade under 5cm
I never bought one of these bc to be honest I just didnt think they was robust enough never thought it would survive the hamming through a 2by4 sir you just made them sale and a customer thanks!
Badass! I never seen a torture test on an OTF before and it kept me from buying one. Now I think that I may be picking one up some time soon.. thank you for the good vid.
WowThis is exactly what I wanted to see. I just bought my utx-85 a couple of weeks ago and I've been secretly wondering how tough it would truly be in a SHTF situation. Nice to see it would hold up to a beating. I cannot believe you cross batoned a 2X4 with this thing... 😅. Wow!
You made me a believer. Just bought my first microtech utx-85. Waiting for it to arrive. Sucks that I'm spending the majority of my day refreshing the tracking waiting for it lol
I started getting back into OTF knives a few months back after many years of being interested in other things and quickly heard all about how great Microtech knives are and how they're worth the multi-hundreds of dollars demanded for them! Being cheap by nature I recoiled from such extravagant expenditures for a "knife"! Granted one can get by with a Grindworx Atomic Defender because most of us just aren't likely to treat our knives the way they are torture tested, but there's something more to it. The MT knives aren't just built tough enough to survive being hammered through a 2x4, they 'are also quite small for their blade size thanks to premium materials. This means they're light...not just "lighter" than other knives but seriously LIGHT weight which translates directly into easy carry because they don't weight the pocket down! So today I received my brand new UTX-85 with distressed Red finish and DE blade of 204P steel. this thing is light, but projects a RAZOR sharp dagger blade a measured 3.1" long which is the same as much larger, heavier, bulkier, "budget" knives. The biggest difference can be instantly seen on any of the many disassembly videos - massive front and rear blade locks set into perfectly sized recesses that provide tremendous support for the blade - clearly evident in this video and others! the UTX-85 is just 4.1" long sans glass breaker, 4.3" with, and quite slim and compact, yet quite adequate to a sudden SD situation. I have to admit that I've become a MT "convert"...guess I'll go get my robe with the claw logo on the back and start attending fanboy religious services!
First of all..... thanks for bleeding for us. Lol. I am more and more impressed every time y'all do these videos. I don't think any other OTF knife would survive the nail test. Great video
Nice Video there Sir! I am thinking very seriously about buying a couple of theses knives, not sure if I will also do a review, but I enjoyed yours. 💯👊🥳😎👍🇺🇸. Beretta Sr.
Thank you they are a great knife for sure also the folders are extremely tough
5 лет назад
I'm glad you guys make these videos. UTX is a little small for my taste but it's nice to see that while microtech knives aren't cheap you're still getting what you pay for
@@IY6C sweet I'll check them out. Have 2 ultratechs but more for collecting as I cant really carry them in Cali. Still be nice to know how tough I could be on them.
These are apparently great little knives. I had been on the fence about one for a while but everybody seems to baby theirs or only collect the case queens. I always heard great things about them but had limited trust for OTF’s in general. I saw your videos last week. My UTX-85 came in this morning. It sounds like others feel this way too, I appreciate you being willing to do this to these knives despite their cost so we can see their quality. I’m sure, despite you constantly beating on their shit, Microtech appreciates it too lol
Yes they are great. they are expensive. i live in europe. but this video is proof. that they are worth it. I have a UTX-85 / Ultratech Bounty Hunter / Makora 2 . expensive but well worth their money
Absolutely love my utx 85,I have hundreds of knives but the utx 85 is the one that gets most pocket time, so handy for everyday stuff, but tough enough to go beyond that if needed, no sales pitch needed!
Never bothered with Microtech until watching these torture tests, I have three now, one that I thump on with daily hard use just to see if it will fail me, hasn’t failed yet.
What a great testimony to an American legacy of 25 years. If anyone has a doubt regarding the durability of a quality American made double action OTF, here’s your proof.
Honestly, it shocks me how durable these knives are. I was always skeptical about blade go in on its own in otf knives, and some brands might, not microtech.
Rem oil is teflon based, and just leaves a slight film after it is wiped off. So it doesnt bead up like other lubricants. I use it on my guns and the carbon wipes off with a paper towel, no brushes or picks needed.
