Prometheus Design Werx SPD CAS OTF Computerized Evaluation

I’m not a prepper or survivalist, however I prefer to suppose that I’m ready to outlive after I spend time within the open air. So, like many people, a vital a part of my package is an efficient knife. Or, at the least, it was. Now, it’s a collection of knives that work in concord to finish totally different duties.

For any given software or situation, the right 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 these chilly winter days, and likewise 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 might take a wide range of kinds, 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 Initiatives Division California Particular Out the Entrance knife, SPD CAS OTF for brief, is 3 inches lengthy. It’s produced from MagnaCut, aluminum, and titanium, and it’s (you guessed it) compact, light-weight, dependable, and rugged.

It seemed like the whole lot 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 am going with it.

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

That stated, I used to be keen to offer it a shot. So, I threw the CAS OTF on some ball chain, put it round my neck, tucked it below my flannel, and let the video games start. Little did I do know I’d be creating my most effective firestarting package within the course of. Or that I’d put on it on a regular basis.

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

Prometheus Design Werx CAS OTF Evaluation

Design & Options

Due to its compact measurement, the CAS OTW meets California’s legal guidelines on computerized knife blade size. It has an total 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 produced from MagnaCut metal, identified for its stability of toughness, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance. MagnaCut holds a superb 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 sporting gloves. Moreover, the slider has a “Hyperglow,” a glow-in-the-dark inlay that makes the knife simple to search out at midnight.

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

Authorized Stuff

Computerized 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 will carry. That stated, army personnel and regulation 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 fulfill California’s size restriction, and I doubt you’ll get in bother in Connecticut for that further half-inch of blade size. Nonetheless, it must be a huge purple flag reminder that you have to be in your finest habits if you’ve obtained an computerized knife on you. Knives are instruments, however computerized knives have lengthy been thought-about weapons.

First Impressions

At any time when I take a look at a product, I think about 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 process knife that might be used as an EDC knife, however could be higher fitted to outside duties. I’d even go so far as to say it must be relegated to your outside actions and never a lot workplace life.

Unboxing the knife, I started desirous about survival. Not the strong “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. (Perhaps even a “let’s pores and skin that squirrel as a result of they’re scrumptious with chestnuts in a high-quality lager discount” kind of survival.)

I used to be additionally impressed with the general construct. For a knife that’s roughly the scale 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 quantity 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 obtained one thing that even the harshest parts can’t impression.

Within the Area

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 package.

I’ve just a few firemaking kits that I exploit ceaselessly, however none of them are wearable. So, I’m proud of this method. I threw a little bit of deer antler on there to lift the spirit ranges up a bit on the entire package. You possibly can equally customise your personal.

I’m not positive if this configuration relegated the CAS OTF to kindling prep, however virtually the entire 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 start out private fires and bonfires.

The MagnaCut stored an incredible edge that simply sliced and shaved recent and lifeless wooden. In truth, 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 identical from the tip to the bottom. This allowed me to bore some holes in timber and make pack hangers.

Conclusion

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

I’m positive some folks will scoff at this knife’s $200 price ticket, however it’s value it. It’s a knife that’s moveable 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 incredible fifth-pocket knife. It’s constructed with EDC and survival in thoughts, and it presents excellent every day utility.

That stated, I like to recommend that you simply strategy this knife as a last, reliable companion; one software you possibly can actually depend on. Maintain it accessible, hold it clear, and hold it sharp.