Best Budget OTF Knives 2020

[@johnpawly1849]

Thanks I now have my knife addiction back. I appreciate the thorough knowledge and it helps me get into a few budget ones that I can afford. Thanks again

[@thermoquake7630]

hehe me too

[@JPBrewer1]

I bought one of the lightening OTF knives , just like the one in this video. It really is a great budget OTF. Its reliable and feels very solid in hand ,but not overly heavy. The steel is easy to sharpen and has 4 out of 10 edge retention. The lightening is a 8 out of 10 in overall value. The first one they sent had shipping damage to the paint. Grindworx not only replaced my knife with a new one that had perfect paint but they allowed me to keep the original!

[@ogpk3]

i carried mine for 5 years everyday never and beat the shit out of it and it still shoots out like it did organically, its missing all the paint tho

[@martylucas8557]

I can see how the last one is your new favorite, however it’s 3 times as much as the Lightning OTF, so?!!

[@J.DeLaPoer]

My only issue with the lighting is the very soft mild steel used on the tabs of the mainspring. I've owned three Lightnings now, and two of them eventually failed by having the mainspring tabs straighten out. They're L shaped obviously to grab the tabs on the blade, but they're just bent into that shape rather than being forged or machined, and using such soft steel means after a couple years use they eventually bend themselves back to straight and won't catch the blade anymore, thus the knife won't fire. You can bend them back of course, but that only last a dozen firings then they just snap apart at the elbow. It's a shame because the knives are still in fine working shape otherwise. If only they'd use better steel, or heat treat it, or machine it instead of bending it... Anyway just an FYI that seems to be the weak point. I've read this has been fixed with the Lightning Elites, although technically the Elite is made by a different company in a different factory and just capitalizing on the name and style of the originals. That's China for you.

[@damascusraven]

I got a Lightning way back around 14 years ago when they were legalized where I live. Darn thing still works just fine even though it's been my most-carried knife for all that time.

[@kenliston975]

I bought one for myself a few years ago, then ordered two, for my son and son-in-law, and NEVER received them. I have contacted them several times via email without success. Recently sent them a registered letter. I will see how it goes.

[@gothicm3rcy426]

value for money you cant beat em. Although the paint comes off the handle real easy.... I buy 2 at a time... use one a lot.... minimal on the other

[@davidrichard7662]

The Lightning OTF is the only one of this exposition that I believe I could stab it into an oil drum (when knife already deployed), without scrapping the knife. The rest, not so sure...I love my Lightning, reliable and tough as hell!

[@betosolis1248]

Ive been wanting to get one but im scared it will go off while clipped to my pants

[@danielmiller9012]

My GT RECON 035 and MT UltraTech shits on garbage Lightning... Trash action on Lightning only fun if you're a 4 year old!

[@ryotaryuu]

I've had a lightning OTF for years. Still works perfectly. I just clean and oil twice a year.

[@223ndog]

Same I use it everyday had it for about 4 years works great.

[@richie7782]

What do you use to clean?

[@ryotaryuu]

@@richie7782 q tip with some alcohol

[@sebasttps7096]

I wanna buy one, strap it to my arm then pretend im ezio

[@razormonkey5000]

It's been 3 months. Have you become an assassin yet?

[@sebasttps7096]

@@razormonkey5000 still working on landing in a haystack... Without breaking my legs.

[@Rick_Taylor.]

@@sebasttps7096 any update on that leap of fate??

[@enigmaedits1559]

Uk they actually already make hidden blades they aren't that expensive

[@carminecinardi]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@brandonbarnes6493]

Great review! No constant swinging of each knife, you are to the point.. not a bunch of blah blah, good camera angle, and knowledgeable with a pleasant voice. Of all the knife videos I’ve watched today… You get a ⭐️ Well done!

[@thomasmagee9576]

Bought three F-16's when they first came out.The spring mechanisms broke.The screws fell out.The thumb switch fell off of the knife and could not be reattached.The F-16 is the worst quality Italian OTF that I have ever owned.However,none of those problems exist with the EVO model.The EVO is a much better designed knife and it functions reliably.

[@sebastiangraham001]

A year later since Thomas comment. I got a F-16 and it was trash. Immediately came off the rails every 5-10 fires. Tightened the screws and used knife oil and dident help at all 👎🏼 Seriously don’t recommend it at all.

