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 9000 is the baseline Livewire — CPM MagnaCut stonewash spear point on a black anodized aluminum handle, the reference configuration the series is built around. All other Livewire variants differentiate from the 9000 by blade finish, blade geometry, handle color or material, or production status. The colorway variants (9000OLBW, 9000MERL, 9000WGLD, 9000WBLK, 9000RAWBLU, 9000RAWGLD, 9000RAWBLK) change handle color or finish. The blade geometry variants (9000R reverse tanto, 9000TFDEBW tanto, 9000DESTBLU serrated dagger) change blade profile. The material variants (9000CFBLU, 9000DECFDAM, 9000TCFDAM) change handle material or blade steel entirely. The 9000 is for buyers who want the platform in its most functional, carry-neutral form without a colorway or material premium.

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. Toughness matters because the blade cycles through a mechanical housing mechanism under spring tension with every deployment — a steel that resists chipping under that repeated mechanical stress outperforms a harder but more brittle alternative. And CPM MagnaCut's near-H1 corrosion resistance is particularly valuable in an OTF where the blade travels through a housing channel that accumulates moisture and debris with daily carry. Most production OTF knives run 154CM or D2 — CPM MagnaCut is a significant step up in all three categories.

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. The blade develops a natural patina over time that many buyers prefer to a coated surface.

OTF knives require more regular maintenance than folding knives because the housing mechanism accumulates pocket lint, debris, and moisture with daily carry. Keep the housing channel clean by periodically blowing out debris with compressed air and applying a light coat of thin oil to the blade and mechanism — a thin oil like Rem Oil or Sentry Solutions TUF-GLIDE works well without attracting additional debris. Avoid heavy oils or greases that collect lint. The black anodized aluminum handle can be wiped clean with a damp cloth — standard cleaners and isopropyl alcohol are safe on anodized aluminum. The CPM MagnaCut blade sharpens readily on ceramic rods or fine diamond stones at the existing bevel angle.

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 9000 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 9000 is the baseline model — the same USA production quality, same CPM MagnaCut steel, and same Kershaw Lifetime Warranty coverage as every other variant in the lineup, without a colorway premium.