I'm looking for my first OTF and I'm leaning towards the lightning due to the price vs quality. Thanks for a timeless review. This is 5 years old yet still super helpful. Thanks scout.
Wanted an OTF, but after I saw the prices on the Benchmade Infidel and Microtech Ultratech I was about to call it quits. Thanks for showing a more price conscious alternative.
Just got my lightning in from bladehq yesterday and it had that wired pang/vibration noise. Took the blade apart (super easy) cleaned and oiled the whole thing works great now with no more noise!
Flame thrower! lol. The only thing I’ve seen defeat a Lightning was a dude setting it next to a bonfires edge drunk. Next morning was a dried piddle of aluminum with a little blade poking out 😮
I bought one a while back to see what all the hype was...I was surprised as to how well it works! So far ive not had any problems with it. Ive also never worried about it firing off in my pocket. Well worth the 40 dollars I paid for it. My next OTF will be the combat troodon!
I have one of these best otf knife for the price had mine for a year and beat it up pretty good it's held up more than I honestly thought it would have when I bought it
I love my Lightning OTF! I actually ended up buying one for every member of my family this past Christmas. Have every intention on getting one in each color/blade combination eventually.
I have the exact knife he's showing. Had it for 3 years now. I don't EDC it though but there have been no issues. Its actually good to carry for self defense since its light and conceals easily. Good for jogging or on local walks or hikes depending on your local laws on otf autos.
just my 2 cents but I would NEVER EVER EVER bet my life on this knife. I like it for box opening and other light duty stuff around the house/office because it's so easy to use, but for defense I would HIGHLY recommend something more sturdy that doesn't have the ability to come of track and thus be unable to defend you.
I have been EDC'ing a lightning for 7 months now. Like every single day clipped in my pocket and using for any EDC task. I have come to love them so much I know own 4 in different colors. The quality control is a little lacking. 2 are rock solid, 2 "rattle" a little. They all function flawlessly but some are just more refined in construction. I have impaled soup cans just to test the strength and they did easily however it did mar the blade a little. The black coated blades will bleed black until the coating is gone. I lube mine with CLP using the lube hole's at the bottom and it works great. These are a working man's OTF and I would trust my life it yes for sure. They fire each time every time. Never when you don't want them too. Pocket clip works great. Zero plastic content, Buy at least two immediately. They are that good.
i have the same lightning that you said you've carried for a year, ive carried mine for 3 years and other then some scratches on the handle it has only not opened properly one time. not to mention i use it at work every single day and i work construction so they are built tough and built to last, great videos by the way. keep em coming
I can see why these dual action OTFs are safer than other common utility knives. I got cut by a box cutter once since my friend didn't see that it wasn't completely retracted. With OTFs, the distinction will be much more noticeable, in my opinion. Also, I have to tell people not versed in lockback folders to watch out for the detent so they don't get their fingers sandwiched between the blade and handle when closing the knife. Wouldn't be a problem with these OTFs.
I've edc'd one of these for a couple of years off and on and it is one of my favorites. I have no hesitation using this knife in normal everyday tasks. It isn't perfect. The pocket clip has a tendency to come loose every so often and the coating has mostly worn off. For an edc knife, it does everything I want it to do.
I bought a black handle/black serrated blade for less than $40. It's never failed on me & is a great EDC knife. Blade HQ has some of the most reasonable prices around. I highly recommend their products. I live in NC where just about any weapon is allowed.
Highly recommend only the Taiwan Lightning otf. But I have been carrying for 5 plus years on multiple extreme duty jobs and thousands of hours, plus many hours off the job. What ive learned is the finish will wipe off significantly so you will have to deal with that. I dont care about that. And the blade is dull, even after sharpening. It is kitchen utensil steel. But I used it to cut painted shut windows, cardboard, screwdriver, yardwork, insects, auto maintenance. So it holds up well. There is 2 holes on the bottom of the housing. Use that to squirt TW25B grease into for lube, amongst other places on the otf knife. Cant recommend it enough. Dont think the $500 knives are 'better'. They will usually be spoiled safe queens and for the price, I can have a Huge FLEET of these Lightning OTF's.
