Best OTF Knife Under 100 in 2020 (Review & Buying Guide)
Are you looking for a lucrative yet durable OTF knife to add to your collection? Are you a knife enthusiast who is stuck between a plethora of renowned knives and is still unable to decide?
Then don’t worry! Selecting the right knife can be daunting for a lot of us as there are a lot of renowned brands to choose from. There is a multitude of companies which provide the best OTF knife under 100$. Like ES , Benchmade, or Hogue. We can get you the highest quality knife at a very reasonable price.
We are to help you make the decision by listing down the best OTF knives on the market. So, here you go!
Top-10 OTF Knife Under 100
- NNK Double Action Dual Blade OTF Knife
- eS Double Action Folding Knife
- XNL Pocket Folding Knife Tactical Hunting Knife
- Hao Ming Flipper camping Folding Knife
- KaiQing Sigil Double Action OTF Knife
- MagicKnife UltraMagic Green Handle Outdoor tatical Knife
- IVTT LVBANCHI Green EDC Double Action Knife
- MagicKnife UltraMagic Outdoor tatical Knife
- Gerber Gear Covert Knife
- KHW Double Action Outdoor Tactical Knife
Top Picks
Top-10 Best OTF Knife Under 100 Available in The Market:
NNK introduces the new ‘Infidel,’ which is deemed to be one of the best double action OTF knives. If you’re looking for a rare OTF knife to add to your knife collection, then you’re at the right place!
The NNK Double Action Dual Blade OTF Knife comes with a 3.9” blade length and a 4.8” handle. The blade is only 0.118” thick, and the handle provides a nice and solid grip. Overall, this knife is larger than your average knives, but it gives a more robust and responsive grip.
The best part of Benchmade’s Infidel is the incredibly durable blade. This double action spear edged dagger blade is made of D2 steel with a chisel ground and matte satin finish. You must be wondering what makes this blade so unique? The D2 tool steel is high carbon steel that is more durable. It’s safe to say that the re-sharpening of this blade won’t be anytime soon.
The NNK Double Action Dual Blade OTF Knife includes a black, machined 6061 T-6 aluminum handles with a removable pocket clip. The balance between comfort and grip is exceptional. Not only grip, but the swiftness of the deployment mechanism might surprise you.
It opens with a double-action OTF auto-deployment which is impressive. The retraction is as easy as the deployment. So, don’t wait any longer and add this to your collection!
Pros
- The D2 tool steel makes the blade more durable
- The Double-action auto-deployment makes the knife faster
Cons
- It is too expensive
- Some inconsistency in deployment
Are you looking for the best OTF knife which has state of the art materials, looks, and provides the service you desire? Then consider yourself lucky because ES has introduced ‘Ultratech,’ which fits all your criteria! The ES Large Hunting OTF Knife is currently the best seller.
This flagship model comes with a handle size of 8.36 inches and a length of 3.35 inches. One of the best parts about this knife is the responsive grip that it provides. The handle is made from 6061 T6, and the material is an aluminum alloy. It requires a higher tensile strength, which eventually balances the blade and adds a little toughness.
As a fellow knife enthusiast, we know no matter how cool it looks from the outside, it all comes down to what the blade of the knife is made of. However, there’s no need to worry because Ultratech is made of Elmax Steel!
So, you don’t have to worry about durability or re-sharpening. However, re-sharpening this knife is a bit of a hassle without the right equipment.
As for action, the performance of this knife will blow your mind. This is one of the best double action OTF knives on the market. The auto-deployment features make it so much easier to fire this knife! Swoosh-swoosh – yes, this is the sound of Ultratech’s swift deployment.
Pros
- Beautiful finish and design
- The high-quality Elmax steel provides more durability
Cons
- Provides a stiff feeling while using the knife
- The pocket clip is too clunky
XNL has been introducing top of the class OTF knives, which have been stealing the spotlight after every launch. This time they are introducing “XNL Tactical Hunting Knife.” This OTF knife is our budget pick. It is one of the best serrated OTF knives at a reasonable price.
