Kershaw Livewire Tanto Review: An Even Better American-Made OTF Knife

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The Kershaw Livewire Tanto is the new and improved version of the original Livewire OTF (out-the-front) knife. In this hands-on Kershaw Livewire review, I'll break down why this iteration is a standout choice if you're looking for a high-quality, American-made OTF.

Key Takeaways

• The Kershaw Livewire Tanto is an upgraded version of the already excellent Livewire OTF knife.
• It features a redesigned tanto blade made from premium CPM-MagnaCut steel for superior performance.
• The visually striking, ergonomic chassis offers great comfort and a unique aesthetic compared to most OTFs. 
• The angled, reversible pocket clip enables ambidextrous carry and adds to the knife's distinctive style.
• Action is smooth, crisp, and addictively fidget-friendly, with a perfectly dialed-in firing button.
• Lockup is secure with minimal play, on par with other well-made OTFs in the price range.
• The Livewire Tanto is a competitively priced, feature-rich option for a US-made OTF.
• While the unconventional clip angle may not suit everyone, the knife's numerous strengths make it a top contender in its class.

Specs and Size Comparison

Specification
Overall Length	8.125"
Weight	3.06 oz.
Blade Length	3.36"
Cutting Edge	3.36"
Blade Width	0.72"
Blade Material	CPM MagnaCut
Blade Style	Tanto, Spear Point, Dagger
Edge Type	Plain
Handle Length	4.78"
Handle Width	1.03"
Handle Material	Aluminum
User	Right Hand, Left Hand
Pocket Clip	Tip-Down
Knife Type	Double-Action OTF Automatic
Country of Origin	USA

Sizewise, the Livewire Tanto is right in line with other popular OTFs I've tested, like the Microtech Ultratech and Guardian Tactical Recon-035. Here it is next to the Axial Gear Shift (same dimensions as an Ultratech) and Recon-035.

Tanto Blade Redesign

I'll admit, I wasn't completely sold on the original Livewire's spear point blade. It was a little too narrow for my tastes. But this new tanto blade? Chef's kiss. It balances perfectly with the lines of the chassis. Kershaw nailed the redesign here.

The dual flat-ground tanto is very well done. There's no hollow grind, just nice clean lines. The behind-the-edge thickness measured 0.026" on my calipers. No, it's not a laser beam, but for an OTF? That's better than average blade geometry and cutting performance in my experience.  

Premium Materials and Features

• CPM MagnaCut blade steel (big upgrade from original D2)
• Aluminum chassis 
• Fully ambidextrous with reversible clip
• Glass smooth action 
• Great in-hand feel with no hotspots

I was pumped to see CPM MagnaCut as the blade steel on this updated Livewire. This high-end powder metallurgy steel is a huge step up from the D2 tool steel on the original. You get better edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness—big win.

Innovative Chassis and Clip Design

The Livewire Tanto's chassis design is something special. I've handled a ton of OTFs, and so many just have basic, generic handles. Not this one. Kershaw went all out with eye-catching contours, crisp lines, and a striking overall aesthetic. It's a joy to look at.  

Then there's the pocket clip. Yes, it's funky looking at that angle. No, it's not the norm. But you know what? It works. It carries great, it's comfy in hand, and I love that it's reversible for all the southpaws out there. Fully ambidextrous. More knives should copy this.

Action and Lockup 

Deploy. Retract. Deploy. Retract. I can sit here flicking the Livewire Tanto open and closed all day. The action is sublime. Goldilocks tension on the sliding thumb lever. Authoritative THWACK on deployment. Minimal effort required. Crazy fun to fidget with.

Now, this is an OTF. There's gonna be some blade play. Some side-to-side jiggle when open. It is what it is. Nothing alarming, nothing out of the ordinary for a double action. Lockup is secure, with no vertical play. It's solid.

Is it a Deadlock? No. Just gotta set expectations there.

Value and Final Thoughts

The Kershaw Livewire Tanto is priced very competitively for a US-made OTF with these premium materials and high-end fit and finish. Yes, you're paying the "OTF tax" compared to a folder with similar specs. But that's the game. And in this OTF pricing bracket? The Livewire is a serious contender. You'd be hard pressed to find a better blend of materials, design, action, and made-in-the-USA provenance for the money.  

Look, I get it. The angled clip isn't for everyone. Some of you are gonna hate it. But if you can get past that? The Livewire Tanto is a winner. It takes everything great about the original Livewire and amps it up a notch. If you're an OTF fan, a tanto fan, or just appreciate a finely crafted American-made automatic knife? Get this on your radar—like yesterday. 

Honestly, I'm probably gonna snag one of these for my own collection. It's that good. Consider this my wholehearted recommendation.

Video Review

Conclusion

To sum up, in this Kershaw Livewire review: The Tanto is proof positive that you can teach an old dog (or OTF) new tricks. By taking an already solid knife and leveling it up with thoughtful material and design upgrades, Kershaw has created a new gold standard in the American OTF category.

Premium CPM-MagnaCut steel, a wicked attractive chassis, glassy smooth action, and rock-solid fit-n-finish combine to make the Livewire Tanto an instant winner in my book. If OTFs are your jam and this one checks your boxes, I say go for it. It's earned a spot in my personal rotation, no question.  

Thanks for checking out my Kershaw Livewire review, I hope it was equal parts entertaining and informative. Let me know if you're planning on snagging one of these Tanto titans for yourself. And if you dug this review, sharing is caring, fam.  

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a few hundred more deployment cycles to log on this thing. Until next time, stay sharp and stay safe!