What is the deal with Microtech?

[PresidentGod]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and am here because of my fascination with OTF autos. I have had a Benchmade Infidel and a Microtech Daytona, but am currently trying to get a Scarab and am finding it to be pretty difficult. I found one that I like a lot, but the blade steel is 154-cm and I want better corrosion resistance than this steel offers (looking for S30V or S35VN). Dead set on the Scarab because of the blade thickness (and I really like Microtech). Not a downer on Benchmade, I loved my Infidel too, but I was not as big a fan of the dual edge as I thought I would be.

So, if Microtech's knives for 2012 are supposed to be available, why is it that I can't seem to find one anywhere? I haven't found any other posts that discuss this. If anyone actually knows what the deal with my favorite knifemaker is, please share! Its disappointing to think that I may not be able to find the knife that I want!

Many thanks

[MrBullrot]

I think MT has a following that is not short on cash, so when a model comes out they dont buy one they buy 2-3 of each many of them..
They are very collectible, so they sell out fast, keep looking and you will get one..

[PresidentGod]

Thank you, MrBullrot. That makes sense. I put a "want to buy" post in the want to buy section. We'll see if that yields any results.

[gte217e]

Just FYI Microtech just made more Scarabs for 2012 and they will be hitting dealers shelves soon; I just got mine in today.
They are all in S35-VN and all have the grip tape insert. There were no aesthetic or functional modifications other than the Scarab logo on the pocket clip is slightly different.
They all function perfectly. I love the Scarab. But perfection has a price as there has been a bit of a price bump.

[Brian_R170]

Microtech makes their knives in short runs. Not sure how they determine when to start another run. Seems to be somewhat random over the last few years, but supposedly, their gun production screwed things up for a while. I read that the Scarab was discontinued a few months ago, and shortly after that saw some Scarabs with a manufacturing date after they were supposedly discontinued, so who knows.

BTW, the Scarab, Ultratech, and Daytona/UT-X85 all have the same 0.125-inch blade thickness.

[tiguy7]

Last I heard CM 154 was a stainless steel and S 35 VN was not.

[jwinkeler]

From what I've seen with microtech this years models(for all knives) are mostly S35vn or 20cv good luck finding your knife!

[tiguy7]

Foot in mouth time. I had S35 VN mixed up with S3V. S 35 VN is stainless. Probably time to retire.

[gomipile]

Last I heard CM 154 was a stainless steel and S 35 VN was not.

S35VN has 14% chromium. So does 154CM. Chromium content is the primary variable affecting the "stainless" quality of a steel.

[Blunt Forged Edge]

There's one online site that I just looked at (not that I was really trying to look internet[wise]) that has some of the MT.Scarabs in-stock with the S30V blade material. Anyways, hope you find what you're looking for!

[emopunker2004]

OP thehollowgrind.com has them in stock

[GatorFlash1]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and am here because of my fascination with OTF autos. I have had a Benchmade Infidel and a Microtech Daytona, but am currently trying to get a Scarab and am finding it to be pretty difficult. I found one that I like a lot, but the blade steel is 154-cm and I want better corrosion resistance than this steel offers (looking for S30V or S35VN). Dead set on the Scarab because of the blade thickness (and I really like Microtech). Not a downer on Benchmade, I loved my Infidel too, but I was not as big a fan of the dual edge as I thought I would be.

So, if Microtech's knives for 2012 are supposed to be available, why is it that I can't seem to find one anywhere? I haven't found any other posts that discuss this. If anyone actually knows what the deal with my favorite knifemaker is, please share! Its disappointing to think that I may not be able to find the knife that I want!

Many thanks

154CM is a great knife steel, hard and corrosion resistant. Almost any knife steel will corrode under the wrong conditions. The don't call it stain-proof steel. Below is a link to an article by one of my favorite knife makers, Joe Talmadge, explaining knives and steels. I thought it may be of interest.

http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

The WTB thread is a good place to start your search. They are available, for a price I'm sure.

[Alann45]

BladeHQ just added several.

With them and gte217e, you should be good to go.

[PresidentGod]

Thank you for the help, everyone! This is a great forum. I placed my order yesterday with horizon blade works and my new scarab should be here on Tuesday. Got a great deal and they shipped it the same day I ordered. I'm still surprised that with such a high demand they don't crank them out more often at Microtech, but I'm happy to hear that they're still making them.

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Thank you for the help, everyone! This is a great forum. I placed my order. . .with horizon blade works and my new scarab should be here on Tuesday. Got a great deal and they shipped it the same day. . .

