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.

Limited run means Kershaw produced the 9000USA in a fixed, finite quantity that will not be replicated once the production run sells through. Unlike standard Livewire variants that are catalogued and regularly restocked, the 9000USA is a single production release. When existing stock is gone, it is gone — Knifeworks cannot place backorders or guarantee future availability. If the 9000USA is currently in stock on this page, it is available to ship same or next business day. Buyers who want this variant should not defer the purchase expecting restock. Call 888-225-9775 if you have questions about current inventory levels.

The 9000USA shares the same CPM MagnaCut stonewash spear point blade, OTF automatic deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon with the standard Livewire lineup. The differentiator is the handle decoration and production status. The 9000USA carries an American flag graphic on the black anodized aluminum handle — a detail not found on any other Livewire variant — and is a limited run piece rather than a catalogued production model. In terms of steel, lock, and carry performance, the 9000USA performs identically to any other CPM MagnaCut stonewash spear point Livewire. The flag handle and limited run status are the purchase driver for buyers who want this specific piece.

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.

The Livewire OTF series now spans twelve confirmed variants, all sharing USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 9000USA is the only limited run variant and the only American flag handle decoration in the series. The other eleven variants are: 9000CFBLU (MagnaCut stonewash spear point, blue/black CF), 9000DESTBLU (MagnaCut black serrated dagger, blue anodized), 9000TCFDAM (Damascus tanto, black CF), 9000DECFDAM (Damascus spear point, black CF), 9000TFDEBW (MagnaCut blackwash tanto, FDE), 9000MERL (MagnaCut blackwash spear point, Merlot), 9000OLBW (MagnaCut blackwash spear point, OD green), 9000RAWBLK (MagnaCut black PVD spear point, raw aluminum), 9000RAWGLD (MagnaCut gold PVD drop point, raw aluminum), 9000RAWBLU (MagnaCut blue PVD drop point, raw aluminum), 9000WBLK (MagnaCut black PVD drop point, white anodized), 9000WGLD (MagnaCut gold PVD drop point, white anodized).

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, handle graphic wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Livewire 9000USA is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. Every element of the knife's identity — CPM MagnaCut steel developed by an American metallurgist and produced by a US company, assembled at Kershaw's Oregon facility, with an American flag on the handle — reflects consistent domestic origin. The 9000USA carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.