What are OTFs?
OTF: Out-The-Front. A mechanism that permits easy deployment and retraction of a blade using a simple sliding motion. Think of it as the knife equivalent of a garage door opener. These knives, also commonly referred to as "switchblades", are activated by a button (or lever in the case of D-Ring knives) to expose the blade, and often are designed in such a way so that the blade extends automatically when the activation mechanism is engaged. Some OTF knives require full disengagement of the activating mechanism, while others, commonly called "D-Ring" knives, require only partial disengagement of the button in order to deploy the blade.
Originating in WWII , OTF knives were originally designed for police and military use before making their way into the civilian sector. While they remain popular in many law enforcement and military markets, OTF knives have long been marketed, and continue to be marketed to civilians. Many manufacturers produce automatic plungers and assist opening knives which have similar aesthetics and function as OTF knives, but do not deploy the blade automatically.
Most OTF knives utilize a double-edged blade, which requires assessments of the legality of their possession as a weapon, and use, in almost the same manner as automatic knives. Generally speaking, OTF knives are generally not intended to be used for cutting, slicing, etc., much like an automatic knife, but often can be used for these purposes successfully.
Overview of Arizona Knife Laws
Arizona knife laws are very lenient when compared to what most other states have on their books. For example, the size of a knife in Arizona does not matter because no length restrictions exist. Every type of knife is allowed as long as the intent to inflict harm is absent. It is for this reason why many people in Arizona consider the state to be so welcoming to their knife rights.
AZ knife laws outline no restrictions on the following:
- Bowie knives
- Dirks
- Dagger knives
- Stilettos
- Sword canes
- Throwing stars/throwing knives
- Pocket knives
- Swiss Army knives
- Balisongs/butterfly knives
There are no exceptions written into Arizona’s knife laws, so that means that all knives are legal to carry in any manner, from concealed to openly. Compare Arizona’s knife laws to California, and you will see a huge difference right away.
California’s knife laws are much more restrictive than those in Arizona. In CA, dagger knives, dirk knives, dirks, and stiletto knives are deemed to be illegal. There is a wide exception to pocket knives and folding knives there. As if that were not enough, also prohibited knives in CA include the following:
AZ law does make an exception when it comes to knives with a blade of greater than chuck width. Meaning, you can’t carry that type of knife with you in public. AZ statute 13-3101(6) does not define "with a blade of greater than one-half in. at the time of presentation" but the law does include a non-exception to the public carry of all knives with a blade of greater than one and one-half inches in length.
The simple fact is that Arizona knife laws allow people to use knives freely. This differs greatly from other states where knife owners must be constantly aware of the rules because they are often highly restrictive.
Are OTFs Legal to Own in Arizona?
When it comes to legality, there are many factors that affect your blade and the way you carry it. But, if there’s one thing we can unequivocally promise, today’s post is about one of the most "legal" blade out there, the OTF knife. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the OTF style knife, where it’s come from, where it’s currently at, and what that means for you. We’ll compare it to more normal folding knives, and address any state – Arizona – laws that speak specifically to OTF knives. If you didn’t already know, the term "OTF knife" actually stands for Out-The-Front knife. It’s a term that may sound a bit foreign to some of you, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. It simply means that the knife is an automatic knife that opens from the front of the handle, instead of from the pivot (like you’d find in a spring assist folding knife). In most cases, these knives would fall under the term switchblade, which you’ll hear a few times in the rest of this post. This also means that the knife is made up of four major components: If there’s one thing to know about the OTF knife, it’s that the entire mechanism has to be of the highest quality, or it will break and potentially injure you. This is because of the springs that the mechanism uses. They are essentially the muscle of the mechanism, and it takes top class, high carbon steel, to make sure that no matter how much you press the button or flick your wrist, the knife won’t slip mid-open. If that type of steel does slip – in which case, it’s not really an OTF knife – the spring in the mechanism will break and shoot the knife toward you while the blade is still out. This can lead to very serious injuries of you are careless with your knife. If you’re worried about the legality of an OTF knife, don’t be. As of today, there are no state laws that prevent you from owning, selling, or using your OTF knife in Arizona. There are some federal laws that come into play when you get into the world of automatic knives, but they only apply when you purchase the blades over the internet. The only time you even need to worry about that may apply is if you’re a wholesaler, and purchase a large quantity of OTF knives over the internet. That will require a license due to the large volume, but all that’s needed to own one of your own is a drivers license. If you plan to carry your automatic knife in Arizona, know the state laws. They say that switches and knives should only be folded in, opened, or concealed on your person or in their own case (or another air-tight packaging). Essentially, they need to follow normal concealed carry rules that apply to folding knives. The only caveat to that is, as always, local laws. Make sure to check every local law – especially if you plan on entering government buildings. Some are sweater about allowing even folding knives inside. OTF: Arizona laws are simple enough to understand – there are none, other than the standard concealed carry requirements, that apply to your knife.
