Wow, isn't that over 2 hrc higher than Microtech's previous models you tested? I hope they're listening to feedback and this will be a regular feature going forward. One can only hope.
I dont really care about minimal amount of blade play on my microtechs as long as it's not like a infidel. I'm glad they found a solution to stay relevant in the otf game but it personally doesn't bother me
@@justinhorn2864 Funny you say that about the Infidel, I am currently helping a friend out with his. Cleaning the grime of 4 overseas deployments out and there’s zero forward play and side to side and spine play are exactly as any regular Microtech. I think BM gets a lot of hate because it’s BM.
Thank you so much for your efforts testing this knife! I was really disappointed to see the microtech fail in water so easily. Much like the ar-15, one of the things that makes OTFs able to be reliable is there relatively sealed design, combined with the fact that all open holes are pointed downward most of the time. Seeing microtech opened up at the back like that seems like long-term it's going to dramatically increase the required maintenance for the knife. Honestly though, I have purchased several microtech knives, and I have been disappointed in all of them. They've all looked quite beautiful, and been beautifully machined, but the quality and performance wasn't there. The blade geometry always left a lot to be desired, they twang after not too long, the edges have been hot ground and so have had their tempers burned off and don't hold an edge very well, and they were uncomfortable to do heavy cutting with. Combined with the high price I find them really unjustifiable for me for a tool. I realize it is all relative as somebody who carries a Kershaw Livewire, but I have found it to be enjoyable and unfailingly reliable at a fraction of the price. I feel like many of the complaints about blade play in otfs are also unfounded. When was the last time you purchased any type of folding knife that had no wiggle whatsoever when locked? It is a very rare thing. So the little bit of wiggle that a regular OTF has doesn't bother me. I find simple and reliable preferable to complicated and clever, and if you actually look at the parts count for a Livewire, for example, you'll find that it's pretty similar to most folding knives. The increased parts count of this microtech I don't feel brings value commensurate with its increased price and reduced reliability. :/
Disagree 100%. I have every new Microtech (except the Luminary) and have been blown away by the quality for money. I only deploy my knives tactically to kill combatants once a week or so under water so I think I’m good with the new Ultratech zero blade play. If my tactical operations require me to deploy my knife to kill under the high seas more than once a week I may reconsider. Jeez guys inability to deploy under water is as big a deal as the distance from here tot the moon for 99.9999999999999999999999999999% of users. Also, extremely tight tolerances will have an impact on underwater deployment - there’s almost no getting around that. It’s not a lot different than mud and sand testing a Les Baer 1911 - it won’t perform like a Glock. Microtech is by far the best and most innovative knife company out here delivering massive upgrades at little or no cost (except for special runs like the luminary).
Seems like pros and cons to me, no blade play is nice but tighter tolerances mean more susceptible to malfunctions. An AK47 runs great even when neglected because they're loose and sloppy and nothing is tight enough to jam. I could see this design having way more issues with sand and debris jamming up the action and being much harder to rinse out than the standard design.
I have wanted an OTF as and EDC for years but have been disappointed with the blade play for a utility blade. Not sure how ready I am to carry this instead of my trusty Pro-Tech Godson.
very interesting video and test! thanks for doing it! would you say this new mechanism has any actual advantage over the "regular" mechanism except for it feeling better because of no play? I'm currently thinking about buying a cypher II or a combat troodon with the double edged blade but I'm not sure if I should rather wait till they make them with the new zero bladeplay mechanism and I wonder if the wait for that would actually be worth it
I did have one thing for your consideration. That is the nomenclature for the component you call locking gates. When I see them I call them pawls. The winches on a sailboat has them to lock the drum to retain the line as you adjust the sails. I will post the definition to see if you agree. If you still,want to call them gates. It isn’t a big deal at all. It just seems that you are not satisfied with that terminology yourself in several videos. As if you would like another term for that mechanism. A pawl is a movable lever that engages a fixed component to either prevent movement in one direction or restrain it altogether. As such, it is a type of latch and can also be considered a type of dog. It typically consists of a spring-loaded lever that engages a mating component at a steep enough angle to restrain it.
@@ĶČXXĻ-ĀxÐ I like it! Nautical terms are always cool! Another, and possibly closer analogy is a sear in firearms design. It is a device that prevents the hammer from dropping or a striker from striking by keeping the spring under compression until moved out of the way by a cam or a lever linked with the trigger.
I paid significantly less, but still, it was expensive. Dead Lock knives by G&G go for upwards of $3500 when available. Luminary Custom is selling for $3600. It’s more of a collector’s item and I’m crazy for abusing it this way. The basic Stiletto Pro II is $380 on Surefire website.