Just picked one up and was always curious if they were a “looks cool” piece or it could stand up to some work and you showed me it could so that’s great. Appreciate the video 👍🏻
my microtech did not come razor sharp i had to sharpen it with the kme now its razor sharp i love the knives i just think they need a different angle on the edge
thanks! liked and subscribed. ordered the 70series cause i think i'll actually carry--lighter and smaller. i'm more of a big folder afficionado, but i usually just have a ladybug h1 on my key chain.
Only issue with these knives is the pocket clip is kinda weak. Had it fall outta my pocket a couple times and not notice while in the field in the army
I'm out now but I always put it between the webbing on my plate carrier or clipped to a pouch. But skull dragging and other shit we do is enough to take out even the most substantial clips.
That’s awesome, I love your guys videos on the microtechs. I just found your guys videos and you put them through hell. I was skeptical at first, didn’t want to drop that much money on a knife, but after seeing your videos they seem well worth it. Great quality, strong and durable. Look like they’ll last forever if taken care of right. Thinking on ordering a UTX-85 or a ultra tech. Thanks for the torture test videos. Microtech should sponsor you guys for promoting their stuff lol
Every once in a while there is a smart ass to tell me to get a fixed blade for self defense. With knives like this I don't need it. Not even for fast deployment and/or strength because I can always deploy this in the closed position as an improvised kubaton.
Maybe those smart asses mean opening problem as you saw after dragging test. That is why fixed blade is superior. Sometimes I am surprised what kind of mess is caught in my pocket knive.
@@ggrandcz you haven't paid attention to the second part of my comment. What if my technique its to deploy the folder in the closed position as an improvised kubaton? What can fail in this case? How fast its my deployment?
The only question I can't find the answer to is this: I'm a diesel mechanic I'm constantly dealing with fluids and oils. From opening oil filters and boxes, to cutting hoses. Would this knife be a good knife to use daily for my work. I've been using my Benchmade grizzly ridge for 3 years and I've never had a problem.
Your biggest issue would be keeping all that grime from getting into the knife and gumming the mechanism up. Since oil tends to attract more grime, especially in the pocket, you might be better off using a normal folder. Of course, you can carry an otf if you want, or carry one outside of work.
As much as I enjoy the mechanical genius of DA OTF knives, I can't see ever carrying one as a serious defensive/offensive choice on the street, because real life situations won't suffer a failed blade deployment. A SA OTF is acceptable because they fire hard and lock. One of my most reliable knives is a "cheap" $20 SA OTF "Joker" knife with cast zinc-alloy handle and simple, 440 stainless blade. It's no more complex than a spring-loaded release button and a drive spring, and while being deployed in near contact might prevent the blade from opening fully, the constant spring pressure will carry the blade into lock the instant the knife is clear, and that's the important distinction between DA and SA OTF knives. That's why the Halo V is an excellent choice for a big-blade CQB knife because is has the same properties as all SA OTF knives...even if the blade is interrupted on opening, it will continue to deploy once the obstruction is cleared. Regardless of whether one chooses a SA or DA, the proper deployment direction is straight down to insure gravity is working for you. A major problem with OTF knives is inadequate blade length for CQB. Sure, 3.5" is fine if you're really going to use it to open envelopes and cut boxes open, and cut small diameter cord and rope, but a "Fighting Folder" should not be expected to do any of those jobs well, or at all, as long as it's primary mission is fulfilled. This is why Italian-style stilettos have been around forever and aren't in any danger of being displaced by overpriced, alloy handled, short-blade knives. Being long and thin, stilettos are fairly easy to carry and conceal, yet can deploy a blade 6" or longer that is built to do one thing - stab deep and cut internal structures. A deep stab-wound to the torso IS a medical emergency...several in rapid succession is a trip to the morgue.
Great thoughts and would like to add the body isn’t a solid object, so the act of stabbing hard will most likely penetrate beyond the blade length so although important there are many factors. It can become a circular discussion esp with what clothes the person is wearing, so just adding to what you mentioned as well.
OTF knives should be trained as one would with a gun. The user should be aware of potentials for malfunction and how to assess and fix malfunctions quickly and safely.. The benefits of an otf outweigh the cons. Pros: more portable than a fixed blade. Means more likely to carry. Unlike a folding knife, can be deployed one handed. Unlike an auto side eject, it's ambidextrous. Cons: more complex. Can fail like a gun. Requires training.
