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 9000TBLUBW, the tanto blade deploys on the OTF axis — the reinforced chisel-ground tanto tip is the first thing through the housing opening at full extension, pointed directly forward. 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 Livewire tanto sub-series now spans nine variants, all sharing CPM MagnaCut or Damascus steel, tanto blade geometry, OTF deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 9000TBLUBW runs a blackwash tanto on a blue anodized handle — the most visually bold tanto in the series, the only blue tanto in the lineup. The 9000T runs blackwash tanto on black — all-black zero-signature. The 9000TFDEBW runs blackwash tanto on FDE — field-carry earth-tone. The 9000TGRYBLK runs black tanto on gray — refined neutral two-tone. The 9000TSW runs stonewash tanto on black — bare steel natural. The 9000TOLBLK runs black tanto on OD green — field-carry dark-on-green. The 9000TOLSW runs stonewash tanto on OD green — bare steel on field-green. The 9000TCFDAM runs Damascus tanto on carbon fiber — premium two-material. The 9000TDAM runs Damascus tanto on black aluminum — carry-ready Damascus. For the most visually bold color combination in the tanto group, the 9000TBLUBW.

A tanto blade features a primary edge that runs parallel to the spine until it meets a chisel-ground secondary 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 — 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, the 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. For hard-use tactical and professional carry applications, the tanto in an OTF is a purpose-matched combination.

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 on a standard bench stone, ceramic rod, or diamond stone; the secondary edge at its own angle 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 sharpens readily on standard equipment for 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 blackwash finish wear, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Livewire 9000TBLUBW 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 9000TBLUBW carries the same CPM MagnaCut steel, USA production quality, and Kershaw Lifetime Warranty coverage as every other variant in the lineup.