Unfortunately that’s happening with a lot of products out there.

So... why would you stop reviewing them? If they were garbage, review it, and say its garbage.

I just got back my shadow dlc hellhound ultratratech from Microtech. The blade was extremely dull, and the trigger was loose and rattling. It got fixed, but for $580, it's unacceptable.

I'm loving my Hogue Counterstrike. Beautiful milling, great action, little blade play, no rattling anywhere, and great materials. And it's $250 on sale. If MT made it, it would be signature series, and cost $500

I sent 2 back for body deformed issues but they did take care of it and they are flawless now. It was my first 2 microtech knives. It left a bad taste, but I still bought a knife from them since because I see they do stand by their warranty and quality. I'll be doing a video on it soon.

I’ve had the same issue with benchmade recently. I bought 3 knives in the past year, all were manufactured in 2021/2022. I got a bugout (the most popular knife they sell) and the blade was nowhere near centered. Sent back and it was returned to me with nothing changed, other than a few screws being marked up from whatever tools they used. The second was a bailout (not really ‘popular’ but still expensive) and there was a giant burr on the blade. Sent back and it was returned to me with a different blade that had a chip in it… and it wasn’t centered right. I took a chance and got a super freek (~$270) and thankfully nothing was wrong with it. I’ll never buy another benchmade. They need to get it together

I had to return a brand new Marfione custom Scarab 2 because the scales weren't machined right. $2k knife with poor Quality Control.

Good to know. I was looking at buying my first. Good looking out sir.

I have 15 microtechs and have only had a problem with one (ludt spring broke) and I use or have used them all. I carry an older auto stitch everyday all day.

this seems like a good reason to continue to review them, not stop..

I had a problem with my microtech, the blade wasn't centered in the handle right, so when it was fired it would bounce off "scale" of the knife which started to roll the edge and gouge the aluminum. :/ they fixed the problems but it still takes the wind out of your sail.

My one and only Microtech OTF (Combat Troodon D/E) was very hard to retract initially and could have been sharper. Cleaned it with Rem oil and compressed air per Microtech's instructions. Did not even have it 2 years with light use and the spring broke. Sent it in. Came back beautiful, sharper than when I bought it and the switch is strong but is buttery smooth and not a struggle to retract. I feel like this is what it was supposed to be like initially. Glad I sent it in, but yes, for the price, I was let down at the early spring failure. At least it is fixed better than new.

They never answer emails. I won't buy another Microtech.

Yesterday I was at the gun shop, and I picked one up the blade did not retract. I told the guy I didn't break it . He said" no worries it came from the factory broken " unfortunately after that I will never buy one 😢

I'm done with Microtech because of the warranty dept.

Man my combat troodon wentback TWICE the first time the grind at tip of the blade was AWFUL there was a near quarter millimeter burr at the tip, so bad i could draw it along skin with nothing more than a white mark. Second time it came back the entire blade wobbled when both deployed and retracted. I absolutely couldn’t believe it, and even double checked to make sure the vendor was legit and wasn’t selling actual fakes. I was even more surprised to find out that it wasn’t the vendors fault at all, but the quality control from microtech themselves. Its like they don’t even pick them up and check them. Wtf

same. when you spend $300 for a knife you expect it to work. ive had my knife for 3 years and have sent it back once already and used it in total for about 8 months. it will be going back again(2nd time). now at a cost of $40. so stack that to the cost

I purchased three products from the same manufacturer and had similar results

My husband has roughly 50 Microtech knives as you said the past few years QC had dropped dramatically it’s sad.

I had 2 faulty screws on a brand new msi recently, and my experience with customer service has been really poor. Probably the last one I will buy as well.

Had this video come up as I was researching Microtech knives, I'm in the market for my first OTF. This is disappointing to hear, I've always been told Microtech was cream of the crop for OTFs.

My new dirac had the slider button fall off, and it was 2 months old! Microtech does have a fast turnaround. They fixed and threw in a marfione custom dagger patch. I am happy with the company!

