SOCOM-Elite, weaker ball detent?

[Chang]

I was comparing my MT SOCOM and my MT SOCOM-E and I noticed the Elite's ball detent has a weaker hold on the blade. It might accidentally open much easier if you were running or jumping. Has anyone had any problems their SOCOM-Elites doing that? The knife is one of the most perfect factory knives I've ever seen, except for the weaker ball detent hold.

 

[redvenom]

Chang,

I've got two socoms and a socom elite but never noticed a difference before. I like the socoms better bit thats just a "looks" thing. I went and got them out and played with the blade retention and didn't feel any difference. My Elite is one of the earlier versions with the old style swedge grind.

Andrew Limsk

 

[Knife Fumbler]

I had a SOCOM Elite (preproduction grind/anopeen) and the ball detent was the thing I hated most about it (second being the clip).
If I dropped it the knife would open.
If I set it down in my desk drawer it would open by itself.
If I looked at it wrong the dang thing would open.
I think it's because the spring inside the microbar doesn't put as much pressure on the blade as the leaf spring on regular SOCOM's.
If the knife was tip up carry I surely would have stabbed myself at one point or another.
Perhaps the other Microtechs with the microbars (like the vector) and don't have the same problems because the blades are much lighter than that of the SOCOM-E.

 

[chad234]

Hi Chang,
The pivot on the Elite may have been oiled with a high grade teflon (rem-oil if I had to guess and that may be making it easier to open. Then again the difference between the force exerted by the m/A liner lock and the Elite's micro-bar may be the cause.
Take care,
Chad

 

[Chang]

Shucks. I guess the ball detent hold just aint as strong. This knife is becoming one of my favorites even though the ball detent is weak, I guess I'll just carry it in the belt pouch. Overall, I like the knife better than the original SOCOM. Higher clip, nicer thumb stud, micro bar, etc.