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Comment by Tobias Gibson on March 16, 2015 at 18:31

From my page "A Pocket Guide to Knives"

Out The Front:  Any number of knives with a retractable blade that is deployed point first from the front of the knife handle. The blade does not fold into the handle but is retracted and deployed by gravity, a sliding mechanism, or by spring assistance. These include Gravity Knives; Single Action or Automatic OTFs; and Double Action or Sliding OTFs.

Single Action OTF: A spring assisted knife with a retractable blade that deploys point first from the knife's handle when some type of release such as a button r lever is pressed. The blade must then be manually retracted into the handle by pulling back on the release which follows a channel that is cut into the handle. Also called an Automatic or Auto OTF (see Gravity Knife and Double Action OTF for comparison.

Double Action OTF: A knife with a retractable blade that deploys point first from the knife's handle. The blade is pushed forward manually using a release mechanism that follows a channel cut in the handle. The blade also manually retracted into the handle by pulling back on the release. The standard box cutter knife is an example of Double Action OTF. Also called a Slider. (see Gravity Knife and Single Action OTF for comparison.

Gravity Knife: A type of knife where the blade slides out the front. The blade isn't pushed or assisted with a spring but falls freely out the front when pointed toward the ground and you press a release. The release is then pushed to a lock position and the blade locks in the open position. Upon unlocking the release and pointing the blade to the sky or pressing it against a surface will then return the blade to its safe position. See also: Out The Front

Below, a Korean made copy of the German Parachutist's Gravity Knife

Comment by Ron Cooper on March 16, 2015 at 16:29

OTF means Out The Front. That's how the blade is deployed...Out The Front.

Comment by Lars Ray on March 16, 2015 at 15:43

OTF's? Please explain - not sure what OTF means. But I do like those little advertising knives being shown. Here's mine from Gerlinger:

Comment by Tobias Gibson on March 15, 2015 at 15:05

Wow!  Were up to 45!  that is a 50% jump in members over the last week!  Let's keep it going.  We'll hit 60 in no time!

Comment by Tobias Gibson on March 14, 2015 at 20:44

An interesting observation, Terry.   My most collected pattern is probably the four blade camp (Boy Scout) knife.  But that is only because they are easier to find than marlin spikes and big toothpicks!

Sometimes are most acquired pattern isn't necessarily out favorite pattern!

Comment by Terry Pitts on March 14, 2015 at 20:34

 I'm glad to join this group of avid collectors. Although its hard to pick a favorite I probably have more styles of Trappers in my knife collection than any other pattern.

Comment by jeff on March 14, 2015 at 16:54

lol tobias, every time is see a dogleg,humpback,cigar,or similar whittler i dont already have, i find myself crunching numbers and trying to find excuses to tell the wifey as to why i have to spend my retirement on another knife...i think we need a discussion on excuses-- reasons to tell the wife or husband to help us knife addicts with our anxiety...lol

Comment by Tobias Gibson on March 14, 2015 at 6:37

Mea Culpa, J.J.  It I listed them by the number in my collection I'm guessing whittlers would be within the top ten, possibly even the top five!  We won't say what pattern would at the bottom  but it begins with the letter "T" and it ends with  the type of music Will Smith  and J. Jazzy Jeff  won a Grammy for!  (Ducking and covering again!)

Comment by J.J. Smith III on March 13, 2015 at 22:49

You may need to duck and cover Tobias, listing whittlers last in your list.
(And don't start with that alphebitical stuff.) Lol, and just look at the beautiful humpback WHITTLERS that Jeff shared...

Comment by Tobias Gibson on March 13, 2015 at 21:03

Jeff, I just saw those whittlers.  You're making me think about collecting another pattern. It's go to be hard "Coping" with the additional anxiety!  (time to duck and cover!)

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