THANK YOU! I'm not a big "torture test" fan for most things because it's often unnecessary but I'm buying a Microtech OTF to actually use as a daily cutting tool and 99% of all Microtech reviewers clearly don't even plan to ever use the knife so finding any kind of wear and tear and daily use feedback is next to impossible. Your testing is obviously a bit over the top but it definitely showed that these things can take a lot heavier use than I was even hoping for. That is a tough little SOB. Thanks for providing the info!
Thanks for the great comments always appreciate that. Hope you enjoy your new purchase. What color /model you going to get if you don’t mind me asking?
@@IY6C UTX-70 plain D/E , tan handle. Certainly the least robust of the lineup but I want mine for a shirt pocket, easy to use shop/studio knife. I slightly would have preferred the single edge but wasn't available and on a knife this small I don't think the double edge will bother me. Basically going to use it for cutting art paper, canvas, a wood marking knife, and general light shop duty.
@@IY6C thanks for the video. I've never spent more than 60 bucks on a knife and for some odd reason just felt I really wanted a microtech utx 70. Videos like this help make the choice easier as I will be using it daily.
no name I carry my Ultratech bounty hunter and my Troodon hellhound and use them both. They are tools not jewels. They do look good too though. Lol
@@MikeDiaz1484 lol nice one, tools not jewels haha. I'm surprised microtech service dept even has work to do since the majority of people keep them as a safe queen and never use the blade or anything
The fact that you can baton one of these through wood across the grain and it’ll still be fine really says a lot about how good these are
Alright, so a $250 knife is safe to open packages with! Glad I bought my 7th one!
J, I need one! Thing is, nowhere to be found in Europe. Not allowed as if I would give a shit, so.....can you help? Advise, maybe.... something else?! Thanks for your reply....👍
@@pinopino1086 if automatic knives are generally restricted in your Country, then you will have no chance to get one. Some Countrys also have special rules, and if the blade of the knive is under 5cm they are alowed. Microtech has the utx 70 ca ( California legal ), blade under 5cm
@@Toppe_rHonda
Thanks, but I still think I can get one. Somewhere...maybe outside my country. France. Germany. Belgium. Who knows?! I'll work it out.💪
@@pinopino1086 Good Luck, hope you get one😉
@@pinopino1086 I have an idea of how to get you one of these.
I never bought one of these bc to be honest I just didnt think they was robust enough never thought it would survive the hamming through a 2by4 sir you just made them sale and a customer thanks!
Badass! I never seen a torture test on an OTF before and it kept me from buying one. Now I think that I may be picking one up some time soon.. thank you for the good vid.
You are welcome check out my Microtech playlist I have of other knives
WowThis is exactly what I wanted to see. I just bought my utx-85 a couple of weeks ago and I've been secretly wondering how tough it would truly be in a SHTF situation. Nice to see it would hold up to a beating. I cannot believe you cross batoned a 2X4 with this thing... 😅. Wow!
You made me a believer. Just bought my first microtech utx-85. Waiting for it to arrive. Sucks that I'm spending the majority of my day refreshing the tracking waiting for it lol
GREAT!!!Just what guy's need to see one of my favorite knife companies great build and kick ass quality.
I started getting back into OTF knives a few months back after many years of being interested in other things and quickly heard all about how great Microtech knives are and how they're worth the multi-hundreds of dollars demanded for them! Being cheap by nature I recoiled from such extravagant expenditures for a "knife"! Granted one can get by with a Grindworx Atomic Defender because most of us just aren't likely to treat our knives the way they are torture tested, but there's something more to it. The MT knives aren't just built tough enough to survive being hammered through a 2x4, they 'are also quite small for their blade size thanks to premium materials. This means they're light...not just "lighter" than other knives but seriously LIGHT weight which translates directly into easy carry because they don't weight the pocket down!
So today I received my brand new UTX-85 with distressed Red finish and DE blade of 204P steel. this thing is light, but projects a RAZOR sharp dagger blade a measured 3.1" long which is the same as much larger, heavier, bulkier, "budget" knives. The biggest difference can be instantly seen on any of the many disassembly videos - massive front and rear blade locks set into perfectly sized recesses that provide tremendous support for the blade - clearly evident in this video and others!
the UTX-85 is just 4.1" long sans glass breaker, 4.3" with, and quite slim and compact, yet quite adequate to a sudden SD situation.
I have to admit that I've become a MT "convert"...guess I'll go get my robe with the claw logo on the back and start attending fanboy religious services!