For anyone who is thinking of having otf knife for self defense I just wanna say dont because if u use a otf knife and I mean any otf knife the cheap ones, the crazy high price ones, it doesn't matter u should not use it for combat at all because the moment u stick it to flesh or stab someone with it the blood will get into the mechanisms inside the handle and it will prevent the blade from opening or closing because once the blood gets tough it will prevent the spring from working and u will have to open the whole blade unscrew the screws holding it clean it all up with oils and stuff and than Reuse it once u cleaned it up fully so unless ur not gonna use that knife ever again in ur life or throw it into garbage than go ahead and use it for combat but if u intend to keep it u gotta do all these things while having folding pocket knifes are easier to clean up or if u have fixed blade it's easiest one on the list so yeah if u plan on having a self defense knife and u ended up here don't go for otf instead pick fixed blade
I have a Microtech Combat Troodon, Makora, plus a few Ultratechs. I also have a few Schrades and Lightnings and though they are budjet priced they are still very cool to have. Plus if you lose one you are not out that much and can get another.
I've been carrying one of these for the last 4 years. only time I haven't worn mine is if I was going to class, court, or an airport. This is actually my second one cause I broke my first one throwing it at a tree. I'm thinking about moving up to a benchmade now but idk if I can. pretty sure I also bought from blade hq
I carried a lightning everyday for 2 years before the blade started slipping out in my pocket. Still works but I can't trust it anymore. A great OTF for the money for sure. It is no toy.
Thats interesting I have the same grey handled one but a different blade type (dagger style) and you can still totally hear the springs when you open and close it just like he was talking about it. He even said not all of them do that. I wonder why this only happens on the grey ones....
It feels like that utility knife you got for $5 that just won’t break so you carry around. Except it has a knife blade that pops in and out rather than a razor blade. They are definitely worth the $35 asking price. Super fun, just get a drop point and not a dagger.
I have had mine for 1.5 year long and it has never deployed on me by accident the paint did wear out quickly and it rattles alot in your pocket also with time
Hi late boy scout. This is a little awkward but could you do a review of the 5.11 LMC? For its size I think it's a great edc. Just wanted to hear your thoughts on it.
I want one but should I be worried about that switch being knocked then it opening in my pocket and potentially cutting me? Also I haven't finished the video yet so don't hate if they/ he covered it
The only bad thing about this knife is it has no lock and seems like it is very easy to slide which could slip open in a jiggly pocket very easily. But with an otf like a Schrade Viper it will have a lock and even without it, it is not as easily movable to slide out in your pocket jiggly, or not I know they said it would not open in your pocket but I still believe with how easily slideable it is it will happen and the Viper is in the same price range. I hope this helped people for their safety concern with this particular knife. :) 👍
also could you tell me where you got all the multi colored lightnings? all i could find was the black handle with steel colored blade, its a tremendous knife but id love to get one of those white handle black bladed ones
I always avoid autos and assisted blades just because I can't carry them when traveling for work, but maybe I should take advantage of my free state of AZ and get a few "at home" knifes.
The clone od tanto I just got has three scews on the pocket clip and it's tight ! It works perfect and sounds great !! It doesn't rattle when closed ! $46.00 , a good price for a good knife ! Not hard to operate !
Just got mine haven’t had to put an edge on it yet but I got mine because of the 440 stainless steel the rest just said stainless steel. I want something that I can put and edge on and it will stay a bit. Not something ya can’t sharpen to save your life. I would of rather it be D2 steel but 440 isn’t bad at all for a cheap knife. Thanks for the review. I mainly got it for the fun factor and didn’t wanna spend 2 or 300 bucks to open and close a knife. Haha
There was one of those Fly-By-Night tool trailers (they sell re-conditioned tools) in the parking lot of our local mall a few weeks back. They had some Lightning "CLONE" FAKE PoS knives that looked like they were profile ground on the asphalt in the parking lot. They wanted $30-$35 for knives with more play than a crowed school playground at lunchtime! The tool guy saw me checking them out and really wanted to sell me one. I just looked at him & said, No Thanks.
Karlton Dillingham not anymore. Just repealed Switchblade Ban but you have to own a foid card to legally carry. Of course chicago doesn't apply to this.
