MicroTech worth the extra bucks for an EDC?

N

Native Justice

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Oct 23, 2005
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Have numerous Spyderco and Benchmade including the 710 in M2. Been lookin at the MTs and curious if end users think they're worth the extra dinero. Not for a safe queen but a user ... Would like some user input plz. Love the Carbon and Canvas with Titanium bolsters particularly. Are they really the "bees knees" of production folders?
 
I have BM's, Microtech, Gerber, Junglee, Dozier, and many cheapies but all-in-all I believe BM is the best value as far as quality and price is concerned.

Microtech, BM both uses 154cm on their knives but Microtech grinds their knives alot thinner, therefore cuts better, but when I put both BM's and Microtech's edges under a microscope, I find that they both fair the same as in edge holding and metal wear. And, under a microscope I see everything, believe me it varies from steel to steel.

When you are concerned about 154cm between BM and Microtech there is no difference, except for the way the blades are profiled which may let users feel that MT's are better cutters.

I also have a BM Nimravus in M2, believe me... stick with it, because 154cm is no comparison with M2, unless corrosion is your concern.
 
I've got a few benchmades (732, 710 M2, 705-401) and a Microtech UMS with a S30V blade. First of all, the MT has fantastic qualities from the design to the build to the materials and is just an overall great knife.

I can also say the same for my Benchmades which leads me to the conclusion that dollar for dollar, a BM would be your best bet. The only reason i can see to get a MT is for the auto feature or if you are just an avid Microtech fan.

I'm no expert but both brands are top notch with Benchmade offering more bang for the buck.
 
I am currently carrying a Microtech LCC (witch is now discontinued), I got it second hand and maybe it is even third hand... i dunno :)

Relevant to your question is that i chose the knife out of several folders that was on the table. Among them a BM 690, and 3 emersons, and a Spydie military.
I handled al knives and was easily convinced i wanted the Microtech LCC! The knife feels alot stronger then the others! (keep in mind it is also somewhat heavier) Anyhow...this knife gives me the feeling it could eat all my others and come back for more :)

I dunno the quality of the new models, but if u want a really though and excellent cutting folder, maybe take a look at the For Sale section or something for a LCC :)

(i do want to mention i also very much like BM, Spydies and others...but u asked for comparison so this is just my vieuw :) )
 
Whether a brand is the "bee's knees" of production folders is a matter of opinion, but I haven't seen many people say they feel Microtech is the best.

The Sebenza is commonly believed to be the best production folder. It is the standard, and the knife others are compared to. That doesn't mean it will be the best to you, though.

There are a lot of great knives and great brands out there. There really is no "one" bee's knees. But Microtech, though respected, usually isn't called the best. I'd say it is worth the money over Spyderco and BM, but they doesn't mean they are better.

Also look into Emerson, Al Mar, Lone Wolf, Strider, Protech, Dalton, and Kershaw. They are all generally considered on par with Microtech, with opinion determining which are better than others.
 
I have two Microtech UMS's and I used to have a Mini-Socom. I found that the 154CM steel on the Mini Socom held an edge better than any other knife I've owned. I wish that I never traded it away. The UMS models all have $30V steel and they are hard to sharpen. On the other hand, the steel is very tough. I use them at work and play and the blade steel holds up well. No chips in the blade. I also have several Benchmade autos which are great knives but the Microtechs really have a more powerful coil spring. Are Microtechs worth the money? I don't think that spending over $100 on a folder is worth it, even though I've done it myself. It's also hard to find microtech manual folders anymore. When I browse the internet looking at knives, it seems like Microtech makes 95% otf's and little of anything else. Benchmade is my favorite knife company so I would be biased to say anything about their fine products.
 
My 1998 Microtech SOCOM M/A (only Microtech I own) is the most perfect knife as far as grinds, blade play & blade centered knife (fit & finish) i've purchased to date...your mileage may vary. IMHO worth the $. Others that come close...Benchmade AFCK d2, and Benchmade mini AFCK, Camillus Heat, Spyderco Military, & Spyderco Endura.
 
i think MT really is tops in autos, but for std stuff its not any better than BM, imho. it certainly is tops in production OTF autos.

i have a '00 SOCOM elite MA w/a brend grind blade and its certainly a good edc knife, as good as a BM, i dont know about better.
 
