Great review. Thanks! I own an amphibian with aluminum scales and the blackened scales were already showing signs of coming off just by putting the knife in my pocket. Removing the color completely off the scales was easy and makes the knife look very different.
What else do you keep in your pockets? Type III hard coated aluminum is around 70hrc, so it would have to be some kind of hard stones doing it. The more likely scenario as with DLC coatings is that other materials were wearing onto the coating. I don't know what else you have in your pockets though, if it's diamonds or other gemstones it would make sense. I've had type III hard coated Surefires for more than a decade that I take camping with no signs of surface wear. Also without the coating, the surface of the aluminum will eventually oxidize, but to each their own.
SO right about the heat treatments. It's the one thing that we can't see when looking for something special. And so crucial. Thanks for saying that CBR, because I rely on the knife community for this essential piece of information.
Hi I purchased my first MSI knife and love it. My plan was to buy several more versions and then the Ram lock problems started showing up on Utube. Well Ram lock knifes are on hold for me. If I can’t trust my knife or think it may fold up in my hand specially, in a stressful situation then it’s junk to me. You would think ANTHONY the owner of Microtech would come out with a Ram lock 2 replacement part for his customer. Little disappointed.. Mr Fowler
Great review and awesome analysis of the ram lock. I'm debating whether to get the Amphibian or Stitch being that they're available to purchase as I'm writing this. Thanks for sharing!
This was a very insightful and honest review, I really appreciate that. Thank you!! Beautiful collection btw. Have my eyes on both the amphibian and the stitch, aluminum as well. Wondering if they will be too heavy to carry for edc, but such beautiful knives.
Love the use of math and physics to support your theory on the ram lock. One question I have for you is do you think if you add a stronger or more “pre-loaded” spring would it solve the problem? Also, do you see any difference in depth the ram-lock goes over the blade notch from knife to knife? Excellent review and you got a sub from me for sure!
The spring is not the issue, I think reducing the weight of the ram head would be more effective. Also reducing the angle on the ramp, but this may lead to lock up when opened. I touched on it in this video: Marfiones’ World: 13 Microtech and Heretic knives in my collection th-cam.com/video/YnUzllD4jh8/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the detailed and objective point of view. Although I don’t quite understand the math, but I do get to see that the ram lock doesn’t work against sudden impact and it worries me. I do not particularly enjoy Joe X’s obliteration of all knives, but I do appreciate similar extreme tests of knives, so that the rest of us can know what the knives we are thinking of buying, could withstand. You’ve got yourself a subscriber, sir.
I tried something like that couple of times but quickly got depressed by how much I spent… sorry, got to go now, new knives are dropping at BladeHQ and KnifeCenter…
Definitely worth noting that whole whink is effective it's also a very powerful acid, and you definitely wanna use it either outdoors or in a well ventilated area. I use it when working with titanium but at least with that, it will remove ano in a matter or seconds, and if you leave it too long it will start eating into the surface and dramatically change the surface finish. A little bit will give a similar appearance to a bead blast, but too long will cause pitting.
After this explanation 😂, yes of course I would like to see what knife collection you have with some comments behind each knife purchase and quick overall feedback about them. Great video, very informative, thanks
It’s already in progress. Hit the notification bell 🔔 so you don’t miss the next one 😃 Marfiones’ World: Microtech and Heretic knives in my collection compared. The Combat Troodon tested th-cam.com/video/YnUzllD4jh8/w-d-xo.html
I only have one Ram Lok, but I can't get mine to have a lock failure. I have the MSI, and I have 2 Amphibians plus a Stitch on the way. I'll definitely be testing the others when I get them.
I have the Amphibian and Stitch. Did the spine whack test on each one with a really heavy training stick made out of gijo wood, and I couldn't get either one to fail no matter how hard I tried.
Enjoy your ram-loks- this reviewer hates almost every knife and I have never, ever agreed with a word he’s said so if you enjoy the knives, know they are great quality, well sharpened, a reasonable price and backed with great service - much like Medford and Chris Reeve which this guy also trashes regularly.
