Opinions abound about the best way to store a Microtech Out the Front (OTF) or auto folder knife. Here's the real scoop as the company put it. I know, because for a few years, I wrote the original manuals for many of the MT knives.

The early OTF knives, like the Halo and Nemesis, were single action blades that required the cocking handle to be pulled back to set the spring for firing. When you pressed the firing button, the blade deployed. This was a single spring knife and it is best stored with the blade deployed. At least that's the theory. It is felt that the spring stored at rest works better than spring held under compression for a long period. Physics majors may debate this, but that's what company's policy is anyway. I believe there's good evidence to this theory becuase we all know that a semi automatic weapon magazine seems to lose its strength over time if it is kept fully loaded.

The newer OTF designs, including all models of the Ultratech, SCARAB, Makora, UTX-70 and other derivatives use two springs: one to fire and one to retract. Because of this, they can be stored either deployed or retracted without damage to the springs. In fact, both springs are at rest until you push the firing button and that small effort compresses and fires the springs.

Microtech recommends a light machine oil as lubricant for all of its knives. This means a SMALL amount of oil, not a quart. Too much lub will attract dirt, dust and pocket lint and create problems over time.