The CRKT Xolotl OTF take the original fixed-blade design a step further.
The CRKT Xolotl OTF automatic knife is the latest evolution of a design that shoots to blend ancient mythological inspiration with modern, high-performance tactical engineering. Named after the Aztec deity of fire, lightning and the guide of souls to the afterlife, the Xolotl is the creation of veteran and former Green Beret Michael Rodriguez.
Rodriguez’s accomplished background—which includes graduating at the top of the Irish Army Ranger Wing Sniper Course and serving as an advisor to President George W. Bush—lends a specific, mission-driven philosophy to his knife designs. This experience is the foundation of his participation in CRKT’s Forged by War program, which enlists real-life combat veterans to apply their knowledge to a line of specialty, mission-ready knives and tools.
The Xolotl design originated as a fixed-blade knife, which established the pattern’s key features: a clean, stunning aesthetic featuring a spear-point blade with a double-edged dagger grind. The fixed-blade version was designed for durability and high-performance, featuring specialized Veff Serrations for powerful rope-cutting capability, and came with a versatile sheath that allowed for multiple mounting options.
This fixed-blade concept has now been translated into an out-the-front (OTF) automatic. The new Xolotl OTF maintains the high standard for materials and capability, engineered for the demands of today’s operator.
The knife is manufactured in the USA and utilizes a smooth, dual-action OTF mechanism for crisp, decisive deployment and retraction. It features a 3.5-inch spear-point blade ground on both edges for maximum cutting efficiency. The blade steel is MagnaCut, which was selected for its superior combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance—qualities essential for a reliable modern tactical tool.
While the engineering is purely modern, the aesthetics carry the historical weight of the Xolotl deity. The aluminum handle is sculpted with skeletal details that reference the Aztec namesake. A deeply personal feature of the design is the 21 sculpted ribs along the grip, which were incorporated by Rodriguez to symbolize each of his years of military service. The handle’s ergonomics and theme are completed by a unique, sternum-shaped reversible pocket clip, ensuring the knife carries securely for both left- and right-handed users.
The Xolotl OTF, with an MSRP of $325, contributes to the larger mission of the Forged by War program. A portion of the profits from the knife is directed toward Michael Rodriguez’s charity of choice: the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. The final product—an 8.88-inch overall knife weighing just 3.2 ounces—is a successful fusion of myth, military experience, and high-quality construction.
Xolotl OTF Specs
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5”
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.88”
BLADE MATERIAL: MagnaCut
HANDLE MATERIAL: Aluminum
LOCK and/or OPERATING MECHANISM: Dual action out-the-front
WEIGHT: 3.2 oz.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Made in the USA; MagnaCut spear point blade with two sharpened edges; Double action OTF blade deploys and retracts quickly; Adjustable clip for left or righthand carry.
MSRP: $325
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