I just got the 2012 version of this knife, and had some complaints. I sent the first one I received back because of the issues, and the replacement was very similar to the first. My first issue was the lack of detent. The first knife had none, but on the replacement the detent mechanism works, although it seems a bit weak. Secondly, the lockbar scraped against the aluminum cutout in the scale when I disengaged it. I don't know if this is normal with the Socom Elite but the replacement knife doesn't scrape as much but it still scrapes as it goes into the cutout. I've never had this issue with any other folder. We'll see if the lockbar wears the aluminum over time to make the disengagement smoother. Lastly, neither knife was very sharp out of box. I expected a $270 knife to be hair-shaving sharp.
On the plus side, it's a very solid knife, and the blade deployment is nice. And it's extremely lightweight for the size. I also think the jimping is well done and in all the right places, and it does feel good in-hand. The glass breaker is a nice touch.
On the plus side, it's a very solid knife, and the blade deployment is nice. And it's extremely lightweight for the size. I also think the jimping is well done and in all the right places, and it does feel good in-hand. The glass breaker is a nice touch.