I have a Stitch and I can't get it to fail, either. And I whacked the sh*t out of it. 😂 So, engineering explanation nothwithstanding, it's clear to me that this isn't an inherent problem with the design.@@danzigrulze5211
My MSI is fine also. This guy is suspicious. Notice that he stabs a tree and it doesn’t fail. If the lock really didn’t work it would fail there every time. He also modified the locking surface on another knife to “fix” the “problem “. Idk.
Did you know that there is an upgraded version of the Ram Lock? They changed some of the surface geometry. And it’s easiest to know if you have a newer version if your stop pin is smooth rather than ridged.
@@LanningKann not only do I know that they changed the geometry of the blade to ramhead interface, I was the one who offered that suggestion in an older video released in August 2023. They eliminated a ramp on the ramhead and moved it onto the tang. The newest knives come with a serrated stop pin. The smooth pin was some kind of a stop-gap measure which sporadically appears on Amphibian and MSI knives. No idea why.
I will say I don’t believe it’s necessarily ego that drives them not using a coil spring by any means, even they’ve said they don’t want customers to have to worry about the omega springs breaking which I’ve actually had happen 2 times to me. I think the reason a company like Benchmade doesn’t use one is because the omega springs can keep the knife thin. Think of the ball bearing lock on the spyderco manix, where it used a coil instead.
Recurves aren't hard to sharpen on 3in wide benchstones. On light recurves like that it's extremely simple. On some heavy recurves it can be a pain in the ass but it's still not to much of an issue just requires a some adjustments. My stitch and msi both hrc tested at the machine shop under 59. If the amphibian tested at 62-63 then I guess MT got the drift that people was pissed getting 58hrc m390.
hello, my friend. Thanks for the test, very useful to know. I really liked and was interested in the sharpening machine. Please tell me the name and model.
Привет, земеля! Просмотри это видео: Did Work Sharp stop $3 short of Professional level? Is it really PRECISION Adjust-able until the fix th-cam.com/video/-icrEyk8Mww/w-d-xo.html
nice review and more power to your channel ! you mentioned that the amphibian is at 63 hrc, and msi at around 59 ? Did you test it in a rig, or is there documentation? Been looking for “heat treatment” for these. Thanks
As a civilian, I don’t find any knife to be suitable for actual combat. That’s why I am licensed to carry pistols in several states. That said, this knife has a high intimidation factor and low penetration ability. You decide the rest 👍
@@CuttingBoardRx so would you say that Microtech did copy or modify the ball lock design? Or how to compare the internals of the lock to me they do look very similar from outside.
@nerv5th they didn’t copy any of the features that have been proven to work well, instead they devised an brand-centric (egomaniacal?) design that looks great but fails a very mild test.
@@jonathanvermillion7263 I know they fixed on the MSI. Not sure if it’s the case with Amphibian. If you take the Ram head out and the bottom surface is flat, then it’s fixed. If there is a ramp machined in the bottom surface, then it’s the old one.
Nothing in my pocket the knife came brand new from the box into my pocket and while simply taking the knife in and out of my pocket it was already showing signs of the coating wearing off. That may not be the case with any one else. But I wish that I was a jeweler to be caring around a bunch of diamonds to fit the suggested scenario😅
I have the stitch and it’s great. As far as the lock issue that’s happening has not been an issue for me, but obviously it does exist in these videos. I think Microtech should address it and just adjust the lock geometry, just like CBR did in his previous video on his Stitch. If they make those slight adjustments it will be in the top 3 strongest lock mechanisms.
Mercedes test results are public information available to anyone who wants to find out if their product meets Highway Safety Administration’s requirements. The knife industry is not liable to any safety standards. And since I am not trying to make a living from selling knives and affiliating with knife retailers, I will continue providing my unbiased reviews in like most of TH-cam knife reviewers. But thanks for commenting.
yes men! this are the tests and reviews i wanna see. not the shitty 15 minutes talk an swallow about how great a knife is and just open and close it the whole tim on the table as others do.
Thanks! Danke fur comment 😁the problem is most guys buy knives spontaneously without any research. Then they get on TH-cam to find out how great is the knife they’ve chosen. They dont want to learn they got screwed. That’s how I get 3400 subs and a moron like Metal_Complex gets over 300 000 subs: he delivers what these people want to hear.
Great review. Thanks! I own an amphibian with aluminum scales and the blackened scales were already showing signs of coming off just by putting the knife in my pocket. Removing the color completely off the scales was easy and makes the knife look very different.
