Microtech Socom Delta not a Ti Sub-framelock

HousiN · Nov 23, 2015

So I just received my Red Socom Delta tanto in the mail and am very disappointed. The Sub framelock is stainless steel, not titanium. The insert is also stainless (which makes sense). What is also weird is the back spacer is Ti. Is microtech being cheap? My red doc was the same. I thought Microtech only used premium materials. Again, very disappointed.

d2k5000 · Nov 23, 2015

I just looked at microtech's website, and they seem to indicate that both the backspacer and lockbar are steel. Seems like they are being pretty open about what they use. If you just looked at materials, I agree you are paying a premium for design, fit and finish, and the brand. That being said, my g10 delta is one of my favorite knives.

HousiN · Nov 23, 2015

I understand but why put a stainless steel insert if the sub framelock is already stainless steel?

RevDevil · Nov 23, 2015

HousiN said:
I understand but why put a stainless steel insert if the sub framelock is already stainless steel?

That would be a good question for them. They do not have any corporate representation here, and every answer is most likely pure conjecture.

Yester5 · Nov 23, 2015

For lock adjustment?

korn_2956 · Nov 23, 2015

or because that's what consumers want even if they don't need it

HousiN · Nov 24, 2015

korn_2956 said:
or because that's what consumers want even if they don't need it

I think most would want Ti instead of Stainless. The first DOCs were Ti then they switched to ss on the colored models. I think they are cuting corners, probably has something to do with profit margins. And yes, I know I answered my own question.

korn_2956 · Nov 24, 2015

HousiN said:
I think most would want Ti instead of Stainless. The first DOCs were Ti then they switched to ss on the colored models. I think they are cuting corners, probably has something to do with profit margins. And yes, I know I answered my own question.

I was referring to the lockbar insert that is ss

HousiN · Nov 24, 2015

RevDevil said:
That would be a good question for them. They do not have any corporate representation here, and every answer is most likely pure conjecture.

I've tried but no answer

RevDevil · Nov 25, 2015

I've read tat the steel used for the back strap and the liner is a high quality stainless that is more durable than the 300 series stainless and and cleaner than some of the 400 series stainless some companies use for liners and such. ON paper it could potentially serve as a super budget steel.

Leftytwogunz · Nov 25, 2015

I think lock bar inserts are silly and unnecessary.

Got a second zt 0301 that has one on it and I hate it.

bigmark408 · Nov 26, 2015

IIRC, the component on their customs are beta Ti so maybe it's a tooling issue. What's wrong with SS ? Possibly it because the insert is a replaceable component so why not keep it standardized.

Just guesses here , I don't see why SS would make it inferior.

HousiN · Nov 28, 2015

bigmark408 said:
IIRC, the component on their customs are beta Ti so maybe it's a tooling issue. What's wrong with SS ? Possibly it because the insert is a replaceable component so why not keep it standardized.

Just guesses here , I don't see why SS would make it inferior.

So you'd be fine if your current Ti framelocks were SS framelocks? SS framelocks are on budget knives.

HousiN · Nov 28, 2015

RevDevil said:
I've read tat the steel used for the back strap and the liner is a high quality stainless that is more durable than the 300 series stainless and and cleaner than some of the 400 series stainless some companies use for liners and such. ON paper it could potentially serve as a super budget steel.

The back strap is Titanium.

fetzer85 · Nov 28, 2015

HousiN said:
So you'd be fine if your current Ti framelocks were SS framelocks? SS framelocks are on budget knives.

I think the point is that there's nothing wrong with the knife and you are apparently disappointed that you overlooked some details. Maybe you should return it.

HousiN · Nov 28, 2015

fetzer85 said:
I think the point is that there's nothing wrong with the knife and you are apparently disappointed that you overlooked some details. Maybe you should return it.

Nope, disappointed that Titanium wasn't used.

shqxk · Nov 28, 2015

The steel insert will lead lock slip problem soon.

RevDevil · Nov 28, 2015

HousiN said:
The back strap is Titanium.

http://www.gpknives.com/microtech-socom-delta-tanto-red-aluminum-swplain.html

The anodized red aluminum frame has an integral lock-bar with steel face that is replaceable. Includes a tip-up carry clip and heat treated 17-4 PH® stainless backstrap. Brand new Microtech item.

Not Titanium...

bigmark408 · Nov 28, 2015

HousiN said:
So you'd be fine if your current Ti framelocks were SS framelocks? SS framelocks are on budget knives.

The key word is "Ti Framelock" , if you desire one buy it. 👍🏻

I have no problem with the Socom Delta production configuration.

crom · Nov 28, 2015

I usually research a purchase like that thoroughly. I even know what the washers are made of. Was this an impulse buy?