This is my comparison of the Microtech Ultratech and the Kershaw Livewire. Both are great USA Made OTF Options. Livewire www.knifecenter.com/item/KS9000BLK/kershaw-9000blk-matt-diskin-livewire-otf-auto-knife-cpm-magnacut-black-dlc-spear-point-blade-black-aluminum-handles-reversible-clip Ultratech www.bladehq.com/item--Microtech-Ultratech-Knife-Blue-TE--9274 Please give me your thoughts / questions in the comments. And please like and Subscribe! Thanks for watching the KnivesFAST channel. KF Pit Crew - KZfaq memberships!!! kzfaq.info/love/h6K4gWyqKGIrrjMWAnRAnAjoin KnivesFAST on Patreon: www.patreon.com/KnivesFAST Thank you to my VIP Patrons: @Chaz_Likes_Sharp_Objects on IG, Rick Kerans, DTOM Knives & Gear, Nicholas Shires, Mark Ratliff, Neil Drake, and TC Barnette Here is my Divo Knives link divoknives.com/KNIVESFAST10 And the code KNIVESFAST10 gets everybody 10% off on their website White Mountain Knives 10% off with the code KnivesFAST at checkout. whitemountainknives.com/ Check out BladeOps: bladeops.com/?aff=37 SMKW affiliate Code. Get free shipping and help the channel: SMKWKnivesFAST My Traditional Pocket Knives link for the Lake Champlain Barlow. Use code KNIVESFASTTPK for $5 off. bit.ly/3sZKAmt Use the link below to get Knife Pivot Lube products and use code KnivesFAST for 10% off knifepivotlube.com/?ref=iAhRfdee My Affiliate link to Olightstore: www.olightstore.com/s/L3699C 10% OFF Coupon code: KF10 The coupon Code is not valid on sale items, nor the X9R Get Issuing Stitches Hanks for 10% off. Go to the Etsy store and use code KNIVESFAST. www.etsy.com/shop/issuingstitches/ Get 10% off at Lily Design Woodshop on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/LilyDesignsWoodshop?coupon=KNIVESFAST Urban EDC Supply affiliate link bit.ly/44sBAUZ Check out some other great Knife review channels. These folks are great friends with great content. Please support them as well. BigRedEDC: kzfaq.info/love/m7sM4OFvZSoRrnIR1rGIPA LeftyEDC: youtube.com/@LeftyEDC Zach's Stuff: kzfaq.info/love/uOcFx6GdQLes5knMJrd_Dg A Therapeutic Edge: kzfaq.info/love/gSBKfaT7JdXryO3z3FVelw Women Carry Knives: kzfaq.info/love/GZsK8lrxdazpos7K8zPPqA #Tools #review #edc

Just picked up the livewire dagger (double edged) on sale on BHQ for $199. Should be in my hands in less then a week. Cant wait!

Wound up going with the Kershaw over the microtech. I'll be honest, price was the deciding factor for me. In a lot of the other boxes, it really is a wash. Personally I think the microtechs looks better and when i purchased had more options, but with the trigger is so much smoother on the Kershaw. Size and feel in the hand is basically the same.

Microtech is probably the epitome of OTFs but I really prefer the look of the Livewire! Thanks KC!

Thanks for your insight KC.

I tried them out at a store down the street a few times and debated it. In the end I chose the Livewire with no regrets. I agree with all of what you said in the video.

I just got my all black Kershaw livewire today. And I love it!!!

@knivesfast thank you soo much for this post. I have a $260 credit with BHQ and I have been torn over the last few weeks about which one to get. After speaking with a rep this morning and also seeing your video, you answered every single question I had about the two. The Microtech slide is soo difficult to operate. I have the little UTX-70 and you gotta damn near use both thumbs to operate it. Awesome size and feel but Microtech is notorious for having hard to operate OTF’s no matter which model. So with all that being said. I’m going with the Kershaw. It’s made in USA and all around fits my needs better and it’s $75 cheaper but not cheaper in quality or performance. Thank You again for the great review.

Hey KC, would love to pick up a livewire, thanks for the side-by-side comparison. just constructive criticism but, would like to see you keep everything in frame, just looks nice.

That tanto profile on the ultratech is just perfect and what i would get IF inwas looking for a microtech OTF or folder

Nice review thanks. i’m leaning towards the Kershaw

I wanted the ultratech for a long time your video help me pick between the 2 but the day after I got the microtech I bought the Kershaw

3:39 Dang, KC… you found two knives that cut?!💥🤯

Picked up the Kershaw today definitely a great knife for the price

I own both the livewire wins ,feels better in hand, and the action is so much smoother .The cost is a winner also a slamdunk.