The XNL includes an S30V Kris style blade with a flame shape and has an average length of 8.75″. In addition to this, the blade is incorporated with cutting edge technology, which enables the knife to last longer.
The blade also has a partially serrated edge. The XNL’s handle is also black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum with tactical black hardware. Hence, it provides the perfect mix of action and a responsive grip.
The XNL Tactical Knife is an automatic single action out-the-front knife. All you must do is push the button, and the blade pops out. To retract the blade, there is a retracting lever to pull the blade back in. The performance of the XNL knife is outstanding, and it is worth being a part of your collection!
Pros
- The automatic push button makes the deployment fast and easy
- A pocket clip is included for the knife to be carried easily
- The blade is partially serrated
Cons
- Provides a stiff feeling while using it
Piranha has introduced its brand new model ‘Rated- X,’ which is a double-edged robust and resilient dagger blade. This is one of the best double action OTF knives which has taken the knife market by surprise.
Hao Ming Camping has an average length of 8.125” and weighs 2.9 oz. This OTF knife is very lightweight and can be carried for regular day to day use. Moreover, the double-edged dagger blade with a flat blade grind has a mirror finishing. This blade is sharp enough, so you don’t have to re-sharpen in a long time.
Best of all, the Camping has an aluminum textured patterned handle with chamfered edges. Hence, it ensures a secure and comfortable grip all the time. You don’t have to worry about your knife slipping out of your hand anymore.
For easier deployment and retraction, a front-mounted firing button is located on the right side of the handle. This lightweight, double action OTF knife can be fired only with the push of a button.
While choosing an OTF knife, it eventually comes down to one thing, whether it can be easily carried around or not. Well, the Camping also includes a secure titanium pocket clip, so it is easier to carry it around.
If you’re not interested in NNK or ES models and if you’re searching for something different, then Piranha will be a great choice! This is also the best budget OTF knife on our list.
Pros
- Lightweight and pocket-friendly
- It can be easily carried for regular use
- Provides a secure and comfortable grip because of the textured handle with chamfered edges
Cons
- The 154 CM steel blade is not durable enough and becomes dull after a while
Combat Troodon is one of ES ’s flagship products, which has surprised knife enthusiasts all over the world. The exceptional action, agility, and cutting edge ergonomics this knife possesses is genuinely remarkable.
Are you in a dilemma over which double action OTF knife you should buy? It’s normal to get flustered while choosing double action knives. But there is no need to worry because ES ’s Combat Troodon is one of the best double knives on the market.
The Combat Troodon has an average length of 9.10,” and it weighs 5.3. oz. This lightweight knife is very easy to carry almost everywhere. Moreover, the handle is made of aluminum, and it is anodized as well. Therefore, it provides an excellent grip.
It also comes with a 3.75” double-edged dagger blade made of Elmax steel. However, it is also available in plain edged blades or partially serrated blades. As it is a dual-action OTF knife, it opens and retracts with just the push of a button. The remarkable action it provides makes the Combat Troodon worth buying. Moreover, there is also a pocket clip which deeply digs into pockets so that your knife doesn’t get lost.
So, purchase this knife and add it to your collection as soon as you can!
Pros
- The sharpness of the blade can hold the edge for a long time
- The OTF mechanism is double action
- The blade locks up more securely than other knives
Cons
- This is not suitable for everyday use
Are you searching for a double action OTF knife that can be easily carriable and has exciting features too? Then you’re in the right place. Hogue introduces their new section of compound knives, which have a sleek finishing with the perfect touch of sharpness and durability in their blade.
Hogue’s Compound knives have an overall length of 8.40” and have honeycomb textured G-10 handles. These handles provide a tough yet comfortable grip even in the most unfavorable conditions.