BladeHQ, or TheLateBoyScout, I know you guys are in Utah, can you please let me know if OTFs are legal to carry here. I've looked all over the place for a set of laws that I can understand, but so far I've only come across a paragraph of info about general weapons, it didn't really answer my question
Knives, Guns, & Gear Thanks man. I can't thank you enough. I got a Microtech Ultratech for my birthday in June, but not knowing about the laws I thought it was better if I took it back. So I did. I'd like to get another one sometime, it was my favorite knife out of all of mine
What is the best OTF to get that. I want something to use as kinda self deference but mainly (mostly) for just carrying around and for every day use. My friend has the Atomic Defender but It is a bit pricey. I kinda want something cheaper but I would buy the atomic defender if it is really worth it. What do you all recommend?
Wouldn't necesarily consider otfs good for defense since if you tried stabbing or abusing the knife the small mechanisms inside would break inside causing the knife to jam everytime you tried pushing the blade in and out. If anything for self defense, highly recommend the SOG trident, CRKT, Spyderco, or Kershaw ken onion blur for that purpose
How strong is the lock when stabbing? I have been considering this folder for a while but I just don't know how strong it is . Great vid. Thanks for sharing.
I got an 8 dollar off brand otf and its better than some of my 30 dollar pocket knives and sharper than my 10 fix blade but it did dull quick but no big deal
I'm looking for my first OTF and I'm leaning towards the lightning due to the price vs quality. Thanks for a timeless review. This is 5 years old yet still super helpful. Thanks scout.
Right on! It's a fun one.
Wanted an OTF, but after I saw the prices on the Benchmade Infidel and Microtech Ultratech I was about to call it quits. Thanks for showing a more price conscious alternative.
Check out Cobratec too.
I live in Pennsylvania and I can have one if I'm a collector, so I will probably get one and use it as a letter opener
I got my first otf a few weeks ago it is great the best part is retracting the blade fast and safely.
Just got my lightning in from bladehq yesterday and it had that wired pang/vibration noise. Took the blade apart (super easy) cleaned and oiled the whole thing works great now with no more noise!
When 24 million Taiwanese parachute in with Lightning OTF's, we'll be in real trouble. Just kidding, thanks for the awesome knives Taiwan!
Flame thrower! lol. The only thing I’ve seen defeat a Lightning was a dude setting it next to a bonfires edge drunk. Next morning was a dried piddle of aluminum with a little blade poking out 😮
I bought one a while back to see what all the hype was...I was surprised as to how well it works! So far ive not had any problems with it. Ive also never worried about it firing off in my pocket. Well worth the 40 dollars I paid for it. My next OTF will be the combat troodon!
I hadn't heard of his particular brand before. Thanks for expanding my horizons :]
Glad to help. Thanks for stopping by! :)
Destiny do you do knife reviews? If so I haven't noticed.
I have one of these best otf knife for the price had mine for a year and beat it up pretty good it's held up more than I honestly thought it would have when I bought it
I use this knife daily and I'm rough with it, been very impressed
I love my Lightning OTF! I actually ended up buying one for every member of my family this past Christmas. Have every intention on getting one in each color/blade combination eventually.
Dope 👍
Zach J.V.D. well it's been 2 years
So you just gonna bring me a birthday gift on my birthday to my birthday party on my birthday with a birthday gift
I have the exact knife he's showing. Had it for 3 years now. I don't EDC it though but there have been no issues. Its actually good to carry for self defense since its light and conceals easily. Good for jogging or on local walks or hikes depending on your local laws on otf autos.
just my 2 cents but I would NEVER EVER EVER bet my life on this knife. I like it for box opening and other light duty stuff around the house/office because it's so easy to use, but for defense I would HIGHLY recommend something more sturdy that doesn't have the ability to come of track and thus be unable to defend you.
Had one for a while. Fun knife and affordable, but like you mentioned edge retention wasn't very good, which can be expected for this price point.
