M/A Microtech Mini SOCOM Elite

JPD1998 · Aug 31, 2006

I'm interested in a Manual Mini SOCOM Elite , but can't see one locally.

Does anyone have a picture of one next to a BM Grip or other BM?
Maybe next to a Kershaw Leek, or Spec Bump or SOG Flash II?

Something just to get a perspective of size.

Thanks
Joe

SIFU1A · Sep 1, 2006

no pics but it is a little smaller than the grip IIRC, the mini SOCOM elite w/the framelock is imho one of the very best knives around in that general size, if i had to carry a smaller knife to comply with the law i would pack a mini SOCOM elite, myself. also they are priced fairly well too.

JPD1998 · Sep 1, 2006

Thanks,

I value your opinion, you helped me with my Emerson SOCFK purchase.

Is the handle a light weight milled aluminum or more like a cast aluminum alloy like a Kershaw Blur or SOG Flash II?

ginshun · Sep 1, 2006

anybody know where to get a plain edge one?

Siggyhk · Sep 1, 2006

Not sure about the handles being milled or cast, but they are very light, so I would guess milled. This is a great knife for it's size and I couldn't recommend one enough. It may actually be my favorite knife. No, it's not big, but it's big enough for the vast majority of things. I think it could also be used effectivly for sd if you had to. I've had one for a little over a year and have found "no" faults with mine. Locks tight as the day it was bought, holds a good edge, easy to carry, comfortable secure grip, legal most places and not too scary looking. I really like microtech in general and think they are good knives. Might have to shop around on ebay for one. -There are some for auction now. Nope, I stand corrected, those are all autos.

JPD1998 · Sep 1, 2006

Siggyhk said:
Not sure about the handles being milled or cast, but they are very light, so I would guess milled. This is a great knife for it's size and I couldn't recommend one enough. It may actually be my favorite knife. No, it's not big, but it's big enough for the vast majority of things. I think it could also be used effectivly for sd if you had to. I've had one for a little over a year and have found "no" faults with mine. Locks tight as the day it was bought, holds a good edge, easy to carry, comfortable secure grip, legal most places and not too scary looking. I really like microtech in general and think they are good knives. Might have to shop around on ebay for one. -There are some for auction now.

Thanks - how does the finish hold up? I've been looking at the black model with either coated or an uncoated blade.

Siggyhk · Sep 1, 2006

I actually have an urban como finish on mine. Not for everyone, but I like it. The overall finish holds up pretty well, however, with the camo, they have added an extra layer of color that is bluish whitish gray. That extra layer wears off almost instantly upon contact with a tough material. The darker layer under that hold up good though.

JPD1998 · Sep 1, 2006

Siggyhk said:
I actually have an urban como finish on mine. Not for everyone, but I like it. The overall finish holds up pretty well, however, with the camo, they have added an extra layer of color that is bluish whitish gray. That extra layer wears off almost instantly upon contact with a tough material. The darker layer under that hold up good though.

I like the look of urban camo too ( and the other camo finishes) , I'm pretty much undecided.

I've been looking at the MT's and MOD ( the ATFK or Hornet), MT seems to get consistent good reviews, while MOD gets mixed reviews. Plus I like the frame lock of the MT

Slatts · Sep 1, 2006

I have one from 1998 that's NIB. I've been tempted to carry it from time to time, but there it sits. It's no doubt a nice knife but it hasn't broke into my rotation yet. After reading the praise here, I might have to give it a try.

ginshun · Sep 1, 2006

Siggyhk said:
I actually have an urban como finish on mine. Not for everyone, but I like it. The overall finish holds up pretty well, however, with the camo, they have added an extra layer of color that is bluish whitish gray. That extra layer wears off almost instantly upon contact with a tough material. The darker layer under that hold up good though.

For what I have gathered this is typical with Microtec "anything"-camo. The dragonfly bali that I have was the swampfly I believe. Dark green / black camo pattern, the black is basically non-existant on it anymore, but the green layer seems to hold up pretty well.

Spinnerblade · Sep 1, 2006

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Spinnerblade · Sep 1, 2006

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Hope this helps. I know it's not an elite but maybe it's close.Patrick

JPD1998 · Sep 1, 2006

Thanks for the great pics...

I think the Mini Elite is a little bigger than the Mini. but the picture does put things in prespective.....

Thanks Again

SIFU1A · Sep 2, 2006

IIRC the handles are machined not cast. am pretty sure about that FWIW.

the finish on them hold up no better/worse than any other quality knife (ie it will scuff up some with use).

really a cool little knife though, seems bigger than it is when its open in your hand.

JPD1998 · Sep 2, 2006

SIFU1A said:
IIRC the handles are machined not cast. am pretty sure about that FWIW.

the finish on them hold up no better/worse than any other quality knife (ie it will scuff up some with use).

really a cool little knife though, seems bigger than it is when its open in your hand.

Thank you and everyone else for your advice and comments....

kwackster · Sep 2, 2006

Try to handle one first before you buy, and be sure the ball bearing detent works as it should, keeping the blade closed.
I have seen quite a few that quality control seem to have overlooked and a few owners with realy deep cuts because of it.

SIFU1A · Sep 3, 2006

JPD1998 said:
Thank you and everyone else for your advice and comments....

not a problem joe, let us know how ya like it once ya get one, good luck finding a deal too! hard to find one on those MT's imho lol, great knives though.

greg