Microtech Socom Alpha production version

madcap_magician

madcap_magician

Farts rainbows.
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Feb 27, 2005
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Anyone know anything about these?

I liked the custom version, but wasn't going to pay the absurd prices for it. All the sudden there's a production version at several Microtech dealers for under $300.
 
I got one of the new production 'Alphas, it's great if you're looking for a long, lean, hollow ground 5" Elmax fixed blade. It's the best knife of its' type, that I've handled since Terzuola's Camilus/Meyerco CQB1. It looks like they released a new finish every few days - they were bead blasted at first, then stonewashed, then 'apocalyptic', now available coated black. The carbon fiber handles are surprisingly grippy, and the jimping 100% around the handle makes it unlikely to move in your hand. The production versions have contoured handle scales, I believe the custom versions were flatter. The factory sheath could be improved, it seems to have a much bigger footprint than necessary, but most production fixed blades benefit from a custom sheath.

This is the first Microtech fixed blade I've ever been interested in, and was pleasantly surprised at the quality. It's been very fun in the kitchen so far.
 
I can't believe I paid 800 for the custom version :barf:
 
Charlie Mike said:
I can't believe I paid 800 for the custom version :barf:
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The customs do look pretty much just like the production ones with the exception of some of the customs have crazier finishes and a few have odd compound grinds.
 
And those compound grinds SUCK to use... Even worse to sharpen.

(which leads me to believe that much of Marfione "custom" knives were never intended for use)
 
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I can't seem to find them, my google foo is weak.
 
Thanks, I remember the first time I saw matt post his, I liked it immediately. Although I wish it had more protecting the hand from slipping on the blade.
 
shinyedges said:
Thanks, I remember the first time I saw matt post his, I liked it immediately. Although I wish it had more protecting the hand from slipping on the blade.
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I was wondering about that... In a bind on a fixed blade right now. The designs I want don't come in the materials I want, and vice versa. Love the materials on the Socom Alpha, wish it had more of a guard.
 
That's another reason why I got rid of mine.
 
rpn said:
How does all that jimping feel?
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That was the only thing that gave me any confidence at all in the grip. Its adequate.
 
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Is there a bead blast blade with carbon fiber scales model? I want one but I can't find any in that specific configuration :(
 
I'm going to pick one of these up. The SOCOM Delta is one of my favorite folders. I absolutely love the blade profile of the Deltas, and the Alpha profile is very similar. The idea of that swooping blade profile on a 5" fixed blade is very attractive! And a little carbon fiber to boot!
 
Give it a guard and a 7" blade and I'll be interested.
 
Charlie Mike said:
That was the only thing that gave me any confidence at all in the grip. Its adequate.
Click to expand...

I believe the customs' scales were mostly flat?

The production version are contoured, wider in the middle and flared at the top and bottom. You can see it in the topographic patterns of the G10 production knives.
 
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