Restrictions and Requirements
Aside from being a knife that opens by the user pushing an actuator, there really are not any distinguishing characteristics of OTF knives when it comes to the Arizona knife laws. At least in Arizona, the classification of a knife depends entirely upon the characteristics of the knife and not its method of opening, meaning that the automatic opening mechanism does not have a positive or negative effect on what class of knife it is classified as. As a result, OTF knives are classified as part of the same categories as folding knives and fixed blade knives.
For those who already know that an OTF knife does not fall under the State of Arizona’s definition of a "deadly weapon," the remaining questions generally focus around general carry laws in Arizona and restrictions that may apply to carry in certain locations.
Carry Age
Generally speaking, legal knife age laws in Arizona only apply to concealed carry of a knife. Similar to "adult" status in most situations, legal knife carry age in Arizona is 21 years old.
Street Carry
When it comes to OTF carry in Arizona, the type of carry actually applies to which category of knife it falls under. For example, because an OTF knife is classified as a folding knife, there are essentially no restrictions that will apply directly to the act of carrying a folding knife. However, bear in mind that even though an OTF knife as a folding knife is lawful, carry of a folding knife is limited by non-knifewing laws like prohibited area carry. Likewise, because "carrying" is distinguished from "possession," there are certain Arizona laws that also apply to OTF knives when they are kept in a vehicle with a person inside of it.
Exceptions
In the rare few cases where OTF knives are regulated in Arizona, they essentially fall under the same carry regulations that are typically imposed on switchblades. Carry of an OTF knife in certain locations, such as schools, are generally prohibited regardless of whether the knife is out-the-front, switchblade or not a knife at all.
Penalties for Violating the Law
If law enforcement finds you in possession of an illegal OTF knife (or any type of automatic knife), the knife can be entered into evidence and you can be arrested. An illegal OTF knife does not necessarily mean an illegal switchblade knife – even though law enforcement has less experience with knives such as the Benchmade Infidel, they might be used in a manner similar to that of a switchblade knife for example – but, they are classified similarly in the original 1958 Federal Switchblade Knife Act . In Arizona, however, mechanical knives are not illegal and therefore such knives should not be confused with OTF knives.
If charged with a criminal action, any violation of A.R.S. §13-3102(W) and/or A.R.S. §13-3121(A)(B) may result in misdemeanor criminal charges. Charges brought against an individual for a violation of these statutes can also leave the individual with a permanent criminal record if convicted and sentenced. This could affect future employment opportunities, your credibility in a civil case, or your right to receive or continue to receive financial and/or legal benefits.
Safety Tips for Knife Owners
If you own an OTF knife or are considering buying one, it’s crucial to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in your area. While the broad prohibition against automatic knives is well-known in Arizona, the specific details can be nuanced, including the construction of the knife and the manner in which it is used. Knowing the latest developments in your area can help keep you safe and out of legal trouble. To that end, regularly check your local government’s websites and consider subscribing to their newsletters or alerts, if available.
How you handle your knife is also crucial. While your OTF knife may be a tool and not an unregulated weapon, the manner in which you use it can make the difference between a class 2 misdemeanor and a class 5 felony. Use your knife only in a way that is safe and legal. As a general guideline, only use your knife in a self-defense situation. Avoid using it in reckless or threatening ways or in a way that may be considered "aimless." If you learn that police officers commonly misinterpret knife laws in your area, avoid using your knife in situations where misinterpretation may lead to legal trouble.
Finally, ensure that your knife complies with all relevant regulations. As previously mentioned, the law places certain restrictions on automatic knives in Arizona, but it also imposes other restrictions applicable to all knives. Enclose your knife upon transporting it and keep it holstered when carrying it.
Conclusion
In this article, we have taken a detailed look at the legality of OTF knives in Arizona. OTF automatics are legal to own out here, but if you plan on carrying one, we certainly recommend that you check out our rules for carrying knives in the state of Arizona . We have gone into quite a bit of detail in this article, and of course, this is a constantly moving field of law with the state legislature in Arizona regularly taking action on a range of weapons issues. While we cannot absolutely promise you that OTF knives will be legal to own and carry a few months from now, we can tell you that they are legal to own and carry (under the right circumstances) right now, in the fall of 2023.