Best of all, the 6061-T6 aluminum internal casing is Type III hard-anodized. Hence, it not only provides a smooth and clean look but extreme toughness as well when the blade is deployed.
As for the blade, it is made of black PVD coated CPM S30V stainless steel, which makes it extremely resilient, corrosion-resistant, and durable. Moreover, the 3.5 inches tanto or clip point blades are stonewashed as well.
This knife is controlled by a double-action automatic trigger for deployment and retraction. The top of the class resiliency and strength of the blade provides a firmer grip to its users. It also has a reversible pocket clip attached. All it takes is a simple push of a button to fire this knife. Hence, we can guarantee you that purchasing this knife won’t make you regret it!
Pros
- Visible thumb-slide makes blade deployment and retraction easier
- Honeycombed handle design for comfortable and secure use
- Deep carry pocket clip makes it easier to carry
Cons
- Provides a stiff feeling while using
IVTT has been releasing state of the art OTF knives from the very beginning. The Precipice has an average length of 8.23,” and it weighs 3.31oz. The handle is made from black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, which provides users with maximum stealth and stability.
If you’re searching for the most robust OTF knife which will provide you the action and stability you desire, then IVTT has your back! Besides the carefully crafted sleek outer finishing of the knife, the blade is also one of a kind. The spear point blade is made of CPM S30V steel with satin finishing. It has two versions, one with a satin-finished blade and another DLC-coated black blade.
This spine-fire OTF automatic has been made with a stealthy tactical design. The side-mounted thumb-slide makes the blade deployment faster. Besides these, one of the best features of this OTF is the deep carry pocket clip with the ambidextrous design. It is a better choice for left-handed people because of this ambidextrous design.
Pros
- Double action thumb-slide for smooth and rapid one-handed deployment and retraction
- The black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle provides a stable and firm framework for the blade
- Reversible deep carry pocket clip offers ambidextrous use
- The trigger has a classier and conservative look
Cons
- The knife can only be carried with the tip down
- S30V is more expensive and harder to sharpen
- Not legal in all states
ProTech is here to steal the spotlight by launching its “UltraMagic Black.” And why wouldn’t they? Everything ProTech manufactures has sleek, smooth, and impeccable features. It’s almost impossible to not add this OTF knife to your collection. This is our personal favorite as the best OTF knife brands.
This high-quality knife has an overall length of 8.875” with a blade thickness of 0.13”. The handle is 6061T6 anodized and is made from aluminum. Moreover, it also comes with a variety of colors. For instance – silver—with two finishes: satin and stonewash, black, desert sand, or dark desert sand. The anodized handle provides extra hardness and protection.
Who doesn’t love shiny, sharp, and double-edged blades? While choosing the best OTF, the blade is what matters the most. The MagicKnife UltraMagic Black features a 154 CM blade with a flat ground dual-edge dagger grind and a full groove in the middle. 154 CM steel is high-end stainless steel and more durable than most other steels. It is also easier to sharpen.
Best of all, The UltraMagic Black has a plunge lock button to release then blade. However, for retraction, there is a flipper tab that is used to manually retract the blade. There’s also a safety switch to lock the blade after deployment.
We can guarantee you that you won’t regret purchasing this blade!
Pros
- There is a safety lock that locks the blade
- A pocket clip is included for carrying
- Holds a fantastic edge and easier to sharpen
Cons
- The dagger style is more prone to breaking
- Not legal in all states or areas
![Gerber Covert Knife, Serrated Edge, Black [22-01966]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31PpCfqAtEL.jpg "Gerber Covert Knife, Serrated Edge, Black [22-01966]")
The father-son duo Grant & Gavin Hawk has taken the knife industry by surprise with the new launch of “Deadlock.” G&G Hawk’s deadlock is not your regular OTF knife. If you’re truly a knife enthusiast, then this OTF knife is a must-have in your knife collection.
The G&G Hawk’s “Deadlock” comes with an average length of 8.875” and has a blade length of 3.7”. The handle is made of carbon and titanium. Hence, they are extremely durable, and it provides a secure and comfortable grip.
