Prometheus Design Werx SPD CAS OTF Automated Evaluate

I’m not a prepper or survivalist, however I prefer to assume that I’m ready to outlive after I spend time within the outside. So, like many people, an important a part of my equipment is an effective knife. Or, at the very least, it was. Now, it’s a sequence of knives that work in concord to finish completely different duties.

For any given utility or situation, the correct knife ought to mix accessibility and ease of use for the duty at hand.

Pondering forward to summer season, I’ve been contemplating a brand new neck knife that may carry me by way of these chilly winter days, and in addition swimsuit my warm-weather adventures. One thing that may assist prep firewood earlier than a blizzard and clear fish after a river swim.

It must be compact, pretty light-weight, and rugged. Such a knife may take quite a lot of varieties, however an out-the-front (OTF) computerized knife was the furthest factor from my thoughts.

However on the finish of 2024, Prometheus Design Werx launched a knife to vary my thoughts. The Particular Tasks Division California Particular Out the Entrance knife, SPD CAS OTF for brief, is 3 inches lengthy. It’s made out of MagnaCut, aluminum, and titanium, and it’s (you guessed it) compact, light-weight, dependable, and rugged.

It seemed like all the pieces I needed in a neck knife. However I knew, being an computerized knife, that it comes with authorized ramifications that may complicate issues relying the place I’m going with it.

Little did I do know that I might put on it on a regular basis with fewer caveats than I anticipated.

That stated, I used to be keen to provide it a shot. So, I threw the CAS OTF on some ball chain, put it round my neck, tucked it beneath my flannel, and let the video games start. Little did I do know I might be creating my best firestarting equipment within the course of. Or that I might put on it on a regular basis.

Briefly: I threw the CAS OTF on some ball chain, put it round my neck, and tucked it beneath my flannel. In my testing, it’s been a workhorse computerized knife that’s authorized in additional states than you would possibly assume. For outside people, it makes for an extremely environment friendly addition to a firestarting equipment. Simply bear in mind that it comes at a comparatively excessive value ($200), and its diminutive measurement limits a few of its utility.

Prometheus Design Werx CAS OTF Evaluate

Design & Options

Due to its compact measurement, the CAS OTW meets California’s legal guidelines on computerized knife blade size. It has an general size of three.03 inches and weighs in at 1.9 ounces. The knife has a T6061 aluminum housing with a built-in lanyard gap. 

The 1.925-inch spear-point blade is made out of MagnaCut metal, identified for its stability of toughness, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance. MagnaCut holds a wonderful edge and is straightforward to resharpen.

The CAS OTW makes use of an outsized, spring-loaded thrust slider for straightforward opening and shutting in all circumstances. It really works nice with each naked palms or whereas carrying gloves. Moreover, the slider has a “Hyperglow,” a glow-in-the-dark inlay that makes the knife straightforward to seek out at midnight.

Rounding out the construct is jimping on either side of the casing for elevated grip and management, and a beefy titanium pocket clip.

Authorized Stuff

Automated knives are regulated by the (in my view) outdated Federal Switchblade Act, which was handed in 1958. Although the act principally focuses on the sale, manufacture, and transportation of computerized knives, states have restricted who can carry them and what they’ll carry. That stated, army personnel and legislation enforcement officers are usually exempt from state laws. 

In California, the stipulation for civilian carry is that the blade size on an computerized knife needs to be 2 inches or much less. That is higher than in Connecticut, the place an computerized knife can solely have a blade that’s 1.5 inches or shorter. Contemplating that the sale and possession of computerized knives are fully outlawed in Minnesota and New Mexico, blade size limitations don’t appear so detrimental.

PDW designed the CAS OTF to satisfy California’s size restriction, and I doubt you’ll get in bother in Connecticut for that further half-inch of blade size. Nevertheless, it ought to be a huge crimson flag reminder that you have to be in your greatest habits once you’ve bought an computerized knife on you. Knives are instruments, however computerized knives have lengthy been thought of weapons.

First Impressions

At any time when I check a product, I contemplate what folks would possibly use it for. Proper off the bat, I knew the CAS OTF wouldn’t qualify as a devoted EDC knife for a lot of. It’s a premium job knife that may very well be used as an EDC knife, however could be higher fitted to outside duties. I might even go so far as to say it ought to be relegated to your outside actions and never a lot workplace life.

Unboxing the knife, I started occupied with survival. Not the sturdy “search out a wild boar for dinner” form of survival; extra the “prep kindling for a fireplace and slice up some meat and veggies” survival. (Possibly even a “let’s pores and skin that squirrel as a result of they’re scrumptious with chestnuts in a high-quality lager discount” sort of survival.)

I used to be additionally impressed with the general construct. For a knife that’s roughly the dimensions of a automobile key fob, the CAS OTF is constructed like a tank. Its aluminum physique is burly and the thrust slider has simply the correct amount of resistance.

Moreover, although I didn’t see myself utilizing it a lot, the titanium pocket clip was a pleasant contact. Throw MagnaCut into the combination, and also you’ve bought one thing that even the harshest components can’t influence.

Within the Discipline

I paired the CAS OTF with PDW’s Ti-FS Micro titanium peanut-style survival lighter. I deliberate on carrying the CAS OTF round my neck, however including the lighter allowed me to create an EDC firemaking equipment.

I’ve a number of firemaking kits that I exploit steadily, however none of them are wearable. So, I’m proud of this method. I threw a little bit of deer antler on there to boost the spirit ranges up a bit on the entire equipment. You possibly can equally customise your individual.

I’m not certain if this configuration relegated the CAS OTF to kindling prep, however nearly all the work I’ve completed utilizing the knife has been processing materials for making fires. I’ve revamped a dozen bundles, from wooden chips to feather sticks, to begin private fires and bonfires.

The MagnaCut stored an excellent edge that simply sliced and shaved contemporary and lifeless wooden. The truth is, after a month of use, I’ve but to really feel the necessity to rehone the CAS OTF.

Some OTF knives I’ve labored with aren’t meant to deal with twisting and torquing. This is because of a tapering within the neck of the blade that sits on the backside of the knife housing. However this isn’t the case with the CAS OTF. The peak of the blade materials is similar from the tip to the bottom. This allowed me to bore some holes in bushes and make pack hangers.

Conclusion

PDW continues to impress with the merchandise it releases. Based mostly on the construct high quality, consideration to element, and supplies chosen for its clothes, gear, and instruments, it’s apparent these items is made for use in very demanding conditions. The CAS OTF is a pleasant instance of that.

I’m certain some folks will scoff at this knife’s $200 price ticket, however it’s price it. It’s a knife that’s transportable and rugged sufficient that will help you in sure survival situations. It’s additionally not mass-produced, so there is perhaps some incentive there so that you can make investments a little bit further into it.

Although I’ve been wandered round with it hanging round my neck, the CAS OTF may even make an excellent fifth-pocket knife. It’s constructed with EDC and survival in thoughts, and it provides excellent each day utility.

That stated, I like to recommend that you just method this knife as a ultimate, reliable companion; one instrument you’ll be able to actually depend on. Preserve it accessible, preserve it clear, and preserve it sharp.