Thoughts on the Microtech Amphibian RAM-LOK?

[el gigantor]

I've never paid any attention to Microtech, mainly because their autos/OTFs are illegal where I live. The retailer I buy from just got in a shipment of Amphibians and I really like the design. I'm broke as a joke for now but I'm always looking for a new blade to save up for. If anyone's got insight about this model or the brand in general, let's hear what you've got!

(To clarify: I cannot get the knife in-hand as the retailer I buy from is not local to me.)

 

[Barman1]

I've been wanting one but haven't pulled the trigger... So posting just to follow along.
I'll mention a few things I've picked up researching along the way though.
Recurve.
Scares folks away due to sharpening difficulties but I have no issues and recurves are great cutters, love em.
Aluminum seems to have some favorable reviews, a couple of reviewers stated that it feels like a completely different knife.
So definitely aluminum for me.
Looking forward to other opinions for sure!

 

[BOHAWG]

I'll chime in! I've owned and still own a few and I've never had any problems with any of them. I've heard of tales of the lock failing but I've never spine whacked any folder because thats not the intended direction of use. Then again, I'm also a guy that carries slip joints. The amphibians are excellent to me. I'd say if the opportunity arises, get one. I don't think you'll regret it

 

[bladerunner01]

Just like everything Microtech they look cool, that's for sure.

 

[Centermass]

I don’t have the Amphibian, but I would love to have one. I’m not afraid of recurves, and like knives on the larger size, so it looks right in my wheelhouse. I do have an MSI, and I like the Ram Lok quite a bit. It’s very much like BM’s Axis lock in operation, if you’re at all familiar with that. I’ve had no issues with lockup on mine.

 

[BTTLBRN]

I have the MSI and the Stitch and am quite pleased with both. The Amphibian is a very large knife (they all are), but I know from your posts and your forum name that won’t be an issue for you.

The Ram-Lok has been quite solid for me, through the action varies a bit on my sample size of two. I did sharpen the MSI, and it took a nice edge. I have heard reports of the MT proprietary M390 being a bit soft, it doesn’t seem to be the case in my experience.

*Edit*

The Ram-Lok is a really nice system with much a more stout spring and can be activated from either side individually or of course the normal way depressing both tabs.

Also MT deserves a lot of praise for the price point I think, especially when a lot of manufacturers keep raising their MSRP (looking at you Benchmade).

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I have one, but it has massive lock stick. I keep meaning to send it back to MT, but I haven't done in it yet.

The knife locks up great and has a fantastic action getting there...it then needs hard enough pull to disengage that it needs two hands to do so.

Great knife but not sold in the lock.

 

[dragonram7]

Early models had an actuation problem with the Ram Lock. Microtech fixed the issue. Generally, the 2024 Ram Locks don't have the problem. My MSI is solid.

 

[el gigantor]

Cheers for the input folks. What I’ve heard about the lock worries me but it sounds like Microtech has addressed and fixed the issue. I really like the knife’s design. Here’s hoping they’re not sold out when I finally have the $$$!

 

[Mannlicher]

goofy recurve blade shapes just don't interest me. That said, I do have 'several' Microtech automatics.

 

[hkssr20det]

I have the Amphibian, Stitch and MSIs with the ram lok and haven't had any issues with lock stick. The Amphibian is the "biggest" feeling one to me, so it doesn't get as much pocket time.

 

[jbmonkey]

I got two amphibians and a msi....no lock problems with any of mine. one of my amphibians is an earlier version. the other not long after. one is g10 the other aluminum. they both have some heft to them, but I don't mind a heavier knife. I like this model. I like the original ones too.

 

[norcalAF]

Just got my first amphibian, it's fantastic! Fluted G10 is great!

 

[norcalAF]

So I wanted to check all the ram locks out, so I picked up a stitch, a MSI, and an amphibian. The only one not on the chopping block is the amphibian!

 

[ron finkbeiner jr]

I personally don't like the new version, I had an earlier iteration and liked it much better.

 

[jfk1110]

Something about it attracts me but then I get to thinking and I'm like NAH....

 

[Chuck_Nunface]

Love it. It was my favorite knife this year until recently. The aluminum is the way to go and any lock issues were resolved last year.

 

[w]

I have these 2 and like them very much.

 

[luethge]

Microtech definitely fixed the lock issue ( on the amphibian anyway ). I’ve been carrying one since April and using it like a gas station knife. No lock failure, even after whacking the spine with a wooden strop block multiple times. The one and only thing I could offer as a critique - if you actually carry and use the Amphibian around dust and dirt your bearings will fill up with grime fast. I may try to put washers in mine..

The recurve is easier to sharpen than a Commander’s.. Once you get a better edge on the amphibian- it holds it.




I had a few MSI models that had the lock slip issues.. honestly, I wasn’t comfortable carrying the MSI with the lock slip. I’m not sure when Microtech fixed the issues on the amphibians. I’ve got one from October 23 and a few made after April in 2024. I can only find one difference in the 3 of them - under side of blade, pivot area where the lock up is..



Center is 2023 - left / right 2024. The 23 seems polished and has a longer ramp. None of them have lock slip.

 

[norcalAF]

Love it. It was my favorite knife this year until recently. The aluminum is the way to go and any lock issues were resolved last year.

Mine is the G10 version, and I am totally satisfied. Great lock mechanism and great blade!