What else do you keep in your pockets? Type III hard coated aluminum is around 70hrc, so it would have to be some kind of hard stones doing it. The more likely scenario as with DLC coatings is that other materials were wearing onto the coating. I don't know what else you have in your pockets though, if it's diamonds or other gemstones it would make sense. I've had type III hard coated Surefires for more than a decade that I take camping with no signs of surface wear. Also without the coating, the surface of the aluminum will eventually oxidize, but to each their own.
My MSI (12/23) holds up fine to the spine wack test. And the action is ultra smooth. I feel like they have worked out all the bugs at this point.
Thanks for the comment. Is yours in G10 or molded scales?
@@CuttingBoardRx molded scales.
SO right about the heat treatments. It's the one thing that we can't see when looking for something special. And so crucial. Thanks for saying that CBR, because I rely on the knife community for this essential piece of information.
No doubt, it's one of the best chanels.
Thanks! Lmk if you have any questions!
Hi I purchased my first MSI knife and love it. My plan was to buy several more versions and then the Ram lock problems started showing up on Utube. Well Ram lock knifes are on hold for me. If I can’t trust my knife or think it may fold up in my hand specially, in a stressful situation then it’s junk to me. You would think ANTHONY the owner of Microtech would come out with a Ram lock 2 replacement part for his customer. Little disappointed.. Mr Fowler
They are still selling like crazy. So don’t expect them change anything for a while 🤨
Great review and awesome analysis of the ram lock. I'm debating whether to get the Amphibian or Stitch being that they're available to purchase as I'm writing this. Thanks for sharing!
If you’re considering a Stitch, I feel that the auto version is a much more robust knife. But all of these are very nice looking knives!
giving the "failure of the msi" and the example you just showed i was terrified to see you stabbing that way
Thanks for your concern.
This was a very insightful and honest review, I really appreciate that. Thank you!! Beautiful collection btw. Have my eyes on both the amphibian and the stitch, aluminum as well. Wondering if they will be too heavy to carry for edc, but such beautiful knives.
They are on the heavy side. But some folks don’t mind
Love the use of math and physics to support your theory on the ram lock. One question I have for you is do you think if you add a stronger or more “pre-loaded” spring would it solve the problem? Also, do you see any difference in depth the ram-lock goes over the blade notch from knife to knife? Excellent review and you got a sub from me for sure!
The spring is not the issue, I think reducing the weight of the ram head would be more effective. Also reducing the angle on the ramp, but this may lead to lock up when opened. I touched on it in this video:
Marfiones’ World: 13 Microtech and Heretic knives in my collection
th-cam.com/video/YnUzllD4jh8/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the detailed and objective point of view. Although I don’t quite understand the math, but I do get to see that the ram lock doesn’t work against sudden impact and it worries me. I do not particularly enjoy Joe X’s obliteration of all knives, but I do appreciate similar extreme tests of knives, so that the rest of us can know what the knives we are thinking of buying, could withstand. You’ve got yourself a subscriber, sir.
Thanks! I appreciate your kind words!
Would be cool to see a full collection video.
I tried something like that couple of times but quickly got depressed by how much I spent… sorry, got to go now, new knives are dropping at BladeHQ and KnifeCenter…
I used whink rust stain remover. Also removes anodizing. It works because the bearings ride on steel liners and it won’t effect the surface area.
Definitely worth noting that whole whink is effective it's also a very powerful acid, and you definitely wanna use it either outdoors or in a well ventilated area. I use it when working with titanium but at least with that, it will remove ano in a matter or seconds, and if you leave it too long it will start eating into the surface and dramatically change the surface finish. A little bit will give a similar appearance to a bead blast, but too long will cause pitting.
@@matthewcullen7106 I agree and the information you provide is valid.
After this explanation 😂, yes of course I would like to see what knife collection you have with some comments behind each knife purchase and quick overall feedback about them.
Great video, very informative, thanks
It’s already in progress. Hit the notification bell 🔔 so you don’t miss the next one 😃
Marfiones’ World: Microtech and Heretic knives in my collection compared. The Combat Troodon tested
th-cam.com/video/YnUzllD4jh8/w-d-xo.html
Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it
I only have one Ram Lok, but I can't get mine to have a lock failure. I have the MSI, and I have 2 Amphibians plus a Stitch on the way. I'll definitely be testing the others when I get them.
