The Build Quality of Microtech Knives

SSonnentag

SSonnentag

Stay Sharp!
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
2,165
OK, I'm sure we've all seen and read enough about Microtech's questionable ethics, or lack thereof, so I want to stay away from that aspect of the company. If this is news to you, please use the search to find numerous threads on the topic.

I would like to discuss the actual knives they produce. Being from a state that doesn't have any issues with automatic knives, I've always taken a liking to them. I've owned many side openers, and there are a lot of companies that make what I consider to be quality knives of this type. Protech is probably my favorite, but Microtech has some nice knives as well.

In the world of OTF knives, I don't know of any makers that build a knife that is any more reliable than Microtech. I know there are videos on the net that show malfunctioning knives from Microtech, but I don't think means the knives are any more poorly made than other companies, just that the OTF knives have more moving parts and springs and pieces that can go wrong. What are your thoughts on OTF manufacturers? Are there alternatives to Microtech that make quality products?

As for side openers, there are numerous manufacturers of quality knives. All of the Protech and Microtech knives I've owned have been high quality products with excellent fit and finish.

So, with many people slamming Microtech and calling their products "junk," are these people just venting their ethical-issue frustrations or are there really knives out there that are falling apart, have poor build quality or other unfavorable traits?
 
I have 3 MT OTF autos and they are some of my most favorite knives that I have ever owned. My 2 ultratech D/E knives are well built and SHARP! Some people complain about the spring pressure being too hard to deploy the blade easily, but I have found that to be untrue. My "around the house" EDC is a UTX-70 S/E. This one came with a mis-marked blade (S30-VN instead of S35-VN) it has some machining marks under the side switch, the satin blade finish is not the most consistent, and when they put the chamfer on the spine of the blade, it left a big burr on both sides. It also seemed like the flat portion of the spine is very roughly finished (think 220 grit.) Aside from those minor details, the knife looks great overall and functions flawlessly. Like all OTF knives, my 3 MT's all have some MINIMAL blade play when open, however, they have to be designed that way because if there were no play, the blade would refuse to deploy as the spring wouldn't be strong enough to overcome the tight fit, or so MT says..
 
Most MT trashing comes from people who have never owned one. That stems back to less than ethical behavior on Marfione's part. I however, have had several Microtechs and never had an issue with any of them. If you want an otf auto, your hunt ends with MT. They make the best production models I've ever handled. Their ots are also good quality. There is a reason people willingly pay their prices.

The list of Microtechs I've enjoyed:
-Ultratech (x2)
-Combat Troodon
-Select fire (manual)
-Socom Elite (manual)
-Socom Delta (manual)

And soon I will own one of the MT/Strider collabs.
 
Last edited:
I own 6 Microtech knives, 4 of them are automatics, never had any quality issues with their auto knives. However one of my tachyon 2 had some minor issues after I got the knife, send it back to them for repairs, and I should be getting it back this monday.
 
I'm very interested in getting my hands on one of their OTFs soon, either a Troodon or an Ultratech. For the level of reliability you get with their OTFs, it makes sense that they're more expensive than other companies. There's a lot less room for error in building one and if Microtech does it correctly, then the price shouldn't be a huge issue. I really don't think the $225ish pricetag of an Ultratech is really that expensive either.
 
I've never owned one- illegal to carry here unless I'm way behind on Texas laws, but I have played with a couple. I was really impressed with their build quality from the first impression standpoint at least. They seemed far more durable and robust than I was expecting. I liked their folders less, but for reasons absolutely unrelated to the usual microtech stuff or quality, but if I were to buy and OTF it would absolutely be one of theirs. Also, for whatever its worth there are some pretty good videos on youtube of the level of use some of those things can take. One in particular of a guy from Poland I believe who definitely puts the Halo through some tasks and it comes out perfect.
 
Vege-Taco said:
So, with many people slamming Microtech and calling their products "junk," are these people just venting their ethical-issue frustrations or are there really knives out there that are falling apart, have poor build quality or other unfavorable traits?
Click to expand...

