OTF stands for out-the-front — the blade deploys and retracts axially through an opening in the front of the handle rather than folding open like a conventional folder. On the Kershaw Livewire, push the slider on the spine forward to deploy the blade and push it back to retract. The blade locks positively when fully deployed and retracts cleanly on the return stroke. On the 9000TCFDAM, the Damascus tanto tip deploys on the deployment axis — the reinforced tanto tip is the first thing through the housing opening, pointed straight ahead at full extension. OTF knives are true automatic knives by legal definition and are subject to the same state and federal restrictions as side-button automatics. See the legality FAQ below before purchasing.

OTF automatic knives are subject to strict regulation under federal and state law. Under federal law, the interstate sale and transport of automatic knives — including OTF knives — is restricted. Knifeworks can only ship OTF automatics to buyers in states where automatic knives are legal to own and carry. State laws vary significantly: some states permit OTF automatics freely, some restrict blade length, some require permits or military or law enforcement status, and some prohibit them entirely. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice. It is your responsibility to verify that OTF automatic knives are legal in your state, county, and municipality before purchasing. Check your local laws at akti.org (American Knife and Tool Institute) or call us at 888-225-9775 — we will not ship to addresses in states where OTF automatics are prohibited.

The 9000TCFDAM and 9000DECFDAM are the two Damascus carbon fiber Livewire variants — they share the same Damascus steel construction, carbon fiber and aluminum handle, OTF automatic deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The difference is blade geometry and blade length. The 9000TCFDAM runs a tanto blade at 3.25 inches — a reinforced chisel-ground tip designed for maximum penetration force and hard-use tactical applications. The 9000DECFDAM runs a spear point blade at 3.35 inches — a symmetrical centered tip with a longer usable belly for everyday carry versatility and collector display. The 9000TCFDAM is the harder-use tactical piece of the Damascus Livewire pair; the 9000DECFDAM is the everyday versatile collector piece.

The tanto and Damascus combination on the 9000TCFDAM serves two purposes simultaneously that no single-material, single-geometry OTF can match. The tanto geometry concentrates deployment force onto the smallest possible tip contact area — the reinforced chisel-ground secondary edge creates a hard stop at the tip that maximizes penetration in hard-use scenarios. Damascus provides a blade pattern unique to each piece and a layered steel construction that shows the forge-welded alloys through the etched finish. In an OTF format, the tanto tip deploys on axis at full extension — the Damascus pattern visible at the blade face as it cycles through the housing. The combination is as much about carrying a piece where material and geometry are purpose-matched as it is about owning something that does not exist in the production automatic knife market in this form.

Damascus steel — also called pattern-welded steel — is produced by forge-welding two or more steel alloys in alternating layers, then manipulating the billet through twisting, folding, drawing, or other techniques to create a specific pattern in the layered structure. The blade is ground to final geometry and acid-etched to reveal the contrasting pattern through the finished blade face. Because manipulation is done by hand, no two Damascus blades carry an identical pattern — each is unique. The alloy composition of the Damascus used in the 9000TCFDAM determines its specific steel performance characteristics. Confirm the steel composition from Kershaw's published specs before making a decision based on steel performance.

Damascus blades require more active maintenance than stainless steel blades. Wipe the blade dry immediately after any moisture exposure — hand oils, humidity, and environmental moisture can cause surface rust on bare Damascus. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil, camellia oil, or dedicated blade oil after cleaning and before storage. In an OTF, the blade travels through a housing mechanism where moisture accumulates — maintain the housing channel with periodic compressed air and light oil applications. Avoid prolonged contact with acidic materials that can damage the etch pattern. Re-etching in ferric chloride solution can restore a faded pattern over time if desired. The tanto geometry on the 9000TCFDAM means two separate edge sections — sharpen each independently at its own bevel angle and do not blend the primary and secondary edges.

Kershaw offers a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If the knife fails due to a manufacturing defect, Kershaw will repair or replace it at no charge. Warranty service is handled directly by Kershaw — not Knifeworks. Submit a claim through Kershaw's website at kershawknives.com with a description of the issue and proof of purchase. Normal wear, mechanism wear from sustained OTF cycling, cosmetic Damascus patina development, carbon fiber panel wear, tanto edge maintenance wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Livewire 9000TCFDAM is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. A USA-made Damascus tanto OTF automatic with carbon fiber handle panels is an extremely rare combination in the production knife market — Damascus tanto automatics of any kind are uncommon in production, and USA-made examples at an authorized dealer price with full warranty coverage are rarer still.