Making The Most Complicated Knife! || How An OTF Switchblade Is Made And How It Actually Works.

🚨 SOLD OUT! 🚨You guys rock!Get Our First Collab Knife Here! bit.ly/3obZWSY
Get Your Axial Knife Here: bit.ly/3pYE7XB
0:01 Introducing How OTF Knives Are Made And How They Work
0:22 How OTF Handles Are Machined And What They Are Made Of
1:20 Understanding The Crazy Tolerances Necessary For An OTF To Work
3:18 The Axial Knife Difference
3:47 How Knife Manufacturers Share The Load Of Knife Making
4:14 How An OTF Blade Is Made
6:29 OTF Springs and Internals
7:14 How An OTF Works Full Visual Breakdown
8:38 Zac In The Wild X Axial Collaboration Knife!
In todays video we are giving you a worlds fist look on how an OTF (Out The Front) Switchblade Knife is made!! We got full access from our buddies over at AXIAL to their knife making operation and we can say for sure that OTF knives are the most complicated production knives out there. Let us know what you think about this first ever look and if you have any questions!

[@The4cp]

Not many companies would be willing to show their process that way. Congratulations on the first knife!

[@twatmunro]

You can see how they're made by just opening them up. It isn't rocket science here. I've often wondered how it is that a high quality production knife can be almost as expensive as a good quality semi-automatic handgun, like a Glock. Showing these processes does a great job of helping the customer understand WHY they cost as much as they do. Sadly, I live in a country that won't allow me to own a semi-automatic handgun OR an OTF switchblade. I wish I lived in Utah.

[@judethenekogamer3651]

​@Twat Munro its always a glock fan lmfao

[@Thefreakyfreek]

I mean somone in china is already :Write that down write that down

[@CaptainRon1913]

bs. take it apart. simple, not spaceX booster landing on a drone ship

[@chadwickcloister5143]

​@twatmunro lol, utah is virtually an independent nation. NC is ok too though

[@maxlvledc]

Well deserved, thanks for showing this! Didn't know how much goes into an OFT.

[@zacinthewild]

Thank you for checking it out💪

[@zacinthewild]

🚨 SOLD OUT! 🚨 You Guys Rock!!! More coming real soon! You can still get a great OTF from Axial Here: bit.ly/3pYE7XB

[@zackvega9596]

I love these factory tour videos. And you know eclxactly how to do them right, Zac! You get all the info we really want to know and see. Your whole channel is dedicated to the true knife nerds, and there's really no one else with the kind of variety you have here. Keep it up, and congrats on the collab!

[@edcgearpocketknife]

Man I’ve been making short videos and sharing my otf on KZbin and got 800 views in half an hour. The Facebook group I run I posted the knife and now guys want one lol. I’m getting positive comments on it. I also bragged about how good the quality is. It’s built and feels so perfect in hand. I’ve been promoting it since day 1. And now that I shared it gigs are so jealous I’m sure you’ll make a few sales on your other axial otf knifes.

[@lostone260]

Having declared my dissatisfaction with this sharpener last night kzbin.infoUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ I thought about the problem some more. It occurred to me that I might be undoing each attempt at achieving a sharp edge by the repeated attempts. So, I tried to clean up the unsatisfactory result by honing with only positions 3 and 4.Miracle!! A really nicely sharpened chef's knife, more than enough to handle my needs. Admittedly, it did not reach professionally sharpened razor-fineness, but it is now significantly sharper than it was. A bout of breaking down carrots convinced me. So, major apologies to the manufacturer, Amazon, and all happy and potential owners! Follow the directions: don't buy it if you have ceramic blades; and don't overwork your knife blade.

[@kickstothehead3705]

Wow They are transparent I appreciate that they let you guys do this I’ve been wanting an axial for a while I’ve been waiting for them to come back on the other sites so I can get them out a little bit cheaper ,price but I love their OTF’s. They have a white custom I want aswell

[@lonestardude6283]

Ben started out with $40 $50 $60 dollar knife, Zac said, "hold my beer, watch this!" Seriously though, sold out!... congratulations! Well deserved!

