| Why are out the front (OTF) autos so expensive? Nutnfancy says their inner workings though more complex simply don't justify the price of most models...there's just no way. They are just price gouging us for the perceived coolness and exclusivity. Just like the Microtech OTFs, the cool but hyper-expensive Benchmade Infidel will set you back about four plus cool ones in 2008. For that indeed you get a well-engineered double-action OTF knife: two compression springs work in tandem to provide extreme reliability (patented), SS liners increase design strength, locking mechanism has 4 heat-treated latches to ensure strength, multiple locking latches increase strength, has Presidio-style directional handle milling, a high traction actuation button, nice deep and strong clip, sharp, the laser-cut 4" D2 dagger blade is ground well, and a blowout hole is provided for cleaning purposes (helps de-lint the mechanism). All this engineering results in a fast, reliable OTF auto that I believe would be on par with the Halo from Microtech. But it remains impractical: it's a heavier 5.0 oz, it's an inherently a weaker design than a heavy duty tactical folder (which is almost as fast too), the thick handle is necessary to encase mechanism, it's complexity can lead to failure no matter how quality made it is, it has a very limited purpose and short dagger blade, and it's a very low value knife. So many better tactical knife options exist for hundreds less than the Infidel. So on terms of ... |
