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 9000TOLSW, the stonewash tanto blade deploys on the OTF axis — the reinforced tanto tip is the first thing through the housing opening at full extension, with both grind planes visible in the bare stonewash steel as the blade cycles. 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 9000TOLSW and 9000TOLBLK are the two OD green tanto Livewire variants — they share the same CPM MagnaCut steel, tanto blade geometry, OTF automatic deployment, OD green anodized aluminum handle, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The only difference is blade finish. The 9000TOLSW runs a stonewash finish — natural bare CPM MagnaCut steel reading as matte silver-grey against the OD green for a bright, open steel-on-green contrast that reveals both tanto grind planes in full detail. The 9000TOLBLK runs a black blade finish — a blacked-out tanto reading as a dark uniform profile against the green handle for a more subdued, less visually open two-tone. For natural bare steel tanto with visible grind geometry on OD green, the 9000TOLSW. For a blacked-out tanto on OD green, the 9000TOLBLK.

Four Livewire variants now share the OD green anodized aluminum handle. The 9000TOLSW runs a stonewash tanto — natural bare steel tanto revealing two grind planes. The 9000TOLBLK runs a black tanto — blacked-out tanto geometry. The 9000OLBW runs a blackwash spear point — dark two-tone versatile everyday geometry. The 9000OL runs a stonewash spear point — bare natural steel versatile everyday geometry. The 9000TOLSW and 9000OL are the two bare stonewash variants in the OD green family — the 9000TOLSW for the tanto reinforced tip, the 9000OL for the spear point everyday versatility.

Stonewash CPM MagnaCut leaves the blade face as bare steel — no chemical conversion coating, no PVD layer. 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 — a meaningful 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. On a tanto blade, the natural patina develops distinctly across the two separate grind planes.

A tanto blade has two distinct edge sections that are sharpened separately: the primary edge running from the handle to the angle break, and the shorter secondary edge from the angle break to the tip. Sharpen each section independently at its own bevel angle — the primary edge on a standard bench stone, ceramic rod, or diamond stone; the secondary edge at its own angle using a short stone or the corner of a bench stone. Do not attempt to blend the two edges into a single continuous profile — the defined angle between primary and secondary edges is functional to the tanto geometry and should be maintained. CPM MagnaCut sharpens readily on standard equipment for both sections.

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 9000TOLSW is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. Domestic manufacture is a consistent feature of the entire Livewire series. The 9000TOLSW carries the same CPM MagnaCut steel, USA production quality, and Kershaw Lifetime Warranty coverage as every other variant in the lineup.