When will folks let it go - Microtech

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For me, Microtech has enough going against them for me to even consider buying one even if there were no integrity issues and politics involved.

Automatics are illegal in Illinois, and even if they were legal, i prefer manuals.

I don't like tactical type knives

I don't like proprietary hardware. If ZT can make a beautiful pivot screw that still uses a torx driver, so can anyone.

The warranty issue. If you don't stand behind your product, how will I know if it's any good? Why should spend my money on it when there are other companies that will jump through hoops for the customer?

I understand if they're illegal in your area, but man I'm telling you once you get used to an automatic it's really hard to go back to manual. Sorry about your state laws, hopefully kniferights continues the good fight.
 
Lol, I was wondering when a mod would post.

I see a lot of people posting that Microtech warranty is voided if you sharpen the knife....but on Microtech's website, it says the warranty is voided if you sharpen it improperly (same as Rockstead abf Spyderco wording).

Do they just not honor this warranty and void it if someone so much as does one swipe on a strop?
 
KAI's "threats" directed towards Microtech are the epitome of a "he said, she said" situation, with Microtech telling one story and KAI (through Welk) telling a completely different story. It doesn't matter though, because even assuming, for the sake of argument, that Microtech's side of the story is true, it's indisputable that Microtech ripped off the ZT 0777 (and continues to do so), while KAI didn't rip off anything.

KAI telling Microtech that they're going to build an OTF that will put Microtech out of business (assuming that's true) does not give Microtech the right to blatantly rip off the ZT 0777. If you can't agree to that, then there's no point in discussing this any further.

That sums it up well. I also find the KAI version, that Marfione was disparaging of the prototypes, far more credible than the absurd alternative: That KAI was "daring" Marfione to better them in workmanship, given their respective price levels and target market...

This is literally like Ford daring Rolls-Royce to make a more luxurious automobile: Does that make any sense?

Gaston
 
I am not a Microtech fanboy....yet, I have just a new utx 85 that works great and I really like.

After the whole Microtech vs. KIA issue, many on this forum seem to have rushed to judgment. The way I see it we know very little, and existing bias towards Microtech is coming out.

What do we know:

1. Microtech threatened to sue Anthony Sculimbrene of Everyday Commentary. Anthony Sculimbrene has made a retraction at: http://www.thetruthaboutknives.com/...es-formal-retraction-of-greatest-knife-piece/

The response here on the forum was that Anthony must have been pressured into doing so,....instead of giving the thought that it was on his own, a decision made as an adult, and having spent time with Anthony Marfione which doesn't strike me as the owner of Microtech trying to be a bully but instead a teacher.

2. Microtech and KAI issues: going back through a few years past it appears that at bladeshow the throw down was given, by both companies. None of us were there, and I'm sorry but KAI's rep in the past on bf has been less than respectful and couldn't handle moderating their own forum. I'm not going to judge Microtech's response, because I think Marfione explained exactly what happened, with KAI threatening to make an otf with Microtech design, and Microtech showing if that's what they wanted they would get the same thing in return.

3. Microtech and Anthony Marfione suing their own family: We again know nothing about this or the people involved. A few posters on bf empathized with family dysfunction, but most seemed to be able to immediately judge Anthony because he is suing his Son. Sorry, but family can sometimes be the first to stab you in the back, so until we know more.....again......we know nothing!

So that we know nothing, in the future when anyone asks or discusses Microtech, keep the bs out. If you have personal feelings against the company than fine, take it somewhere else, like a shrink, because I think a few people here need one.

^ Very good post! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

What am I missing here? :confused:

Who's been complaining about Microtech? o_O :D

Just an FYI: I have the ability to see/read comments, written by 12 different people in this thread. I like, living in my own little happy Microtech/BladeForums World. :cool:

I'll just continue to rely on the objective word's written by somebody I highly respect: Mr. Anthony Sculimbrene; whom after a considerable time spent doing some deep introspection, came up with these powerful gems:

"At the time, however, I just missed this point entirely because I was only paying attention to one side of the story."

"I allowed myself to form an opinion based largely upon the attitudes and biases of others."

"Let's move on and
focus on what we all enjoy here--the knives."