[@timwhite5562]

I've always liked the single action models. I just cannot do knives with any wiggle in the blade, no matter how nice they are. I like the authority they open with and they always feel more secure.

[@minenotyours212]

I bought the Akc f16 a year ago and it’s still my all time favorite knife.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I got a “Lightning” months ago and its a lot of fun. It also isn’t a clone/knock-off, it’s just a decent little OTF.

[@wanderingcalamity360]

The Lightning knives are clones of the Microtech Scarab.

[@brandonrogers5207]

I had bought a handmade one of the first one at a gun show. It was a small in town company that offered a lifetime warranty for twice the price. It’s much more hefty than the one presented in this video. Overall the exterior design is the same, just better insides and metal material.

[@chasestringer9619]

Ravencrest doesn’t change anything on their knives

[@jamesstephenson2346]

Thats real fuckin neato.

[@Glockmog2007]

Had the lightning for like 10 years. Never once failed to fire.

[@doublewayne1089]

F N LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE

[@sonnyhanks2790]

P o9999​@@doublewayne1089

[@nobody2021]

I might buy a lightning after watching this video. I had never heard of them and I didn't know that you could get a decent OTF for that cheap

[@doublewayne1089]

mine is smooth ..not rubberized..very convenient..double action but still have to do it manually at times.....6.25 in....good jibbing...at times it does require both hands to operate it ...tip up with a slightly larger glass breaker...action is VERY solid..very nice smooth white finish..and I promise if you wiggle mine you will definately feel something...probably a very lot of play..it is solid..comfortable ...not very popular...but no failures to fire EVER ..very DEPENDABLE UNIT...M Y sister says it is her favorite!!!!

[@martylucas8557]

I’ve had a Lightning for about 8 years. It’s a great knife. I’ve never had an issue, never! It fires without fail!! My Wife loves it,it is now her knife. I need to get a new one for ME!

[@connorbcarnes]

M&P and Smith and Wesson always have my favorite blades those would be the best for self defense because you don’t really need to close it quick. I wish they had a double action though.

[@williamlanphar630]

I've had a lightning for 2 years. It fails to eject occasionally. I have to fling the blade out to get it to re-engage. After that it will function correctly. Probably has debris inside causing the issue...not sure. All that being said , I carry it every day and am generally happy with it.

[@marshallmaia8130]

Take it apart clean it and grease the springs and it’ll last you another 10 years and also solve the problems you’re having with the knife.

[@williamlanphar630]

@@marshallmaia8130 Thank you. I will do that!

[@richie7782]

@@marshallmaia8130 what kind of grease do you use?

[@davidmadison5582]

Just ordered the tan lighting with the black serrated blade. 😃 I'm happy

[@pcat1000]

I like the AKC . Your presentation is delightful . No fake humor or other BS. Nice hands , beautiful non-princess voice. Thanks.

[@shadowcween7890]

I don't know if they care what you think of their hands

[@chrisneal7798]

When otf were made legal in Texas I immediately bought a Lightning. I figured I would buy a cheap otf and see how I liked carrying it. If I like it or figured it was useful in edc I would look into purchasing a pricey otf....that was 10-12yrs ago and I never bought the high dollar knife.....lol...my Lightning serves me well, still to this day. I've had people lend me their's to temp me to spend the money and I haven't really found one that would make me justify spending that kinda momey when my cheapy knife still does the job....sure some have better steel and weigh slightly less...but not $200-$300 less. If you want a great starter knife, or even a permanent edc....try Lightning

[@chippybmw]

I agree about the Atomic knives being heavy. Too heavy for me to carry in my pocket on a day to day basis. Fine & very nice for a going out on the town knife though. My go to has to be the Lightning. Light, easy to operate & used at work all day for opening bags & boxes. It takes the abuse & at that price point buy 2 or 3.

[@newleaf1534]

Are these knives good for self defense ?

[@chippybmw]

@@newleaf1534 I dont see why not. Some kinda weapon is better than no weapon. Plus the atomics' have the glass breaker on the end if trapped in a car.