How much would YOU pay for this knife when it becomes available in its production version? Flashlight video: th-cam.com/video/O2ySRK7Yl9U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QGO3_Cl4awylAOll
Would you like a RWC test done on microtech? My brother is the lead test engineer at steelcase. He was able to purchase one of the labs old testers. It is 1950's manufacture and was tope end at that time. My brother had it calibrated after we moved it to his pole barn. Being a mechanical enginerd he set up knife making of fixed blades for retirement project. I have 2 of the new microtechs hera mini 2, combat troodon, with the new ultratech S/E coming next week. I would be willing to do tests on the blade and record for you. I will not appear on video, just a private person but will show the tester, the tests, and calibration paperwork if my brother still has it.
Perfect timing! I am about to publish two videos today that cover Ultratech ZBT tortures and hardness tests. Of course I would be interested in your hardness test results! Thanks in advance!
@CuttingBoardRx i do have an idea for you. The "UFO" cam bearing they use for the ZBT. Whats the hardness of that vs the 6061 T6 channel? How quickly will that wear? I looked up and see 6061 T6 is a RWC 60 generally. I would imagine you would want that cam/ bearing / bushing (UFO, HAHA) to be the wear part and not as hard. But just an idea how long will this new tech last?
I don’t have a good comment about the products. The flashlight is very disappointing. I was introduced to Streamlight decades ago at the Shot Show. I still have my Scorpion. Which at the time was quite an amazing flashlight. Considering its size, light output, and ruggedness, in such a small package. In my opinion their pricing is too high. When compared with the multitude of offerings on Amazon. I would never purchase their current products at today’s prices. However I am excited about the updates from Microtech.I hope other makers will improve based on competition. That said, their prices are also very high. But the only other option for an OTF knife with no blade play is the G&G Deadlock. Which has an astronomical price compared to the Microtech. Plus they are very difficult to purchase if not impossible to a casual consumer. I’m hoping that once Microtech starts releasing more models with these improvements. The prices will settle down also. Everyone who loves Microtech will want them. I’m sure their dealers are concerned as well. About all of the inventory they are holding currently. Which is probably why the new models are taking so long to be released. Thanks for the videos. I enjoy hearing your perspective, while learning at the same time. You are making some great content, and I look forward to your next presentations.
@@ĶČXXĻ-ĀxÐ I think the inventory will sell out as soon as the updated models become available because Microtech will allow dealers to apply a 20-30% discount. The the dealer’s margin is 50% of the MSRP (that’s 100% markup) and they would love to knock the prices down right now to move the inventory.
Good testing, good video. Im sure it would be priced over $500 for the production model. Do what you want with your own money, no hate. Still too much for a cutting tool !
@CuttingBoardRx, there are a few reasons. They claim to be top-tier otf's and they are ran low hrc and sometimes the performance expectations aren't met. I have quite a few. I appreciate the videos and I share the videos. I feel that these tests are very critical. MT wasn't going to tell me the hrc, they just ignore my emails.
Thanks for subscribing and sharing the videos. What makes Microtech ignore the pleas from the enthusiasts is that they have more respect for their design ideology than opinion of folks that they don’t consider experts. They also prefer to stay in a comfort zone and not exceed Böhler recommended heat treat protocols because that keeps the warranty repair costs at bay. Please understand, I’m not supporting their point of view, but rather saying that they can easily justify it to themselves
Microtech wil always be subpar until they can heat treat a blade to a decent HRC and be honest that M390Mk is a joke and no different from regular M390.
Great video, thank you for spending your money and testing this product for us!
@@gigilaco Thanks for subscribing!
Thanks!
@@georgelewis9127 I appreciate your gift! Thanks for subscribing!
Good work, I'm looking forward to the new ultratech
@@jski1990 it will be at least $180 more than the current one I bet
@@CuttingBoardRx If what ray (the xring) says is true it will only be 30$ - 40$ more than the previous version!
Bringing the good stuff!!
@@loosieclocker Thanks for watching!
Wow, isn't that over 2 hrc higher than Microtech's previous models you tested? I hope they're listening to feedback and this will be a regular feature going forward. One can only hope.
As always, great video. Thank you Sir.
Very welcome and thanks for subscribing!
I dont really care about minimal amount of blade play on my microtechs as long as it's not like a infidel. I'm glad they found a solution to stay relevant in the otf game but it personally doesn't bother me
@@justinhorn2864 Funny you say that about the Infidel, I am currently helping a friend out with his. Cleaning the grime of 4 overseas deployments out and there’s zero forward play and side to side and spine play are exactly as any regular Microtech. I think BM gets a lot of hate because it’s BM.