$500 knives with all kinds of control issues. That is why I dont mind buying ViperTec OTFs. For like $90, you can get a good OTF and not be bummed

What aisle the name of the knives on the middlish bottom right ish

I bought a microtech anax when they came out and it literally has no detent. It will in my pocket and when I hold it with the blade facing down. Also something is scratching the bottom of the blade on lockbar side. I haven't sent it yet but I am. 90% of the otfs I've bought from them came dull out of the box.

See this is the issue i have with the whole "USA Owned and Manufactured" thing. Considering the price hike and equally ridiculous quality control issues with Benchmade, its frustrating as an American to see supposedly superior American craftsmanship go down the toilet but the price continue to skyrocket. I could literally just buy a Lightning OTF for a fraction of the price and *actually* use the damn thing for edc, instead of being paranoid of dropping an overpriced and dubiously assembled Microtech. If these companies supposedly have pride in being owned and operated in the USA, f-ing ACT LIKE IT.

I have the benchmade autocrat and just got the benchmade shootout.... love em no problems...sent the autocrat in to get sharpened and they replaced all the springs....came back better than when i got it

Yea, got a makora and it’s one of dullest knives I’ve gotten. Civivi has them beat by a long shot

I have never afforded or owned a micro tech but I have SOG Kershaw Civivi WeKnives Bestech and some Gerber

What is the knife you had your hand on at the start of the clip?

Was expecting more from these knives. Comes to show that just because it's made in the US doesn't guarantee quality. Not a surprise when i can clearly see the work ethic in the diamond tool manufacturing companies i've worked for in the last 23 years.

So whats the best brand for quality now?

I was just about to order one. haha thanks for the heads up.

What would you buy instead?

Yeah, blew 300 on a Utx-85 Spartan and it barely has an edge.

Damn. I was just about to get into knife collecting with an *Ultratech* as my first purchase. I really *want an OTF style of knife around the same size,* to use as an EDC for daily use at work (total overkill for a maintenance job I know, but fuck it), with *$500 as my upper limit.* Does anyone have a better suggestion? The other knife I was looking at was maybe a *Benchmade Infidel.* Would that be better than an Ultratech? I am pretty disappointed to come across this, but happy in the end of it heals me avoid disappointment after purchase. Thanks in advance.

Just bought one a couple of weeks ago and I already sent it back because it came out the box pretty dull.

I’ve been fortunate with my purchases. Had a Combat Troodon but didn’t like the size so I sold it. Currently own three Ultratechs (plus one on the way) a Makora and my wife owns a UTX 70 and UTX 85 and thankfully we have zero QC issues to report.

Awh crap, I don't want to go through the hassle of picking up a lemon for ~$300.

Your exactly right, their qc has gone drastically downhill over the past 3 years or so. Also the overall quality of the knives. The internals are no longer machined, they are metal injection molded. Tony is trying to pump out as many knives as possible and make as much money as he can, so quality has gone out the window these days.

I'm looking at a Kershae Livewire, or HK Hadron, any thoughts? I can't handle them in person before hand

Anyone know how HK otf knives are compared with Microtech? Would that be a better or worser route, as far as warranty, quality and durability?

the blade retract / fire problem is often solved by just filling the knife with rem oil or wd40 and then blowing it out with compressed air. my new mini troodon was misfiring and with said treament the problem was instantly fixed and hasn't reappeared yet.

My dad and i collect knives and we have probably the between 200-300 folding knives, i have 2 microtechs and both of them has had to go back to the factory. LUDT spring exploded and utx 85 spring also exploded ever since then im just done with microtech i have like 10 protechs and everyone has been absolutly perfect. I think i have 1 kizer that i had to send back I have a medford that i need to send back and i think thats it. My opinion is they look great but when the 1st 2 items i get from a company crap out on me i just leave, the market is wayyy too competative to put up with bs

I have videos/shorts on my channel of the last Microtechs that I bought. Disappointed in them, especially my Gen III Combat Troodon and Dirac. There’s very little consistency and their turnaround is 8+ weeks. If they could get control of their quality control they would be great.

The bolt stripped put the chasis.

My experience with the last 4 Microtech OTFs I've bought have been nothing but great. 2021 and newer.

I just got one and it’s perfect so I guess I got lucky.

Had same issue with my OTF. Had to send back to factory.

