vjb.knife
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2002
- Messages
- 1,634
I had a couple of the original Amphibians when they first came out and somehow let them go over the years but managed to pick a new old stock 2004 model recently in a trade deal. I missed out on the intro of the recent updated Amphibian; I had no idea that they were re-introducing them. It looks like they made a 'Prototype run' of a few different variations on the new model, and I just picked up one of the basic ones, NIB here on BladeForum. I think they will put out a regular production run of them and hopefully I can get my hands on a non-serrated model.
The most obvious diferences in shape / design are evident in these pictures. But I will point out a couple of big ones. The lock on the old model is the old MT style hinged liner lock while the new model has there Ram lock style plunge block lock. Both lock types are pretty solid but the newer Ram-lock lets you open the knife easier.
Handle material is Aluminum on the original and G-10 on the new prototypes although there are some custom versions with CF handles as well as Titanium, but they are very pricey.
Blade Material on the original is S30V, there were some other materials used like 154CM. The new one sports M390MK, and I am not sure what is used on the custom versions, probably the same but with different finishing, although I saw pics of one with a blackened Damascas blade.
Size of the blade on the Original was 3.75" and at least 3.875 on the new model with a little more recurve to the belly of the blade. Both are very sharp from the factory.
LOA - The old model is 8.375" while the new model is 9.25", when open.
General grip feel - Both have heavy jimping on the handles that helps provide a very good grip. They are each pretty solid in the hand. The original has a bit more of a curve to it's wider handle but is basically flat on both sides with a smooth anodized aluminum finish and rubber inserts on one side, typical of Microtech knives of that era. The new model has a similar curve to the grip but the G-10 seems grippier even though it is machined pretty smooth. It is also contoured along the width rather than the flat sides of the older version, So to me it just seem to fit the hand better.
The pocket clip on the new model is interchangeable to either side while the original model is not.
I like both of these knives quite a bit but I think that the new one is probably the best new model that Microtech has put out in a long time. Thanks MT; now keep 'em coming, I need a plain edge model!
Regards, Vince
The most obvious diferences in shape / design are evident in these pictures. But I will point out a couple of big ones. The lock on the old model is the old MT style hinged liner lock while the new model has there Ram lock style plunge block lock. Both lock types are pretty solid but the newer Ram-lock lets you open the knife easier.
Handle material is Aluminum on the original and G-10 on the new prototypes although there are some custom versions with CF handles as well as Titanium, but they are very pricey.
Blade Material on the original is S30V, there were some other materials used like 154CM. The new one sports M390MK, and I am not sure what is used on the custom versions, probably the same but with different finishing, although I saw pics of one with a blackened Damascas blade.
Size of the blade on the Original was 3.75" and at least 3.875 on the new model with a little more recurve to the belly of the blade. Both are very sharp from the factory.
LOA - The old model is 8.375" while the new model is 9.25", when open.
General grip feel - Both have heavy jimping on the handles that helps provide a very good grip. They are each pretty solid in the hand. The original has a bit more of a curve to it's wider handle but is basically flat on both sides with a smooth anodized aluminum finish and rubber inserts on one side, typical of Microtech knives of that era. The new model has a similar curve to the grip but the G-10 seems grippier even though it is machined pretty smooth. It is also contoured along the width rather than the flat sides of the older version, So to me it just seem to fit the hand better.
The pocket clip on the new model is interchangeable to either side while the original model is not.
I like both of these knives quite a bit but I think that the new one is probably the best new model that Microtech has put out in a long time. Thanks MT; now keep 'em coming, I need a plain edge model!
Regards, Vince
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