Thank you so much for your efforts testing this knife! I was really disappointed to see the microtech fail in water so easily. Much like the ar-15, one of the things that makes OTFs able to be reliable is there relatively sealed design, combined with the fact that all open holes are pointed downward most of the time. Seeing microtech opened up at the back like that seems like long-term it's going to dramatically increase the required maintenance for the knife.
Honestly though, I have purchased several microtech knives, and I have been disappointed in all of them. They've all looked quite beautiful, and been beautifully machined, but the quality and performance wasn't there. The blade geometry always left a lot to be desired, they twang after not too long, the edges have been hot ground and so have had their tempers burned off and don't hold an edge very well, and they were uncomfortable to do heavy cutting with. Combined with the high price I find them really unjustifiable for me for a tool. I realize it is all relative as somebody who carries a Kershaw Livewire, but I have found it to be enjoyable and unfailingly reliable at a fraction of the price.
I feel like many of the complaints about blade play in otfs are also unfounded. When was the last time you purchased any type of folding knife that had no wiggle whatsoever when locked? It is a very rare thing. So the little bit of wiggle that a regular OTF has doesn't bother me. I find simple and reliable preferable to complicated and clever, and if you actually look at the parts count for a Livewire, for example, you'll find that it's pretty similar to most folding knives. The increased parts count of this microtech I don't feel brings value commensurate with its increased price and reduced reliability. :/
@@whatfor5 These are all valid points! This day and age, they should be looking at reducing prices to keep the knives affordable.
Disagree 100%. I have every new Microtech (except the Luminary) and have been blown away by the quality for money. I only deploy my knives tactically to kill combatants once a week or so under water so I think I’m good with the new Ultratech zero blade play. If my tactical operations require me to deploy my knife to kill under the high seas more than once a week I may reconsider. Jeez guys inability to deploy under water is as big a deal as the distance from here tot the moon for 99.9999999999999999999999999999% of users. Also, extremely tight tolerances will have an impact on underwater deployment - there’s almost no getting around that. It’s not a lot different than mud and sand testing a Les Baer 1911 - it won’t perform like a Glock. Microtech is by far the best and most innovative knife company out here delivering massive upgrades at little or no cost (except for special runs like the luminary).
@@whatfor5 I appreciate your comments and respect your ability to express a contrarian point of view!
Seems like pros and cons to me, no blade play is nice but tighter tolerances mean more susceptible to malfunctions. An AK47 runs great even when neglected because they're loose and sloppy and nothing is tight enough to jam. I could see this design having way more issues with sand and debris jamming up the action and being much harder to rinse out than the standard design.
I have wanted an OTF as and EDC for years but have been disappointed with the blade play for a utility blade. Not sure how ready I am to carry this instead of my trusty Pro-Tech Godson.
very interesting video and test! thanks for doing it! would you say this new mechanism has any actual advantage over the "regular" mechanism except for it feeling better because of no play? I'm currently thinking about buying a cypher II or a combat troodon with the double edged blade but I'm not sure if I should rather wait till they make them with the new zero bladeplay mechanism and I wonder if the wait for that would actually be worth it
I don’t think it improves anything from the practical perspective. In fact, I will do another video on this topic.
@@CuttingBoardRx yeah I have similar thoughts about the practical aspect. looking forward to your video on this topic!
I did have one thing for your consideration. That is the nomenclature for the component you call locking gates. When I see them I call them pawls. The winches on a sailboat has them to lock the drum to retain the line as you adjust the sails. I will post the definition to see if you agree. If you still,want to call them gates. It isn’t a big deal at all. It just seems that you are not satisfied with that terminology yourself in several videos. As if you would like another term for that mechanism.
A pawl is a movable lever that engages a fixed component to either prevent movement in one direction or restrain it altogether. As such, it is a type of latch and can also be considered a type of dog. It typically consists of a spring-loaded lever that engages a mating component at a steep enough angle to restrain it.
@@ĶČXXĻ-ĀxÐ I like it! Nautical terms are always cool! Another, and possibly closer analogy is a sear in firearms design. It is a device that prevents the hammer from dropping or a striker from striking by keeping the spring under compression until moved out of the way by a cam or a lever linked with the trigger.
Have you tried putting the blade in the center of your testing surface.
Yes. Not the blade, a blade
Unfortunately $1500.00 is crazy pricing. Neither the knife or flashlight is worth it.