[@rattlecanpaint]

Just bought what appears to be the atomic defender. It's branded "Out The Front" but looks identical. It's my first automatic and I'm digging the one handed close feature of it. (I've had numerous spring assist so one handed opening isn't new to me. As near as I can tell the holes in the glass braker are to tighten it down and hold the pocket clip. My only real complaint is that the clip doesn't have enough gap between it and the handle to fit down on my pocket. (I wear Duluth trading company and they have a thick seam there.) So I've taken the glass breaker off and opened up the hole a bit. Used a small screwdriver in the hole to loosen and tighten it down.

[@jcsmellsgood]

The AKC are surprisingly good quality for the money. I was impressed. Thanks for the vid!

[@shelbybrewer7813]

FINALLY a video that helps me decide on exactly what I'm looking for (just recently started looking into an affordable OTF knife for every day use around my house) and this video has nailed it... AMAZING VIDEO, THANK YOU 👍🏻!

[@cephasmartin8593]

I was given the S&W M&P OTF knife last year. I like it a lot, but the Buck 110 Hunter is still my favorite automatic.

[@danielmiller9012]

GT RECON 035 SHITS ON BUCK

[@jakobstond3015]

Imagine living in this day in age and liking a buck 110 more than anything, esee makes buck look like garbage

[@redbeardedt3437]

@@danielmiller9012 Imagine spending $300 on an OTF and bragging about it.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Great to see another video on the Grindworx channel. I ordered a Boker tool for disassembling and cleaning my Boker knives; it is a great tool for the price. I saw you using one on a video you made. You didn’t mention it on the video but, it might be something to cover in future videos. I also bought some Kydex neck sheaths for some of my Boker knives too. You now offer one for Lighting models I saw as well. They are quality made sheaths and hold knives safe and secure. Thanks for the great ideas you provide.

[@RobbScholarTube]

Blade wiggle test should be standard with OTF reviews, we all know even $150 knives can have some wiggle so seeing what play these have would be valuable info. good reviews though

[@ndpesicgroup]

i found an f-16 in white with black grip insert w/2 tone bayonet.... should arrive tomorrow...I'm so excited, can't wait

[@iahspotter1255]

I also recommend stick it knives, they are high quality and very cheap for a switchblat

[@J.DeLaPoer]

I think the Evo is the best "budget" OTF, period. Love that retro design (it's a modern version of a knife Campolin Sr. designed for Othello of Germany in 1979) and I find that handle shape much more ergonomic than the usual boxy rectangular handles you get on OTFs -- also the switch is on a raised post rather than scraping against the handle which I love. Quality stuff, fit & finish are perfect and the blade play is on par with most of my Microtechs. I'll also vouch that the F-16 is great, although the Evo is a big step up in quality for not that much more money. As for the Lightning at its price point it's the best you can buy for $30. Great stuff!

[@reeddoerr1213]

Like your presentation of these otf's. I also like hearing prices. Thanks

[@jerryking3431]

Just picked up the black single actionM&P yesterday, great knife really like the good tight tough blade. The price was great too. Only paid 29.99 at academy sport. Had seen that knives here several times and felt very lucky to fineit on a store shelf.

[@joshgordon3966]

Few times I have meet another with a J for their profile picture

[@mr.knockyourbitchsocksoff5550]

What store did you find it at .?

[@jefferybauduin2919]

I just ordered the AKC X-treme EVO Green OTF, I’ll let y’all know what I think of it.

[@shmithys9222]

I've had a couple of the lightnings and they always served me well I was already looking at picking up the akc Evo I'm only worried I'm gonna lose it as that's why I'm looking at knives anyway I lost one of my 2 edc knives

[@mcmneverreadsreplys7318]

I have the earlier model of the S&W (with what I call the coffin handle - very solid grip.) 3.5", double edge - one side serrated near handle, dagger point. The reset controls are a bit strange looking but work well for me. I believe it cost me $40. The open side slide tends to let dirt in, so I need to clean it inside every few months. The knife is my backup for my 2000 lumen tactical flashlight ('torch' in England etc.) with an aggressive bezel. If attacked by someone who is: 1, solo, 2. not physically intimidating, and 3. unarmed - then I would prefer not to shoot - so the flashlight and knife come into play. Mind you, I know multiple places where a single thrust can produce unconsciousness after less than a minute of bleed out. So this combo is not less deadly than my gun, only easier to defend using when brought to trial in a court of law.

