Microtech Socom Elite - 2006 vs 2018 Comparison

marrenmiller said:
Hi guys/gals,

I posted this on reddit a while back and figured you all might enjoy it as well. I recently got some of the new Socom Elites from Microtech, and wanted to compare them to the older 2006 model that I had on hand. I performed a full disassembly on each and was surprised to see how much has changed since the 2006 model, both internally and externally. Feel free to ask questions if there's something I didn't cover.

https://imgur.com/a/7r939
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Your detailed post has been really helpful. Thanks for sharing.
 
Thanks for the review OP. I have an older Delta model with the clip blade but I also had to go with the new two-tone version that Pinnacle grabbed. Can't wait to get it Monday! I think the clip point version has one of the absolute sexiest profiles ever for a folder.

How thin are these behind the edge compared to the previous models? I recall someone griping that these are pretty thick.
 
ArchVV said:
Thanks for the review OP. I have an older Delta model with the clip blade but I also had to go with the new two-tone version that Pinnacle grabbed. Can't wait to get it Monday! I think the clip point version has one of the absolute sexiest profiles ever for a folder.

How thin are these behind the edge compared to the previous models? I recall someone griping that these are pretty thick.
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They're a lot thicker than the old model, but they're not out of line with their competitors. You have to keep in mind that they're made with 3/16" stock, and medium height grinds, so they're not really designed to be excellent slicers.
 
marrenmiller said:
They're a lot thicker than the old model, but they're not out of line with their competitors. You have to keep in mind that they're made with 3/16" stock, and medium height grinds, so they're not really designed to be excellent slicers.
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Very true
 
Stabby.
5TeAJZd.jpg


Grippy.
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Pretty.
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Make sure you've got a quality T6.
UQFwihn.jpg


Poor angle, but the Socom's blade is actually just as thick as the very stout Grayman Tiga's.
QvALNYZ.jpg
 
marrenmiller said:
Hi guys/gals,

I posted this on reddit a while back and figured you all might enjoy it as well. I recently got some of the new Socom Elites from Microtech, and wanted to compare them to the older 2006 model that I had on hand. I performed a full disassembly on each and was surprised to see how much has changed since the 2006 model, both internally and externally. Feel free to ask questions if there's something I didn't cover.

https://imgur.com/a/7r939
Click to expand...

Thought you might be interested in some transition model pictures. Here are some of my 2012 Socom Elite.

This version uses the male triwing screws for the pivot. It uses the three hole female screws everywhere else. I am not sure cause I haven’t taken it apart but it definitely feels like it is on bearings. The heavy blade means this thing flicks out like a friggin’ rocket. I notice it is very much a blade heavy knife. The handle weighs next to nothing, all the weight is in the blade.
FZ3onJF.jpg


The lockbar seems to be like your 2008 version. Note there are no screws on the outside on the clip side.
JTe3390.jpg

This is the tanto version and leads to one major (minor actually but it annoys me) problem. The blade hits the “standoff” right where the yokote is. (The part where the two edge grinds meet on a tanto.) The softer aluminum body doesn’t seem to damage the edge at all luckily. It will stop doing this after a few sharpenings I hope.

You can see a little white mark where the yokote hits the standoff.
NWswm1V.jpg
 
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I would get a new Socom if I had the cash, but I am very happy with my 1998. It (and a M-Socom from the same batch) took over my collection about 6 weeks ago. I figured I'd share some things about this one for the sake of comparison.

This one, like the OP's 2008, has a pivot bushing, which is a feature I really like. The action isn't glass smooth, but it is good and the knife feels solid. I don't have to fiddle with the pivot screw and I like that. I also like the simple steel liner used here. There is no extra spring inside, it is attached simply with one small screw and nests nicely into the scale, and it is steel. No need for an insert or any complications. (sorry for all the pocket lint)

1.jpg


There are smaller gaps on the back that keep out pocket clutter, like coins. The smaller gimping on the blade is one of my favorite features on these older ones. The overall F&F is excellent, and I wonder if it is as good on the new ones.

3.jpg


This blade stock is 4mm. Not sure when they went thicker than this. This one is not be as robust as the new ones, but it slices very well and l love the grind. Not sure if the new ones come with a mirror edge from the factory, but these did.