Amen, they're also stropping the apex right off of their edges and the last 3 that i have gotten wouldnt even cut paper smh it kiiiinda shaved hair more like it would catch and pluck them but it was clearly over-polished on a wheel with green compound! I prefer the black compound myself which i used after having to sharpen all of my brand new $300+ knives straight out of the box, now this wouldn't be such a big deal but with a spartan ultratech that meant 4 edges that needed to be perfectly matched and evenly sharpened not very fun!

Haven’t had any issues have two and they’ve been great

Yeah, I just sent back a stonewashed stitch that had filing marks on one side of the blade. It made a rainbow affect in the sun. Was a clear flaw. I ended up getting a tactical black version that came perfect. Other than one of the screws has a tiny scratch on it. Oh well, I’ve had to learn recently in life it’s almost impossible to get something perfect. Maybe they will send me a new screw if I contact them.

There for awhile Microtech was getting stale manufacturing the same lineup in the various colors of cheap paint(instead of something a 500-and up product should be finished with like cerekote). I love the knives and I used to have quite the collection. However every time I’d buy one due to the inferior bird poop paint and this space age Aluminum that melts like butter the very first time it’s dropped on a harder surface than carpet. The brand new knife you just paid 5 bills for is now at a resale of 350 and that’s terrible considering the collectors out there keep the value at or above msrp on all production microtech and triple a Marfione product… then here’s the nail in the coffin for me. Instead of addressing these issues he makes the only durable brass, stainless, copper carbon fiber handled knifes, but only sells them with highly polished or Damascus in the intangible Marfione 2k and up and up custom line. And at the end of the year when all of a sudden those “distressed” versions of every model and color out. Thats obviously just a smart but greasy way to save on labor or overhead cost by taking the defective or cosmetic damaged product scratching it up a bit more uniformly and then sell it for ten bucks cheaper than the cost of a 500 perfect one…(spyderco would call them 2nds, and sell them for 1/4 the price) And here’s the saddest part. I would’ve been loyal to his family (Heretic, and Microtech) solely. Even after all that I wouldn’t thought about buying a Chinese clone etc of his…. Until how Lars Ilrichy he acted about China doing it, then immediately producing better quality Microtech named knifes with Reate and not lying about it or anything … but charging the same over inflated price he claims he should receive for his USA line. Yes you read that right! Taking the sell out for the cheapest possible production cost then showing his massive following of customers how much he appreciates all their money and free advertising on their KZfaq fodder.he’ll take that too…. If I had the money to burn I’d prolly get me the whole shadow collection, a stitch with the ramlock, definitely need to replace my Socom manual, like I said I love his knives. But I’ve sold EVERY one of the authentic MT’s mainly due to trying to not be homeless after losing my Amazon job. I couldn’t just keep them as money can pay for rent but it doesn’t make good shelter in itself. However I will say I have two HiFinder Chinese clones both in hellhound blades one Grey Combat Troodon, and an Ultratech frag special ops … they were 50 bucks each, the Aluminum handle is better somehow because I’ve dropped these both a lot of times, hard, and they both still after carrying them and using them hard like a utility knife yet they somehow feel solid, look amazingly new, the blade steel said D2 and I’m telling you hifinder and Vespa d2 must be pretty damn similar to M390, MagnaCut, or whatever else is microtechs cheapest bulk buy for the year. I’ve also disassembled them hundreds of times, sharpened with ease without having to order a special proprietary tool to open and clean a knife whose design makes that frequently inherent. I will say I do like all the new products and I genuinely am excited to get some of them. I’m digging for a new scarab gen 3! But I have a bad feeling a lot of these new knives aren’t made via his US production team and if that does end up being the case I’ll switch solely over to VESPA, Hifinder, they’re both now making better versions of his knives for tenth the cost. With stainless handles!!!!! It’s a shame how gluttony, selfishness, greed, arrogance, can ruin such amazing companies and products. I’m also a huge fan of Gibson Guitars. Couldn’t ever afford one, so I just built my own with better wood, better components, better end product tenth of the cost. And here’s the simple answer why you should t feel too sorry for Marfione, or the Gibson corporation, or Oakley or Ray ban, don’t get me started on purses and shoes! If you’re going to price 99% of Americans out of buying your products just because so many people want your products you can just ask whatever insane amount you want… well you can do it but don’t be shocked when China is mass producing the exact same thing as you sometimes better for cheaper, and they aren’t even greedy when they sell it! All you fat gluttonousCEOS deserve it. I can’t wait until they find a way to replace our big fast food!

