microtech kestrel and vector

K

koj11

Joined
May 11, 2004
Messages
196
I decided I'd make a new thread on these so the title would be different than my other thread about the benchmade knives. I'm looking for a new edc and was looking at the bm 705 and 710, but the more I look at these two microtech knives, the more I lean towards them. From doing some searching here, it seems the general opinions are that the axis is a better lock than the microtech has, but microtech's blades are generally sharper and in general just put together better. Is that an accurate statement?

Talking microtech only, I really like the kestrel and vector, but can't really decide between the two. I see the handle is the same, but maybe someone who has experience with both of these could give me some more insight. The concerns I have with these knives are as follows...

1. Which of these blade styles would be better for light edc activites? I don't do much prying or tougher cutting tasks like that.

2. Which would be better for self defense?

3. Would either of these blades be inherently stronger than the other because of their shape either along the blade or the tip?

4. Both of these blade shapes make me think sharpening might be difficult. Is this the case?

Thanks in advance.

Chad
 
Are we talking autos or manuals? The autos are plunge locks, the manuals are liner locks. The liner lock will probably be the least strong of the three, axis is probably the best, but the plunge locks are quite strong.

1. Of the 2, I'd choose the Kestral for EDC tasks. The Vector looks a bit strange for normal usages.

2. I can't say.

3. The Vector has sort of a americanized tanto tip, while the Kestral has a hawkbilled-wharncliffe tip. The Vector will have a much stronger tip. I'm judging only by pictures though.

4. Both will be more difficult to sharpen than a "normal" shaped blade. I'd imagine the Vector would be even moreso. For either you'll need a round sharpening tool, as a benchstone or flat tool (like an Edgepro or Lansky system) won't work well with the curves. The edges of a SpyderCo Sharpmaker would probably work. Someone here modified a rounded diamond hone to be used with the Edgepro, and that'd work great. For the tip of the Vector, you'd use a normal flat stone.

Of these 2 choices, I'd lean towards a Kestrel. But to be honest, neither of these blades "do it" for me.
 
Go with what you like, but there are plenty of other MTs and BMs I would choose instead. AKAIK, the only ones you'll find are remaining stock. I'd also prefer the Kestrel for something I would use and sharpen as an edc.
 
I looked at both for quite a while before I choose the Kestral. For practical purposes, I am still not certain there is much difference. I know that many here say the MT's are better than the BM's, but I don't see much difference in quality between mine. I have also had the original mini-socom. I think all are the finest quality you can get in a production knife. The blade shape of the Kestral lends it self very well to cutting of materials because the blade "pulls in" on whatever you are cutting; makes for very effecient use in that regard, but makes it very impractical for sweeping type cuts. The extremely sharp point of the Kestral is also very useful. Think about what types of cuts you regularly do with your EDC, if most of them do not require the normal curve of a blade, either shape will do you well, but I still prefer the Kestral, but not by much. You are correct IMO about sharpening, they are more challenging, especially at the point. The other thing to be aware of is the both these MT have a significantly thicker blade than BM's do. Mine measures .156" thick, makes for a stronger blade, but a less efficient slicer. BTW, if you are interested in a using knife, I would like to sell mine, send me an e-mail if you are interested. I can't speak to self defense uses, but if tip strength is an issue, the Vector probably gets the nod, for light EDC uses, however, tip strength is most likely not a big issue. Hope this helps.
Richard
 
It's always seemed to me that Microtech's take on the liner lock (where they use a seperate piece of hardened 154CM inset into the handle) is probably the BEST way to make one around. I think I'd trust my MT's linerlock as much as I could trust a folding knife....


Just MHO, of course.

Larry
 
Is there anyplace selling any manual MTs besides a few balisongs and the mini socom elites? It would sure be nice if they'd start making manual Amphibians again.
 
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