Imagine you are walking down a dark street at night. On the way back to the car from the party, you end up in an unsafe part of town. You hear footsteps behind you and turn around to see a man in a hoodie chasing you. All the signs are there — he’s probably up to no good. I want to be prepared just in case.
So I reached out to Microtech.
why?
The Microtech Story – Where are Microtech knives made?
To answer that question, let’s go back to the beginning and learn a thing or two about Microtech. Microtech’s first prototype was created in Vero Beach, Florida in 1993 by Anthony (Tony) Marfione and his wife Susan Marfione. The following year, the first official Microtech product was produced. In 2005, thanks to Hurricane Katrina, the company relocated its facilities to Bradford, Pennsylvania, and then expanded to its current main facility in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. North Carolina is where Microtech knives are manufactured today. The company has experienced unprecedented growth, fueled by passion and driven by demand for its products, evidenced by countless awards at knife shows. The story of Microtech is the story of the American Dream, a dream that persists in the waking world.
Are Microtech knives good? – Authentic American quality
Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s a good product. But Microtec’s knives are the embodiment of the idiom “put your money where your mouth is.”
Simply put, Microtech knives are good.
A slightly more concise answer is, “Yes, or why would John Wick use them?” (If you check out the second film, you might recognize some Microtech OTF automatic knives, including the UTX-70 and the discontinued Cypher.)
of longer The answer is Also Yes, but with the following explanation: Microtec’s knives are machined to near-perfect tolerances, and the company’s quality control ensures that only perfect knives end up in the hands of customers. The blade and handle are made from premium materials and offer an ergonomic, attractive, durable, and time-tested design. Collaborations with Bastinelli Creations, Borka Blades, Rike Knife and more ensure we continue to deliver engaging and relevant products.
What type of steel does Microtec use?
Microtech uses the Bohler M390 and its own proprietary steel, the Bohler M390MK. The Bohler M390MK is very similar to his standard M390, but boasts slightly better edge retention. While M390 is stamped on most Microtech knives, M390MK only appears on Ram-Lok models, namely MSI and Stitch Ram-Lok (see below for details).
Microtech’s most popular knives – notable models
Microtech Double Action OTF Automatic Knife
ultra tech
The Microtech Ultratech has been Microtech’s most popular model since its debut in 1999, and for good reason. It’s an easy-to-use pocket knife with a secure pocket clip, Microtech’s superior strong double action, and countless options for handle color, blade finish, and blade shape. It is so popular that Microtech offers smaller versions called UTX-85 (85% the size of Ultratech) and UTX-70 (70% the size of Ultratech). Check them out side by side below to get an idea of the size differences between the three models.
Glycon
The Microtech Glykon is one of Microtech’s newest OTF models, featuring a titanium pocket clip, backstrap, overlay, and unique three-sided X-button thumb slide. Those accustomed to the action of closing a knife with a crossbar lock will be pleased to know that the Glycon blade closes with the same action. If that’s not your preference, use the main switch or one of his two side switches to operate the blade.
Battle with Troodon
No Microtech OTF list would be complete without the Microtech Combat Troodon. This great feat of cutlery ingenuity caused a worrying decline in the knife industry as a whole, a trend that continues to this day. This is a larger version of the popular Troodon model with a powerful opening and closing and nearly 4-inch razor-sharp blade. Combat Troodon has almost as many variations as Ultratech.
microtech automatic knife
Ludo
When Microtech was founded in 1994, its first knife was the UDT (Underwater Demolition Team). Microtech currently supports LUDT (big underwater demolition team). The name comes from the powerful automatic action of a push button on the outside of the side, which fires the blade underwater, allowing it to be used effectively by diving teams. It has been nearly 30 years since this beloved model was released, but its popularity remains undiminished. At Blade HQ, we offer dessert warrior LUDT with the addition of donuts!
socom elite
One of the most famous Microtech automatic knives is the Socom Elite. This folder has a huge 4-inch blade with a thick spine paired with a lightweight aluminum handle with an M3 grip insert. There are two variations of him: push button automatic and thumb stud manual. Microtech also teamed up with his Rike Knife to produce a manual version with a titanium and carbon fiber handle called the Socom Bravo, and a fixed blade version called the Socom Alpha, produced in-house.
microtech fixed blade knife
arbiter
Perhaps Microtech’s most famous fixed blade knife is the Microtech Arbiter. The incarnation of this giant cutting machine is average Everything you could want from a serious tactical knife. It has a full tang (you wouldn’t expect anything better), a finger choil for blade control, and a sharp spine near the tip.
Iconic/SBD
Many of Microtec’s fixed blades are the result of collaborations with popular knife designers and craftsmen. Take Iconic and SBD for example. Iconic is the result of Microtech and Bastinelli Creations working together to create an effective karambit. The SBD is a wide and eye-catching double-edged dagger designed and realized by Sebastijan Berenji of Borka Bladeshis knife. Thanks to Microtech’s excellent manufacturing team.
Microtec manual folding knife
MSI/stitch lamb lock
In 2023, Microtech introduced the Ram-Lok blade lock system, which works similarly to a crossbar lock. Knives with this are MSI (Microtech Standard Issue) and Stitch Ram-Lok (Stitch is also available in an automatic configuration called Stitch-A). These two models are the first to feature Microtech’s proprietary Bohler M390MK steel. Microtech has pushed the limits with his MSI version with injection molded handle scales, offering a true luxury knife at an incredibly fair and affordable price.
What is Microtech’s warranty?
Microtech extends a limited lifetime warranty on all knives. When you purchase Microtech, you are purchasing a knife that is built to exceed your expectations in quality and performance. That knife is made to be used and should not fail. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship and ensures that the knife will perform over its lifetime. Wear and tear, accident, loss, and theft are not covered by the warranty.
Why reach for microtechnology?
This brings us back to the top and the question arises, “Why?” Why reach for a Microtech knife?
Because Microtech is a company dedicated to making the best cutlery from the best materials. That’s because it maintains its reputation as a craft knife that users can risk their lives on. Because when you reach for microtechnology, you reach for palpable momentum with decades of quality products and universal acclaim condensed in your pocket.
So Microtech knives aren’t just great; wonderful.
