Microtech Knives?

[Fargo]

I was just wondering if you guys have any experience with the Microtech line of knives? Do you use them every day? Have you had any negative experiences with them. I have heard that Microtech's are the best of the best in tactical knives.

[Rob Pincus]

From what I saw at SHOT, their knives are very high quality. I'm sure that they would hold up well for daily carry, but their pricing is almost ludicrous, IMHO.

[Rich Lucibella]

They're a high end company selling at high prices. I own a HALO and another auto from them. The auto springs are not what I would bet my life on, in the midst of pocket lint, dirt and grit. (Thumb studs are at least as fast, IMHO).

Locks are good. Steel is excellent. Designs range from practical to "ooh, ahh", but practically worthless. Resale price holds well...they seem to do *lots* of prototype and limited runs.

Staff at SHOT was a bit short of plain stupid.

Summary opinion: Great for collector value. Some are great for daily carry (unless you wish to spend less for a Sebenza and get more).

Hilton...your opinion requested.
Rich

[Hilton]

I have owned and used a number of Microtechs, and have handled almost all of the production models. Here's a quickie rundown of the ones I've owned and used:
L-UDT: the most usable of the lot. Simple, powerful side opener.
SOCOM MA: good ergonomics, novel blade grind on the original tantos, thumbstuds too pointy for IWB carry.
SOCOM DA: very sluggish blade opening
HALO: great letter opener, requires two hands to reload the spring action front opening blade

All MT's sport excellent fit and finish, with better than average ATS 34 blades shipped with popping sharp edges. I dislike auto openers for messy work due to the fact that most are difficult or impossible to disassemble for cleaning, and they're usually more difficult to close with one hand than their rocker bar or liner lock cousins. The MT's are fairly pricy for a utility knife that is ultimately no stronger than a $35 Spyderco Endura. If you must spend big bucks on a folder, get an Emerson Commander or a Sebenza. My Sebenza is simply the strongest folder in terms of edge performance and lock stability.