- Joined
- Jun 8, 2000
- Messages
- 3,140
I just got a M/A Microtech Amphibian a couple days ago and have a few comments. I got a green handled, plain edged stome washed 154CM blade with a born on date of 11/2001.The fit and finish on my sample is nearly flawless, even though I bough mine on the secondary market.
The Micro-bar lock seems as tight as any lock on any knife I own. There is zero blade play in either vertical or horizontal planes.
When I compare the Amphibian to my trusty old Socom Elite with the satin plain edged clip point blade there are several distinct differences. My Socom E has the early blade grind with the heavy back bevel. I think the grind lines on the early Socom elite blades are awesome and are much more interesting visually than the Amphibian's blade. The Socom elite blade would probably would make for better stabbing penetration with it's longer, pointier blade, but the Amphibian's big belly recurve blade with a tall, flat grind makes it a more useful everyday tool. It's a great slicer.
The handle shape also seems quite different on these two knives. The Socom Elite handle is sleek, mostly symetrical, and indexes almost instantly to either sabre or reverse grip which would allow for great flexability in a tactical situation. The Amphibian handle, on the other hand, is curved in such a way as to allow you to exert extra downward pressure on the blade during a push cut, yet get a bit of extra leverage for a strong pull cut. The Amphibian handle shape doesn't feel comfortable to me in a reverse grip position, but I rarely (like never) need a reverse grip for day to day chores. That seems more of a defensive grip to me and I don't get in knife fights often.
While I love my Socom Elite a lot and it has been my favorite EDC for over a year, I think the Amphibian might well edge it out when it comes to general usefullness. Sure the Socom has Kraton inserts on both sides, and cooler thumbstuds, but the Amphibian is tip up carry and has an open back for easier cleaning. They're both great knives.
I'm glad I don't have to choose which one is better, just which one to carry today.
jmx
The Micro-bar lock seems as tight as any lock on any knife I own. There is zero blade play in either vertical or horizontal planes.
When I compare the Amphibian to my trusty old Socom Elite with the satin plain edged clip point blade there are several distinct differences. My Socom E has the early blade grind with the heavy back bevel. I think the grind lines on the early Socom elite blades are awesome and are much more interesting visually than the Amphibian's blade. The Socom elite blade would probably would make for better stabbing penetration with it's longer, pointier blade, but the Amphibian's big belly recurve blade with a tall, flat grind makes it a more useful everyday tool. It's a great slicer.
The handle shape also seems quite different on these two knives. The Socom Elite handle is sleek, mostly symetrical, and indexes almost instantly to either sabre or reverse grip which would allow for great flexability in a tactical situation. The Amphibian handle, on the other hand, is curved in such a way as to allow you to exert extra downward pressure on the blade during a push cut, yet get a bit of extra leverage for a strong pull cut. The Amphibian handle shape doesn't feel comfortable to me in a reverse grip position, but I rarely (like never) need a reverse grip for day to day chores. That seems more of a defensive grip to me and I don't get in knife fights often.
While I love my Socom Elite a lot and it has been my favorite EDC for over a year, I think the Amphibian might well edge it out when it comes to general usefullness. Sure the Socom has Kraton inserts on both sides, and cooler thumbstuds, but the Amphibian is tip up carry and has an open back for easier cleaning. They're both great knives.
I'm glad I don't have to choose which one is better, just which one to carry today.
jmx