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. 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 Livewire OTF series now spans seven confirmed variants, all sharing CPM MagnaCut steel and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 9000MERL runs blackwash spear point on Napa Merlot red anodized aluminum — the warmest and most tonally distinctive colorway in the series. The 9000OLBW runs blackwash spear point on olive green anodized aluminum — the only other blackwash spear point in the series, making the 9000MERL and 9000OLBW a natural pair in blade configuration. The 9000RAWBLK runs black PVD spear point on raw aluminum. The 9000RAWGLD (Aurum) runs gold PVD drop point on raw aluminum. The 9000RAWBLU (Cryo) runs blue PVD drop point on raw aluminum. The 9000WBLK (Trooper) runs black PVD drop point on white anodized aluminum. The 9000WGLD (Pope) runs gold PVD drop point on white anodized aluminum.

Blackwash is produced by applying a stonewash texture to the blade first, then a black coating over the top. The black settles into the recesses of the stonewash texture and wears away at the high points, creating a dark two-tone effect — darker in the grind hollows, lighter at the flats and bevels. Against the deep Napa Merlot red anodized handle, the blackwash blade creates a rich warm contrast — the dark, layered blade depth against the wine red handle reads more tonally complex than the stark monochrome of the Trooper or the cool blue of the Cryo. On CPM MagnaCut, the blackwash coating also provides a functional corrosion barrier across the blade face — useful for a blade that cycles through an OTF housing mechanism where moisture can accumulate.

Napa Merlot red anodizing is an electrochemical process that creates a hard aluminum oxide layer integral to the metal surface — the color is part of the metal itself rather than a paint or coating applied on top, which means it cannot chip or peel the way a spray finish can. The anodized layer will show scuffs and contact marks at wear points over time with hard daily carry, and the color may lighten at high-contact areas. This is normal for anodized aluminum and does not affect the structural integrity of the handle. Buyers who want to preserve the Merlot red color tend to use the 9000MERL as a lighter-duty or collector carry; buyers who carry it hard accept the honest patina as part of the knife's character.

CPM MagnaCut was designed by metallurgist Larrin Thomas and produced by Crucible Industries to outperform both CPM-S35VN and M390 in edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance simultaneously. In an OTF knife, edge retention keeps the blade deployment-ready through more carry cycles before maintenance. CPM MagnaCut's near-H1 corrosion resistance is particularly relevant in an OTF platform where the blade travels through a housing channel that can accumulate moisture and debris. The blackwash coating on the 9000MERL adds a functional corrosion barrier on top of an already highly corrosion-resistant steel. Most production OTF knives run 154CM or D2 — CPM MagnaCut is a significant step up in all three performance categories.

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 finish wear on the blade and handle, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Livewire 9000MERL is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. A USA-made OTF in CPM MagnaCut with a Napa Merlot red handle is a combination that does not exist anywhere else in the production automatic market. The Livewire carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.