Microtech Socom...Worth the $?

Mitchell Knives

Mitchell Knives

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I'm in the market for a new folder, and was thinking about either the mini auto socom or the manual large socom. Which one would be better? Are they worth the hefty price tag? Would a Benchmade or Emerson be just as good? Maybe some other brand? I'm looking for something in the 3-4 blade length range that's extremely tough, razor sharp and easy to sharpen. Thanks
 
The large SOCOM MA, along with a few others is one of the finest production folders available. The fit and finish is without equal. The blade grind and geometry is very good and the handle is secure and comfortable. The lock is also very strong with no play in the examples that I have owned. If you have handled one, then you know what I mean. There are other choices of a 4" blade folder, but you will definitely have your money well spent on a SOCOM.
 
Microtech SOCOMS are niiiiice! However, I kind of like the LCC a bit better in terms of styling. Came oh so close to buying one!

However, both Benchmade and Emerson have unique offerings of their own in the 3.5 to 4 inch bladed folder range.

Benchmade has the various Axis lock folders which enjoy a huge following. In particular, is the 4 inch bladed flagship model 710. It boasts dual 420J SS liners, G-10 handles, superb blade geometry in ATS-34 or M-2, one of the smoothest opening/closing for a production knife, and of course, the Axis lock system.

Out of the Emerson line, the Commander is unique in that it is designed to deploy as you draw the knife out of your pant pocket. It also boasts high-end materials although Emerson's quality control is sometimes questioned. Regardless, I've handled the Raven, and CQC-7. Both are kinda small and the CQC-7 is getting long-of-tooth. It may have been considered the "king of tac knives" years ago but, IMO, it has been surpassed by other knives including the Commander.

The only real way to find out which knife is best for you is to go visit your local knife store.

[This message has been edited by Full Tang Clan (edited 10-04-2000).]
 
DrRMJ pretty much says it all. MT knives are worth every penny. I happen to have both the mini auto socom and large socom. The mini socom is more than enough for daily chore, and the action is supreb. But if you like me, "bigger is better", get the large one. Either way you will get ur money worth. BTW, the Ti coating and hard coat handle held up REALLY well.
 
IMHO MicroTech offers probably the finest production folders in the business. Their new LCC comes really close to handmade quality but at a budget price (aound $130) and you might want to consider this too.

Great lock up, great build quality, almost perfect grinds. But of course, there's no substitute for handling one to check them out. After playing around with a friend's manual SOCOM, I had to get one too.

BTW I always thought the SOCOM would be too big to comfortably carry and use (I have small hands) but was happily surprised. You' ll probably like the std SOCOM better than the mini.

Some other knives that may fit your criteria:
- BM940 Osbourne
- BM730 Ares

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"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb

[This message has been edited by redvenom (edited 10-04-2000).]
 
Red is right, The LCC is definately hard to beat at it's price. Though the blade is not as long as the socom(I have them both), The wide blade makes up for it. I think MT has the best production knives around and you can't go wrong them.

I used to own the BM Ares 730s and it's a nice knife too. The maroon and black G-10 is something different from the norm and the grind is above average.

Here's some other knives that i recommend;
- Emerson Commander
- Spyderco "Lum" folder
 
SOCOM beats Lum IMO and is worth the extra
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Worth every penny of my $160. Be careful though, they are very stiff in the lock right out of the box. It may require breaking in.

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Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
MICROTECH RULEZ!!! Both the SOCOM M/A and LCC are workhorses, you won't be disappointed with either (or both!). Hey, Comrade- shouldn't you be in class? LOL!
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[This message has been edited by richard rosvall (edited 10-04-2000).]
 
MICROTECH RULES! You will not be disappointed in either the large Socom, the LCC Manual or a Mini-Socom. I am havng a real nice sale on the mini-socoms right now in the dealer section of BF you may want to investigate.

Please feel free to email me.

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Knives & Things
Mike Payne
 
Microtech knives are the closest thing to a custom knife you can buy right off the rack. In all of the years that I have bought MT's (and the company is only about 6 years old) I have have noticed only ONE blemish, a tiny chip on one of the serration cuts--and that can only be seen with a loop. Like all knuts, I'm an eternal trader; but while all other brands come and go, the MT's always stay. Now, I'll make a sandwich with a SOCOM, but I'm always a bit more careful when the butter from it...--OKG
 
Can't go wrong with MicroTech. Excellent fit and finish and if anything does go wrong, their customer service is outstanding. Be sure to actually handle some of their product before you buy so that you get the knife that feels most comfortable to you.

Harry
 
Absolutely worth it, for all of the reasons mentioned above. One of the best production folders bar none.

If I were going to get one Microtech right now it would be the LCC. You may want to take a look at it.

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Dennis Bible
 
I carry the large Socom daily. It fits comfortably in my pocket. Once you get use to having a 4" blade you can't go back to anything smaller. Not to mention once you get use to Microtech quality there's no going back!
 
Microtech=Perfection, close to it anyway! The large Socom Elite is amazing, totally worth the extra money. I like other brands, but Microtech is close to unbeatable. And yeah, it's really stiff out of the box, but a few drops of tuff-glide(or whatever you prefer) will remedy that.

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"I'm out there Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!"--Kramer
 
SOCOM! ! ! ! And not a mini either!
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A pick.........

#1 ~ SOCOM DA

#2 ~ SOCOM manual

Absolutely awesome ~ to say the least!



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GigOne
"Livin' Life - Full Throttle"
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"Happiness is a belt-fed weapon & a Walter Brend Model 2!"
 
Richard, I was in Computer Programming class. That class is one of those classes I don't exactly take seriously! Where there are computers, there is BFC.

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Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
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