First of all..... thanks for bleeding for us. Lol. I am more and more impressed every time y'all do these videos. I don't think any other OTF knife would survive the nail test. Great video
I bought this knife after this review.
Ngl at the start of the vid you hammered it clear through the wood and I’m sold
Thank you for really testing these tools.
Kelly Joplin thank you glad you enjoyed the video
Better you testing than me. Makes me glad I purchased one, thanks!
Just bought a UTX-85. I freaking love it
I got a full size ultratech with the same colors and without the serrated edge
Nice Video there Sir! I am thinking very seriously about buying a couple of theses knives, not sure if I will also do a review, but I enjoyed yours. 💯👊🥳😎👍🇺🇸. Beretta Sr.
Thank you they are a great knife for sure also the folders are extremely tough
I'm glad you guys make these videos. UTX is a little small for my taste but it's nice to see that while microtech knives aren't cheap you're still getting what you pay for
I did a review on the Ultratech a bit bigger also
@@IY6C sweet I'll check them out. Have 2 ultratechs but more for collecting as I cant really carry them in Cali. Still be nice to know how tough I could be on them.
After the nail test I was sold
i cant believe you did this, but its certainly worth a watch
Wow, never knew they were that tough! Getting an ultratech for my next knife
Wow... Fantastic review, I'll have to SAVE up
Appreciate the comments they work great.
This video sold me, I got one 2 months ago. U won’t be disappointed
Thank you for testing! I’m sold on it!
Love the vid. Also the part where you read the s/n out loud and than show us and you said 8 when it’s a 9 😂.
These are apparently great little knives. I had been on the fence about one for a while but everybody seems to baby theirs or only collect the case queens. I always heard great things about them but had limited trust for OTF’s in general. I saw your videos last week. My UTX-85 came in this morning. It sounds like others feel this way too, I appreciate you being willing to do this to these knives despite their cost so we can see their quality. I’m sure, despite you constantly beating on their shit, Microtech appreciates it too lol
Yes they are great. they are expensive. i live in europe. but this video is proof. that they are worth it. I have a UTX-85 / Ultratech Bounty Hunter / Makora 2 . expensive but well worth their money
@@johncarter6238 Yeah, I got a UTX-85 like one day after watching. Been carrying it daily since, and it's sturdy.
“Child napkin” I’m stealing that one thank you very much!
Very impressive... based on the obvious reasons micorech will be my preferred next weapon.
great product Jons you will enjoy
I think the UTX 85 is my favorite size of Microtech. Good shit
Yes
I actually watched Jason do the nail test in person in Germany a couple years ago, and that's all I needed to see to be convinced to buy it.
"We have a bleeder" LOL
Xcellent demo (demonstration or demolition). I'm sold. You nut!
Absolutely love my utx 85,I have hundreds of knives but the utx 85 is the one that gets most pocket time, so handy for everyday stuff, but tough enough to go beyond that if needed, no sales pitch needed!
Never bothered with Microtech until watching these torture tests, I have three now, one that I thump on with daily hard use just to see if it will fail me, hasn’t failed yet.
Microtech knives maybe expensive but they will last a lifetime. Thanks Rick for the torture test. Have a good one.
Joaquin -Jack Nava thank you yes tough as nails
Excellent test, no sparing of the rod here. However there are company’s that make stone wash machinery. Thanks for sharing!!
That’s right, you can technically baton with a UTX-85.
I just bought one today. I am very excited to receive it. Mine is red with a black blade.
Got myself a nice microtech utx-70 in og green distressed coming. Extremely excited.
Finally bought my fist Microtech. An Ultratech. I love the thing. Hard to put down. Got the drop point, plain edge in 204P.
What a great testimony to an American legacy of 25 years. If anyone has a doubt regarding the durability of a quality American made double action OTF, here’s your proof.
Thanks Gary
What does American made mean when we are all from somewhere else, hell Steve Job was Syrian.
Thank you very very much for great test video.
Your video made me purchase one!! Thank you
This video surprised me. I didn't think this type of knife would stand up to any of that.
brother, i mean no disrespect but your knife etiquette has me flinching sir!!! Put that blade up if you aint cutting or testing it lol!
You guys are killin me... such nice looking knives and you trash the hell out them...lol
That’s the point Les I know it makes me cringe buddy. All in the name of science. Lol
Ugh you killed me dragging that beautiful blue gem like that.
Good enough. I was worried about spending this much on a otf. Just ordered it.
