Maintenance

Understanding and Maintaining Out-the-Front (OTF) Knives

A lot of customers are new to the OTF style knives, how they function and their upkeep and maintenance. Most of the time, what may seem like a problem is really maintenance or an unknown function. It could be as easy as a safety reset. Many warranties are Dirty Knives. Like many other products, the more it is used, the more you must maintain the product.

Out-the-front (OTF) knives are popular for their unique mechanism, which allows the blade to deploy and retract through an opening at the front of the handle. However, like any mechanical tool, they can experience issues that require maintenance and resetting. Here's a detailed guide on how OTF knives can fail, how to reset them, and how to use Rem Oil for cleaning.

Common Failures and How to Reset OTF Knives

OTF knives can fail due to various reasons, including debris, wear and tear, and mechanical issues. Here are some common problems and how to reset the knife:

1. Blade Misfired:

Cause: The blade can get stuck or misfire if it encounters resistance during deployment or retraction. Repeated misfires can be a sign of a knife that needs to be cleaned.

Solution: To reset the blade, Pinch the sides of the blade with your thumb and index finger, then gently pull the blade outward until it locks back into place. Alternatively, you can give the blade a swift downward motion to re-engage the internal springs.

1. Internal Debris:

Cause: Dirt, lint, or other debris can accumulate inside the knife, causing it to malfunction.

Solution: Use compressed air to blow out any debris from the inside of the knife. Spray the blade and internal mechanism with a light lubricant like Rem Oil, then cycle the knife several times while wiping off the excess Rem oil to remove any buildup. You may have to reset it a few times before it starts working smoothly. The rem oil is used to grab the debris not to act as a lubricant. Heavy oils and too much lubricant can cause the same issues as a dirty knife.

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your OTF knife functioning smoothly. Rem Oil is a popular choice for this purpose due to its light, rust-preventative properties.

1. Regular Maintenance:

Wipe down the blade before retracting it if you are cutting sticky material such as tape or wet material like an apple. Wiping down the blade helps decrease debris pulled into the handle.

Make it a habit to clean your OTF knife after heavy use. This will help maintain its performance and longevity.

By understanding how OTF knives can fail and how to properly maintain them, you can ensure your knife remains a reliable tool for years to come. Regular cleaning with Rem Oil and resetting the blade when necessary are key steps in this process.

Please watch the videos below to make sure the issue can't be fixed with these two steps. If these are not the issue, then below is the warranty and issue request form. When you click the submit button, the completed form will be sent directly to the person over the warranty department. You will be sent an email with these videos as well as a return address to send the product to be fixed. We strive to ensure a quick turnaround of all warranties sent to us.