Without further adieu, here a few Microtech pictures, for your viewing pleasure. :thumbsup:10898016_10203709113068483_2336471789779644301_n.jpg C01C08D0-15B0-4E85-B013-24F46EB0F73C_zps9g4sibqt.jpg 17424862_10209255162116243_2841409507471849064_n.jpg 18194145_1336612513058860_2438170206998339338_n.jpg 18194101_1336611783058933_5995189574174566539_n.jpg



^^^^^ What's not to like!?!?;)
 
I agree very much with what you said, and to be clear I do not own a Microtech and am unlikely to pick one up any time. It seems that this sort of half-informed knee-jerk reaction is common in subcultures, scenes or communities. In hardcore punk music, for example, there were always those who insisted on muddying the water with constant gossip of which band has sold out, which has betrayed another band or musical sub-genre. Same thing in late 80s-early 90s skateboarding. People who had nothing at stake usually seemed to take the strongest stand in any controversy or disagreement and sometimes the parties at the center of a controversy turned out to be friends.

Danzig vs. Graves..who you got? :D
 
^ Very good post! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

What am I missing here? :confused:

Who's been complaining about Microtech? o_O :D

Just an FYI: I have the ability to see/read comments, written by 12 different people in this thread. I like, living in my own little happy Microtech/BladeForums World. :cool:

I'll just continue to rely on the objective word's written by somebody I highly respect: Mr. Anthony Sculimbrene; whom after a considerable time spent doing some deep introspection, came up with these powerful gems:

"At the time, however, I just missed this point entirely because I was only paying attention to one side of the story."

"I allowed myself to form an opinion based largely upon the attitudes and biases of others."

"Let's move on and
focus on what we all enjoy here--the knives."

Without further adieu, here a few Microtech pictures, for your viewing pleasure. :thumbsup:View attachment 708632 View attachment 708633 View attachment 708634 View attachment 708635 View attachment 708636



^^^^^ What's not to like!?!?;)

All 5 of those knives are butt ugly, in my opinion, so I'd hesitate to let them make the argument for MT on their own.

Also, your quote about missing the point because of only hearing one side of the story is amusing considering you constantly saying how many people you have on ignore and telling others to do the same.

Ignoring the other side of the story because you don't like it is hardly the best choice if you care about being taken seriously.
 
^ Very good post! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

What am I missing here? :confused:

Who's been complaining about Microtech? o_O :D

Just an FYI: I have the ability to see/read comments, written by 12 different people in this thread. I like, living in my own little happy Microtech/BladeForums World. :cool:

I'll just continue to rely on the objective word's written by somebody I highly respect: Mr. Anthony Sculimbrene; whom after a considerable time spent doing some deep introspection, came up with these powerful gems:

"At the time, however, I just missed this point entirely because I was only paying attention to one side of the story."

"I allowed myself to form an opinion based largely upon the attitudes and biases of others."

"Let's move on and
focus on what we all enjoy here--the knives."

Without further adieu, here a few Microtech pictures, for your viewing pleasure. :thumbsup:View attachment 708632 View attachment 708633 View attachment 708634 View attachment 708635 View attachment 708636



^^^^^ What's not to like!?!?;)

More for our viewing displeasure. Ugly, tactifool knives.

I dislike assisted and automatic knives. Hell I dislike tactical knives in general. I've never felt the need to be able to open a knife so quickly that I'd consider an auto or wave type knife.
 
^

Without further adieu, here a few Microtech pictures, for your viewing pleasure. :thumbsup:View attachment 708632


I actually like the looks of the D.O.C. It's funky. Probably too heavy for me to carry.

If happily buy one of the old Socoms in 154 (looking at you Joe), but that's not giving any money to MT as I'd be buying it secondhand and I'd have no delusions of ever being able to use their warranty.
 
More for our viewing displeasure. Ugly, tactifool knives.

I dislike assisted and automatic knives. Hell I dislike tactical knives in general. I've never felt the need to be able to open a knife so quickly that I'd consider an auto or wave type knife.
I dislike tactical knives too for the most part ( vintage traditional auto's are just classy ) More than the speed which I don't need, I mostly have a distaste for assisted knives as cutting tools because the first ones I saw and basically the only ones I ever see in person are from the flea market. It's not fair to them, but when the vast majority of something is usually garbage it can taint the pot.
 
^

I'll just continue to rely on the objective word's written by somebody I highly respect: Mr. Anthony Sculimbrene; whom after a considerable time spent doing some deep introspection, came up with these powerful gems:

"At the time, however, I just missed this point entirely because I was only paying attention to one side of the story."

"I allowed myself to form an opinion based largely upon the attitudes and biases of others."

He also said that what was wrong with the article was just two things:

"After speaking to Mr Marfione, I now recognize two overarching problems with the article--its bias and tone."
"I regret that the tone of the article was overarchingly negative and unnecessarily demeaning."