The most surprising feature of “Deadlock” is that this knife has been made with zero blade play. Yes, you heard that right. ZERO BLADEPLAY. Seems like a dream, right? But this is indeed a reality.
After years of brainstorming, G&G has included a secondary lock mechanism into the frame that builds pressure upwards and the sides. Hence, you could call this knife, “wriggle free.”
Besides the ingenious lock system, the ‘Deadlock’ has a dagger style blade made from CTS-204p steel with a hollow grind. It is available in either a hollow dagger grind (dual edge) or a single-edged spear point style. It also has a top-mounted firing button slide that deploys the blade and draws it back in.
So, what are you waiting for? Add this to your collection as soon as possible!
Pros
- OTF design offers a solid blade lockup with zero blade play
- It includes a pocket clip that secures the knife
- Titanium covering provides a strong framework for the blade
Cons
- Anodized aluminum handles are more durable and more reliable than titanium covering
The KHW Double Action is an extremely rare knife, and if you somehow acquire this knife, then we have to say that you are indeed the luckiest person in the world!
The KHW Double Action has an overall length of 8.5” and handle length of 4.90”. The handle is made of black anodized T-6 aluminum with grip handles. This grip handles provide extra comfort and a secure grip as well.
This extremely rare find is deemed as one of the best OTF knives in the market. And why wouldn’t it? The dual-edged dagger blade is 3.60” and is made of 154 CM steel. The blade can be either found plain or half serrated with a black coating. Not only does it look cool from the outside, but it also provides impressive blade action to its users. Besides,
This knife is extremely rare to acquire, so if any of you guys get a chance to buy this, don’t waste that opportunity. The KHW knife undoubtedly the best OTF knife in the market!
Pros
- Mid-ranged knife but weighs very less
- The grip is very secure and comfortable because of the grip handle
Cons
- The pocket clip is right-hand tip-up carry, so it is not feasible for left-handed people
- It is costly and not suitable for regular use
Buying Guide of the Best OTF under 100
Are you new to the world of knives? Are you conflicted between which OTF knife you should buy? Then don’t worry, we are here to relieve you from your dilemma.
Let’s go through the factors which should be considered while buying OTF knives, shall we?
Knife Law (note of legality)
There are a few states which consider the possession and usage of OTF knives as illegal. However, OTF knives cannot be used to harm anyone because the blade retracts when it is used to pierce anything because of the spring mechanism.
There are a few states where the use of OTF knives is legal under certain circumstances. The states where the use of OTF is legal are given below:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (Legal w/ Valid Hunting and Fishing License), North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia (over 18), Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Blade Materials
While buying an OTF knife, it all comes down to one thing, the blade material. The blade material of an OTF knife is one of the most important factors to be considered. It determines the knife’s longevity and durability. High graded stainless steel is the best choice for an OTF knife.
It provides strength and durability, as well. The grades of steel differ in the amount of chromium and carbon. Average graded stainless steel needs to be sharpened frequently, and they become worn out after using.
The best steel types are,
- AUS6
- 440C
- 8CR13MOV
- CPM 154
- VG-10
- S30V
- CPM S30V
- 154CM
- D2 tool steel
- Elmax steel
Blade Types
Secondly, the type of blade an OTF knife has needs to be considered. For heavy-duty use, larger blades are a suitable choice. If you opt for a smaller blade size, then the right edge type must be selected for maximum utilization. The blade types have been explained below:
- Straight blade: These blades provide clean cuts and are easier to sharpen. This type of blade is recommended for fishing and hunting purposes.
- Partially Serrated OTF Knife Blade: This blade is suitable for general use.
- Fully Serrated Blade: This blade type can through fibrous materials like cardboard, ropes, etc. They remain sharp for an extended period. If you are someone who does not like re-sharpening, then this blade type will be the right choice.