Watch out for knock off
Honestly, it shocks me how durable these knives are. I was always skeptical about blade go in on its own in otf knives, and some brands might, not microtech.
"Serial number is 41958"
Holds up knife to show.
41959.
lol
Hey Xring did you give rick a boo boo bandaid after video was over LOL..... glad you didnt cut it too deep though
T B I actually did! I even applied it to the “wound”. After drop testing it first 🤣
Always nice to have action gummed up with oil so it catches every dirt, dust, lint particle possible while being carried....
Blow it out with air.
Rem oil is teflon based, and just leaves a slight film after it is wiped off. So it doesnt bead up like other lubricants. I use it on my guns and the carbon wipes off with a paper towel, no brushes or picks needed.
Just picked one up and was always curious if they were a “looks cool” piece or it could stand up to some work and you showed me it could so that’s great. Appreciate the video 👍🏻
8mins into a SHTF scenario and you're already bleeding bud 😂
I just purchased a utx-70 hellhound, was wondering if you have done the torture test on the 70? Beautiful little knife by the way.
Darrell Baker I have not but just as tough I would guess
Can’t wait to see how these hold up as throwing knives!😁💪
all my MTs are awesome, great review rickyroo !
Very impressive. Definitely buying one
Just ordered mine I’m stoked
thats cool man hope you enjoy
my microtech did not come razor sharp i had to sharpen it with the kme now its razor sharp i love the knives i just think they need a different angle on the edge
Ok so you sold me I pulled the trigger much love
AsbAmt hope you enjoy.
Love these videos!!!
What’re you gonna do today, Napoleon?
One tough knife as nice torture testing....Good stuff....
What a great knive,my next knive is a microtech.👍
Thanks! Now I want one..... 🤦♂️😂
I really like your video about Microtech otf knives,hope you can make a video to test the combat troodon.
Well it's not a safe queen now.
Nope It did better then I thought dragging it in the rocks. The rest I knew would be fine.
This kind of reminded me of the master level bladesmith testing lol.
I love my utx-85. Great video!!
ApexEDC 88 thank you and thanks for watching
the mallet blowing up like that is because of the tungsten ball.
thanks! liked and subscribed. ordered the 70series cause i think i'll actually carry--lighter and smaller. i'm more of a big folder afficionado, but i usually just have a ladybug h1 on my key chain.
i bought utx after watching this test :-)
thanks
dendyman60 great knife for sure. Hope you enjoy
Still working?
I've got that knife but I wouldn't ever do that to it but I'm glad to know how tough it is like your video
U Pete giardini thanks Pete for watching
Only issue with these knives is the pocket clip is kinda weak. Had it fall outta my pocket a couple times and not notice while in the field in the army
I'm out now but I always put it between the webbing on my plate carrier or clipped to a pouch. But skull dragging and other shit we do is enough to take out even the most substantial clips.
Can you please do a tip test ?
Im torn between the UTX 85 and the ultratech. I have medium sized hands and I plan to use for EDC. Which would u suggest?
For medium hand the 85 will fit well
Have you or Xring done a 24 hour mug hole test yet to see how it would work afterwards
Do you know X-RING, cause I swear the area you’re in looks like the same place he was in and the wooden bench and orange hammer look the same too.
Yes I was the one that talked him into making a RUclips channel.
That’s awesome, I love your guys videos on the microtechs. I just found your guys videos and you put them through hell. I was skeptical at first, didn’t want to drop that much money on a knife, but after seeing your videos they seem well worth it. Great quality, strong and durable. Look like they’ll last forever if taken care of right. Thinking on ordering a UTX-85 or a ultra tech.
Thanks for the torture test videos. Microtech should sponsor you guys for promoting their stuff lol
X-Ring is a cool dude too! Awesome videos guys.
Great job. Thanks.
Dennis McCool thanks Dennis appreciate the comments
What did you spray in it to clean it out right before the nail test?
Rem oil use a bunch then spray out with air
Damn it broke the mallet thats some serious quality right there
It was an older mallet but they make outstanding products.
Wow Good JOB!!!
Every once in a while there is a smart ass to tell me to get a fixed blade for self defense. With knives like this I don't need it. Not even for fast deployment and/or strength because I can always deploy this in the closed position as an improvised kubaton.
Maybe those smart asses mean opening problem as you saw after dragging test. That is why fixed blade is superior. Sometimes I am surprised what kind of mess is caught in my pocket knive.
