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 9000DAM, the Damascus spear point blade deploys and retracts through the housing with every actuation — the layered pattern of the Damascus steel is visible as the blade cycles in and out. 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 9000DAM and 9000DECFDAM are both Damascus spear point Livewire OTF variants sharing the same Damascus steel construction, spear point blade geometry, OTF automatic deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The difference is the handle. The 9000DECFDAM uses black carbon fiber panels over an aluminum frame — the premium two-material pairing where both the Damascus blade pattern and the carbon fiber weave pattern compete for attention. The 9000DAM uses a standard black anodized aluminum handle — a plain carry-ready housing that removes all visual competition and isolates the Damascus pattern as the sole visual story. For the most premium two-material presentation, the 9000DECFDAM. For a carry-forward Damascus spear point OTF where the blade pattern is the singular focus, the 9000DAM.

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 9000DAM 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 spear point on the 9000DAM sharpens on standard ceramic rods or fine diamond stones.

The Livewire series includes four Damascus variants, all sharing USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 9000DAM runs Damascus spear point on black anodized aluminum — the carry-ready Damascus spear point with the pattern as the singular visual focus. The 9000DECFDAM runs Damascus spear point on carbon fiber — the premium two-material Damascus spear point. The 9000TDAM runs Damascus tanto on black anodized aluminum — the carry-ready Damascus tanto. The 9000TCFDAM runs Damascus tanto on carbon fiber — the premium two-material Damascus tanto. The 9000DAM and 9000DECFDAM are the spear point pair; the 9000TDAM and 9000TCFDAM are the tanto pair. Each blade geometry is available in both the carry-ready aluminum handle and the premium carbon fiber 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 9000DAM is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. A USA-made Damascus spear point OTF automatic on an aluminum handle is an extremely rare combination in the production knife market. The Livewire delivers it at an authorized dealer price with full Kershaw Lifetime Warranty coverage.