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I am happy with 154 cm, but it would be awesome to have M390, S35vn or XHP

The clip is ugly, but it works. This knife carries very well for me. The knife is very slim and light for its size
socom12.jpg

WHEN are they bringing back the M-Socom!?

5.jpg
 
Why the latest Socom pricing is higher than ever is beyond me; especially with aluminum scales. The slightly older ones are going for even more.theres a lot better choices out there for less.
 
Mine has a very off centered blade and I've tried to center it by adjusting the screws but it didn't make a difference. Is this normal with this knife? Any suggestions on how to fix it?
 
ml311 said:
Mine has a very off centered blade and I've tried to center it by adjusting the screws but it didn't make a difference. Is this normal with this knife? Any suggestions on how to fix it?
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That's not normal but not unheard of. Is yours a new 2018 model? If so, you could try adjusting the pivot but I don't think that will work.
 
Yes it's a 2018 tanto model. I tried adjusting the pivot but it looks like only one side of the pivot turns so that didn't help. I have many other less expensive knives with centered blades so it's disappointing to have this issue from a company that claims to have the best fit and finish.
 
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I have three of the 2018 Socom Elite models plus a brand new 2018 Socom Elite Auto Signature DLC spear point blade in route.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to like these knives as much as I do. I’ve been carrying one pretty much 3+ days a week and considering my collection of blades that says something.

All three of mine were pretty much flawless right out of the box. If anything the two tone tanto had a tight lockup release at first while the other two were butter smooth. After some use the two tone tanto smoothed out now like the others.

I’ve bought over a dozen Microtech folders/side autos over the last 12 months never had one the blade wasn’t centered.
I would contact Microtech see if they could fix or replace that for you.
 
seeverscpa said:
On the 2018 Socom Elite, the stop pin is used in the closed position and the open position, correct? I noticed in your review (very well done Sir) you referred to it as a "close-position stop pin".

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The closed position stop pin is different, and it's internal within the knife. The thumb studs aren't contacting the handle in the closed position, but only when the knife is open.
 
ml311 said:
Yes it's a 2018 tanto model. I tried adjusting the pivot but it looks like only one side of the pivot turns so that didn't help. I have many other less expensive knives with centered blades so it's disappointing to have this issue from a company that claims to have the best fit and finish.
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That's just something that happens to all companies from time to time. They seem to have less of an issue with it than most others do, though.

If you can't adjust the knife to your liking, return it or send it into Microtech. I have heard their CS is better nowadays than in years past, but I can't confirm that.
 
marrenmiller said:
Hi guys/gals,

I posted this on reddit a while back and figured you all might enjoy it as well. I recently got some of the new Socom Elites from Microtech, and wanted to compare them to the older 2006 model that I had on hand. I performed a full disassembly on each and was surprised to see how much has changed since the 2006 model, both internally and externally. Feel free to ask questions if there's something I didn't cover.

https://imgur.com/a/7r939
Click to expand...

^ I did enjoy this, MM. :thumbsup::thumbsup: Thank you! :)

I don't typically find too many thread's posted here in the GKD, that pique my interest. I really enjoying reading through this one, along with all it's excellent, insightful commentary. :thumbsup:

I'm a huge fan of MT Knives. The Socom Elite model is my #1 favorite, non auto MT model. If I remember correctly, Charlie Mike posted a couple of pictures quite some time ago, of him on deployment in Iraq, with his Socom Elite. For some reason, those pictures always stuck with me, & are were the main reason, why I decided to buy my first Elite model.

One of my all-time biggest selling regrets: Selling Joe P, my early model Socom Elite Tanto Auto. :oops: He really wanted one though...& sometimes part of the enjoyment of this brotherhood, is hooking a fellow knife nut up, with their grail.


marrenmiller said:
I have heard their CS is better nowadays than in years past, but I can't confirm that.
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^ MT C.S. is in fact, much better now! :thumbsup::thumbsup: I just personally received, outstanding customer service, from MT!
 
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A couple years ago I sent in my Socom Delta asking them to increase the tension on the lock bar and detent and to sharpen. Took about 6 weeks to get it back but it was perfect when it came back.
 
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