[@benbanters]

Cheap suckers have cheap dreams. 🤑

[@DrewishAF]

Ever since I first played with an OTF knife (and learned about their shortcomings in general), I've wanted to design one that can function as both an everyday carry and utility knife to a reliable, dependable fighting knife for heavy-duty use. I think the biggest part of that is making a system that can be actively locked in the open position without worry of the blade hopping the track or disconnecting from the spring mechanism. I also know that there are some knives that would qualify under these conditions, but there's always a tremendous amount of respect you have for a tool that you build yourself. And considering the amount of experience I have in metalwork, machining, knife making, gun building, design/engineering and forging, I don't think it's unreasonable for me to believe that I can actually accomplish this. And now that I have a couple knives of my own for reference, along with videos exactly like this one, I actually think this would be a worthy project. Who knows, maybe I'll have the opportunity to get my own creation reviewed by such accomplished and well-versed folks as this!

[@585ronin]

My wife bought me an axial otf for my birthday and I love it. It is such a nice solid and smooth functioning knife I’m a huge fan I have had more expensive otf knives that don’t feel as good as this knife does.

[@mattd.8775]

As someone who works in a knife making machine shop, you did a great job at showing what goes on. Awesome video!

[@jo3hamilton]

Yo, I love this! It’s like “How it’s Made” for a sweet knife! Keep up the great work Zac!

[@zacinthewild]

Thanks!

[@thomasgates7852]

After your first video on the Axial OTF I had to get one! It is easily one of my favorite knives. If im not carrying it its usually not to far from arms reach. If anyone is on the fence about getting one do yourself a favor and pull the trigger on it

[@damo2142]

Because of this video I purchased and axial and with over a year of use and carrying I love the knife. Been an avid Benchmade fan for years but thinking about another axial again.

[@DylanLey]

Congratulations on the Collab! Great video as always!

[@johnnyd667]

Been holding off on getting an Axial trying to find the one that speaks to me. I think this is the one. Thanks!

[@austinftwXD]

Haven't been a subscriber long, but I had to pick one of these up. Your first Collab, my first OTF knife. Super stoked to see this thing in person.

[@Tym2GoDie]

Picked up the Shift! it's gonna be my first OTF.

[@zacinthewild]

It’s a good one even if I’m a little partial😁👊

[@pdbouie]

So glad I stop to watch this video. A recent knife enthusiast, I love OTF knife the cool factor is up there, as well as the utilization. Also the price lol. Thank you for explaining and showing the process, realize that there is probably a lot not shown but that's to be understood. Now to see about getting one of those Axial blades!!!

[@ricardorubalcaba155]

These BTS videos are great Zac! Being from California, my options are limited on autos and OTF's so I really had no idea how they worked. Thanks for the insight and congrats again on the Collab.

[@checharlie]

Just got one! Happy to support guys

[@rogerchen1563]

Great video. Receiving an Axial Shift v3 clip point in magnacut by this evening. Stoked. Currently carrying a GT Recon 035 drop pt SW Elmax.

[@GarrettsGear]

So excited for mine to arrive! Thanks for sharing Zac!

[@chrisstoddart8376]

Best explanation of how an OTF works that I've seen. Nice work!

[@RP24CustomBladeWorks]

I must say this is 1 of the best knife overview videos I've seen in 10 years of youtube, start to finish everything was spot on and easy to understand, if it's your first time looking over an otf it's precise, informative and to the point but not an overload and if your familiar with otfs its a good brush up and good overview to make sure your knowledge is on point, seriously great job on this. It also shines a great light on a company that I've unfairly and unjustly judged in the past because of a complete lack of research on my own part and letting other people rumors influence me and for that I'm glad I could right that misinformation. Great job Axial, ive definitely got eyes on you guys now 👊👍

[@JSWalden93]

Bought one at 10:02 waiting to see what number of the first 150 I have. Love seeing the channel grow!!!

[@Revenant483]

Very cool project and very competitive. Less than I paid for my Ultratech, and still made in the USA

[@billkaleta5215]

Awesome video, I m a fellow machinist and can totally appreciate all of these processes. I will be ordering one of your knives. Plus the Okamoto plug was cool that was my first shop job building they’re surface grinders in 1994 🤘

[@TeeBeeZee]

You sold me. I missed the special collab but used the discount to snag a Magnacut Shift. Thanks! Looking forward to it.

[@HawaiianRedNeck]

Thank you Zac and thank the people at Axial. I have been bugging them since a saw your first video. The one where you abused thier OTF cutting drywall among other things. When your special addition dropped I was refreshing the Axial site for about 10 minutes before the drop. I just recieved 038! It shaves leg hair out of the box. I don't have a Microtech but out of the box the Axial takes less effort to fire than my Manticore E.

