Mach-1 or SOCOM?

linjunpei · Mar 6, 2001

Folks, I am going to get a new knife in a couple of days or so. Which would you recomend? between the two:

Emerson Mach-1
Microtech SOCOM

and why that choice?

all help is appreciated.
!!thanks!! in advance

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Izrafil · Mar 6, 2001

I personally would choose the Mach-1. It feels better in my hand, and I prefer that blade profile.

Dirk · Mar 7, 2001

I like both. I would go with the Mach-1. Main reason, tip up carry.

dwenslen · Mar 7, 2001

I have both and prefer the mach 1. it is more comfortable in teh hand, I like the edge design, the liner lock is probably stronger (on the socoms, probably the same on a socom elite)
Also keep in mind that the socom has a blade over 4 inches, which does not make it legal to carry everywhere (at least over here.)
If you look hard enough, you can get a mach1 cheaper (saw one on ebay for $112 or so.
cheers,
Derek

"The great play hurt."

CJF · Mar 7, 2001

This is a hard question. I have, and carry both. I would say for everyday carry the Mach-1 is better than the SOCOM because it rides better in the pocket. However the SOCOM "Elite" rides very good also...hell, buy them both

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Chris

linjunpei · Mar 7, 2001

Darn! I hate it when someone asks me to buy both...
cause that's probably what I will do in the end...
However, for now, which would you guys recommend...?
the plus points I like about the SOCOM is the Tanto point, and the fact that the one I can get is the Satin finished version, What I don't like abt it is the Aluminum handles...
What I like about the Mach-1 is the G-10 handles....
and what I dislike is the Black coating...
Does this Black coating last?
cause the one my dealer is bringing in is the Black Blade version..

So: which one?

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dwenslen · Mar 8, 2001

I think the socom has a titanium carbonitrade coating, whereas the mach1 has a black teflon coating. I think the ti coating may be a little harder, but it is hard to get looking "nice" (it shows streaks with no oil or different oils)The black t on emersons holds up quite well for black t. I have heard of problems (white knuckling and spine whack, if you believe in that stuff)with the liner lock, which is why they went to the microbar lock in the socom elite. Why haven't you considered an emerson specar tanto, or better yet, a SOCFK?
Don't get me wrong, the socom is a nice knife-I'm just bias, that's all.
cheers,
Derek

linjunpei · Mar 8, 2001

I already have the Specwar in my collection.
I will eventually get both the knives, but for the time being, I will go for the Mach-1
first.
Well, the SOCOM will have to wait another week or so..

another thing is: Is the BT coating on the Mach-1 good? , and when the price was reduced, was it a trade-off for the quality?

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dwenslen · Mar 8, 2001

I have not handled the first mach1's, so I'm not sure about quality. Mine was purchased used, but in very good shape. No marks at all on the blade, green g10 and it is very smooth. I have found I can get it sharpened much sharper freehand on a stone than with a sharpmaker.
I love my mach1 adn it was a steal for $95.
now I want a black g10 satin one....
cheers,
Derek

linjunpei · Mar 9, 2001

Well, I bought the SOCOM just now, and decided to hold the purchase of the Mach-1 for another week as I am a fan of Tanto-Points, and the SOCOM was too much for me...
also, I refer again to my previous question about the quality of the Mach-1s..could someone from EKI give some insight as to why the pricing was reduced, as some posts refer to the EKI® CQC7 as not being comparable in quality to the Commanders.
thanks in advance

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John Hollister · Mar 10, 2001

linjunpei

I doubt you will find anyone with anything bad to say about the quality of a Mach1. The Mach1 was the first of the knives to be built in the third generation body style and are awesome.

The only detractor for me is that it lacks a wave.

linjunpei · Mar 9, 2001

Yeah I know.....I share the same sentiments with you.
well....I am still going to get the Mach-1..

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CJF · Mar 9, 2001

So many knives...So little money

linjunpei, your alot like me, I narrow my search down to two knives, debate with myself about them for a week or so,decide on one, buy it, and a week later buy the other. It's a never ending cycle.

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Chris