Notice the absence of anything related to actual wrong facts...

Before I saw this retraction, obtained under the pressure of an actual lawsuit, I did not care about this issue at all: Now I am truly repelled... I can't believe anyone can read this pathetic retraction, complete with a tear-jerking biography on how great the plaintiff is, this for a mere well-written opinion piece, and conclude that the design copying was justified, and the play of words on the name not deserved...

It seems as though if you write too well, with too many attention-getting words, and with too biting a tone, you are then exposed to lawsuits: That can only be great!

Gaston
 
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If one were to take the time to thoroughly read and analyze, Anthony's retraction letter (in it's entirety), and really try to read between the lines, it's my opinion, you can only arrive at one conclusion:

Anthony Sculimbrene, was being completely sincere and genuine, regarding the retraction/apology that he wrote. Once he was able to see this situation from a truly unbiased, objective perspective, he came away with a newfound respect, and deep admiration for not only the man, Marfione, but thee greatest knife of all time. :)

He was truly contrite. :thumbsup:

That's just my take; take it or leave it.


A Retraction of the "The Story Behind the Greatest Knife of All Time"

May 11, 2017 by Anthony Sculimbrene
This is a retraction of the article "The Story behind the Greatest Knife of All Time."

You may know that Microtech filed a lawsuit against me after I wrote the article "The Story Behind the Greatest Knife of All Time." After discussions, we have resolved the case. During these discussions I learned things that I believe warrant a retraction of the article. This retraction is my own words after much listening, thought, and reflection. Microtech has not asked me to say anything in particular, has not given me hints as to what to include, nor requested I make specific points.

Furthermore, you should know that Mr. Marfione made himself available to talk with me in preparation for this retraction. Mind you, he did so a month before Blade Show, the biggest event in the knife business. He didn't have to do this, but doing so not only helped me better understand the situation, it also shows what kind of a person he is. He is strongly committed to his company and to the knife business (his words: "Lots of passion, few regrets.").

After speaking to Mr Marfione, I now recognize two overarching problems with the article--its bias and tone. I got caught up in a particular strand of “group think” that seems to have infested certain parts of the Internet. That is not fair and does not do a good job of getting reliable information to you, the reader. I regret that the tone of the article was overarchingly negative and unnecessarily demeaning.

I allowed myself to form an opinion based largely upon the attitudes and biases of others. Had I known what I know now back then, and had I been thinking about the situation from a place of fairness, the article would have been very different.

Prior to these circumstances, I have never had any interaction with Mr. Marfione. I literally didn’t know him other than the name. Given that, I should have said nothing about him personally. But I didn’t. And now, having met and spoken to him, I apologize for my hurtful comments. Specifically, I made inappropriate comments about and references to Jared Lee Loughner. Merely associating Mr. Marfione’s name with with Loughner is deeply insensitive. Suggesting that I don’t need to get both sides of a story, was, in this specific instance, the wrong way to approach what is supposed to be a site about gear and providing you, the reader, with all of the relevant information.

Despite what I wrote, Marfione is not lazy. In fact, this could not be further from the truth. Marfione grew up in Rochester, NY the son of a single mother. He had precious few resources as a young man and he realized that he had to work to survive. Fortunately, his mother instilled in him a great work ethic. And so, just after 9th grade, he entered the working world. He has been working ever since. Slowly, he built a company and turned that small knife business into a sophisticated corporation. He has what he refers to as "Kung Fu" thumbs from decades spent pushing steel into belts, crafting not just knives, but an existence for himself and his family. That's not laziness. It is the exact opposite.

It is telling that he did not offer this information up. There was not an ounce of brag or sob story with Marfione--just hard work. What pains me greatly is that his story is very similar to my grandfather's story of how he made it out of Appalachia and made a life for himself and his family. So, to call someone who did what my grandfather did “lazy” is particularly heartbreaking for me. I can't imagine someone saying this about my grandfather, yet I did so to someone who is a grandfather himself.

I also called Marfione greedy. In talking to him, I learned this too could not be further from the truth. He referenced the article's impact on his family, not himself. By “family”, he meant his actual family and his Microtech family, including all of the employees that depend upon him for their livelihood. The Microtech family is large, some 90 people in two locations, and all of them depend on Marfione. He carries that weight with a sense of responsibility and stewardship. He cares deeply about both families and realizes that their fortunes rise and fall on his back. This, it seems to me, is the very opposite of greed.