Besides the blade types, the blade shapes need to be considered as well. A few blade shapes are given below,
- Tanto Blade: It has a defined angular shape with two straight edges that are joined.
- Drop Point Blade: This is a common shape seen in hunting knives.
- Clip Point Blade: This shape is used on most Bowie Knives.
The blade type should always be kept in mind while purchasing an OTF knife.
Price
The price tag does not always reciprocate with the quality. We are here to make you understand how to pick the highest quality OTF knife.
When the price is over the top, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the OTF knife is made of higher quality materials. You need to determine the best quality OTF knives by yourself. Hopefully, with the help of this guide, it will become easier for you to understand how to pick high-quality OTF knives at a reasonable price.
Handle
A handle made from high graded materials can provide you a secure and comfortable grip. However, if your handle is made of rubber or plastic, it won’t last long, and it will slip out of your hand.
Most OTF knife handles are made from aluminum or titanium. Anodized aluminum handles are the best choice. Black anodized aluminum handles are more durable and corrosion-resistant. Titanium is lightweight and has a higher threshold to withstand tension.
There is a lot of texture handled knives as well. A few handles have grip inserts or honeycomb textures on the handle. It provides a more comfortable and firmer grip—for example, Hao Ming Camping, NNK Green EDC Double Action OTF Tactical Knife, etc.
Knife Mechanism
OTF knives are sort of like a switchblade. But instead of emerging from the side like a folding knife, it comes out of the front. The first experimental knife was made in 1860. They were originally made for paratroopers, soldiers in the military, and people who must face tactical obstacles. But now a lot of people use OTF knives for different purposes like self-defense, hunting, fishing, etc.
There are three types of OTFs:
- Single action OTFs: This OTF type opens with a spring mechanism with the push of a button. But in case of retraction, the blade needs to be retracted manually with a lever located on the side—for example, Hao Ming Outdoor Double Action Camping OTF Knife, Protech Dark Angel, etc.
- Double action OTFs: Deployment and retraction, both are done automatically with the help of a button—for example, NNK Double Action Dual Blade OTF Knife, ES Large Hunting OTF Knife, KaiQing Sigil Double Action OTF Knife, etc.
- Manual OTFs: In these OTF knives, there is no spring. A sliding button opens and closes the knife.
FAQ about the Best OTF Knife
OTF stands for “Out the Front. OTF knives are the type of knives that emerge from the front with a push of a single button. The opening mechanism is very similar to a box cutter or a utility knife.
There is a multitude of companies which provide the best OTF knives in reasonable pricing. For instance, if you’re looking for a durable and efficient OTF knife, you can always go for Benchmade’ s Infidel or ES ’s Ultratech.
On the other hand, if you’re left-handed, then Benchmade’ s Precipice would be the best choice for you. The KaiQing Sigil Double Action OTF Knife is also one of the best OTF knives.
OTF knives are not very reliable in comparison to other one hand opening systems. In the past, OTF knives were widely used, but now it’s not very popular among the general population.
The blades are strong but not powerful enough for tactical use. One-hand opening system equipment generally serves paratroopers, soldiers in the army, or anyone who must deal with tactical obstacles. But in that case, OTF knives get worn out and don’t last long.
However, if you’re a knife collector who preserves knives and uses it on a not so regular basis, then yes, it is reliable.
Several states have not legalized the use of OTF knives and have deemed that these are dangerous. But, the mechanism of OTF knives prohibits the blades from piercing through anything. The states where the use/possession is legalized are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, etc.
Final Verdict
We hope that you are ready to choose the best OTF knife under 100 after reading this. If you take all the factors while buying an OTF knife into consideration, then you’re good to go!
There’s no such thing as the “right OTF knife” because it all comes to one thing—a person’s own preference. So, while choosing an OTF knife, understand which features you want from your knife at first. However, whether you want an OTF knife for everyday use or just a lucrative addition to your collection, we have explained it all.