I had a 1/97 Socom M/A I foolishly sold. That knife would not get dull no matter what I did to it. Cut everything like going through butter. I wish I hadn't sold it.
 
When they were in production, I was very attracted to the LCC and could not afford it. Last Fall, I found one NIB for a reasonable price and bought it. I love that tank of a knife, it makes even the Spydie Chinook I look lightweight in comparison. It is THE most solidly built folder that I have ever encountered. I only wish that they made it in tip down carry form. I had the blade come open in my right rear pocket the other day and that was a bit of a wake-up call! I have significantly tightened the pivot as it must have loosened.

As for the 154CM steel, I find that it compares well with the VG-10 and other premium grade steels, as opposed to the super steels like S30V or ZDP-189, which are rather more pricey. MicroTech's heat treat and temper seem to be excellent.
 
I do NOT recommend that you or anyone buys a microtech. I have seen a lot of complaints about their customer service and repair. If I'm going to buy a $100+ knife, I'm not going to do it from a company that a whole lot of people complain about.
Don't take my word for it, though. Do a search.
I am truly amazed that Microtech has gone this far downhill.
Avoid them like the plague.
 
Walking Man said:
I do NOT recommend that you or anyone buys a microtech. I have seen a lot of complaints about their customer service and repair. If I'm going to buy a $100+ knife, I'm not going to do it from a company that a whole lot of people complain about.
Don't take my word for it, though. Do a search.
I am truly amazed that Microtech has gone this far downhill.
Avoid them like the plague.
Click to expand...
If true, and I do not gainsay you as I haven't the time to do the research, that is a real shame. It sounds a bit like what happened to REKAT.
 
NO!

this is not the truth, the factory had moved, is what the problem was.... and things are definitely waay up from what the had been.

I have a very good source close to the factory and believe you me, the stuff coming out of MT is the best it has been in years!

I got a cutom Ultratech and production Scarab myself and can verify/ attest to this.

buy with absolute confidence.


sincerely,

Ronald P. LaBella Jr.
 
LaBella said:
NO!

this is not the truth, the factory had moved, is what the problem was.... and things are definitely waay up from what the had been.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I've heard WAY too many horror stories this past year to believe that. All I can say is: DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Do searches, and you'll see.
You don't have to trust me, in fact, you shouldn't but when you see all the crazy complaints, you'll see.
 
i called MT about a replacement fob for my LCC and they wanted $20 + shipping for it, yes the 8" os so length of cord, not even tied of course, ya can buy 100" of it for probably $7, no i didnt buy it FWIW.

i have heard the CS is better now than it was 12 months ago, no personal experience though.
 
I needed a new pivot screw to replace the one my darling son had somehow removed. Being that it was their 3 pin spanner design I also offered to purchase the wrench. First the good news. Although this was obviously an abuse issue, the screw was sent free of charge. It did take four months, but I'll attribute that to their dissaray at the time. The bad news, they will not send the wrench. I was able to use a two pin spanner and some loctite to get the job done. But being that even the liner screws are that 3 pin design, how the hell am I supposed to service the knife when all it needs is some tightening? Very user unfriendly IMHO.
BM has a great idea with their little blue box kit for servicing knives. Yes, you can void your warranty. But how many of us want to send their knives back to the factory every time we feel something needs to be fixed. I abuse my EDC knives almost every day to some degree or another. Even wear and tear can make things sloppy. Not to be able to fix these little PITA issues is a PITA all unto itself. IMHO MIcrotech just isn't worth it for EDC and I have several of their knives. Just thought I'd throw in my two cents.

Brian
 
I have'nt purchased a Microtech in a few yrs.I've got a DA LCC,DA Socom and a manuel Socom and there fine folders.What pissed me off was when I bought a Krestal folder when they 1'st came out than a few yrs. later they lowered the price substantially.Another thing they did was making a limited edition model or saying production would be stopped on certain models and a few yr's later would release the models again.Many people would pay inflated prices on these models and the price would go down making the original buyers very angry.
 
For the money invested in an OTF (admittedly very cool), you might as well get an Airkat Tripwire or Strider or something...
 
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