[@FABAO.]

girl your pocketknives are really cool!!! I have a dream of one day being able to have one of these automatic pocket knives, but here in Brazil they are very, very expensive....I would have to work 3 months to buy one like yours!!!! success

[@andrewjavand-4803]

Hey TUDO, I read your comment and I’ll send you one man. There not really expensive here and that’s too bad they are in Brazil, is that even something I could send to you though?

[@kindredlebel9175]

@@andrewjavand-4803 sadly a lot of countries are corrupt. It’ll still cost him hundreds of dollars to get it through customs. I know from experience, had a friend in Egypt, no different in Brazil. No amount of money you send plus the item will get it to him without him paying.

[@ian_hollinger]

I overpaid for a lightning at a gun show like 8 years ago. It developed a horrible rattle because the little metal elbows stretched out. I didn't even know it was called a lightning until today, watching this video. Anyhow, I just impulse bought an OD green f16 off your site because of your recommendation on a 3 year old video and I thought you might like to know that. Thank you for your help. I've been looking for a new OTF for like a year. Been carrying a CRKT m16-01KS for two years and the knurled opener is ruining the corner of my pants pockets

[@mturner9220]

I don't want to sound like the stereotypical misogynist guy but I've been watching a bunch of otf knife reviews and this video is the first I've watched with a woman reviewing the knives and she is by far my favorite. Her mind must be similar to mine because she mentions all the things I'm curious about with each knife. Every video so far I find myself still wondering about something the reviewer didn't mention. I like that she talks about the sturdiness of the dual action. How much play it has. I like that she said about the style of one knife that it's just fun to look at. There are some otf knife reviews that fail to even mention if it's a dual action or single, or they may skip showing how to retract it. She does a good job looking at each knife the way I would standing at the counter of a knife store.

[@danofiremano]

I have an F16 & it's a decent knife, but that AKC Extreme at the end is looking decent for a budget OTF.

[@jerryburnett1803]

Any thoughts on the Templar brand?

[@unoefxz]

The M&P has super solid lock-up but the safety and release along with the launch and retract buttons make it too cumbersome and it has been on the shelf since I bought it. A spring assist folder is more convenient.

[@EldergodUK]

The Lightning looks extremely reliable, but I would probably go for the single action blade, as fast return isn't that important to me.

[@DS-182]

The m&p is very easy to close one handed, it's all about choking your grip to the rear as you slide, or you can use your hip with the butt of the knife... all about practice or maybe your just too accustom to double action ;)

[@jonenglert5809]

Probably just harder cause women have smaller hands it's easy for me but I have large hands

[@irish2u389]

Its nice to see the automatic Schrade combo but on the last couple shown, I have to say as far as keeping a great edge NOT having to sharpen is the Smith & Wesson's, ive had a hand full threw my 70+ years and Loved the Buck but having to sharpin it more than like to the Smith & Wesson's just lasting and lasting not losing their edge and stores like Big 5 having many sales always loving the Schrade combo on all i own, for me who likes to fish just awsome, tnks

[@brucepraska7781]

I'm a serious fan of stiletto knives but I currently live in Minnesota for these kinds of knives what be my safest way to stay true to the law

[@ricardoramos1784]

I just subscribed to this page, and I think it’s awesome. I would love to see more videos of your knives and I would love to purchase some of these as well. They’re awesome 😁👍

[@PlayingInVestapol]

My friends and I would stock up on these every time we went to Myrtle Beach. Seems every store between Aynor and Myrtle Beach sale these.

[@ethanschoenlein267]

Good video, thanks for your professional knowledge! I’ve had the Smith and Wesson for 4 or 5 years and have used it for my work knife for painting and woodwork. I haven’t touched a 5-Way tool since I got it… and to a painter, that is saying A whole hell of a LOT!! I’m trying the F16 now, as my S&M was stolen from me at a bar. Shit. Loved that thing to death. Hopefully the F16 will be comparable quality wise, otherwise I suppose I’ll be going straight back to my old one. Cheers!

