Benchmade vs Microtech

N

n2299

Joined
Sep 28, 2001
Messages
24
I am trying to decide on on either a Benchmade 710BT or a Mircotech SOCOM Elite as a full size companion to my Mini Commander.

I have tried the BM Axis LOck system and was very impressed with it. How does it compare with Mircotech's "Micro Bar" locking sytem?

TIA
 
Originally posted by n2299
I am trying to decide on on either a Benchmade 710BT or a Mircotech SOCOM Elite as a full size companion to my Mini Commander.

I have tried the BM Axis LOck system and was very impressed with it. How does it compare with Mircotech's "Micro Bar" locking sytem?

TIA
Click to expand...

I have the SOCOM Elite in both auto and manual, and the manual does not have the Micro-Bar system. It's a Liner-Lock. Now compared to the axis lock, I like the Micro-Bar system better because the blade doesn't go "Limp" when I disenguage the lock, as it does with the Benchmade. That being said, I'm not dumb enough to carry an Auto as an EDC in my state, and would prefer the Axis lock to a liner-lock like the manual SOCOM. However I'd still choose the SOCOM over the Benchmade because of the ergonomics and I prefer tip-down carry. I just wish they still used the micro-bar system on the Manual Socom. Hope this helps! JDBraddy
 
The Axis Lock is often referred to as the most secure and "best" lock, but from what I´ve heard about the Micro Bar, I don´t think there should be a noticeable difference in performance between these two systems. Maybe the Axis is a little more prone to mechanical problems because it consists of quite many parts.
 
Microtech's MicroBar is little more than a modified liner lock, and not much more secure IMO.

Basically IIRC it's a bar with a spring behind it that pushes the bar behind the tang instead of the lock bar also being the spring.

If you have concerns about lock strength in a liner lock I don't think you'll be much hapier with a Microbar.

The SOCOM is a sweet knife though and I like it better than the 710, for some reason BM's don't appeal to me much visually any more..

If you are looking purely on lock strength the axis is hard to beat. You could also look at the SOG Vision or Night Vision, similar locking mechanism as the Axis with a little more character and damn amazing grinds.

Good luck choosing but I think you need to decide what's most important to you in the knife.
 
I carry my BM941s a lot more than my Socom E because the Socom is a bit bulky for business attire. But when I'm in casual dress or if I was going into the woods, the Microtech would be my first choice. The axis lock is strong, but to me the Socom is one serious tough use folder.

jmx
 
They're both great knives. Have you handled them both to see if either fits your hand much better? If there's not much difference there, does the fact that you can get the 710 in tool steel make a difference to you? If it does come down to the lock -- and really, make sure you remember that a knife is more than just a lock! -- I don't think any liner lock or even the microbar is even in the same class as the axis. I mostly agree with cpirtle's post on that issue.

Joe
 
I cant speak for the microtech, but I can speak for the axis lock. Never had a problem with any axis lock Ive used. Ive been carrying a 721 for my edc for the last month and a half and I like the solid lockup of the axis lock. I also have a gritillian I use sometimes and havent had nay problems with the axis lock on it either. :)
 
Benchmade is a bit sleeker in the pocket, but I would go with MT. MT are solid quality with no blade play. Sharp and holds an edge longer than BM IMO.
 
Nice to see you "over here"!

You have picked two of my favourite knives. The axis-lock is the best folder lock IMHO. The Microbar set up on the Microtech is good, however. My SOCOM Elite has a rock solid lock up, and I would not hesitate to rely on it for just about anything.

Let us know what you decide!
 
Thanks everyone for your informative and helpful replies. I'm more undecided now then before. :)

Nick

*ps* A special "hi" to Shane. We seem to run into each other all over the Net. :)
 
I've had both. I sold the SOCOM but only because the 710 fits my hand better.

The grips are substantially different. I agree 100% with Joe Talmadge both are great knives pick the one that fits your hand the best.
 
Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
...Have you handled them both to see if either fits your hand much better?...
Joe
Click to expand...

That is the best advice I've heard yet! This is so overlooked. What's good for one person may not be for another.

You wouldn't buy running shoes without trying them on first. Why should a knife be any different? Just don't put them on your feet!

Then again, if you're buying through internet you won't be able to handle the knives. In that case, asking the guys here is a good idea since they really know their stuff!
 
I have owned both. The SOCCOM I owned was just a regular liner lock. It did not have the microbar. I believe the 2002 SOCOM's have the microbar, but I may be mistaken. Even though I like the axis lock, the SOCCOM is a classic, and it is extremely well made, so I would choose the SOCCOM every time mainly based on looks and feel.
Big D1
 
imho the best production knives in the world are microtechs and emerson, prob in that order. nothing wrong w/BM, have a bunch of them, but the SOCOM elite M/A is one of my favs (the other is a crawford perfigo, a $500 knife, and i often cant decide between the 2)a great knife. the only other one i REALLY like is my EKI SOCFK

the liner lock on my elite is easily 2X as thick as EKI, if that means anything, anyway, i seriously doubt ya will have any issues w/the lock on them (EKI/BM/MT), nothing wrong w/a well made liner lock imho,they are all that ernie emerson makes.......

dont get me wrong, i love the axis lock BM's, have 3, but i prefer the MT's, myself

greg
 
I've been carrying the 710 and 710HS for as EDC for 2 years, and I just got an Amphibian.

The ergos on the Amphibian can't be beat, and I trust it just as much as my 710s. They both rock and I love carrying and using both of them. So...hell, just buy both!
 
Hey n2299,
Microtech all the way! I have both, if you can swing it get any MT that you like. The quality control of the Microtechs is the best. The edges are sharper, the fittings are tighter. They're Great! :p
Stay Sharp,
Wali
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top