[@rand0mguy42]

I'm having major issues with #31 and have sent the knife back once already. They said their new employees weren't trained up on QA and they would make sure my knife was better than new. I still can't actuate it one-handed and the blade is very dull still. Their service has been really slow, if polite, including the non-existent online chat and text chat options on their website. I'm waiting to hear back from customer service again.

[@dondee5439]

At the 7:04 mark, how an OTF knife actually works. I was surprised that it only has one spring. I guess the two locks and motion of the thumbswitch allow one spring to work in both directions.

[@DrMurdercock]

This is a helluva ad. Got me wanting one

[@adamboyle1243]

This is awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@Mo.89.]

Another great video Zac. You’re doing such amazing stuff here man. Now if you could convince my government that OTF’s aren’t dangerous so I could have one you’d be my hero forever 😂. Look forward to the next video!

[@DimitrosSJ]

You live in Europe with those stupid rules and laws? Move to Ukraine! We are alowed to cary any kind of knives.

[@billcarroll9076]

Just ordered the knife can't wait to see how good it is thx zac

[@Ne3ek1t]

this video feels more like a manufacturer advertisment rather than a video of how an OTF is made.

[@sharonrookard4035]

Sorry I missed getting one from the first launch, great design!!! Congratulations

[@P-tricky13]

I would like that tanto in all black please 🖤

[@bigg7379]

Snatched up the new exclusive! Can’t wait. Thanks brother!

[@zacinthewild]

Dude! Thank you so much from both of us💪

[@Ratchman_5000]

I wish I would've known this was coming. I spent my knife budget already! Way go Zac, knife looks great!

[@mlevy1990]

Zach and OTF my favorite things in the knife world. Of course I ordered 1

[@zacinthewild]

My man🤘

[@landonmeyer2943]

Same!

[@Elmax17.5dps]

Wow I really appreciate the effort. Gotta get myself one.

[@spartan7042]

Very impressive I definitely have to get one.

[@jlogue751]

Super cool video..seeing the behind the scenes truly adds appeal .I want one

[@jonathanwatson268]

Very cool! I wanted to get one but I'm saving up for blade show! Glad to see they sold out quick and I hope you guys come to blade!

[@CarlosDangerTheThird]

Sold out!!! Well that’s some bull… Congratulations!

[@AlphaMachina]

I wish they would make kits available for a bit less than a finished knife to send out to those of us who enjoy this kind of work to finish ourselves. I can debur, polish, anodize, cerakote and even finish a knife blank. I'd gladly do all of that myself, and enjoy doing it, for $100 off the price. $200 kit would be fantastic.

[@feraltrafficcone4483]

Oh hey I bought one of the Zac exclusives 😋 It arrives around Wednesday. Hopefully it goes better than my first Shift, which did… _not_ have a good time. 30 failures before it would actually deploy properly. It was probably a very old model and was defective, so here’s hoping this one is better

[@BeardsBaconTech]

Hey, I was wondering have you ever heard of this knife is it any good? Does anyone know where I can get? A leather are Kydex sheath made for this Gerber Stowe Fixed Blade Knife Black Micarta (2.5" Stone Wash)

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

Fantastic video. BHQ should have never let you go.

[@TWknives]

Very cool to see the operation. Can’t wait to get it in 🤙🏼 thanks for the content and happy for you, Jamie and all y’all’s endeavors

[@zacinthewild]

Huge thanks from both of us🤙

[@kforty9568]

Nice job pairing up with Axial. I'm up the road a bit in S.L.C., I love going local. I found these guys awhile ago and picked up the Dart and have been wanting to grab a Shift. Those first 150 ZITW went quick. Good luck.

[@eriklambert3809]

Awesome info. Getting an otf is tricky. There are a number of new makers. This should help people know who to trust without buying overpriced knives you would be scared to use since you can't replace it

[@zacinthewild]

Axial is the sauce for sure!

[@eriklambert3809]

@zacinthewild I'm was about to buy another Ultratech. Now I believe I'm going to try your model. Better blade steel, too. Awesome stuff.

[@chaddamron3877]

Mad luv - excellent vid- tour- n collab 🎉🎉💥💥🍻👊

[@YPEDC]

I freakin love this! And I’d love to get one. Breakdowns of how things work are some of my favorites. Thanks for all your awesome content man!

