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 9000TFDEBW specifically, the tanto tip deploys on axis — the reinforced tanto tip is the first point through the housing opening, directed straight ahead on the deployment axis. 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 tanto blade features a primary edge that runs parallel to the spine until it meets a secondary chisel-ground 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 — smaller and harder than the tip on a drop point or spear point — making it 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 that a drop point or spear point does not have. For hard-use tactical and professional carry applications, the tanto in an OTF is a purpose-matched combination.

The Livewire OTF series now spans eight confirmed variants, all sharing CPM MagnaCut steel and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 9000TFDEBW is the only tanto in the lineup — every other variant runs a drop point or spear point. It is also the only Flat Dark Earth handle in the series. The other variants are: 9000MERL (blackwash spear point, Merlot red), 9000OLBW (blackwash spear point, OD green), 9000RAWBLK (black PVD spear point, raw aluminum), 9000RAWGLD / Aurum (gold PVD drop point, raw aluminum), 9000RAWBLU / Cryo (blue PVD drop point, raw aluminum), 9000WBLK / Trooper (black PVD drop point, white anodized), 9000WGLD / Pope (gold PVD drop point, white anodized). The 9000TFDEBW is the hardest-use, most tactically purpose-built piece in the series.

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 a tanto OTF used for hard-use penetration tasks, toughness is particularly important — the reinforced tanto tip concentrates force onto a small contact area under hard use, and a steel with better toughness resists chipping and tip failure under those conditions better than a harder, more brittle alternative. CPM MagnaCut's edge retention also keeps both the primary and secondary edges sharp through sustained deployment cycles. Most production tanto automatics run 154CM or D2 — CPM MagnaCut is a significant step up in all three performance categories.

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 at the factory bevel using a standard bench stone, ceramic rod, or diamond stone; the secondary edge at its own angle, typically slightly more acute, 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 responds well to standard sharpening equipment on 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 finish wear on the blade and handle, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

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