Following the introduction at the 2023 SHOT, Kershaw sent a sample of its very first out-the-front (OTF) opening automatic knife. The Livewire 9000 is made entirely in the U.S., and it is one of the finest pieces of automatic blade-making art to come down the pike. However, Kershaw still has it priced in the factory-manufactured range rather than the higher custom-blade range.
After recently working with a locally sourced OTF blade, I learned these automatic knives have unquestioned superiority over any other automatic knife. It is the only automatic knife design that can be opened and closed with only one hand. While side opening automatics can be opened with one hand (and sometimes with a bit of awkwardness to it), the support hand needs to clear a liner lock, which releases the blade for closure into the handle.
With the Livewire OTF from Kershaw, if you are working to cut something, say while up on a ladder, you can make your cut, close the blade and pocket it all while maintaining a solid hold with your other hand.
About the Livewire 9000
This OTF knife features a spear-point style blade with a plain edge. It opens automatically via a curved, comfortable slide-operated switch that delivers reliable knife deployment as well as retraction. No additional locking mechanism is needed with the Livewire 9000 knife because of its OTF internal lock.
Specs
Handle: Black
Hardware: Black oxide steel screws
Blade length: 3.3 inches
Closed length: 4.8 inches
Overall length: 8.1 inches
Weight: 3 ounces
Blade thickness: .125 inches
Handle thickness: .48 inches
Blade material/finish: CPM 20CV/Stonewashed
Handle material/finish: 6061-T6 aluminum/Black anodize
While the technical specifications are important to make note of when considering any tool, it is ultimately the subjective qualities that endear a particular product to a potential owner. And in my opinion, the Kershaw Livewire 9000 is a lightweight, svelte design. It is very well balanced, melting into the user’s hand, and it rides comfortably in the pocket. The balance point of the handle with the blade closed is precisely in the middle. The 6061-T handles have various areas that are grooved to maintain control, and the flat areas have a very slightly tacky feel.
Using the Automatic Knife From Kershaw
The Livewire 9000’s sliding operating switch is excellent. While I don’t have a way of measuring the amount of pressure needed to extend the blade, I did put it through the can-my-son-operate-this test. My eight-year-old was unable to open it, an important safety feature for those with young children. The level of pressure and length of pull required to operate the blade makes having a secondary safety catch unnecessary.
Another safety feature built into most OTF knives is the inability to penetrate from a close position. If the Livewire 9000 is held against a hard or soft object when triggered, the blade will not penetrate and is disengaged. These knives do not work like in cheesy B-grade action movies where a closed OTF knife can cause a penetrating stab wound when held against a body and then opened. If the blade is disengaged, you will need to pull the blade out to its full extension. Once that is done, pull back on the operating lever to return the blade to operational battery.
When I opened the blade for the first time and checked the edge for sharpness, I found it needed just a couple of quick licks with my Smith & Wesson portable sharpener to get the blade to the level of sharpness I like. Kershaw recommends the Livewire 9000 be held in place via the pocket clip with the point facing down for safest carry.
Should You Buy the Kershaw Livewire 9000?
Kershaw clearly hit a home run with its first entry into the OTF automatic knife field. The Livewire 9000 promises to be a great utility asset, as well as just a plain cool tool to have. It has an MSRP of $304. It is not available for online purchase at this time due to the variations in state laws concerning the legality of automatic knives for civilian use. They can be purchased through Kershaw dealers in states where it is legal to do so. Remember to check laws where you may be traveling with your knife as well.
Source:
Kershaw: Kershaw.KaiUSA.com
