Microtech Knives Question?

T

ttibbetts

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Nov 2, 2012
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I may take some heat for the question, but I just have to know why Microtech Knives are so costly. I mean, I do see value in the materials used, but I see much better knives for less around.
 
I think the $250 I paid for my Socom Elite was more than fair. I love the knife, its probably my favorite one to carry.
 
I paid 330$ for my Socom Delta with CTS 204p and I thought that was a great deal. Premium steel, ti framelock with a replacable steel insert, and 3D contoured g10? Awesome!

Now, I don't get why the s35vn version is priced the same.
 
I think Microtech can be reasonably priced for what you get. Maybe a tad expensive compared to other brands but nothing as ridiculous as asking for $200+ for 154CM and plain G10 over one Ti and one steel liner that has the fit and finish of a $30 knife.
 
The only thing that has bugged me about microtech is that you pay for a premium knife but you hear all these stories about how they do not back their products.
 
Pretty much everything you do will Void the Warranty.....I asked if I hone the blade to keep it sharp and then need a new edge put on it would they do it... They said me doing that would void it....Seems kind of stupid to me
 
Microtech makes an excellent product. I own a Socom Elite in CTS-204P, and it holds an excellent edge. From the forums, it seems their warranty is not the best, but I do not have any first hand experience.

To answer the original question...why is their cost high? We really cannot answer that with accuracy unless someone that has inside knowledge within the Microtech organization answers it. However, they do take pride in making knives that are 100% US made - that also means that Microtech makes their own fasteners. This level of in house production will add cost to the final product.

We can speculate, and often do, about profit margins. Bottom line...the prices are high, people pay it, so there is no need to reduce them and/or streamline production to reduce costs. Is the knife worth the price?...that is a question we must answer individually.
 
ttibbetts said:
I may take some heat for the question, but I just have to know why Microtech Knives are so costly. I mean, I do see value in the materials used, but I see much better knives for less around.
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Please provide an explanation in regards to the bolded portion. What in ypur opinion constitutes a "better knife"? Some examples would be nice, that would provide more validity to your statement. Does better imply fit and finish? Manufacturing tolerances? Packaging? Blade steel?
 
Handle one and you'll understand; My Whaleshark is easily worth its price of admission. The unfortunate reality here is that higher cost really does equal a better product (at least in the case of Microtech). While the idea of quality is subjective, I think most would agree that Microtech's feel like especially high quality knives. Someone posted some high res photos of their new Socom Delta, if you see those I think you'll understand.
 
I own one Microtech (LCC D/A), and I'm no fan of theirs but I would never say they are over-priced.

Good quality at a fair price, imo.

(Disregarding warranty woes...)
 
It has to do with materials used and craftsmanship. Their knives have custom-like tolerances and they've got very good warranty practices. Plus they consistently stretch when trying new materials.
 
Can't speak to their customer service but the built is very good! I have a Socom Elite and it's expensive but worth it.
 
I sent in a knife about a month or so, I contacted them and by the next day I had a RA # sent it in and they retured it fixed almost to the day they said it would be back in my hands. I had to pay a $15 dollar fee to have it shipped back. But I would rate my dealing with them 10 . As far as why they feel they have to charge as $750 for a dressed up whaleshark I don't have the answer to that. But I am pleased with thier basic production knives. Prices are on the higher spectrum for those as well but they are very well put together.
 
I have a Select Fire Manual, Whaleshark, Socom Delta, Socom Elite, 2 Ultratechs, and a Daytona. As you can tell I love Microtech's. I think it is all the little extra things they do that make their folding knives go up in price. The replaceable steel insert on the locking bar, the steel insert in that is in the handle where the stop pins hit, nylon bearings. I know these are only the whaleshark and Socom Delta that have the things I just mentioned by the way, but I feel like every microtech knife is well thought out and manufactured with quality in mind first.

As for the OTF knives microtech puts out they are the best out there so IMO they can charge what every they want for them. Keep in mind Microtech does keep the price a little higher for the luxury of owning one as well. My two cents.
 
I have an itch for a Socom Elite in a high vanadium steel like CTS-204P, but I'm having many issues with the whole thing.

1. MT seems to do only short runs of 204P or 20CV, all sold out ATM
2. Everything seems like a one-off. Some have tri-wing fasteners, others are torx, some have CF onlays, others have traction tape, plus other small variations, so I can't help but question if the picture I'm looking at in my shopping cart is the actual knife I'd receive.
3. They make too many with tanto blades, hence clip points seem to sell out fast
4. They make too many with serrations, hence plain edges seem to sell out fast
5. The Socom Elite's subhandle microliner lock insert doohicky is an unknown animal to me
6. $250-275 for S35VN old stock, and it looks like there may have been a recent price hike that pushes everything closer to $300

So that's why I opted for a BM 710 in M390. Great steel, the Axis lock is very familiar to me, totally ambidextrous lock & clip, common torx screws, the blade size & style are in the same league as the Socom clip point, weighs nearly the same, and the 710 M390 comes in at a full $100-150 cheaper.

MT Production knives are pricey, but I shudder at the prices on MT "custom" items. Very pretty stuff, but brother I ain't buying in this economy.
 
all 41 + 14 all said:
6. $250-275 for S35VN old stock, and it looks like there may have been a recent price hike that pushes everything closer to $300
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I hear they will not be making socom elites again for a while that might be why you see a price hike. (I am just guessing)Also probably the reason you can't find the version you want.
 
Marko3 said:
I sent in a knife about a month or so, I contacted them and by the next day I had a RA # sent it in and they retured it fixed almost to the day they said it would be back in my hands. I had to pay a $15 dollar fee to have it shipped back. But I would rate my dealing with them 10 . As far as why they feel they have to charge as $750 for a dressed up whaleshark I don't have the answer to that. But I am pleased with thier basic production knives. Prices are on the higher spectrum for those as well but they are very well put together.
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Was your knife an automatic, and are you LE/Military/EMT?

My experience is completely opposite from yours. (I have an auto, and I'm not LE/Mil/EMT)
 
TheAndrew said:
I hear they will not be making socom elites again for a while that might be why you see a price hike. (I am just guessing)Also probably the reason you can't find the version you want.
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Huh. That would help to explain it. I kind of wish MT would settle down and produce one knife for 2-3 years without any changes in specs, materials, or price. Marfione seems to get bored really quick ;)

EDIT: I forgot to mention the global shortage of CTS-204P. That was surely a factor.
 
Nullity said:
Was your knife an automatic, and are you LE/Military/EMT?

My experience is completely opposite from yours. (I have an auto, and I'm not LE/Mil/EMT)
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No..It was not. Although I do have a few of thier auto's . I think you have to find a dealer to send yours in if you are not LEO/Military but I'm sure you have found this out.
 
Man, I would love a Socom Elite. But I have to agree, its a little on the pricey side for that type of knife. On paper, it doesnt have any features that can't be found on knives south of $150
 
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