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 9000R, the reverse tanto blade deploys on axis with the spine-curved, mass-forward tip directed 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.

A reverse tanto features a spine that curves downward to meet the edge rather than terminating at the same height or following an angular tanto profile. The downward curve concentrates blade mass forward of center, creating a reinforced tip that carries more material behind the point than a spear point or drop point would at equivalent blade length. In an OTF automatic, the reverse tanto tip deploys on the deployment axis — the mass-forward geometry means the first contact point at full extension is stronger and more supported than a finer tip geometry would be. The reverse tanto is the blade profile of the Bel Air and Iridium manual platforms across Kershaw's USA-made production lineup; the 9000R brings that geometry to the OTF deployment format in CPM MagnaCut for buyers who carry reverse tanto by preference and want the OTF version of the same profile.

The 9000R Livewire OTF and the reverse tanto Iridium DuraLock folders (2038RBLK, 2038R) share the reverse tanto geometry and Kershaw's broader platform DNA, but they are fundamentally different knife types. The Iridium series (2038RBLK, 2038R) are manual folding knives with D2 steel, DuraLock crossbar lock, and anodized aluminum handles — they fold open conventionally and are legal in virtually all US jurisdictions. The 9000R is an OTF automatic with CPM MagnaCut steel, a slider deployment mechanism, and is subject to the strict automatic knife laws that vary by state. The 9000R delivers better steel (CPM MagnaCut vs D2) and faster deployment (OTF vs manual) in exchange for a larger, heavier package and significantly more restrictive carry legality. For buyers who can carry OTF automatics legally and want reverse tanto in CPM MagnaCut, the 9000R. For buyers who need a folding knife legal in all 50 states, the Iridium DuraLock series.

Stonewash CPM MagnaCut leaves the blade face as bare steel without a chemical conversion or PVD coating. The stonewash texture hides fine surface scratches and diffuses light for a low-profile carry appearance. CPM MagnaCut's near-H1 corrosion resistance makes bare stonewash CPM MagnaCut significantly more tolerant of moisture exposure than bare stonewash D2 — an important advantage in an OTF platform where the blade travels through a housing channel that accumulates moisture with daily carry. Wipe the blade dry after extended moisture exposure and apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil before storage. The blade develops a natural patina over time.

The Livewire OTF series now spans thirteen confirmed variants, all sharing USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 9000R is the only reverse tanto in the series — a geometry first in the Livewire lineup. The full series: 9000R (MagnaCut stonewash reverse tanto, black aluminum), 9000USA limited run (MagnaCut stonewash spear point, USA flag black aluminum), 9000CFBLU (MagnaCut stonewash spear point, blue/black CF), 9000DESTBLU (MagnaCut black serrated dagger, blue anodized), 9000TCFDAM (Damascus tanto, black CF), 9000DECFDAM (Damascus spear point, black CF), 9000TFDEBW (MagnaCut blackwash tanto, FDE), 9000MERL (MagnaCut blackwash spear point, Merlot), 9000OLBW (MagnaCut blackwash spear point, OD green), 9000RAWBLK (MagnaCut black PVD spear point, raw aluminum), 9000RAWGLD (MagnaCut gold PVD drop point, raw aluminum), 9000RAWBLU (MagnaCut blue PVD drop point, raw aluminum), 9000WBLK (MagnaCut black PVD drop point, white anodized), 9000WGLD (MagnaCut gold PVD drop point, white anodized).

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 stonewash patina development, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Livewire 9000R is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. A USA-made CPM MagnaCut reverse tanto OTF automatic is a combination that does not exist elsewhere in the production knife market. The Livewire carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.