I got my 1st ultra tech yesterday, Zombie Tech Dagger, and it is perfect in its quality. However, being this is my 1st Micro I don’t know if it’s just the zombie model that hurts the thumb when actuating it. Fucker is sharp

Microtech is just a super common and US brand and the designs are just typical Microtech, and basic same builds in most models with their variations. But with other brands like my favorite: guardian tactical, truly putting the tactical in their name, and making competing knives against Microtech.

Sounds like I get better quality control on all the Wish app Microtech clones I buy. They have very nice Halo’s for $45. I was so surprised. It’s just like my friends real Halo accept the steel is AUS 8. I’ve bought six other Microtech clones off Wish and all are spot on.

Very true. I bought once, got a non operating knife - never buy again

That’s something I have never had a problem with any microtech that I have owned. I still carry a ultratech everyday just needs a little oil every couple of months and a strop. I do see at some point a spring might break or something but that’s just part of owning an auto that happens. As far as customer service goes I’m not sure but I have heard good and bad things but you do with every company.

I just got my first OTF. I was going to buy a Micro but I decided to spend alot less on my first OTF. I got a descent AKC Xtreme evo. It has great quality for the money. However it was not super cheap. It cost me 130.00$. which to me is pricey for a knife. I will be getting a ultratech next year. I'm thinking ultratech 2.

i wasnt aware this was an issue. fan of the brand. maybe you could do more videos or one feature length video about this topic, if any specific models were more affected than the last, etc. i usually watch a few videos before adding a new knife.

Weird i have like 30 and have not had any issues, i have had to send 2 back for broken springs. But thats after years of use.

Hey brother . What knife is the knife wife with the army green pocket clip ? Oh and hey just bought my first mt Dirac and have the same problem . 12/2022 edition . I bought the knife 1/2023 . Shit .

The machine shop I work in just got done machining some knife handles for Benchmade, something like 6000 limited edition titanium . They go for around 800$😳

I agree, great company but same issues. They sharpen by hand and I think that’s the issue. So much variance between purchases. No hate. I love them. Not doffing them at all. Just think they need to employ a CNC charoeninf system and a optical Go no Go QC system. Tightens of CNC would be a great connection for them. I want to make myself clear I don’t own a company that makes knives. But I do think this would help them as I have been around CNC equipment quite a bit, and this would absolutely solve most of the issues that I’ve had, and other people have had.

That’s why I buy knockoffs they’re perfect and much less expensive.

I like this video. Simple and well put. We expect professional quality when we paid professional prices. We accept nothing less! I have an old Protech knife from when I was a firefighter. My chief gave it to me when I graduated the academy. It's a rare model that is considered spring-assisted because you have to touch the blade in order for it to pop out, no button. For years I've wanted to send it back for a new spring and some sharpening. Do you like Protech? I'm wondering if they will offer this service? I will pay of course.

Just bought a microtech through government program, professional staff, great knife, Id buy another.

I really like my combat troodon! Perfect! Unfortunately my brother bought his at the exact same time and… rattly button, way more blade play, and inconsistent button switch and way more hard to push…. Unacceptable indeed, it’s a shame because I started to like microtech a lot.. sure I’ll just send it back, still not acceptable for a 550+ dollar blade.

Mine came from the factory as sharp as a butter knife. They say in the manual not to sharpen them and if you do it voids the warranty. Whats the point of a knife I can't sharpen?

I would highly suggest checking out the ram lok models they have released. Their qc has been pretty good on these knives and they have been sharper than any microtech I've ever owned.

I hear you! I personally stopped collecting Microtech because they over-produce and the quality standards just slip because of that. Now the Anax model is made in China- WTF?? Re.ember the quality of the old school models like the Black Marlin, Option 2, UMS with the safety, etc? Good old days with highest standards....

I bought a troodon and it broke within a couple of months. Somthing sheared on the action and locked the blade about halfway out. It's a toy, not a tool.