If i was in the market for an OTF, i would go for the Livewire. Appreciate the comparison

Dude!!!! Where did you get all of that ren and stumpy stuff I must have it!!! Please please tell me I’m subscribed for life! Good comparison video

You don't need a glass breaker until you need a glass breaker. Great comparison! Thanks for taking the time and doing this!

I was going to get the Kershaw at first then I looked at the ultratech in purple and figured I always wanted one and purple sold me

I went with the livewire because of the smoother deployment and ease of disassembly (normal driver). I've had an ultratech; I think they look better, but mine, and others I've tried, had stiff deployment.

Recently purchased a Livewire and love it.. however my only hesitation in using it as an EDC is the LOUD deployment. It literally turns every head in the room.

Got my gray tanto Livewire in just a couple of days ago (Price drops on a few models at Blade HQ). By far, the biggest misstep on this knife is the pocket clip. Everybody seems to focus on the angle of the clip as an issue, but the real issue is the tension and lack of usefulness. It is very difficult to draw and place the knife in a standard pair of jeans (or most any pants), which is an extreme disappointment and really detracts from the nature of the knife which should be easy and fast. I don't know why there aren't any replacement aftermarket pocket clips for this model. I want to keep this blade, but I want a functional clip that's easier to use.

What do you think of the new Tanto Livewire? What one would you suggest for EDC? Spearpoint or Tanto?

I have both. The Microtech feels much more refined and robust. The Kershaw feels cheap comparatively. The action is fairly similar when opening and if you have delicate, weak thumbs you may prefer the Kershaw. The blade rattle is significant with the Kershaw. The Kershaw feels hollow and has an unsatisfying clunk sound when it closes. The Microtech handle is larger and overly stylized. I’d spend the extra money on the Microtech if you want an OTF you’d have confidence in using more than a fidget toy. Just my opinion.

Is it just me, or do these thin tipped knives like this Kershaw or even Spyderco PMs break like crazy? I gave up on the PM2 after breaking two tips without doing anything particularly crazy like using it as a pry bar or something. Best knives in my carry rotation have been the benchamde 940 and MT UT S/E which seem to be more robust, albeit less "slice-y"

I’ve been salty about Kershaw refusing to repair my old Breakout auto, but I finally caved and just bought the Livewire w/ carbon fiber and a Launch 4 with Ultem; Both have magnacut steel blades; also a Jack Wolf Midnight Jack slip joint w/ Dark Matter Copper scales and s90v steel because I’m a knife addict😅

Nice comparison. Also the hardware on the microtech is harder to get tools for .. njjj

I went with the Ultratech for the blade. But the clip in the palm is annoying. Great video

I recommend that you search youtube and watch Microtech OTF torture test. I think it's a pretty good knife that I have. Haven't seen a torture test on the Kershaw yet. Can it hold up to the same torture test?

I like the Kershaw over the Microtec personally. Thanks KC

I subbed because of Log and Powdered Toast Man, amazing products, I love BLAMO !

You should of shopped around on that microtech some knife sites have them for 278 to 312 range

That blue looks good

Live wire definitely gives me CZ design vibes. Like Jan Luchansky. Scorpion EVO.

Right now I can get a MagnaCut Microtech for the same price as the live wire and I can't decide which one to order today

I also own both and much prefer the Ultratech. I prefer the shape and the less mushy firing mechanism on the Microtech. The pocket clip on the Livewire definitely misses the mark for me. It’s too small and I don’t like that the knife angles to the right because of it. I’m happy to have the Livewire but I’ll probably buy another one of the countless varieties of the Ultratech if I want another OTF.

No glass breaker, so definitely picking the Livewire.

The full black Livewire looks much meaner than the stonewash blade version.

