Difference in cheap and not so cheap OTF's?

[Combsie]

I currently own a cheap OTF and would like to possibly take it a step farther with quality in mind. My current OTF is a "Lightning OTF". Yes, it's cheap but it's also a little work horse. The only thing that I don't like about it is the blade wobble when extended. I guess my question is this, Will an Ultratech(in the $230 range) be a big step up? If so, how?

 

[M67]

Microtechs are the "IT" OTFs, yes, it will be much better

Better steel, better mechanics, better resale, etc.

 

[Dean C.]

^^^^ This

Also with an OTF there will always be a little blade wiggle it is just a downfall of the design unless of course you want to pony up ~$1000 for a G&G Hawk Deadlock

 

[Bradsknives]

With the exception of the G&G Deadlock OTF (cost over $1K), all OTF knives will have some degree of blade play. The difference in the amount of blade play is associated with the quality of the OTF. Generally, lower quality OTF knives will have more (sometimes extreme) blade play, while your higher quality OTF knives will have less. Ask yourself what is the difference in quality between a Hi-Point 9mm and say a SIG P226 or P229 9mm. The answers you come up with will be close to the same answers for the difference between a high quality OTF versus a low quality OTF. It will be about the quality of the materials, and the manufacturing processes used in making the product. Example: Quality of the blade steel...obviously better quality blade steel will give you better edge performance and edge retention. Also, tolerances in the higher quality OTF knives will be tighter, thus giving you less blade play, and smoother blade deployment and retraction. Higher quality OTF knives will have machined parts versus casted parts which helps with obtaining tighter tolerances, and gives you a longer life span (longevity) for that part. Finally, the USA made higher quality OTF knives will have lifetime warranties, where most (not all) of your lower quality Chineses made OTF knives do not.

 

[Combsie]

With the exception of the G&G Deadlock OTF (cost over $1K), all OTF knives will have some degree of blade play. The difference in the amount of blade play is associated with the quality of the OTF. Generally, lower quality OTF knives will have more (sometimes extreme) blade play, while your higher quality OTF knives will have less. Ask yourself what is the difference in quality between a Hi-Point 9mm and say a SIG P226 or P229 9mm. The answers you come up with be close to the same answers for the difference between a high quality OTF versus a low quality OTF. It will be about the quality of the materials, and the manufacturing processes used in making the product. Example: Quality of the blade steel...obviously better quality blade steel will give you better edge performance and edge retention. Also, tolerances in the higher quality OTF knives will be tighter, thus giving you less blade play, and smoother blade deployment and retraction. Higher quality OTF knives will have machined parts versus casted parts which helps with obtaining tighter tolerances and giving you a longer life span (longevity). Finally, the USA made higher quality OTF knives will have lifetime warranties, where most (not all) of your lower quality Chineses made OTF knives do not.

Just the guy I was hoping would show up. Are you by chance going to be attending the Auburn gun show?

 

[Combsie]

Thanks to all who replied. I admit I'm utterly clueless when it comes to knives.

 

[Bradsknives]

Just the guy I was hoping would show up. Are you by chance going to be attending the Auburn gun show?

No sir, I will not be attending the Auburn show. My next show up your way is the Ft. Wayne show (Memorial Coliseum) March 10 & 11.