So which MT.Scarab did you purchase? Sure would like to know your initial impressions when you get it.

[Megadavric]

Hey PresidentGod, are you planning on carrying your scarab or just collecting? If the prior you will have to keep me posted on functionality. I have one but am too afraid to carry it because a friend of mine says his blade jams frequently when firing out because of pocket lint etc getting between the blade and the aluminum handle. I am wondering if it is an isolated incident. The one I have is the black tanto in S30V and is wicked sharp but i havent trusted it yet.

[gte217e]

If your intent is to carry and operate an OTF knife regularly I always recommend the same maintenance and care advice as with any semi-automatic pistol.
Learn to disassemble the knife, learn the parts, learn how to re-assemble the knife (this is important). Cleaning the internals will be required.
How often you clean the knife is not clear. Please note Microtech states the warranty is void after disassembling the knife.
I carry a Microtech UTX-70 on my keychain and I have carried it since 2009. The only time it is problematic is when I get glue residue on the blade after cutting into boxes with tape.
The older Scarabs (pre-2009) have very tight tolerances. Although the tight tolerances create a very solid feeling knife with no rattling; they will seize up when small particles are introduced into crevices. An example would be lint or sand/dirt getting under the button and sliding the button becomes extremely difficult due to extra friction.
The Scarabs after 2009 have a rattle in the button area when they are shaken because the clearances have increased to prevent seizing of the button when dirty. This may annoy some people. So if this annoys you, it is important to not shake the knife.

The Scarab is my favorite knife but too big for me to carry without feeling that I would scare someone the instant I took it out. I'd rather people laugh at my miniscule UTX-70 than hear the extremely loud clack sound of a Scarab.

[Megadavric]

If your intent is to carry and operate an OTF knife regularly I always recommend the same maintenance and care advice as with any semi-automatic pistol.
Learn to disassemble the knife, learn the parts, learn how to re-assemble the knife (this is important). Cleaning the internals will be required.
How often you clean the knife is not clear. Please note Microtech states the warranty is void after disassembling the knife.
I carry a Microtech UTX-70 on my keychain and I have carried it since 2009. The only time it is problematic is when I get glue residue on the blade after cutting into boxes with tape.
The older Scarabs (pre-2009) have very tight tolerances. Although the tight tolerances create a very solid feeling knife with no rattling; they will seize up when small particles are introduced into crevices. An example would be lint or sand/dirt getting under the button and sliding the button becomes extremely difficult due to extra friction.
The Scarabs after 2009 have a rattle in the button area when they are shaken because the clearances have increased to prevent seizing of the button when dirty. This may annoy some people. So if this annoys you, it is important to not shake the knife.

The Scarab is my favorite knife but too big for me to carry without feeling that I would scare someone the instant I took it out. I'd rather people laugh at my miniscule UTX-70 than hear the extremely loud clack sound of a Scarab.

That is excellent information gte217e. I am positive that his is pre 2009 but mine is 02/2010... Mine also makes a slight twang sound when firing the blade out. Have you had any experience with that? Do I need to send it in for service?

[gte217e]

That is excellent information gte217e. I am positive that his is pre 2009 but mine is 02/2010... Mine also makes a slight twang sound when firing the blade out. Have you had any experience with that? Do I need to send it in for service?

The twang is normal and there are two options to remedy the sound.
1. Open the knife and apply a thin layer of oil along the length of the springs. You can apply a thin bead of oil down the center between the two springs. This will be temporary as the oil seeps out over time.
2. Obtain a piece of plastic that is thick enough to resist creasing but flexible. The bags that Microtech knives come in is a perfect example. Cut a piece of the plastic so that it is slightly narrower than the slide bar holding the springs and about 5 millimeters wide. Place the piece of plastic on top of the springs. Carefully and slowly place the top cover back over the knife making sure the plastic does not move. The plastic should be directly over the spring. This MAY work by placing the plastic under the spring between the springs and slide bar but I have no tested that way.
The plastic will act as a damper and prevent vibrations. It works extremely well. You MAY have to replace the plastic damper over time if it wear out due to friction along the spring.

I have a Troodon in my collection that had that awful twangy sound and it hurt my ears everytime. I placed a piece of plastic inside as mentioned and now it's just a pleasure to open and close. Going on a year and no problems.

I hope that helps and good luck.

[Pima Pants]

Go to microholics.org and register. After you register, you will have access to the buy/sell/trade sections. They also have a Want To Buy section. More than likely you will find what you are looking for.