You can keep your out-the-front (OTF) knife ready for action by performing routine maintenance.
If you don’t have an OTF knife, you may want to consider buying one. They’re a great knife to own, and you’re guaranteed to feel right at home with it.
You get two cool features with a double action, OTF knife. OTF blade ejects straight out of the tip of the handle. Double action means you push the button to fire the blade, then push it again to retract it.
If you do own one, you must maintain it, like any other fine piece of equipment. You want to keep it sharp and clean.
Before you do, however, make sure you read the warranty. You don’t want to void the warranty by working on your double action knife when you should have sent it to the manufacturer.
Benefits of Double Action Knives
A double-action knife is ideal for everyday use. It features single button deployment and retraction.
This feature makes it ideal for outdoor excursions and do-it-yourself work. In these settings, you may frequently find yourself in need of a knife, but only have one hand available.
OTF blades are also highly efficient. If you’re working or doing an activity where you need to fire and retract the blade multiple times, a double-action knife makes it easy.
Finally, double-action blades are fun. It’s pretty cool to fire and retract the blade with the push of a button. Also, they’re a great addition to any knife collection.
If all’s well, and your warranty says it’s okay for you to service your OTF knife, here’s how you do it. The following seven maintenance tips will show you how to maintain your double action, OTF knife.
1. Use the Right Knife Cleaning Tools
You need a few things to do the job right. To begin with, you want to use a quality knife lubricant. For example, you should use gun oil, Rem oil, or WD-40.
You also want to use a clean, soft rag to remove any debris. Finally, you need a precision screwdriver to disassemble and reassemble your OTF knife.
2. Discharge the Blade Before You Begin
Remember to work safely when cleaning your double action knife. It’s a good idea to discharge the blade before you start to maintenance it. Fire it at close range against something that you don’t mind scuffing up, such as a piece of scrap wood.
When the tip of the knife hits the object, it will discharge from the sliding mechanism.
If you do it right, you can move the handle in out of the blade freely. Also, the blade won’t accidentally fire or retract.
3. Clean Your Double Action Knife Often
You need to clean your OTF knife more than once a year. Clean it regularly for optimal performance.
You should clean your double action knife immediately after you use it. Coat the blade with lubricant and wipe it off to prevent residual buildup and rust.
4. Know the Signs of Trouble
There are a few signs that will show you that your OTF knife needs maintenance if you haven’t serviced it regularly. For instance, it may misfire when you pull the trigger.
Also, it may feel sluggish when you fire the blade. Additionally, the blade might discharge slowly. You also want to clean your double action knife if you see residue clogging the opening.
5. Touch It up In-Between Servicing
For in-between cleanings, use compressed air to blow away lint or other loose debris. If you’ve somehow transferred adhesive backing to the blade, you can remove it with 99% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip.
Also, spray lubricant onto the blade and let it run down inside the handle. Fire and retract the blade a few times to lubricate the internal parts, then blow it out once more with compressed air to remove extra oil.
6. How to Store Knives
Keep your OTF knife covered and away from dust and moisture. By protecting your knife, you’ll reduce clogging and rusting.
If you carry your OTF knife every day, use a carrying pouch. The pouch will protect it from residue and reduce the number of times that you need to service it.
7. Reassembling Your OTF Knife
It’s always easier to disassemble something than it is to reassemble it. No worries. Here’s what to do in case you have trouble reassembling your knife.
It’s relatively easy. There aren’t many double action knife components.
Hold back the front hinge and slide the blade halfway down to the bottom of the casing. Reattach the spring and hook it onto the flat side of the metal plate.
Slide the short lip into the groove, and snap it into place. Now, insert the thumb piece and put the top plate back on.
Hand tighten the screws, and test fire the blade to check the action. If it works fine, tighten everything up, and you’re ready to go.
Happy Hunting!
It’s essential that you maintain your double action, OTF knife to ensure optimal functionality and safe operation. OTF knives come in different shapes and sizes. However, these tips will work with most knives.
Maintaining your OTF knife is easy, even if you have a history of breaking more things than you fix. Besides, you wouldn’t want a bear to sneak up on you and have your OTF knife misfire!
If you don’t own in OTF knife, you may want one now that you see how easy it is to take care of one. For over a decade, TacknivesUSA has provided hunting, recreation and hobby enthusiasts with high-quality OTF knives.
Our in-house design experts model each double action knife with precision. Browse our fine selection of double action, OTF knives.
3 comments
My Cutting Edge OTF won’t reset after discharging. What is wrong, and how can this be fixed?
Hi, has the problem been fixed? Sorry, I just saw this comment. Email us if you need more help at info@tacknivesusa.com
How can I get the driver for the the 3 hole screws for my tacknive? I lost mine that came with it and I need to tighten up a few screws