I am genuinely sorry for the words I chose and I apologize to Marfione and his family, particularly his wife Susan, the employees at Microtech, both in Bradford (where Marfione kept the doors open through some very tough financial times out of loyalty to his people) and in Fletcher and to Hank Greenberg and Jason McCoy, two public faces of the company who have had to deal with these issues since the article was published.

Finally, I regret that people who read that article may have thought that I had some special knowledge that a suit had been filed against Microtech because of the letter KAI sent to Microtech regarding the subframe lock. If anyone does believe that Microtech was involved in a lawsuit regarding the subframe lock, that belief is incorrect. Any implication to the contrary reflects my lack of attention to both sides of the story in the article. Additionally, upon reflection, I wish I had noted the timing of the letter I referenced in the article. Coming just days before Blade, I now appreciate the impact the letter had on Microtech. At the time, however, I just missed this point entirely because I was only paying attention to one side of the story.

I would also like to address the knife that was the reason for writing the article. I assumed that I knew all I needed to know about the specific knives referenced in the article. Like others, I mistakenly believed that I knew all the facts about the situation. Today, having listened to a different perspective, I now know that I did not. While I believed at the time that I was correcting some injustice, I was only being shortsighted.

If you want to support me, and lot of you have kindly reached out during this whole ordeal, do this--hold judgment until you have all of the facts. It is what I should have done. Also do this--stop harassing Microtech and Marfione. Having met the man and shaken his hand, I can tell you he doesn't deserve it.

Let's move on and focus on what we all enjoy here--the knives. And if you haven't noticed, I have never said anything bad about Microtech’s knives. The ones I have had the good fortune of handling are great. Furthermore, what I know about what Microtech has coming confirms that we are truly in a Golden Age of Gear. Amazing stuff is just on the horizon

^ For the people reading this thread from your smart phones, I bolded this letter for you, so that it'll be easier for you to to read.

My last comment on this subject (at least until a new thread on this subject is started). :rolleyes: If I were to listen to and bow down/conform to a few of the close minded, indignant, disrespectful. tantrum throwing keystroking zealot's on the internet/Bladeforums; I probably wouldn't end up owning any of the following knives:

Strider
Hinderer
Medford
CRK
Microtech
ZT
Benchmade
Spyderco

I like the knives, that I decide (for whatever reasons), to like- period!!! Nobody here, or anywhere else for that matter, is going to decide for me, what I LIKE!!! :cool:
 
If one were to take the time to thoroughly read and analyze, Anthony's retraction letter (in it's entirety), and really try to read between the lines, it's my opinion, you can only arrive at one conclusion:

Anthony Sculimbrene, was being completely sincere and genuine, regarding the retraction/apology that he wrote. Once he was able to see this situation from a truly unbiased, objective perspective, he came away with a newfound respect, and deep admiration for not only the man, Marfione, but thee greatest knife of all time. :)

He was truly contrite. :thumbsup:

That's just my take; take it or leave it.


A Retraction of the "The Story Behind the Greatest Knife of All Time"

May 11, 2017 by Anthony Sculimbrene
This is a retraction of the article "The Story behind the Greatest Knife of All Time."

You may know that Microtech filed a lawsuit against me after I wrote the article "The Story Behind the Greatest Knife of All Time." After discussions, we have resolved the case. During these discussions I learned things that I believe warrant a retraction of the article. This retraction is my own words after much listening, thought, and reflection. Microtech has not asked me to say anything in particular, has not given me hints as to what to include, nor requested I make specific points.

Furthermore, you should know that Mr. Marfione made himself available to talk with me in preparation for this retraction. Mind you, he did so a month before Blade Show, the biggest event in the knife business. He didn't have to do this, but doing so not only helped me better understand the situation, it also shows what kind of a person he is. He is strongly committed to his company and to the knife business (his words: "Lots of passion, few regrets.").

After speaking to Mr Marfione, I now recognize two overarching problems with the article--its bias and tone. I got caught up in a particular strand of “group think” that seems to have infested certain parts of the Internet. That is not fair and does not do a good job of getting reliable information to you, the reader. I regret that the tone of the article was overarchingly negative and unnecessarily demeaning.

I allowed myself to form an opinion based largely upon the attitudes and biases of others. Had I known what I know now back then, and had I been thinking about the situation from a place of fairness, the article would have been very different.