I have been EDC'ing a lightning for 7 months now. Like every single day clipped in my pocket and using for any EDC task. I have come to love them so much I know own 4 in different colors. The quality control is a little lacking. 2 are rock solid, 2 "rattle" a little. They all function flawlessly but some are just more refined in construction. I have impaled soup cans just to test the strength and they did easily however it did mar the blade a little. The black coated blades will bleed black until the coating is gone. I lube mine with CLP using the lube hole's at the bottom and it works great. These are a working man's OTF and I would trust my life it yes for sure. They fire each time every time. Never when you don't want them too. Pocket clip works great. Zero plastic content, Buy at least two immediately. They are that good.
i have the same lightning that you said you've carried for a year, ive carried mine for 3 years and other then some scratches on the handle it has only not opened properly one time. not to mention i use it at work every single day and i work construction so they are built tough and built to last, great videos by the way. keep em coming
I can see why these dual action OTFs are safer than other common utility knives. I got cut by a box cutter once since my friend didn't see that it wasn't completely retracted. With OTFs, the distinction will be much more noticeable, in my opinion. Also, I have to tell people not versed in lockback folders to watch out for the detent so they don't get their fingers sandwiched between the blade and handle when closing the knife. Wouldn't be a problem with these OTFs.
I've edc'd one of these for a couple of years off and on and it is one of my favorites. I have no hesitation using this knife in normal everyday tasks. It isn't perfect. The pocket clip has a tendency to come loose every so often and the coating has mostly worn off. For an edc knife, it does everything I want it to do.
I bought a black handle/black serrated blade for less than $40. It's never failed on me & is a great EDC knife. Blade HQ has some of the most reasonable prices around. I highly recommend their products. I live in NC where just about any weapon is allowed.
Highly recommend only the Taiwan Lightning otf. But I have been carrying for 5 plus years on multiple extreme duty jobs and thousands of hours, plus many hours off the job. What ive learned is the finish will wipe off significantly so you will have to deal with that. I dont care about that. And the blade is dull, even after sharpening. It is kitchen utensil steel. But I used it to cut painted shut windows, cardboard, screwdriver, yardwork, insects, auto maintenance. So it holds up well. There is 2 holes on the bottom of the housing. Use that to squirt TW25B grease into for lube, amongst other places on the otf knife. Cant recommend it enough. Dont think the $500 knives are 'better'. They will usually be spoiled safe queens and for the price, I can have a Huge FLEET of these Lightning OTF's.
For anyone who is thinking of having otf knife for self defense I just wanna say dont because if u use a otf knife and I mean any otf knife the cheap ones, the crazy high price ones, it doesn't matter u should not use it for combat at all because the moment u stick it to flesh or stab someone with it the blood will get into the mechanisms inside the handle and it will prevent the blade from opening or closing because once the blood gets tough it will prevent the spring from working and u will have to open the whole blade unscrew the screws holding it clean it all up with oils and stuff and than Reuse it once u cleaned it up fully so unless ur not gonna use that knife ever again in ur life or throw it into garbage than go ahead and use it for combat but if u intend to keep it u gotta do all these things while having folding pocket knifes are easier to clean up or if u have fixed blade it's easiest one on the list so yeah if u plan on having a self defense knife and u ended up here don't go for otf instead pick fixed blade
I have a Microtech Combat Troodon, Makora, plus a few Ultratechs. I also have a few Schrades and Lightnings and though they are budjet priced they are still very cool to have. Plus if you lose one you are not out that much and can get another.
I've been carrying one of these for the last 4 years. only time I haven't worn mine is if I was going to class, court, or an airport. This is actually my second one cause I broke my first one throwing it at a tree. I'm thinking about moving up to a benchmade now but idk if I can. pretty sure I also bought from blade hq
I carried a lightning everyday for 2 years before the blade started slipping out in my pocket. Still works but I can't trust it anymore. A great OTF for the money for sure. It is no toy.
Thats interesting I have the same grey handled one but a different blade type (dagger style) and you can still totally hear the springs when you open and close it just like he was talking about it. He even said not all of them do that. I wonder why this only happens on the grey ones....
I've checked your website recently do you guys no longer carry the lighting ?
I have cut myself on a lot of my folders, but have never cut myself with the lightning. Its a great EDC knife.
bought one of these after seeing a good review from TNP. Can't complain. Yes, just wanted the fun factor with a utilitarian tool.
I want to have one.. could you please put the link from where to buy...
It feels like that utility knife you got for $5 that just won’t break so you carry around.
Except it has a knife blade that pops in and out rather than a razor blade.
They are definitely worth the $35 asking price. Super fun, just get a drop point and not a dagger.
Just picked up one of these. First OTF, thanks for the review.