The Kershaw 9000 Black with Black DLC Blade. I picked one up for $200 shipped on sale, and its honestly the best knife purchase I’ve ever made. It isn’t my first OTF but it’s by far the best I own. It’s action is smoother and takes less effort than than my GT and that thing is on bearings. It has less blade play than my Microtech and I love how thin the MagnaCut blade is. Even the overall profile of the knife feels right in nearly every way. I honestly wish kershaw would stop with their bullshit assisted opening knife’s. I understand that it makes them very friendly to the new people entering the knife world as they just like I seen it as very cool at first but then quickly began to hate it. If they would stop with their huge lineup of assisted knife’s and worked solely on regular flip or thumb stud, button lock, axis lock, and OTF’s that would change their brand back into a brand known for knife enthusiasts rather than a brand that is only known for their Outstanding OTF and that is otherwise a beginner brand for people that don’t yet know knife’s. After the novelty wears off of the assisted opening knife’s it just becomes a huge hassle as it requires two hands to close 90% of the assisted knife’s they sell. And you start to hate them the second you get a real knife in your hand like a Para 3 or bugout. Kershaw has so much potential, they have proven it with this very knife. They need to stop trying to be a beginners novelty brand and start being a serious brand. If they would just stay on the track this knife has put them on, and phase out all assisted or at least a large majority they could rule the knife world as a go to enthusiast brand. But I can’t express my feelings on their assisted beginner garbage enough. This OTF shows they can not only compete with the competition but dominate it but for some reason it’s always a rare one off in between knife they release that takes the crown and they go back to their old ways or being a meme brand. I really wish they would actually just completely switch to making OTF’s if not anything else. Anyway that’s the end of my rant. I love the Kershaw brand. My first knife was a Kershaw leek and then I got the, Needs Work and shortly after that I realized that the assisted knife’s were a novelty and I went with a Spyderco Para 2 and never looked back. So I don’t hate Kershaw or the brand I just dislike the assisted nonsense they are putting out faster then the FED is printing money.

I wish my state would look at these and instead of thinking, "Oh no, dangerous gang stabby weapon!" they'd think, "Oh, what a handy and neat tool that law-abiding citizens use on a daily basis which makes our community more productive and satisfied in their lives." I'm glad Kershaw and Microtech both are able to put out excellent products in this arena to keep Americans gainfully employed and hey, maybe the value competition will keep pushing the legacy brands to improve!

Comes down to heat treat for me. We know Microtech is subpar 58-59 hrc but it's tough. What's the magnacut well wonder. If it's below 60 hrc no way lol

I love the livewire but I'm going microtech. The main reason being proven longevity and blade materials as well as more design options. Also after seeing torture tests of both Microtech for the win. That said the livewire is awesome and I love having one in my pocket.

any collector of knives needs at least 1 Microtech. Kershaw thumb slide is SOOO much easier to use.

If you haven't, you should try Guardian Tactical.

I like the Kershaw but with the Microtech or another more useful blade.

I have a Ultratech Jedi Knight and the Livewire. I carry the livewire daily, the Ultratech is too pretty to carry and is really had on the thumb to deploy.

Its a shame kershaw couldnt get the price under $200. With the prices so similar theres no reason to not go microtech. Sometimes i just rub it to appreciate the masterful aluminum milling

Microtech is the gold standard. I love my kershaws but it doesn't keep me from buying more Microtechs. They are built for much harder use.

The G&G Hawk Deadlock.The absolute best otf you can own,nothing else compares.

LIVEWIRE in tamto Magnacut is the best

The Livewire doesn't need a reversible clip. It's amusing to me that people can't see that. Just flip it around.

Home made club sandwichs for diner. Because I don't know anything about OTFs

kershaw would be a good budget knife, still Microtech for the premium quality option

I haven’t tried to the Kershaw so I’d have to go with the Microtech. I don’t like the look when the handle is that thick and the blade doesn’t come out of the middle. Just too lopsided on the Kershaw for me. 🤙

Why is the tactical aspect bad? It scares the threads, packaging, and paper you cut.

Good video- Tanto blades are useless on pocket knives though , they make more sense for a fixed blade or a sword

Keshaw knives boss ❤

There is a new Gen # Microtech Combat Tradoon ? Better than the old Gen .

Never had or touched one of these so I really don't have an opinion 😢

Livewire

Tactical tu-tone tanto today....

Kershaw hands down is the better

I have several microtech’s, I would rank these two in this order… #1 Ultratech. #2 Ultratech lol. The Keeshaw to me just doesn’t look good - the blade shape is not for me aesthetically and Microtech is the original OTF… The Ultratech has been brutally torture tested and I can’t see the Kershaw matching the legendary durability of the Microtech, easy decision for me.

Sigh,.. touch choice. But gotta go with the tried n true Micritech

Clip is reversible.

Livewire clip is reversible

Blue.

Thanks for reminding me how much California knife laws SUCK. They both look great.

Microtechs are way overrated. Ill take any knife from the KAI Group any day

I'll take the kershaw over the microtech

Cutting geometry on the ultratechs are garbage

Livewire clip is reversible