Thats why I only buy custom knives above a certain price point.

The Chinese clones are actually better than the original:) i know that sounds crazy but do a side beside comparison and the clones have much better fit and Finnish.

I just bought my second microtech. My first one was about 4 years ago I had no issues with it. This one out of the box will not fire nor will it retract. I’m with you all the way. When I buy knifes in my line of work, as well as EDC gear- I don’t need failures. I understand cleaning your weapons/gear often but….. out of the box ? No thanks.

Hey GunPenguin, what was the issue with the combat troodon? It sounded like you said "the blade was proud of the handle", i know that's not what you said. I'm hard of hearing from birth. Thanks in advance.

I have had 2 Microtech Ultatechs. They are great knives, but the big problem with them is that if any debris of off all kinds gets inside the knife becomes inoperable. I have to use Break Free to oil and clean them. For a $300plus knife, that is not good.

They sound cheaper also. Best to buy from overseas for better quality. My Halo clone has held up fantastic and is machined rock solid.

I got my first LUDT not too long ago, the edge of the blade had some damage to it. When I reached out to microtdch, they told me I bought it from an unauthorized dealer, which is not true, and denied warranty repair. Very disappointed for 260 usd price tag. For A knife this expensive the qc and customer service are not acceptable

I don’t mind my ultratech tanto. But I think for what I want. I’d rather have a Dirac.. just a plain dagger shape.. now the problem is.. can’t sell my ultratech on eBay or whatever.. nobody wants them lol

My protech malibu came with a wonky edge that i legit cannot sharpen out.

Your paying for a lifetime warranty, its that simple. You could of put that CT up for 10 years, never messed with it, finally took it out, and seen the issue, and then you could of sent it in to get fixed for free, hassle free. How many other companies can you say that about?

My only otf of microtech with zero defect is 90' Halo 3.

Last few knives I’ve bought from them have been dull out of the box. A really expensive special/limited edition DE was dull AF. I own a bunch of micro techs but hesitant to buy lately.

Leathermans quality control has been dipping too the tools some of them dont feel the same

Yes I'm with you 100% I have an ultra-tech full serrated all DLC it's supposed to be red anodized it's more pinkish and have a Troodon that should be black it's more like a dark blue and I have a and having ludt that should also be black it's a dark shade blue the anodizing done all wrong should have never left the factory I have no problem with older models it sucks

I switched to fixed blades and never looked back. Too many issues with otfs especially microtech for the price

Run a knife website. This is every company. In my time, the cheaper shit wasn't like this. Rarely sent a Spyderco, rike, CRKT, Tops, or even a Benchmade back. Heretic, micro tech, hoback, Medford. Those things were riddled with problems.

My brand new Microtech Dirac Delta is too stiff to retract with one hand. I’m returning the POS and will go with another brand.

It’s really unfortunate. I agree with you, when you’re a company and you become big you get A product placement brand drop on a movie like “John Wick”and all their fucking knives sell out because everybody wants to be cool and own one. Based on a fictional character with no real world application I love the wick franchise, but it ruined microtech’s quality control. funny too how everyone thinks the coolest gun nuts are a company in California. Hollywood has so much power which interns drives up prices for expensive shitty products

Glad your taking a stand

Is tekto better?

My SOCOM came extremely dull. Unacceptably dull.

Since the john wicks films microtech knives are so in demand and they had to double time to produce these knives leading to some QC issues being overlooked, atleast that's what I think is happening

Man I’m dealing with that and their OTF firing button keeps getting stuck after only 24 I bought it. Really disappointed I paid this much for a knife and get that when none of my cheap ones have done that. I’m requesting a refund

Yup just returned an Ultratech, sharp as a butter knife, and the edge grind was crooked af. You figure the sharpener and QC guy let it pass. Totally unacceptable

Fair enough. Well said.

This is why the clones have gotten so popular. Why shell out 300-600 bucks for a knife that has just as many QC issues as a similar knife that costs 20. Just buy 5 of them and any knives that break/aren't QC'd go into a drawer and then you use the next good one for another 5 years

Never had any problems and the people in the comments about the switch it’s supposed to has a little rattle

Axial, one of the best made OTF on the market, after HAWK.