Microtech Socom Elite, which one to chose

A

augostos

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Sep 15, 2011
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Hello!

I was looking to get a Socom Elite.

Of course, plain drop-point blade would be great. But all the types I found are either drop-point with serrations or tantos (plain or serrated).

I'm leaning towards drop-point variant. Because tanto is not that practical, besides, I've got a couple of tantos already.

I want it to be an EDC piece, not safe queen. So, what are your suggestions, should I go with serrations (I never used a serrated knife) or maybe, with tanto, or tanto + serrations? Or am I not looking hard enough for a drop-point plain blade?

I own a Socom Delta G10 handle, S30V drop-point blade, but, for some reason, I don't want to keep it. Probably, Socom Elite is just more promoted version, you know, we buy emotions. Another think I didn't like was bead blasted blade.

Is there much difference between these two? If nothing much different, I'll keep and use Socom Delta.

Thanks a lot for your input.
 
I'm no expert on MT but the Delta is a sub-frame lock and the Elite a liner lock. The Elite is cheaper too. The G-10 model Delta you have is already more sought after and rare than the Elite, from what I've read.
 
I'm no authority on MT, either, but I have a socom elite in s90v that I think is the S@#t. Serrations might be worth it if you're cutting a lot of rope, but I generally stay away from serrations. Ease of sharpening... And if you keep your blades sharp and cared for anyhow, IMO, I don't think serrations are worth it.

I have a few tantos. They are great for prying, urban demolitions, whatever. Good tip strength. But for most of my purposes, on the farm, in the woods, I don't prefer tantos. Really depends upon your intended use.

MT makes some great knives. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get.
 
Augostos. Go to your settings at the top of your page. Then 'my account'...'general settings'. And turn on your email and private message settings. PM me once you do. I may be able to help you find what you're looking for.
 
In addition to the differences already mentioned, the Elite is tip down only, while the Delta is tip up. That can make a big difference to some people.
 
I totally agree Bigfatts! I currently own an aluminum handle Socom Delta because all of the G10's are long gone. It is serrated, but I kind of like that about it.. It makes it look mean.. I thought about getting that awesome looking Socom Elite with the Carbon Fiber inserts, but as Bigfatts says, it is tip down. And that is a no go for me.

But have to say, I love my Socom Delta so much that I just threw some major cash down on a Marfione Custom Socom Delta and boy am I in love with this thing. But it and the standard Socom Delta are one of the few knives that has the same beautiful frame on both sides and still has a beefy frame lock, unlike a ZT, Hinderer or Strider with two different sides. To me it is the absolute best knife on the market. And being under $300, it is total steel.

One knock against the Delta though, is that it sits pretty high up in your pocket for all the world to see. Where as the Elite does sit a lot deeper... But the lack of frame lock on the Elite and tip down carry are 2 immediate deal killers..

Being in complete love with my 2 Socom Delta's, I would urge you to just stick with it. Or do like me and just buy another one! :)
Just my .02 and not worth very much at all...
 
Bigfatts said:
In addition to the differences already mentioned, the Elite is tip down only, while the Delta is tip up. That can make a big difference to some people.
Click to expand...

Probably would have kept the Elite I had briefly if it was tip up. Sweet knife though. Solid and smooth.
 
benchwarmer380 said:
Probably would have kept the Elite I had briefly if it was tip up. Sweet knife though. Solid and smooth.
Click to expand...

You know, I got rid of my Elite to get a G10 Delta when they came out because it was tip up and I've regretted it ever since. On paper, the Delta was the answer to my prayers, but in the pocket the Elite won. Now I am completely Socomless. I need another Elite...
 
Bigfatts said:
You know, I got rid of my Elite to get a G10 Delta when they came out because it was tip up and I've regretted it ever since. On paper, the Delta was the answer to my prayers, but in the pocket the Elite won. Now I am completely Socomless. I need another Elite...
Click to expand...


Bigfatts, can you elaborate on why the Elite felt so much better? Was it because the pocket clip sits higher for a deeper feel in the pocket? Or does your admiration for it go "deeper" than that? I really am curious.. I do think it is an awesome looking blade.. And now you're starting to peak my interest in it. :foot:
 
Well, my two gripes about the Elite were the aluminum handle and tip down only. So when the G10 Delta came out I thought 'hey, problem solved'. But once I got the Delta I just couldn't warm up to the G10 or the sub frame lock. I was also very into lanyards at the time and the lanyard mount on the Delta was pretty much useless. Both of the Socoms in question were tantos so no radical blade changes other than steel. For me it ended up being a case of the grass being greener on the other side. The Socom Elite remains in the top five production folders as far as I'm concerned, it just works. YMMV
 
Ha ha.. Fair enough.. I absolutely love my Socom Delta's. But I don't know... You and several others seem to like the Elite. The tip down carry does concern me, but you and everybody else can't be wrong.

I honestly may pick one up in the near future. Thanks a lot for your opinion!
 
drichardson67 I replied to you email. There is a time lag, so bear with me.

Handle sticking out of pocket, bead blasted blade -- these bothered me on my Delta. But this is just personal, on a level of senses, not logic. Otherwise really high end knife. Probably I was afraid to start using it on EDC.

I have a question: how much blade geometry in clip-point version of Elite and Delta differ? From photos I can't see much difference.
 
If you want a socom elite you better hurry because microtech has discontinued them and they are gonna be pretty sought after pretty soon. As far as drop point or tanto its a matter of preference, one thjng I like about microtechs tantos is the main edge isnt straight but has a slight cuve to it making it a more utilitarian blade. I actually got a delta tanto because of that and drop points are hard to find. Also tne elite has a thicker blade, around 5mm compared to deltas 4mm. Its still a great slicer since MT gring their blade really thin behind the edge. You can get lucky and get an older elite that uses torx screws instead of MTs proprietary screws. So if you really want a elite you better hurry because they are already pretty rare a d soon will be even harder to find. Also if you're interested in selling your delta, I would be interested. Hope I could help somehow.
 
I'm in the same boat seems like the only one's left are tanto plain edge with chisel grind or tanto with v grind serrated or drop serrated. I'm not a big fan of serrated blades or chisel grinds. Which would you get?
 
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