Right on, enjoy it!
how much play is there in the blade?
Jordan Winkler where did u buy it cause im looking to buy one too
did you find out? i can't find them
xS0UL3ATERx I just bought one from directknifesales dot com, no free shipping but arrived quickly.
Seems there is no middle ground for otf knives, either cheap or expensive. Any mid quality, price ones?
Knife Noob check out ViperTec
I have had mine for 1.5 year long and it has never deployed on me by accident the paint did wear out quickly and it rattles alot in your pocket also with time
What blade is thicker which would you suggest I heard the drop point and tanto are thinner
Ive had 10 different Microtechs and the springs broke in ALL of them. Ive had a Lightning OTF for 2 yrs and it has never failed!
Al D. Damn that really tells you something about the quality of this knife.
Liar
The one microtech I have had the same issue. Broke the spring in a few weeks.
What is the sharpening angle of the "lightning" OTF knife?
Hi late boy scout. This is a little awkward but could you do a review of the 5.11 LMC? For its size I think it's a great edc. Just wanted to hear your thoughts on it.
I want one but should I be worried about that switch being knocked then it opening in my pocket and potentially cutting me? Also I haven't finished the video yet so don't hate if they/ he covered it
The only bad thing about this knife is it has no lock and seems like it is very easy to slide which could slip open in a jiggly pocket very easily. But with an otf like a Schrade Viper it will have a lock and even without it, it is not as easily movable to slide out in your pocket jiggly, or not I know they said it would not open in your pocket but I still believe with how easily slideable it is it will happen and the Viper is in the same price range. I hope this helped people for their safety concern with this particular knife. :) 👍
also could you tell me where you got all the multi colored lightnings? all i could find was the black handle with steel colored blade, its a tremendous knife but id love to get one of those white handle black bladed ones
I always avoid autos and assisted blades just because I can't carry them when traveling for work, but maybe I should take advantage of my free state of AZ and get a few "at home" knifes.
Why don't you guys sell the lighting otf anymore?
Where is this knife??? Im on the BladeHQ website and no Lightning OTF???
does the same company make a smaller version of the lightning. it's huge and heavy for a pocket
Does it not have a safety? What happens if it opens in your pocket
Does anybody know where to find replacement springs for the Lightning OTF knife?
The clone od tanto I just got has three scews on the pocket clip and it's tight ! It works perfect and sounds great !! It doesn't rattle when closed ! $46.00 , a good price for a good knife ! Not hard to operate !
Where can I buy the lightning otf???
Got a link to the green lightning otf?
Just got mine haven’t had to put an edge on it yet but I got mine because of the 440 stainless steel the rest just said stainless steel. I want something that I can put and edge on and it will stay a bit. Not something ya can’t sharpen to save your life. I would of rather it be D2 steel but 440 isn’t bad at all for a cheap knife. Thanks for the review. I mainly got it for the fun factor and didn’t wanna spend 2 or 300 bucks to open and close a knife. Haha
Can't find any of these on the website!
Do you guys not carry these anymore?
I have the red one.. I love it.. Such a great knife for the price... i would buy 2 more just because they are soo kool.
guess they didnt want to mention the 8th inch of blade play straight out the box...
if I want to order one of these where could I order them I have looked and every one in this video are always out of stock
Please add a link that goes to your website. Typing in "Lightening" in your search bar does not show any of these knives.
Ross Wilson maybe try lightning and not lightening :)
OK. I misspelled here, but the site does not show lightning, either.
bnmkbn1 haha
Anyone know if this is legal to purchase in New York? Seems like a fun cool knife to use good video
What's the consensus on Delta Force OTFs?
So why doesn’t Bladehq carry them anymore?
What are the two holes at the bottom of the handle? Can one put a lanyard in?
It's for when it's under water so the water can drain out
yes but maybe not thick paracord but normal paracord should work
There was one of those Fly-By-Night tool trailers (they sell re-conditioned tools) in the parking lot of our local mall a few weeks back. They had some Lightning "CLONE" FAKE PoS knives that looked like they were profile ground on the asphalt in the parking lot. They wanted $30-$35 for knives with more play than a crowed school playground at lunchtime! The tool guy saw me checking them out and really wanted to sell me one. I just looked at him & said, No Thanks.
so they will be there at the HQ?
