Medford MERC 1 OTF – A Game-Changer in the World of Automatic Knives?
Original video: Medford Merc 1 OTF Production Model Review
Medford OTF
If you’re a fan of out-the-front (OTF) knives, you’re probably familiar with Microtech, which is often considered the gold standard. But today, I’m bringing you something new—the Medford MERC 1 OTF, a knife that feels completely different from anything I’ve handled before.
I picked this up at Blade Show after talking to Greg Medford himself. He let me try his personal knife, and the moment I deployed it, I knew I had to have one. This thing is built differently, and I’m excited to break down why it stands out.
First Impressions & Design
At first glance, the Medford MERC 1 keeps the traditional boxy OTF shape, but Medford has added some unique touches:
✔ Sleek, minimalist design without excessive milling
✔ Titanium pocket clip with a dual-depth groove for easier carry
✔ Six-shooter style glass breaker on the butt of the knife
✔ Double-edged, M390MK blade with deep fullers and a sharp grind
It feels solid and premium, as you’d expect from Medford, but the real surprise comes when you fire it.
The Action – What Makes It Different?
Most OTF knives, including my Microtech UTX-85, rely on a spring-loaded mechanism that launches the blade forward and backward. This Medford knife, however, feels different.
When you deploy the blade, it doesn’t have the usual snappy, springy feel—it feels more like a hydraulic piston. There’s a smoothness to it that I haven’t experienced in other OTFs.
Here’s what sets it apart:
✅ Heavier, more controlled blade action
✅ More solid lock-up with minimal blade play
✅ Feels incredibly durable and precise
Compared to the Microtech UTX-85, which has some noticeable blade wiggle (normal for OTFs), the Medford MERC 1 is much tighter. You still get a bit of movement—because an OTF needs some tolerance to function—but this is by far one of the most solid OTFs I’ve handled.
Weight & Carry Experience
🔹 Medford MERC 1: 4.1 oz
🔹 Microtech UTX-85: 3.3 oz
The MERC 1 is heavier, which makes it feel more substantial in the hand, but that also means it’s a bit more noticeable in the pocket. The titanium clip design makes it easy to carry, but deep-pocket carry fans might wish for a slightly lower clip position.
For me, this is a jeans knife—something I carry when I want maximum reliability and strength in an OTF.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
🔹 PROS:
✅ Unbelievably smooth, hydraulic-feeling action
✅ Minimal blade play (rare for an OTF)
✅ M390MK steel for superior edge retention
✅ Built like a tank, yet sleek and stylish
🔹 CONS:
❌ Price—this is a premium OTF, so be prepared for a Medford-level price tag
❌ Heavier than other OTFs, making it less suited for lightweight EDC
If you’re looking for the smoothest, most solid-feeling OTF knife on the market, the Medford MERC 1 is worth considering. It’s not cheap, but it’s built to last and designed differently than anything else I’ve used.
Would you pick one up? Let me know in the comments! And as always, like and subscribe for more knife reviews. 🔪🔥
