Is this knife legal to own and carry where I live?

Automatic knives are subject to federal, state, and local restrictions. Many states prohibit or limit automatic knife carry, and some ban ownership entirely. Check your local laws before purchasing. Benchmade restricts shipment to certain locations and does not ship to P.O. boxes.

How does the double-action mechanism work?

The slide deploys the blade when pushed forward and retracts it when pulled back. You can operate both functions with one hand without changing your grip. The mechanism locks the blade in both the open and closed positions.

What maintenance does an OTF knife require?

OTF mechanisms collect lint, dust, and debris from pocket carry. Blow out the blade channel periodically with compressed air and apply a light lubricant to the slide and internal components. Avoid immersing the knife in water, as moisture can cause corrosion inside the mechanism.

Can I sharpen the blade myself?

Yes, the drop-point shape is straightforward to sharpen with a bench stone or guided system. The PVD coating is permanent and will not wear off from normal sharpening. Work at the factory edge angle to maintain the blade geometry.

What is the carbide glass punch used for?

The carbide tip can break tempered glass in emergency situations, such as vehicle extrication. It requires a firm strike to fracture the glass. The punch is integrated into the handle and does not add bulk or snag during carry.

Shootout® | CF-Elite® | Drop-point

stainless steel
Made in USA

The 3-second version

Double-action out-the-front mechanism for one-handed deployment and retraction
Drop-point blade in S30V stainless steel with wear-resistant PVD coating
Molded CF-Elite handle with textured grip for consistent indexing
Automatic knives restricted in many jurisdictions
OTF mechanism requires periodic cleaning and maintenance
Not suitable for heavy prying or batoning

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Out-the-front automatic folder with a drop-point blade and textured composite grip

Most out-the-front knives double down on tactical styling at the expense of everyday utility. The Shootout pairs the speed of an automatic OTF with a drop-point blade that slices cleanly and handles detail cuts without fighting you. The molded grip texture provides real control under pressure without the discomfort of aggressive jimping during routine use. If you want an OTF that works as a tool first and a tactical piece second, the drop-point geometry and composite construction make this one of the few designs built for actual daily carry rather than display.

Good gift when

People who carry a knife daily for utility, not just defense
Anyone who needs one-handed deployment in professional or tactical contexts
Knife enthusiasts who prefer drop-point geometry over tanto profiles
Those who want composite handle materials instead of metal or G10

Skip it if Automatic knives are restricted or prohibited in your area, you prefer manual folders for legal simplicity, or you need a blade long enough for food prep or camp tasks beyond EDC cutting.

Specs

Blade Material: S30V stainless steel with Flat Earth PVD coating
Blade Style: Drop-point
Mechanism: Out-the-front double-action automatic
Handle Material: CF-Elite composite
Additional Features: Carbide glass punch integrated into handle

What's included

Shootout CF-Elite Drop-Point OTF knife
Carbide glass punch (integrated)

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess

Automatic knives are restricted in many areas; confirm legality before gifting.

The details

The Shootout trades the aggressive tanto profile for a drop-point blade better suited to the cutting tasks you actually encounter day to day. The out-the-front mechanism deploys and retracts with a double-action slide, giving you one-handed operation in both directions without repositioning your grip.

The blade is S30V stainless steel with a Flat Earth PVD coating that resists wear and reduces glare. The drop-point shape handles detail work and slicing more cleanly than a tactical tip, while still offering enough belly for general-purpose cuts.

CF-Elite construction keeps the handle light without sacrificing rigidity. The molded grip texture creates distinct indexing points so your hand finds the same position every time, and the pattern increases friction when you need to apply force or work in less-than-ideal conditions.

A carbide glass punch is integrated into the rear of the handle, giving you a hardened strike point for emergency egress or breaking tempered glass. The punch sits flush with the handle and doesn't interfere with pocket carry or daily handling.

Benchmade

Shootout® | CF-Elite® | Drop-point

Double-action OTF mechanism and molded handle with carbide glass punch for everyday carry

$350at benchmade.com

Quantity

Buy from Benchmade

Ships and sold by Benchmade. About this merchant

The 3-second version

Double-action out-the-front mechanism for one-handed deployment and retraction
Drop-point blade in S30V stainless steel with wear-resistant PVD coating
Molded CF-Elite handle with textured grip for consistent indexing
Automatic knives restricted in many jurisdictions
OTF mechanism requires periodic cleaning and maintenance
Not suitable for heavy prying or batoning

Questions

Is this knife legal to own and carry where I live?: Automatic knives are subject to federal, state, and local restrictions. Many states prohibit or limit automatic knife carry, and some ban ownership entirely. Check your local laws before purchasing. Benchmade restricts shipment to certain locations and does not ship to P.O. boxes.
How does the double-action mechanism work?: The slide deploys the blade when pushed forward and retracts it when pulled back. You can operate both functions with one hand without changing your grip. The mechanism locks the blade in both the open and closed positions.
What maintenance does an OTF knife require?: OTF mechanisms collect lint, dust, and debris from pocket carry. Blow out the blade channel periodically with compressed air and apply a light lubricant to the slide and internal components. Avoid immersing the knife in water, as moisture can cause corrosion inside the mechanism.
Can I sharpen the blade myself?: Yes, the drop-point shape is straightforward to sharpen with a bench stone or guided system. The PVD coating is permanent and will not wear off from normal sharpening. Work at the factory edge angle to maintain the blade geometry.
What is the carbide glass punch used for?: The carbide tip can break tempered glass in emergency situations, such as vehicle extrication. It requires a firm strike to fracture the glass. The punch is integrated into the handle and does not add bulk or snag during carry.