Prior to these circumstances, I have never had any interaction with Mr. Marfione. I literally didn’t know him other than the name. Given that, I should have said nothing about him personally. But I didn’t. And now, having met and spoken to him, I apologize for my hurtful comments. Specifically, I made inappropriate comments about and references to Jared Lee Loughner. Merely associating Mr. Marfione’s name with with Loughner is deeply insensitive. Suggesting that I don’t need to get both sides of a story, was, in this specific instance, the wrong way to approach what is supposed to be a site about gear and providing you, the reader, with all of the relevant information.

Despite what I wrote, Marfione is not lazy. In fact, this could not be further from the truth. Marfione grew up in Rochester, NY the son of a single mother. He had precious few resources as a young man and he realized that he had to work to survive. Fortunately, his mother instilled in him a great work ethic. And so, just after 9th grade, he entered the working world. He has been working ever since. Slowly, he built a company and turned that small knife business into a sophisticated corporation. He has what he refers to as "Kung Fu" thumbs from decades spent pushing steel into belts, crafting not just knives, but an existence for himself and his family. That's not laziness. It is the exact opposite.

It is telling that he did not offer this information up. There was not an ounce of brag or sob story with Marfione--just hard work. What pains me greatly is that his story is very similar to my grandfather's story of how he made it out of Appalachia and made a life for himself and his family. So, to call someone who did what my grandfather did “lazy” is particularly heartbreaking for me. I can't imagine someone saying this about my grandfather, yet I did so to someone who is a grandfather himself.

I also called Marfione greedy. In talking to him, I learned this too could not be further from the truth. He referenced the article's impact on his family, not himself. By “family”, he meant his actual family and his Microtech family, including all of the employees that depend upon him for their livelihood. The Microtech family is large, some 90 people in two locations, and all of them depend on Marfione. He carries that weight with a sense of responsibility and stewardship. He cares deeply about both families and realizes that their fortunes rise and fall on his back. This, it seems to me, is the very opposite of greed.

I am genuinely sorry for the words I chose and I apologize to Marfione and his family, particularly his wife Susan, the employees at Microtech, both in Bradford (where Marfione kept the doors open through some very tough financial times out of loyalty to his people) and in Fletcher and to Hank Greenberg and Jason McCoy, two public faces of the company who have had to deal with these issues since the article was published.

Finally, I regret that people who read that article may have thought that I had some special knowledge that a suit had been filed against Microtech because of the letter KAI sent to Microtech regarding the subframe lock. If anyone does believe that Microtech was involved in a lawsuit regarding the subframe lock, that belief is incorrect. Any implication to the contrary reflects my lack of attention to both sides of the story in the article. Additionally, upon reflection, I wish I had noted the timing of the letter I referenced in the article. Coming just days before Blade, I now appreciate the impact the letter had on Microtech. At the time, however, I just missed this point entirely because I was only paying attention to one side of the story.

I would also like to address the knife that was the reason for writing the article. I assumed that I knew all I needed to know about the specific knives referenced in the article. Like others, I mistakenly believed that I knew all the facts about the situation. Today, having listened to a different perspective, I now know that I did not. While I believed at the time that I was correcting some injustice, I was only being shortsighted.

If you want to support me, and lot of you have kindly reached out during this whole ordeal, do this--hold judgment until you have all of the facts. It is what I should have done. Also do this--stop harassing Microtech and Marfione. Having met the man and shaken his hand, I can tell you he doesn't deserve it.

Let's move on and focus on what we all enjoy here--the knives. And if you haven't noticed, I have never said anything bad about Microtech’s knives. The ones I have had the good fortune of handling are great. Furthermore, what I know about what Microtech has coming confirms that we are truly in a Golden Age of Gear. Amazing stuff is just on the horizon

^ For the people reading this thread from your smart phones, I bolded this letter for you, so that it'll be easier for you to to read.

My last comment on this subject (at least until a new thread on this subject is started). :rolleyes: If I were to listen to and bow down/conform to a few of the close minded, indignant, disrespectful. tantrum throwing keystroking zealot's on the internet/Bladeforums; I probably wouldn't end up owning any of the following knives:

Strider
Hinderer
Medford
CRK
Microtech
ZT
Benchmade
Spyderco

I like the knives, that I decide (for whatever reasons), to like- period!!! Nobody here, or anywhere else for that matter, is going to decide for me, what I LIKE!!! :cool:
Great, then stop trying to tell the rest of us what knives to like. Your blatant disregard for the ethics of manufacturers is fine, but doesn't apply to the rest of us.
 
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