H&K Tumult or H&K Epidemic?

[La_Maleta_Azul]

They both look like awesome knives, and I plan on getting one of the two. But which one is the better buy? I'm taking into account all factors.

[Brian_R170]

What are you going to use it for? If it's just for display or a toy, get the Epidemic, if you're actually going to use it for anything but opening letters or boxes, get the Tumult.

[Bigfatts]

If owning a Tumult taught me anything, it's buy a Microtech. The HK's are appealing because of the price but I wouldn't call them reliable. My Tumult had misfire problems right out of the box. And it wasn't a fluke, it was the norm for it. I tried several different ones and they all had the same issue. I have 0 experience with the Epidemic but I'd say if you actually want to use it for anything, get a lightly used Ultratech or UTX-85. It'll cost a little more but you'll be happier with it. None of the MT's I had ever misfired, even my user 2008 Combat Troodon, fired and retracted flawlessly ever time. Just my .02

[mossyhorn]

Bigfatts is right. I heard Tumults were trouble before they even released them. If you want an OTF, I'd recommend a Microtech. I think that currently Protech is building the best side openers and their prices are reasonable.

[Brian_R170]

I'd say that's way too anecdotal. I've never had misfire with either my Tumult or Epidemic, but I have a 2012 Troodon that occasionally fails to lock when retracting, and I've read dozens (maybe hundreds) of posts from folks with misfiring Microtechs. If you're set on an HK, get it, and rest assured that if it ever fails to perform, the warranty service from Benchmade will be orders of magnitude better than Microtech.

That said, my recommendation to anyone buying their very first dual-actuion OTF would still be an Ultratech.

[La_Maleta_Azul]

Okay, thanks for the help. I was leaning toward the microtech otf's given their solid reputation. How about an ultratech? It's generally in the same price range and is more aesthetically appealing.

[Bigfatts]

All it takes is a slight joggle while deploying the Tumult to make it misfire. Mine started misfired unless you held perfectly still while activating the switch. I've talked to local dealers who sent their stock back after finding this only to have Benchmade send them back saying that's just the design. Mine would misfire probably once or twice out of every time from the slightest movement. Even trying to open the knife while moving it away from my pocket. Sometimes it would misfire just to spite me I think, no reason. I could shake my Ultratech like a tambourine and it fired true 100% of the time. Same for the Troodon. I've heard oil is the solution to your problem with the Troodon bouncing back on the retract. I can't remember if it's too much or too little though.

As for warranty. Any auto will be a pita to have warrantied unless you are military or LE. Most companies- Benchmade and Microtech included- will not ship a knife back to a civilian, but will ship it to an authorized dealer. And if you do ever need it serviced it's easier to go through a dealer in the first place. Or so I've heard. Never had any of mine warrantied.

You can't go wrong with an Ultratech. They are available in a wide array of colors and blade options so just pick the one you like best. Fit and finish is much better than the GKs as well and the UT feels better in the hand. Better contour and it lacks the sharp edges of the HKs.