[@jerryking3431]

I just bought the m&p yesterday except mine is black instead of green. I really like the action of the knife as well as all the safety features . I got mine at academy sport for 29.99. Great knife

[@JS-ed2hg]

On the atomic OTF, you could use the holes in the glass breaker for a lanyard you can also insert a allen wrench through the holes turn it to the left it can be removed. I have a similar microtech clone looks exactly the same just a little larger and with the markings.

[@campriole5410]

Great presentation, very knowledgeable, prompting me to buy. Great job 👍👍

[@happyperson1513]

Lol bot

[@jeremyshackelford8080]

I have 2 evos. The action is great, but the detent is strong enough that it won't go off accidentally. I figit wit them alot, and rarely do they fail. Great knife for the price

[@erikrohr4396]

Fidget... or fight?

[@jeremyshackelford8080]

Fidget. Sorry, if fight were the issue, I prefer a slightly different design... Sig Legion 😈

[@snipezzz2639]

Just ordered a F-16 I just had to 😅

[@talan.2]

Understandable

[@EDCandLace]

The M&P is mimicking the M&P carry pistols. That rubber coated feeling is just like the firearms.

[@darrenbootland2316]

"Next week, we'll be showing the best budget butter knives for our UK audience"

[@charlieyharris575]

I'm definitely interested in the F-16

[@bdach88]

I needed this video.

[@redwolfmaddox3986]

Going to buy me a lightning otf! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RetireMe100]

Had an AKC otf and it failed. Returned for money back. Sticking w fixed blades. They cant fail

[@amai_zing]

love the F16, but I think I'm gonna have to get that Atomic and maybe the Lightning

[@williambesold7446]

JUST PURCHASED THE LIGHTING ALL I NEED

[@cappiblancness9089]

The AKC Extreme Evo. I got this blade for my mom for self defense. Everytime I see it I play with it even though it's pink. My dudes! Buy this for your mom, sister, or girlfriend. If you care about them.

[@surreal2747]

I got a lightning OTF knife awesome but it's so hard to open my thumb got a blister.

[@gangoffour6690]

AKC X-treme is a great OTF for $100 👍

[@joshgualtier9765]

Not otf, that’s just automatic, the evo is the otf version.

[@casey360360]

Blade material seems to have been left out. Based on price, I'd put money on the Atomic, Lightning, and AKC being 440A (low end blade metal), I'd steer clear of them for EDC's. The AKC and M&P are both AUS8-A, which is comparable to 440C (higher quality than 440A) but easier to sharpen. (Almost all of my knifes are 440C or AUS-8.) I'd LOVE to see more VG-10 steel blade OTF knives but the market is almost completely devoid of them. VG-10 is hands down the best steel for EDC knives.

[@Ranger09048]

This video was very helpful thanks

[@deletethisnananabz]

I had a lightning. I opened and closed it about ten times and on the 11th it didn't come out. It didn't even cut a piece of paper. I guess I got the bad one.

[@HansZarkovPhD]

100 percent cool factor, about 12 percent useful. These are fun toys, but i find them too heavy and bulky to be useful. The blade has barely any metal in the handle when extended and they never will stand up to any serious cutting or torque. I have one but it is a novelty that rarely leaves the drawer i keep my knives in.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

For me it’s a novelty rather than practical every day knife & function , so , inexpensive is good .

[@seansargent3316]

I just bought the akc F-20 but next im sure will be the X-treme evo 😎💯

[@scotmetcalf2745]

Love your channel and never seen or heard of y’all! Absolutely great video but being new to blades my recent homework tells me you get what you pay for steel wise! Great action on these though so maybe I need to get one and see? Happy holidays everyone and please be safe

[@rob2927]

How much is the M&P single action OTF knife? I don't think u mention the price. I bought my M&P at Academy for around $55 dollars. I bought it about a year ago and have no issues with the performance only thing is the paint is starting to flake off. But besides that i really do enjoy it. I pass it over to my son yesterday and it's going to be his first knife. I bought a cobra tec otf double action from woods & water for little over $150 dollars and i love it!!! It comes with a life time warrant which is always a plus for me.

[@gigilaco]

How’s the blade play on it? Great video!

[@caioagarie6742]

I really wish they made the AKC X-treme EVO OTF Knife with a dagger blade

[@jasonknight3983]

i really am not a fan of dagger blade

[@solomonstello]

Same.

