Features:
Description:
Microtech equipped this version of the ever popular Ultratech D/A OTF knife with a smooth, contoured handle design that promotes increased comfort during use. This updated model provides the same dimensions, hardware, and durability offered by the "Tri-Grip" variation, but goes easier on the hands and pockets.
For those unfamiliar with the Ultratech, it's a fully automatic knife with a double-action out-the-front mechanism, meaning the thumb slide deploys the bladeand retracts it as well. The Ultratech knife from Microtech has set the bar for all OTF knives.
This item qualifies for our layaway program!
Most people considering a knife this expensive have probably seen people throwing one across a parking lot, pounding it into wooden boards, and driving over it with various vehicles, so I'm not going to speak toward toughness and durability. You get what you pay for, as the saying goes. In the case of this knife that is very clear. The fit, finish, and quality are top tier, and I doubt you could expect more. This is my first OTF. My other "nice" knives are Protech Godson/Godfather, and Spyderco Manix2/Manix2 XL. This is right up there with those, no complaints at all. I tend toward larger knives, and IWB them rather put them in my pocket and advertise them to the world with the pocket clip showing, so size is not an issue for me. That said, this knife is on the small side for me. That's both good and bad. This knife will fit in your pocket very easily, making it a great EDC. It has a lanyard loop that sticks out a tiny bit, and might or might not be comfort issue for some. As for the utility of the blade, in terms of length, you are not getting very much for the money, I would like to see this whole knife scaled up to a 4" blade, both longer and wider. This will give you a better angle for cutting and sharpening. I bought the tanto version with that mind. One of the things that makes Spyderco great, (the manix in particular) is you get a thick blade, but it's very wide and gives you a long shallow angle toward the edge. Obviously OTF designs put heavy limitations on how wide your blade can be. But I think it could be improved a bit more with a 4" blade and wider body. That said, if you prefer larger knives, the Ultratech might leave you wanting a bit more in terms of blade length. For me, it's not enough to send it back, but I certainly would not go down to the 80% or 70% versions. Of course, you can move up to the Troodon if you like the style and want to spend the money. For me, this knife is just fine for anything you will typically use a knife for on a day to day basis, and it scratches the itch for a high quality OTF. There are better and less expensive designs for cutting work or self defense, with the same level of quality. But if you want the satisfying looks and snap of a top shelf double action OTF, you can't go wrong here. This will scratch that itch, in spades (and maybe save you some money from upgrading). I would think of this as an extremely cool, top quality, every day, small(er) utility knife. I'm quite happy with it, (though my wallet isn't). If you been wanting an OTF for a long time, just get it, you won't be disappointed.
It came out of the box razor sharp. My blade was M390 steel. I was a little concerned originally because it just says "Premium Steel", but who knows what that may be. One thing I need to say is that it is very stiff to engage the blade and to retract the blade. I've never owned an OTF before so I looked on the Microtech website to see if maybe I needed to lubricate it and it states very clearly that it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks of use before the user gets used to it. I do love the knife so it's no biggie for me to keep using it and wait for my thumb to toughen up.
Daily carry. Used the heck out of it for almost two years and it has never failed until today. Sending it in for service, sharpening and cleaning. Microtech customer service is exceptional. I loved it so much I ordered another one.
This is by far the best OTF knife I have ever used. And now I own one. If you can afford it then it is definitely worth the price.
This is my favorite ultratech. The tanto is stabby, the blade is sharp, the action is superb, and they painted it black so no problems here!
This is a fine well built knife but it came with 204P steel. I have never worked with any steel so difficult to get really sharp. 10 Years experience does not mean a thing here. Forget sharpening by eye and my sharpening rig may now need new diamond paddles from all the wear. If it means that some day it will get sharp and stay sharp for as long as i have worked to get it there, great. Time will tell.