By: Mark J. Bartlett

The Patriot Tactical Overwatch – OTF Knife is a remarkable addition to the world of tactical knives. Known for its sleek design, sturdy construction, and impressive performance, this automatic out-the-front (OTF) knife offers a wealth of features that appeal to both seasoned tactical professionals and knife enthusiasts alike. In this review, we will dive into its design, functionality, real-world performance, and more. From the first unboxing to rigorous testing, this knife demonstrates its value in various scenarios.

Design and Build
At first glance, the Patriot Tactical Overwatch OTF Knife oozes durability and precision. Measuring an overall length of 8.8 inches (22.5 cm) with a 3.5-inch (9.0 cm) blade, it strikes a balanced profile suitable for both tactical and everyday use. The knife features a sleek black anodized aluminum handle made of T6061 aluminum, providing an excellent grip and lightweight durability. The choice of material ensures that the knife can withstand rough conditions without adding unnecessary weight.

The blade itself is crafted from 8Cr14MoV steel, a popular choice for budget-friendly tactical knives. This stainless steel offers a good balance between edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The blade’s precision grind results in a sharp edge, ideal for both cutting and piercing tasks.

The knife’s automatic action is activated via a button on the handle, allowing the blade to deploy smoothly at the push of a button. The spring-assisted mechanism is quick and reliable, offering a fast response when the knife is needed in critical situations.

The ergonomic design of the handle ensures a comfortable grip, especially during extended use. Whether you’re carrying the knife for daily tasks or relying on it for tactical purposes, the handle’s texture and construction provide a secure hold, reducing slippage.

Comfort and Fit
The Patriot Tactical Overwatch is well-suited for extended use, offering both comfort and versatility. The lightweight design (weighing only 3.6 oz or 102g) ensures it doesn’t burden the user, making it comfortable for daily carry in a pocket or a tactical kit. The anodized aluminum handle is smooth yet provides enough texture to prevent slipping, even in wet conditions.

In terms of ergonomics, the handle fits comfortably in the palm, allowing for a natural grip. Whether you’re holding the knife for precision cutting or a more forceful task, the design accommodates different hand sizes and grips. The overall length of the knife makes it practical for both larger and smaller hands, ensuring optimal control.

Functionality
What truly sets the Patriot Tactical Overwatch apart is its functionality in various environments. Whether you’re in a tactical operation, hiking, or simply using it for everyday tasks, this knife shines. Below are the primary areas where it excels:

1. Tactical Advantage: The OTF mechanism allows the blade to be deployed with a swift press of the button, making it ideal for one-handed operation. This is particularly useful in high-pressure environments where speed and precision are crucial.
2. Versatility: The knife performs well across a wide variety of tasks, from slicing through paper to cutting through tough fabrics. With its adjustable and secure pocket clip, the knife can easily be carried on a belt or attached to gear, making it an accessible tool in a moment’s notice.
3. Customization: The knife does not feature many pockets or customizable elements like some tactical gear, but the anodized handle does provide a non-slip surface and a sleek aesthetic. For those who prefer minimalism, the Overwatch delivers a simple, effective solution.

Performance
To truly evaluate the Patriot Tactical Overwatch, we put it to the test in real-world scenarios. Here’s how it performed across several practical challenges:

1. Hair Shave Test
   Upon receiving the knife, the edge was razor-sharp. We tested its precision by attempting to shave a patch of hair from the arm, and it performed beautifully. The blade sliced through the hair effortlessly, with no tugging or resistance. This test demonstrated the quality of the edge straight out of the box, suggesting excellent sharpness and edge retention. The 8Cr14MoV steel is known for maintaining a sharp edge for extended periods, and this knife was no exception.

2. Cardboard Cut Test
   Next, we tested the knife on multiple layers of cardboard. The 3.5-inch blade made quick work of slicing through the cardboard. There was little resistance, and the knife glided smoothly, cutting through the material with ease. Despite cutting through several layers, there was no noticeable dulling, and the knife retained its sharpness throughout the test.

3. Denim Cut Test
   Cutting through denim can be a challenge for many knives due to the thickness and toughness of the fabric. The Patriot Tactical Overwatch passed this test with flying colors. The blade sliced through the denim without any major resistance. There was a slight bit of wear on the edge after cutting through several layers, but this is typical for denim fabric. It didn’t bend or lose its edge, proving the blade’s strength and reliability.

4. Paper Test
   Slicing through paper is often the ultimate test for a knife’s sharpness. The Patriot Tactical Overwatch easily glided through a standard sheet of paper with no tearing, fraying, or hesitation. The precision of the cut was impressive, showing off the blade’s sharpness and the precision of its grind.

5. Nylon or Rope Cutting Test
   The knife performed excellently when cutting through nylon and rope. It sliced through these materials quickly, demonstrating the blade’s versatility in handling synthetic materials. The cutting action was smooth, with no jamming or significant effort needed.

6. Can Cutting Test
   One of the more strenuous tests involved cutting through a metal can. While the knife handled the task decently, it showed slight signs of stress. The blade did not dull instantly, but there was some bending on the tip after cutting through the can. This is a typical challenge for many knives, particularly automatic OTF models. While the Patriot Tactical Overwatch held up well, it may not be the ideal choice for continuous heavy-duty tasks like can cutting.

Comparison
When compared to similar tactical knives on the market, the Patriot Tactical Overwatch stands out for its affordable price point and excellent build quality. Many other knives in its category tend to be bulkier or heavier, making the Overwatch a more versatile and comfortable option for both everyday carry and tactical applications. In terms of speed, the OTF action on this knife is smooth and quick, outperforming some competitors that may feel sluggish.

Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Fast OTF mechanism for quick deployment
• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Sharp blade with excellent edge retention
• Versatile performance, suitable for everyday tasks and tactical use
• Durable construction with T6061 aluminum and 8Cr14MoV steel
• Affordable compared to other tactical OTF knives
Cons:
• Blade can bend when cutting tougher materials like metal cans
• No major customization options (limited to the clip and handle material)
• Size may be too large for those seeking ultra-compact knives

Recommendation
The Patriot Tactical Overwatch OTF Knife is a great choice for anyone who values reliability and precision in their tools. It’s particularly well-suited for military personnel, tactical enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers looking for a durable and efficient knife that can handle a variety of materials and tasks. Its affordable price point makes it accessible to a wider audience, while still maintaining the performance of higher-end tactical knives.

For everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts who prefer a lightweight and sharp knife, the Overwatch is an excellent companion. While it may not excel in heavy-duty tasks like can cutting, it more than makes up for it with its sharpness, ease of use, and quick deployment.

To learn more or make a purchase, visit their official website: Patriot Tactical.