I paid significantly less, but still, it was expensive. Dead Lock knives by G&G go for upwards of $3500 when available. Luminary Custom is selling for $3600. It’s more of a collector’s item and I’m crazy for abusing it this way. The basic Stiletto Pro II is $380 on Surefire website.
Even the production models are expected to be at least $400. I collect OTF's but I won't carry one that pricey for EDC.
I agree 100%💸👀
How much would YOU pay for this knife when it becomes available in its production version?
Flashlight video:
th-cam.com/video/O2ySRK7Yl9U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QGO3_Cl4awylAOll
$600 max
@ I suspect it will be marketed as “Signature” series for a while and then drop to the production level.
Wouldn't at all. Ultratech yes
Would you like a RWC test done on microtech? My brother is the lead test engineer at steelcase. He was able to purchase one of the labs old testers. It is 1950's manufacture and was tope end at that time. My brother had it calibrated after we moved it to his pole barn. Being a mechanical enginerd he set up knife making of fixed blades for retirement project. I have 2 of the new microtechs hera mini 2, combat troodon, with the new ultratech S/E coming next week. I would be willing to do tests on the blade and record for you. I will not appear on video, just a private person but will show the tester, the tests, and calibration paperwork if my brother still has it.
Perfect timing! I am about to publish two videos today that cover Ultratech ZBT tortures and hardness tests. Of course I would be interested in your hardness test results! Thanks in advance!
@CuttingBoardRx i will try to do on my holiday time off.
@CuttingBoardRx i do have an idea for you. The "UFO" cam bearing they use for the ZBT. Whats the hardness of that vs the 6061 T6 channel? How quickly will that wear? I looked up and see 6061 T6 is a RWC 60 generally. I would imagine you would want that cam/ bearing / bushing (UFO, HAHA) to be the wear part and not as hard. But just an idea how long will this new tech last?
@ Thanks for doing this!
I don’t have a good comment about the products. The flashlight is very disappointing. I was introduced to Streamlight decades ago at the Shot Show. I still have my Scorpion. Which at the time was quite an amazing flashlight. Considering its size, light output, and ruggedness, in such a small package. In my opinion their pricing is too high. When compared with the multitude of offerings on Amazon. I would never purchase their current products at today’s prices.
However I am excited about the updates from Microtech.I hope other makers will improve based on competition. That said, their prices are also very high. But the only other option for an OTF knife with no blade play is the G&G Deadlock. Which has an astronomical price compared to the Microtech. Plus they are very difficult to purchase if not impossible to a casual consumer. I’m hoping that once Microtech starts releasing more models with these improvements. The prices will settle down also. Everyone who loves Microtech will want them. I’m sure their dealers are concerned as well. About all of the inventory they are holding currently. Which is probably why the new models are taking so long to be released. Thanks for the videos. I enjoy hearing your perspective, while learning at the same time. You are making some great content, and I look forward to your next presentations.
@@ĶČXXĻ-ĀxÐ I think the inventory will sell out as soon as the updated models become available because Microtech will allow dealers to apply a 20-30% discount. The the dealer’s margin is 50% of the MSRP (that’s 100% markup) and they would love to knock the prices down right now to move the inventory.
this is surefire not streamlight. streamlight is much better than surefire lol.
@@acid6urns this Surefire is junk. The company is lying about the ratings. I’m embarrassed it’s an American company. Junk
Good testing, good video. Im sure it would be priced over $500 for the production model.
Do what you want with your own money, no hate.
Still too much for a cutting tool !
@@tombrown4683 I don’t see an Ultratech being under $600 when it gets the upgrade
Wow. What a letdown for the price of a used car
Microtech’s design esthetics have been diminishing since 2023
I'm beginning to lose my faith in microtech.
What prompted you to say that?
@CuttingBoardRx, there are a few reasons. They claim to be top-tier otf's and they are ran low hrc and sometimes the performance expectations aren't met. I have quite a few. I appreciate the videos and I share the videos. I feel that these tests are very critical. MT wasn't going to tell me the hrc, they just ignore my emails.
Thanks for subscribing and sharing the videos. What makes Microtech ignore the pleas from the enthusiasts is that they have more respect for their design ideology than opinion of folks that they don’t consider experts. They also prefer to stay in a comfort zone and not exceed Böhler recommended heat treat protocols because that keeps the warranty repair costs at bay.
Please understand, I’m not supporting their point of view, but rather saying that they can easily justify it to themselves
Microtech wil always be subpar until they can heat treat a blade to a decent HRC and be honest that M390Mk is a joke and no
different from regular M390.
Microtech just follows Bohler’s recommendations for M390 heat treatment. It’s covered in my other video