I wish I could get me one of these bad babies but I live in Illinois where auto's are illegal :(
Its only illegal if you get caught.
Karlton Dillingham not anymore. Just repealed Switchblade Ban but you have to own a foid card to legally carry. Of course chicago doesn't apply to this.
These are now legal in Tennessee.
Bought a couple of these last year after Nutnfancys review. Heck
of a deal.
thanks i am defiantly getting one
WISH they made a mini version
I like mine for use in the shop and around the house but rattles too loudly to take out in public!
I just bought one of these but mine is really tight and it's hard to open and sometimes close. Know any fix for this?
+bubbs362 use WD-40 and lube it up
I know in WA state you can't Carry any auto knife. But is it ok to own one?
+Oldcoinsandstuff1 in Washington you cant own any automatic or Otf style knives.
Lightning needs to come with better blades also Schrade has some good otf’s in the $40 range....Normandy otf’s are good too only $140
are there OTF's that DON'T easily come off the track, that have a sort of piercing ability?
+Taylor Martin No...they all do it as a safety feature
BladeHQ, or TheLateBoyScout, I know you guys are in Utah, can you please let me know if OTFs are legal to carry here. I've looked all over the place for a set of laws that I can understand, but so far I've only come across a paragraph of info about general weapons, it didn't really answer my question
Yes they are legal to carry in Utah. I live in Utah as well.
Knives, Guns, & Gear
Thanks man. I can't thank you enough. I got a Microtech Ultratech for my birthday in June, but not knowing about the laws I thought it was better if I took it back. So I did. I'd like to get another one sometime, it was my favorite knife out of all of mine
How long is the shipping if I order from Bladeplay?
where can I get one of these?
Where can u buy this? Online or in store?
Are these classified as switchblades in any states?
In Ohio they are
Seems like they would be a good option if one would want an OTF at a more affordable price.
What is the best OTF to get that. I want something to use as kinda self deference but mainly (mostly) for just carrying around and for every day use. My friend has the Atomic Defender but It is a bit pricey. I kinda want something cheaper but I would buy the atomic defender if it is really worth it. What do you all recommend?
SonicStrikeFPV go to BUDK.com! There 40 dollar OTF knives are better and look so much cooler! And they also have some sweet lookin 20 dollar ones too.
Wouldn't necesarily consider otfs good for defense since if you tried stabbing or abusing the knife the small mechanisms inside would break inside causing the knife to jam everytime you tried pushing the blade in and out. If anything for self defense, highly recommend the SOG trident, CRKT, Spyderco, or Kershaw ken onion blur for that purpose
I just thought I'd let you know it's not a safety feature the spring isn't strong enough
Are otf knifes legal in washington
Are there any lightnings in dagger version so
+Michael Jordon yes there's tons in dagger www.bladehq.com/cat--Lightning-OTF--1837
How strong is the lock when stabbing? I have been considering this folder for a while but I just don't know how strong it is .
Great vid. Thanks for sharing.
Folder? lol
how long is the blade
I got an 8 dollar off brand otf and its better than some of my 30 dollar pocket knives and sharper than my 10 fix blade but it did dull quick but no big deal
Damn these are prob illegal here in UK, needs to get one of these bad boys
Is a lightning OTF illegal in oregon?
Just got another one, great blade.
This reminds me of Henry bower’s knife.
Do you ship outside US, Belgium for example?
Do you know if it's legal in texas
Yes they are legal for conceal and open carry in Texas
+UNTAMEDGAMING Avoid the double edged "dagger" style blades. they're illegal to carry.
bwebb911 thank you for your advise
Legal in Tennessee.
we're is your website
How do you fix that noise
+JR DUGAL veg oil if you gonna use this on things that may touch food
If I ever buy the pricey stuff, you know I'd never even bring it out of my room
do they ship too the UK?
Anyone know if you can carry OTF's in florida?
Yes you can! I live in FL.
You can carry an OTF AUTO?
Google knifeup.com. they detail knife laws by state.
Hey can any one tell me were I can buy one
could you review the crrkt m21 14sfg?
I live in Washington state and I think there illegal here but I still carry it anyways it's a tool not a weapon to me
I WANT ONE. OUT OF STOCK. WHY.