I have the Amphibian and Stitch. Did the spine whack test on each one with a really heavy training stick made out of gijo wood, and I couldn't get either one to fail no matter how hard I tried.
I used a rubber mallet and walked the shit out of it and nothing happened for me either
Maybe he got a Chinese clone
Enjoy your ram-loks- this reviewer hates almost every knife and I have never, ever agreed with a word he’s said so if you enjoy the knives, know they are great quality, well sharpened, a reasonable price and backed with great service - much like Medford and Chris Reeve which this guy also trashes regularly.
I have a Stitch and I can't get it to fail, either. And I whacked the sh*t out of it. 😂 So, engineering explanation nothwithstanding, it's clear to me that this isn't an inherent problem with the design.@@danzigrulze5211
My MSI is fine also. This guy is suspicious. Notice that he stabs a tree and it doesn’t fail. If the lock really didn’t work it would fail there every time. He also modified the locking surface on another knife to “fix” the “problem “. Idk.
this knife with Back lock would be great, or why they did not add manual safety lock to it
I'm happy i did not bought it with this design error
Did you know that there is an upgraded version of the Ram Lock? They changed some of the surface geometry. And it’s easiest to know if you have a newer version if your stop pin is smooth rather than ridged.
@@LanningKann not only do I know that they changed the geometry of the blade to ramhead interface, I was the one who offered that suggestion in an older video released in August 2023. They eliminated a ramp on the ramhead and moved it onto the tang.
The newest knives come with a serrated stop pin. The smooth pin was some kind of a stop-gap measure which sporadically appears on Amphibian and MSI knives. No idea why.
I had to fix almost every ram lock with sticking issues and to improve for smoother flick.
All ram-lok owners should see this video
Most of them had seen it, I think, judging by the number of “them knafs ain’t suppost be doin that” comments I got 🤣
This knife with a Tri-ad Lock would be invincible 👍
That’s a great new name for the amphibian: Vincible.
What do u use to heat up areas that are locktite'd?
A soldering iron or a torch-style lighter
I will say I don’t believe it’s necessarily ego that drives them not using a coil spring by any means, even they’ve said they don’t want customers to have to worry about the omega springs breaking which I’ve actually had happen 2 times to me. I think the reason a company like Benchmade doesn’t use one is because the omega springs can keep the knife thin. Think of the ball bearing lock on the spyderco manix, where it used a coil instead.
Excellent video thanks for sharing the info
It’s my pleasure!
Awesome video and test 👍
Could you test these Ram lok knives in a thrusting manner? (With protection of course). I’m curious if they’d fold that way as well
@@CuttingBoardRx might have missed that part. Did it fold?
Recon 1 👑 💪🥊
Im kind of confused. I saw you fixing the ramlock on the MSI. Isn't it the problem of manufacture then design?
I have all 3 ram loc knives and all 3 had the same problem. That’s why I think it’s the design AND their manufacturing process.
Dam..... I was so hyped waiting my Amphibian. Just cant stand a nonproperly locking knives 😭 Thanks for replying.
@user-pn9wl3dj8p some people don’t have that problem. Just read the comments below.
Recurves aren't hard to sharpen on 3in wide benchstones. On light recurves like that it's extremely simple. On some heavy recurves it can be a pain in the ass but it's still not to much of an issue just requires a some adjustments. My stitch and msi both hrc tested at the machine shop under 59. If the amphibian tested at 62-63 then I guess MT got the drift that people was pissed getting 58hrc m390.
Its the same as a wedge under a door. To take the wedge out you push the door away from the wedge.
Keep going, Dave, eventually you’ll find the video where I discuss what Microtech actually did to fix this issue!
hello, my friend. Thanks for the test, very useful to know. I really liked and was interested in the sharpening machine. Please tell me the name and model.
Привет, земеля! Просмотри это видео:
Did Work Sharp stop $3 short of Professional level? Is it really PRECISION Adjust-able until the fix
th-cam.com/video/-icrEyk8Mww/w-d-xo.html
Do you have a video of how you modified the stitch ram lock so it doesn’t close with impact?