[@eastsiderc]

Im gonna buy that red last knife now

[@thedude8976]

Awesome video!!👍 Going to buy one of these

[@dgzee66]

Have a lighting , for the price it’s a great OTF knife

[@SkyBeatSaber]

F to pay respects to Virginia’s anti switchblade laws

[@cavemanvi]

the other day i watched a 20 minute video of OTF knives it was like 25 knives and like key chain OTF's at the end that looked cool. turns out the keychain ones were the california compliant ones.. and i wasted not only 25 minutes watching something i cant buy but i felt like a california dweeb too :)

[@wotm8870]

Rip Canadian knife laws

[@bgood2167]

Saw an engraving option on the website. Just wondering if anyone has had any experiences with this and if it looks good. Pics would be nice!

[@Xraycrayon]

This akc evo knife is never in stock when are you going to get more?

[@superdave3894]

Nothing beats a benchmade 940 with the g-10 or carbon grips (scales)

[@jon11383]

except maybe a bugout or a pm2

[@alexanderdavis1943]

The 940- 2 beats it at almost half the price! Im a fan of any Benchmade though.

[@zakkthemaniac0329]

Just ordered the two on the left just the atomic knife I got camo for a friend. And then the second knife kinda its the smooth one I got a lil too big.

[@loc7869]

When are you guy's going to restock on the mago 11 inch italian stiletto otf snakeskin texture skin please🙏🙏🙏

[@loc7869]

@King Tigerzilla I wonder if they are going to restock very very soon though. I really want to purchase one dude💵🤳

[@PirminZemp2731]

Mega Cool AKC Switchblade Otf Knife

[@steveleston4571]

Need torx 6 screw for your #2 otf knife where to get

[@keithstehle2231]

Since when do you need two hands to close the s&w m&p otf

[@Errcyco]

If you’ve never got an OTF and aren’t wealthy, start with the Lightning Ultra drop point.. unbeatable for $35

[@sanepsyko]

Problem I don't like with the last akc is the placement of the trigger, uncomfortable with otc the trigger digs into your leg leaving a bruse

[@skip123davis]

question: what happens when you carry otf knives in pocket or iwb? sounds like a good way to self inflicted wound if that thing goes off somehow.

[@lonewanderer3603]

Those deployment switches are actually stiff as hell. I doubt you would accidentally deploy the blade.

[@meaty109]

Really like your detailed presentation....Im looking for an OTF... TY ....heading to your site.

[@grega.gonzales4045]

Can you please let me know how I can purchase them

[@barking.dog.productions1777]

I will contact you later and get one these... maybe even two. great video

[@94chevyz71]

Between the Lightning Elite and the AKC 16 which would you recommend for someone getting there first otf knife just to kinda check one out and see what they think about otf’s?

[@KillianDeaton]

Probably the lightning because of the price

[@lucasbelcher6256]

How did you like it. is the action tuff. Is it durable

[@davidchipman7612]

do you ship to australia ?

[@vinnieverace]

Hey guys i need some help, id like to buy an otf double action, im just a bit worried about the safety situation, since i like to carry it hidden inside my trousers, is there any model that comes with a safety button?

[@harvey_weenstain8857]

I bought an F16 & it failed 8 times outta 10 right outta the box... I think I just got a crappy one but I bought it from you guys :/

[@DonQuixoteSosa]

Does anyone know if the Atomic defender knife is legal to own in Massachusetts?

[@AlexzanderMega]

So how much was, the atomic mini defender otf? And your site says, that you are out of stock.🤔

[@KillerKev1961]

Just ordered mine, $59 and free shipping. Black Bayo!

[@gabiconstantin2937]

did it ever arrive? im curious if the site is safe...

[@KillerKev1961]

@@gabiconstantin2937 Yes arrived 3 days ago.

[@Microfiber_Muncher]

the F-16 is the only one I would consider but even then I would rather just save up and buy a microtech, because I know it will never fail and it was made in the US

[@223ndog]

Not anymore. They just started making them in China.

[@Microfiber_Muncher]

@@223ndog The new socom bravo's are, they are a collab with Rike knives, but they still make their otf's in the US