Having an interest in autos, I've read a lot of the discussions of MT over the last few years. I've seen very few that consider their products junk. They seem to be the leader in the OTF arena.

Almost all the complaints I've read fall into two categories:

1) The company's "ethics", which you wisely would rather not distract from your basic questions by getting into. Already an abundance of threads on that if anyone is interested.

2) Customer service.
When there is a problem, a LOT of folks seem to have trouble getting decent CS from MT directly.
To me the simplest way to avoid this problem is use a reliable dealer experienced with MT. Use them to help make a selection and you know they will be there to help if there is a problem.
Two excellent choices would be BladeHQ or gte217e (thehollowgrind.com). Both are authorized MT vendors, dealer members here supporting BF, and both very knowledgeable about MT.
 
I think legality and price keeps a lot of people from getting many of microtechs autos. I've only had 3 of their knives (one QD scarab, an ultra tech and a manual amphibian) and I have always thought they had a higher level of fit and finish than other brands.

Add to the price and legal issues any of the number of usual complaints about ethics and CS and people get turned off.

I love 'em :D
 
I have had my first Microtech (socom delta) for two days now and it's the best knife I have handled yet.
I am still in awe, and can't put it down. When you actually look at the construction, you can see the value. I have a lot of knives and this one really stands out.
Cheers
 
I had a Microtech/Lightfoot LCC M/A a number of years ago and it was a very solid knife with premium components (titanium bolsters, carbon fiber handles, and 154CM blade steel). Fit and finish on this knife was very nice. If I could find one for the right price I would buy another one.
 
A lot of people are saying the newer production knives from microtech have poorer quality control letting things get by like parts of anodized aluminum being flawed.
 
I haven't handled anything by Microtech made since about 4 years ago. I've owned about 7 different Microtechs, and not one of them has ever had a flaw, in both quality, and quality control. I currently own 2, an Executive Scarab and an LCC D/A. 2 of my favorite knives.

If you can deal with all the other issues, you really can't go wrong with a MT. Just make sure to buy from a reputable dealer, and if you should happen to get a lemon, you should be taken care of. As long as it gets into your hands in working condition, you should never have a quality/performance problem.
 
I just got my first Microtech today. Socom Delta. Fit and finish is certainly excellent and the thing just feels solid. Now, I should mention i've been carrying a Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight so the titanium and G10 of the Socom are certainly a lot stiffer than the knife I've been using on a daily basis.

I am curious about the aforementioned ethical issues associated with Microtech as I'm pretty new here.
 
Thanks for the link.

It's pretty disappointing to learn about this on the same day that I received my Socom Delta. But I still love this knife.
 
MaxFactor said:
Thanks for the link.

It's pretty disappointing to learn about this on the same day that I received my Socom Delta. But I still love this knife.
Click to expand...

It certainly doesn't diminish the quality of your delta! Intellectual property rights are a favorite debate point of mine, but this is really neither the time nor the place. What is important is you bought a knife you really like at, what in most opinions, is a pretty fair price for it. I can definitely say if they were just a little more lefty friendly the delta, along with the whaleshark, would make my top 5 desirability list. It's a great knife that you should enjoy without worry of their ethical issues. Kershaw/ZT/Kai is a rather large company that no doubt has good lawyers, if their intellectual property rights were violated they'd be making all the profit off of whatever microtech named their similar knife. Enjoy it without regret unless there is something about the actual knife you regret.
 
I have the following Microtechs.

HALO III
Scarab
Combat Troodon
Ultratech
SOCOM Delta

Their fit, finish, and function is all 100%. I can't find a flaw on any of them. I'm sure some lemons get out, but in my experience they have every bit the quality of your average mid-tech. (Reeve, Strider, Hinderer etc)
 
I purchased my first MT after seeing the original HALO on the cover of Blade magazine back in 96. Since then I've owned

HALO 1
Chameleon - broken - spring
Socomm - broken spring
Ultratech -broken spring
utx-70 - broken spring

Sorry to say but except for my original HALO they all have had mechanical issues. I'll never buy another MT, they may look cool but quality SUCKS
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top