Microtech and MOD Handle Finish Rubs Off!

Bimmer1 · Mar 14, 2001

I have a Microtech mini-SOCOM Tanto and a Masters of Defense LadyHawk. Both were bought new and both have the same problem. I have carried them both one time inside of my pocket. The only thing in my pocket with the knife has been a roll of Lifesavers. After an hour or two the black finish on both knives was rubbing off. You can see tiny specks of silver shining through.
The Microtech finish was scuffed in the pivot area. The LadyHawk was scuffed on the side. These are both great, high quality blades. Everyone seems to admire these companies, but I'm just not thrilled with the handle coating. Give me G10 or Zytel anyday. I sent the Microtech back to the company for repair and they still didn't repair it all that well. I figured they would replace the handle. It looks like they just tried to re-finish the area. I could have done that with a black "Sharpie" marker.
Has anyone else experienced this problem with a Microtech or M.O.D. knife? I thought that the finish was supposed to be durable. What could be abrasive about a roll of lifesavers or the cotton fibers inside of your pants pocket? Surely, the knife should withstand more than that.
I think that products made by these companies are great. My problem is that it seems I should just buy the knives and leave them in the box if the finish is going to wear that easily.

See2 · Mar 15, 2001

Yeah, I'm having the same problem. I have an MOD Trident (just got it two days ago), and the area near the bottom of the clip seems to be shedding black a bit. I think it's that the clip is SUPER tight - so tight that when I pull the knife out of my pocket, the finish is being abraded against my pants. I'm chalking it up - I'd rather have the knife tight in my pocket than worry about it falling out, ya know?

Bugs3x · Mar 15, 2001

Carpe Diem! Oh Lordy, how I've waited for a thread somewhat like this.

I've carried my $48 CRKT M16-14 in my right front pocket well over a year. I usually have too much loose change, usually a ball point pen or two, and often fingernail clippers, etc. The finish on the aluminum handle is still perfect.

Buy yourself some quality, buy CRKT!

Felt pretty good to say that! But enough silliness. I've hankered after a MT LCC since I first saw a pic. Have been intrigued by the new smaller Dieter -- that big one is just toooo big. Very interesting to hear that my fantasies aren't hanging in there too well. From all I hear, titanium is awfully easy to scratch. I'm surprised it came out second best to the foil on Lifesavers though. Didn't realize that was such tough stuff. Hey, maybe the knife companies should look into using that foil.

Sorry, my fingers run off at this time of night.

Bugs

[This message has been edited by Bugs3x (edited 03-15-2001).]

Roller · Mar 15, 2001

Microtech and MOD handles are made of Aluminum, not Titanium.

I have many Microtechs that I have carried alot, and the handles still look perfect.

knifenerd · Mar 15, 2001

I haven't experienced problems like that with either MOD or MT products.

There are situations where the anodized finish has been rubbed against by a softer substance (such as the lifesaver wrapper) and left marks on the knife which can be removed by using Scotch-Brite or something similar.

Take a close look. There's no reason for the finish to be damaged by a candy wrapper.

Dick

det · Mar 16, 2001

Just to echo what knifenerd said. Try using a scotchbrite pad. I have had many marks that looked like scratches come out after using one.

bfm · Mar 15, 2001

My two MODs do that a little on the edges of the handle. my MTs get scuffed but not down to the aluminum like my MOD do.

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It is not the fall that kills you. It is the realization that "yes, you did something that stupid."

Will.223 · Mar 15, 2001

I've carried my "UDT" in the little sheath that came with it every day since I bought it. Don't you guys use the sheath? The UDT is in perfect condition. I purchased a MOD "Lady Hawk" the same day I got the UDT, but it had no sheath. However, it's been cipped to the inside of my opposite pocket ever day also. I just looked it over with a magnifying glass and couldn't find any wear. Maybe I'm just lucky, but it looks just like it did when it came out of the box.

Will

Javahed · Mar 15, 2001

Same goes for my Hornet. It's in my pocket daily with keys and change (I use my knives, I don't baby them

)no abraisions or finish wear that I can tell. The knife is about 6 months old. Some of the bolt heads on the other side are getting a bit shiny, but that's it.

Dan

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Go Get 'em Gear

pse-link · Mar 15, 2001

Been carring a Mini-Socom for about a year. No such problem, I have the clip over the pocket edge and occasionaly my keys will catch it but no such wear noticable on my MT.

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Lincoln
eclark@totalzone.com

The General · Mar 15, 2001

Seize the moment! Yes my LCC bolsters were worn after about 2 days of playing with it! A friend of mine passed it down a wooden table

and darn the Ti bolsters are now scuffed quite badly. Hell, I am tempted to rub them down with a 1200 grit wet and dry paper an keep the natural Ti finish. I cannot see the point of using an anodized finish on Ti, it just won't stick! Alu is different. That is why the CRKT range hold up better.

W.A.

redratsnake · Mar 15, 2001

I have a few Mod and Microtech aluminum coated anodized handles so far no problems did that pack of lifesavers leave small specks of silver on there ? the coating seems to attract things like that i would expect the edges to wear after a while my lcc ti bolsters got a few scratches on them after a few days no big problem a very light rubbing with a fine scratch pad works great it might help to put a little polish or wax on the knife then rub it off so it is not slippery works great for me and keeps the knives looking new try it.. if i had to chose a handle material i think i would go with g10 & woven glass but if every knife was the same we would be pretty bored ???

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I am just a worthless liar....... I am just an Imbecile ...... I will only complicate you ..... Trust in me and fall as well .... I will find a center in you ... I will chew it up and leave .. I will work to elevate you just enough to bring you down

Firebat · Mar 15, 2001

My MT's don't exihibit any of the described problems, and that's with regular pocket carry. My green handled mini SOCOM is still perfect. I find it pretty hard to believe that after sixty minutes of pocket carry the hard coat anodization had worn down to the aluminum- but if you say so. I'd say that's gotta be the exception, and not the rule.

About Ti- it is strong as heck- but it is soft. TITANIUM WILL SCRATCH and scuff. If a couple of scuffs on the bolsters of an LCC bother you, I hope you never have to carry and use a Sebenza- which develop "character" marks fairly easily. And that's a 340 dollar knife!

Firebat

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Name's Ash......Housewares.

Bugs3x · Mar 16, 2001

Imagine my embarrassment!

So very sorry. Yep, every time I assume, I do appear an ass. Oh well, it was a fun moment.

Bugs