Automatic Knives
OTF • Side-Opening • SOG, SIG Sauer, Hogue, Bear OPS & Templar
Premium automatic knives from SOG, SIG Sauer by Hogue, Hogue, Bear OPS, and Templar — out-the-front (OTF) double-action autos, side-opening stiletto autos, and tactical folders with CPM S35VN, CPM S30V, and Sandvik 14C28N blades. From the SOG Pentagon Blackout OTF dagger to the SIG Sauer Compound Tactical OTF Tanto, every automatic knife on this page is a current-production premium design from a major American or licensed manufacturer.
Automatic Knives at Keep Shooting
Keep Shooting carries premium automatic knives from SOG, SIG Sauer (by Hogue), Hogue, Bear OPS, and Templar — covering the three major categories of automatic knife action: OTF (out-the-front) double-action autos where the blade deploys and retracts through the front of the handle, side-opening autos where the blade swings out from the side like a traditional folder, and stiletto-pattern autos in the classic Italian switchblade form factor. Every automatic knife in our catalog uses premium blade steels — CPM S35VN, CPM S30V, and Sandvik 14C28N — from current-production American and licensed manufacturers, and every one ships with the same fast delivery, easy returns, and free shipping over $49.95 that covers the rest of our catalog.
An automatic knife — commonly called a switchblade — is any knife with a blade that deploys under spring pressure at the press of a button, toggle, or slide. Automatic knives have been regulated at the federal level since the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 (Public Law 85-623), which prohibits the importation and interstate commerce of switchblades and bans them from the U.S. Postal Service. However, the federal act does not restrict the ownership, possession, or carrying of automatic knives — those rules are set entirely by state law. A 2009 amendment further clarified that spring-assisted (manual-opening) knives with a bias toward closure are not automatic knives and are not covered by the act. As of 2025, the majority of U.S. states allow automatic knives for civilian ownership and carry in some form, though restrictions on blade length, carry method, and age of purchaser vary widely. The buyer is solely responsible for verifying that automatic knives are legal to purchase, possess, and carry in their state, county, and city before ordering.
The flagship OTF in our catalog is the SOG Pentagon Blackout OTF Automatic Knife — a double-action out-the-front auto with a 3.79-inch CPM S35VN stainless steel dagger blade, measuring 9.08 inches open and 5.28 inches closed, at 6.7 ounces. The Pentagon uses SOG's patent-pending Dynamic Locking System, which is rated to withstand thousands of deployment cycles without developing blade rattle — the tolerance degradation that plagues cheaper OTF mechanisms over time. S35VN is the premium American steel produced by Crucible Industries that has become the gold standard for high-end tactical knives: particle-metallurgy vanadium stainless with excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The Pentagon is made in the USA and is one of the best-reviewed OTF automatic knives in the American tactical knife market.
The SIG Sauer Compound Tactical OTF Auto Knife is the OTF automatic from the SIG Sauer knife line manufactured by Hogue — the same Hogue that builds SIG's knife program under license. The Compound features a 3.5-inch CPM S30V tanto blade with grey Cerakote coating, a 6061-T6 aluminum chassis with textured G10 scales, and weighs just 3.6 ounces — one of the lightest OTF autos in the premium segment. S30V is the other benchmark American particle- metallurgy steel: cryogenically heat-treated to 58–61 HRC for a balance of hardness, edge retention, and toughness that has made it the most specified steel in the automatic knife market. The Hogue Ballista I Auto Knife is Hogue's own-brand side- opening automatic folder — a different deployment mechanism from the OTF autos, with the blade swinging out from the side of the handle under spring pressure rather than sliding through the front.
The Bear OPS Auto Bold Action III Stiletto brings the classic Italian stiletto form factor into the modern automatic knife market. The Bold Action III features a Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade deployed with a single button press that also unlocks the blade, with a separate safety to prevent accidental opening in the pocket. Sandvik 14C28N is a Swedish stainless steel developed specifically for knife applications: it takes a razor edge easily, holds it through extended use, and resists corrosion better than most steels in its hardness range — making it the ideal choice for an EDC automatic that will be opened, used, and pocketed dozens of times a day. Bear OPS is the tactical line of Bear & Son Cutlery, manufactured in Jacksonville, Alabama — one of the few remaining American knife factories.
The Templar Knife Fallen OTF Dagger rounds out our catalog with a commemorative OTF dagger design. Templar specializes in OTF automatic knives with patriotic, military, and first-responder themed handles and blade finishes, and the Fallen variant carries a serrated dagger blade in a tribute design for military and law enforcement personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty. Templar OTF knives are popular among the military and first responder community both as functional carry knives and as collectible display pieces.
Keep Shooting ships automatic knives via ground service from our Pennsylvania warehouse with fast delivery, easy returns, and free shipping on orders over $49.95. Important legal notice: automatic knives (switchblades) are regulated at the state level and are not legal in all jurisdictions. Many states allow automatic knives with no restrictions; others impose blade length limits (typically 1.5 to 3 inches), restrict carry to concealed or open only, require the buyer to be 21 or older, or exempt only active military, law enforcement, EMS, and firefighters. A small number of states prohibit automatic knives entirely for civilian possession. The buyer is solely responsible for verifying compliance with all applicable federal, state, county, and city laws before ordering. If you are unsure whether automatic knives are legal in your jurisdiction, consult the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) state law database or a local attorney before placing an order.
Frequently Asked Questions — Automatic Knives
Keep Shooting carries a wide selection of Automatic Knives products from trusted brands. Browse our catalog to see the full range, and use the filters on the left to narrow by brand, price, or product type.
Yes! All orders over $49.95 qualify for free shipping, including Automatic Knives products. Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days.
Keep Shooting offers hassle-free returns on Automatic Knives products. If you're not completely satisfied, contact our customer service team for a return authorization. All products must be in original, unused condition.
If you need help choosing the right Automatic Knives product, our team is available to assist. Check individual product descriptions for detailed specifications, or contact us directly and we'll help you find the best fit for your needs.