You may have seen various types of knives, but today you will know more about pocket knives that are easy to carry. By the way, do you know what is the difference between a switchblade & an OTF knife? If you don’t know the differences & how to identify them, the article is for you.
I usually carry a traditional switchable knife in my pocket when I set out for a destination alone; that’s only for my security purpose. That’s why I know how to use the knife & what key features they have.
However, let’s see how to differentiate a switchblade & an OTF knife & what are the significant differences.
What Is a Switchblade?
A switchblade is a knife that has a cover & a button; the knife’s blade remains closed when you’re not using it. When you press the switch, the knife blade slowly slides through the side or front & shows up.
You can keep that in your pocket & take it out when necessary; you may cut small items with tiny blades, but remember that the knife can’t be an alternative to the larger ones.
What Is an OTF Knife?
It is also one kind of switchable knife, & the meaning of OTF is out the front; the reason behind this name is when you press the button or slide the knife, it comes out of the front part, not the side.
The lengths & materials can vary due to various brands; you will choose everything according to your preference.
What Is the Difference between a Switchblade & an OTF Knife?
Let’s see what things are different between both types of the knives mentioned above:
- The switchblade works with a folding system in the holder; it may not have a spring. On the other hand, an OTF knife works with a button that has a spring. The spring’s tension brings the blade in or out; that’s the primary difference.
- You can consider an OTF as an automatic knife which you can operate anyhow with a simple press; whereas, a switchblade may not have a button or even spring.
- Another difference between these two is that a switchblade slides sideways, but an OTF always moves in the forward direction, not by sides.
That’s how you can differentiate one OTF knife from a switchblade & identify them despite their look is similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OTF One Kind of Switchblade?
Some switchblades have the option to press a button & slide the knife from the front; moreover, you will find OTF in the switchblade’s classification, considering both as the same.
What Does the OTF Mean?
The OTF term means “Out of the Front,” which means the only way to come out is the front.
Conclusion
If you have read the article, you will know what is the difference between a switchblade & an OTF knife. It is because you must know the differences to identify one product properly; moreover, you should choose a suitable pocket knife.
Anyway, OTF can be a good option for pocket carrying, but remember that you shouldn’t carry a knife where weapons are not allowed.
I am Luna L. Rusk, a passionate content writer. Always I provide accurate product reviews and information for quicker shopping. I love to cook for my family. In my leisure time, I love spending time with chefs for learning new cooking.