Microtech Socom Elite 2012- Need Feedback

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bilkay

Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
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I just received a 2012 Microtech Socom Elite. I need some feedback to see if I got a "lemon".

1) It looks like there's a blade detent mechanism but it doesn't work. Please tell me if I'm right or wrong.
2) The lockbar is stiff to disengage and grinds against the cutout in the aluminum handle when I disengage it. Is this normal? I expected the disengagement to be smooth and the fit into the aluminum to be smooth, like all my other folders.
3) The blade isn't very sharp. That's just plain disappointing. Is it normal?

I've got experience mostly with Benchmade, Kershaw, and Spyderco folders. For the money I paid for this Microtech, I'm very surprised by the (apparently) poor mechanics and fit-and-finish of this knife.

Am I just stupid for taking the youtube reviews at face value? This is the only Microtech knife I planned to add to my collection (2011 & 2012 versions). I could have just bought a Zero Tolerance 0350 and 0550, instead, while waiting for the next batch of 0560s to ship to dealers.

The online dealer I bought the knife from has hand-picked a replacement for me, and I'm returning the one I have tomorrow. Should I expect more of the same?
 
I got a select fire and the action started out rough almost like a you could feel the detent ball diging in..I just kinda did a fast break in. I just opened and almost closed it real fast for a bit and now it is working well. Some knives come nice and smooth out of the box and some you just have to break in a bit. Hope this helped ease your concerns.
 
Definitely a lemon. My 2012 Socom Elite is second only to my Sebenza in terms of fit and finish, and it came razor sharp.
 
Sounds like you just got a lemon. I have a 2011 and other than the lock up being a tad sticky, everything else is just about perfect. I have not heard of many issues with this model. I am especially surprised your was not sharp. Mine came very sharp and I have high standards. My friends have all been sharp too.If you're getting a replacement from the dealer that is inspected before it goes out, I would bet it is going to be good. It is a very nice knife.
 
I had a 2011 socom elite and it had no closed detent. Blade fell out very easily.

Lock up, centering, and everything else was perfect though.
 
When I bought my Socom Elite, I got a total lemon too. 2012 with virtually no detent to be found. But worst part was that it did not lock up if you opened it slowly. The lockbar was too long and would get caught on the detent ramp on the blade. I sent it in for exchange, and I received the replacement today. This one is fantastic. Lockup, centering, sharpness are all perfect. A little bit sticky with the lockbar, but I think I can break it in over time. My ZT560 had a sticky lockbar in the beginning too, but now is buttery sooth.
 
I wouldn't say you did. I bought a socom elite in green recently. I returned the first, but the 2nd wasn't any better. Unfortunately the online retailer I deal with is picky about returns and lets say I don't want to deal with the trouble again. Seriously if this is what Microtech calls quality it sucks! The problem with my model (2012 socom elite with CF inlay, green ano-handle, coated blade) is that it's fit and finish is just not what I expect of a $280-300 knife.

First off the anodizing on the aluminum isn't done correctly.On the handle of the knife, right where the liner lock is located , both models came with scratches on the handles. You can't see them face on, they only show in angled lighting (tilting one way or another). What I think caused this is that the aluminum handle was scratched and not polished before being anodized which is just shabby.

Second, both models I got came with dings in the handles. On the first there was one right near the pivot in which you could see the aluminum coming through the anodizing. On my current one, I have three dings, on on each side right around the lanyard hole, and a couple dings that have been anodized over, on the handle.

Third, the glass breaker rattles on my 2nd SE while on the first it did not. Seriously I went from bad (the 1st socom) to worse (the 2nd), which just means quality on these knives varies greatly.

Overall, it's just totally been a disappointing experience with me and these socom elites. Say what you want about aluminum being a hard material to work with, if Strider, who some consider their f&f to be rough, can deliver flawless aluminum handles on an smf, there is no reason that I see, why microtech cannot.

I feel like I was jipped twice! and I will probably never buy another Microtech again. I don't care what anyone says, if you like them that's fine with me. Defend them all you want, call me a liar, picky, or whatever. But after having two negative experiences with Microtech my opinion is still the same, regarding just their fit and finish, their products don't cut it even to standards of $100 knives.

Overall the knife is a awesome design, but the under-par fit and finish just kills this knife.
 
I am sorry to hear stories like these, which are not uncommon. I would like to try a Socom Elite, but just can't bring myself to drop some serious coinage on a knife of unknown quality. Its too bad, as I would pull the trigger if these knives were consistently high quality.
 
I have heard stories like this abiut the SE here and there lately and that's a damn shame. They are fine knives. I didn't even think I would like the one I traded for but fell in love with it after a day of handling and carrying it. My rule for this stuff is to handle knives in this price range in person before I buy. Not always an option if you don't have any decent stores around. For the guys having consistant problems, I would contact MT directly.
 
powernoodle said:
I am sorry to hear stories like these, which are not uncommon. I would like to try a Socom Elite, but just can't bring myself to drop some serious coinage on a knife of unknown quality. Its too bad, as I would pull the trigger if these knives were consistently high quality.
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That' s how I feel about it too. I really love the design of the Select Fire but I really don' t want to get a dud for that price level as I' d have to send it all the way over to the US to get a new one.
 
J85909266 said:
Definitely a lemon. My 2012 Socom Elite is second only to my Sebenza in terms of fit and finish, and it came razor sharp.
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Yep, I have 5 of them and all of them are close or better in some instances than CRKs. Also microtech has THE sharpest factory edges of any company, period. 3 of the 5 I got would whittle hair with the stock edges after only a touch of stropping. No other factory edge I've had has even come close.
 
Went to the gun show today and came home with a Select Fire and I am impressed. I might even like it more than the Socom Elite. I wanted to hold one before I bought it, being as it's the most I've ever paid out of pocket for a knife. Fell in love immediately. Sharpest knife I've ever recieved from the factory. It's really a shame some of the bad ones mentioned in this thread make it through to the public. It's not the norm from what I've seen and experienced.
 
I recently got a 2012 SOCOM Elite! Heavy detent, but fit & finish is superb! Looking to get another in a tanto blade!
 
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