@@ggrandcz you haven't paid attention to the second part of my comment. What if my technique its to deploy the folder in the closed position as an improvised kubaton? What can fail in this case? How fast its my deployment?
Do a Dirac test!
Let me see @microtech
You drag that beautiful knife in the name of stupidity and the knife smashed your hammer.
$105.00...dragging behind the side by side ...I think that how they get the distressed look. Good job thanks for sharing
Where do u find these knives for $105 that’s crazy cheap. All the ones I’ve come across are no less than $220.
I never seen a real one that cheap. Be careful lots of fakes out there
These knives cost over $200. You my friend, have a counterfeit.
Fills it completely up with oil then thinks that any dirt hasnt stuck to the oil and gummed it up even worse lmao
But my question is, will this knife be sufficient to peel an apple?
As long as you wipe the blade after use.
Anodize is tested with lab equipment not by grinding.
Make a video showing us the real way
LOL on that hand chop!
LOVE IT!
Elfster's Rifles and Reloading thank you
excellent
The only question I can't find the answer to is this: I'm a diesel mechanic I'm constantly dealing with fluids and oils. From opening oil filters and boxes, to cutting hoses. Would this knife be a good knife to use daily for my work. I've been using my Benchmade grizzly ridge for 3 years and I've never had a problem.
Your biggest issue would be keeping all that grime from getting into the knife and gumming the mechanism up. Since oil tends to attract more grime, especially in the pocket, you might be better off using a normal folder. Of course, you can carry an otf if you want, or carry one outside of work.
@@SmilingGator96 thank you gator really appreciate it
How about a Vipertech OTF durability?
David A. Fye II I don’t own one. If you have a contact let me know
@@IY6C
Contact for?
Getting the knife you want torture tested. Do you know someone that has one I can do a test on?
Clean up on 3, nice job and blade
Well he cut himself it's dangerous I'm not buying it now
Lol
What do you mean you can't beat them...... I JUST WATCHED YOU BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF YHAT KNIFE!
Daniel, God is my judge lol I guess to save you from beating the heck out of it.
Ashlynn Street
As much as I enjoy the mechanical genius of DA OTF knives, I can't see ever carrying one as a serious defensive/offensive choice on the street, because real life situations won't suffer a failed blade deployment. A SA OTF is acceptable because they fire hard and lock. One of my most reliable knives is a "cheap" $20 SA OTF "Joker" knife with cast zinc-alloy handle and simple, 440 stainless blade. It's no more complex than a spring-loaded release button and a drive spring, and while being deployed in near contact might prevent the blade from opening fully, the constant spring pressure will carry the blade into lock the instant the knife is clear, and that's the important distinction between DA and SA OTF knives. That's why the Halo V is an excellent choice for a big-blade CQB knife because is has the same properties as all SA OTF knives...even if the blade is interrupted on opening, it will continue to deploy once the obstruction is cleared.
Regardless of whether one chooses a SA or DA, the proper deployment direction is straight down to insure gravity is working for you.
A major problem with OTF knives is inadequate blade length for CQB. Sure, 3.5" is fine if you're really going to use it to open envelopes and cut boxes open, and cut small diameter cord and rope, but a "Fighting Folder" should not be expected to do any of those jobs well, or at all, as long as it's primary mission is fulfilled. This is why Italian-style stilettos have been around forever and aren't in any danger of being displaced by overpriced, alloy handled, short-blade knives. Being long and thin, stilettos are fairly easy to carry and conceal, yet can deploy a blade 6" or longer that is built to do one thing - stab deep and cut internal structures. A deep stab-wound to the torso IS a medical emergency...several in rapid succession is a trip to the morgue.
Great thoughts and would like to add the body isn’t a solid object, so the act of stabbing hard will most likely penetrate beyond the blade length so although important there are many factors. It can become a circular discussion esp with what clothes the person is wearing, so just adding to what you mentioned as well.
OTF knives should be trained as one would with a gun. The user should be aware of potentials for malfunction and how to assess and fix malfunctions quickly and safely..
The benefits of an otf outweigh the cons.
Pros:
more portable than a fixed blade. Means more likely to carry.
Unlike a folding knife, can be deployed one handed. Unlike an auto side eject, it's ambidextrous.
Cons: more complex. Can fail like a gun. Requires training.
Percival Ville