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 9000TDAM, the Damascus tanto blade deploys on the OTF axis — the reinforced tanto tip is the first thing through the housing opening at full extension, with the Damascus pattern visible on the blade face as it 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 9000TDAM and 9000TCFDAM are both Damascus tanto Livewire OTF variants sharing the same Damascus steel construction, tanto blade geometry, OTF automatic deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The difference is the handle. The 9000TCFDAM uses black carbon fiber panels over an aluminum frame — the premium material pairing that puts two visually distinctive materials against each other, carbon fiber woven pattern alongside Damascus blade pattern. The 9000TDAM uses a standard black anodized aluminum handle — a plain, carry-ready housing that frames the Damascus blade against a neutral black surface, isolating the pattern without visual competition. For the most premium two-material presentation, the 9000TCFDAM. For a Damascus tanto OTF where the blade pattern is the singular visual focus on a practical carry platform, the 9000TDAM.

Damascus steel — also called pattern-welded steel — is produced by forge-welding two or more steel alloys in alternating layers, then manipulating the billet through twisting, folding, drawing, or other techniques to create a specific pattern in the layered structure. The blade is ground to final geometry and acid-etched to reveal the contrasting pattern through the finished blade face. Because manipulation is done by hand, no two Damascus blades carry an identical pattern — each is unique. The alloy composition of the Damascus used in the 9000TDAM determines its specific steel performance characteristics. Confirm the steel composition from Kershaw's published specs before making a decision based on steel performance.

Damascus blades require more active maintenance than stainless steel blades. Wipe the blade dry immediately after any moisture exposure — hand oils, humidity, and environmental moisture can cause surface rust on bare Damascus. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil, camellia oil, or dedicated blade oil after cleaning and before storage. In an OTF, the blade travels through a housing mechanism where moisture accumulates — maintain the housing channel with periodic compressed air and light oil applications. Avoid prolonged contact with acidic materials that can damage the etch pattern. Re-etching in ferric chloride solution can restore a faded pattern over time if desired. The tanto geometry on the 9000TDAM means two separate edge sections — sharpen each independently at its own bevel angle and do not blend the primary and secondary edges.

The Livewire tanto sub-series now spans six variants, all sharing tanto blade geometry, OTF deployment, and USA manufacture. The 9000TDAM runs Damascus tanto on black anodized aluminum — the carry-ready Damascus tanto with the pattern as the singular visual focus. The 9000TCFDAM runs Damascus tanto on carbon fiber — the premium two-material Damascus tanto. The 9000TSW runs stonewash CPM MagnaCut tanto on black aluminum. The 9000T runs blackwash CPM MagnaCut tanto on black aluminum. The 9000TFDEBW runs blackwash CPM MagnaCut tanto on FDE aluminum. The 9000TGRYBLK runs black CPM MagnaCut tanto on gray aluminum. The 9000TDAM and 9000TCFDAM are the two Damascus tanto variants — same blade, different handle.

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

The Kershaw Livewire 9000TDAM is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. A USA-made Damascus tanto OTF automatic is an extremely rare combination in the production knife market. The 9000TDAM delivers it on a practical aluminum carry platform with full Kershaw Lifetime Warranty coverage.