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 9000T specifically, the tanto tip deploys on the OTF axis — the reinforced chisel-ground tip is the first thing through the housing opening at full extension, pointed directly forward. 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 9000T and 9000TFDEBW are the two CPM MagnaCut blackwash tanto variants in the Livewire series — they share the same CPM MagnaCut steel, tanto blade geometry, blackwash finish, OTF automatic deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The only difference is handle color. The 9000T uses a black anodized aluminum handle for a fully unified all-black zero-signature carry package. The 9000TFDEBW uses a Flat Dark Earth anodized aluminum handle for a field-ready earth-tone carry profile. For the most carry-neutral, low-profile blackout tanto OTF, the 9000T. For the FDE field-carry aesthetic, the 9000TFDEBW.

A tanto blade features a primary edge that runs parallel to the spine until it meets a chisel-ground secondary edge that angles down to the tip at approximately 60–70 degrees. This geometry creates a reinforced tip that concentrates force into a very small contact area — the most effective blade profile for penetration through hard materials. In an OTF automatic, the tanto tip is particularly well-matched to the deployment format: the blade fires on axis, pointing directly forward, so the tanto's reinforced tip is immediately in position at full extension with no wrist adjustment required. The secondary edge also adds a functional cutting surface along the tip section. For hard-use tactical and professional carry applications, the tanto in an OTF is a purpose-matched combination.

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.

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. For a tanto OTF, toughness is the most critical property: the reinforced tanto tip concentrates deployment force onto a small contact area under hard use, and a steel that resists chipping under those conditions outperforms a harder but more brittle alternative. CPM MagnaCut's near-H1 corrosion resistance handles OTF housing moisture reliably, and the blackwash coating adds a further barrier. Edge retention keeps both the primary and secondary edges sharp through sustained deployment cycles. Most production tanto OTF knives run lower-tier steels — CPM MagnaCut is a significant step up.

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 blackwash finish wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Livewire 9000T 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 9000T carries the same CPM MagnaCut steel, USA production quality, and Kershaw Lifetime Warranty coverage as every other variant in the lineup.