[@TheAdequateMedia]

I really really wanna mess with one of these here Axial shifts. Also, are the mountains still cool enough to wear a jacket? i gotta escape florida

[@GoldenTicket17]

Such a gorgeous knife

[@Ramperhappy]

i made a front follower out of an door hinge wich was the right thickness, using only a dremel and sanding paper, fires even beter then before. TAKE THAT MACHINESS!!!! :P

[@WilliamWallis]

Congrats, my man

[@Flobroz23]

Got mine ordered! Whew says 2 left!!!!!

[@Bisqcateer]

I wish my Microtech had tighter open-position blade tolerances, but I can get that it helps in avoiding obstructions that gunk up the action. Sounds like Axial probably has a nice balance though.

[@HobbyHobbit-ue6oi]

How did you score a collab? Did you approach them about it or vice versa?

[@markconnery2836]

NEVER SAW THIS CHANNEL ☝️🤫🫡🇺🇸‼️

[@anthonysupplee858]

2 knives left! Congrats to Zac, Jaime and Axial.

[@thomasknevels6652]

Thats an awesome knife. I would immediately buy one but i live in germany and here we are not even allowed to own otf knives. Unfortunately they are completely outlawed

[@chrisjohnson9542]

Very cool guys. Congratulations.

[@jeremynedrow7003]

That's awesome man.

[@UncleFjester]

I'm not buying into the OTF Fad but I love Utah!

[@sparkymullarkey7674]

Awesome Video. Well done!

[@edcgearpocketknife]

I got mine I can’t wait.

[@timrodriguez1]

I do not have an Axial in my collection, but will hopefully remedy that, soon. 🤘🤠

[@nunninkav]

Did they sell out in the first day or the first hour?

[@RockyMountainEDC]

Axial is changing the game!!!!

[@gigilaco]

Very beautiful knife! It’s so nice to see someone who isn’t doing the rainbow finish, American flag coating, etc.

[@adamchristman9674]

I’ve already ordered mine

[@toddglover2054]

Very interesting video about a great Utah company! Considering one of these, but I got into watches lately and that has absorbed much ummmmm...interest

[@KumeTheWolf]

I want to buy one so bad but I live in california! Great video of a great company doing some awesome stuff, love it!

[@GreyrDrangeid]

Love the channel man, congrats on the first knife! Little sad I didn’t get one, lol.

[@randomrangoon5476]

Would love one of these over a micro tech any day

[@PeptoBismol1337]

I love it. I would love to get my hands on one.

[@rpow6861]

im really not a fan of OTFs but its gotta be said, this is a real looker.

[@sttonep242]

Great video!

[@duckfacts777]

roughness isnt the biggest in swiss watches because the interface points are usually brass on lubed ruby contact. the combination of the lubricant and the major difference in hardnesses means you can get away with leaving the brass a little bit rougher than you would for brass on brass interface

[@Greg_Koenig]

What's up Zac and everyone, always looking forward to a new video

[@zacinthewild]

Thanks for popping in!🤘

[@arrowheadguys7637]

Thats really smart that they laser engrave the blades with the steel type BEFORE heat treat. Bark River should take note with all the "oops, sorry we sent you a budget steel marked as something more expensive" mistakes they've had...

[@natewilder1868]

Just to clarify, if we missed the drop, there will be more right?

[@rubencortez9198]

Wow…great video and a knife I need to get.

[@Slash1066]

Beautiful knives, I wish they weren't wildly illegal here in the UK

[@wm.traynor1143]

Well, I won't be knocking one of these up in the garage any time soon😄😄😄

[@brittonnevans2208]

T8?!?!?! That alone is phenomenal.

[@rudyrodriguez8883]

Great channel really enjoy the videos. I wear glasses any recommendations on any cool EDC stuff out there for my pouch I just have a basic one from Walmart $20-$50. Not many channels talk about eyeglass EDC thanks

[@focusonthefocus]

I'm a nerd for tools and noticed their use of the Populo electric driver... curious. Also, NEAT video, Zac!

[@Tn3809]

Just WOW!🤯

[@sethparker4098]

what a good looking knife. unfortunately off road projects have my pockets empty currently or I'd be snagging one.

[@joemertz7762]

Really looking forward to when mine arrives! Maybe I'll frame your note

[@zacinthewild]

Thank you so much!🤘

[@keananconnor4221]

Do they make these in utility blates ?

[@tymz-r-achangin]

Would like to see them give us an option of a blade with some type of serrations

[@RandomTuber782]

Those are neat, wish I could legally carry one.

[@MyRealDelusion]

Im all in.

[@leotam3372]

I would love to see HA III grey like old surefires