Wtf I just got mine in G10 a week ago and love it. Now I’m afraid of a Kali master coming at me from the side and whacking my fingers clean off.
Excellent video
great question. Where do you get your glass towers for display. I want one!
IKEA Klingsbo
nice review and more power to your channel !
you mentioned that the amphibian is at 63 hrc, and msi at around 59 ?
Did you test it in a rig, or is there documentation? Been looking for “heat treatment” for these. Thanks
All I have for hardness test is the set of Japanese hardness test files. So my estimate is within 2 points.
Thanks thanks
I’d like to see some other knives going through that testing. Too many reviewers too scared to test
@@tgonzalez1983 I have a whole playlist of torture tests. Knife Torture Tests
th-cam.com/play/PLQk7wjytAnykzjnF-OahAwRayuPd-UTQZ.html
awesome video and explanation
Very interesting how can I adjust my amphibian. Maybe a video? A lot of math. Makes me sorry I didn't study. Ha
What is the blade angle from the factory?
It varied from 22 to 28 per side depending on where on the blade it was
Do you find the Amphibian suitable for defensive carry, given its weakness?
As a civilian, I don’t find any knife to be suitable for actual combat. That’s why I am licensed to carry pistols in several states. That said, this knife has a high intimidation factor and low penetration ability. You decide the rest 👍
Get a toor soartan or cold steel they won’t break in you
I'd say any microtech d/e dagger blade for self defense. New Hera 2 or troodon have 4" blades
How does compare the ram lock to Spydercos ball lock I saw you have a manix in your collection could you make a comparison?
Manix doesn’t unlock on a spine whack. Believe me, I tried. Awesome knife and not a gimmick!
@@CuttingBoardRx so would you say that Microtech did copy or modify the ball lock design? Or how to compare the internals of the lock to me they do look very similar from outside.
@nerv5th they didn’t copy any of the features that have been proven to work well, instead they devised an brand-centric (egomaniacal?) design that looks great but fails a very mild test.
They fixed this right? I just bought one
@@jonathanvermillion7263 I know they fixed on the MSI. Not sure if it’s the case with Amphibian. If you take the Ram head out and the bottom surface is flat, then it’s fixed. If there is a ramp machined in the bottom surface, then it’s the old one.
@ ok and I think they have the date on the pocket clip too
What degree did you sharpen the blade at?
15 to 16
What angle is it at from the factory?
Nothing in my pocket the knife came brand new from the box into my pocket and while simply taking the knife in and out of my pocket it was already showing signs of the coating wearing off. That may not be the case with any one else. But I wish that I was a jeweler to be caring around a bunch of diamonds to fit the suggested scenario😅
Basically torque vs horse power
Yahoo new video!
I want an amphibian so bad.
I have the stitch and it’s great. As far as the lock issue that’s happening has not been an issue for me, but obviously it does exist in these videos. I think Microtech should address it and just adjust the lock geometry, just like CBR did in his previous video on his Stitch. If they make those slight adjustments it will be in the top 3 strongest lock mechanisms.
I’m not surprised.
Please drive my Mercedes into that stone wall - I'm not sure if my airbags and crumple zones are any good! 😅🚘😂
Mercedes test results are public information available to anyone who wants to find out if their product meets Highway Safety Administration’s requirements. The knife industry is not liable to any safety standards. And since I am not trying to make a living from selling knives and affiliating with knife retailers, I will continue providing my unbiased reviews in like most of TH-cam knife reviewers. But thanks for commenting.
yes men! this are the tests and reviews i wanna see. not the shitty 15 minutes talk an swallow about how great a knife is and just open and close it the whole tim on the table as others do.
Thanks! Danke fur comment 😁the problem is most guys buy knives spontaneously without any research. Then they get on TH-cam to find out how great is the knife they’ve chosen. They dont want to learn they got screwed. That’s how I get 3400 subs and a moron like Metal_Complex gets over 300 000 subs: he delivers what these people want to hear.
Yeah like others, my MSI is fine. Don’t know what he did to make them all fail but I don’t believe everything that’s on the internet.
One question
Why did you do all of your math on a paper towel
Ran out of napkins
Do a review on quitecarry Drift L curious what you think