I’M NOT SO SURE! The MagnaCut Microtech Ultratech

[@dragonram7]

Several microtechs in a few different steels. A few in M390. My ultratech is the LEO model in M390. I've carried microtech on duty and no a security detail for over years. They have never failed me. Visited the factory in NC. Great experience.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

They are between 57 and 60rc. Most are lower.

[@sixxfreak58]

Microtech has been the OTF gold standard for a reason. That said, there are quite a few more cost effective options to consider, so videos like this are excellent in honestly covering pros & cons.

[@brettmorrical6978]

Couldn't agree more, Sixxfreak. Love gideostactical honest reviews.

[@eriklambert3809]

I started carrying a microtech ultratech in 08. Multiple tours. It was a tanto, but after tons of field sharpening I replaced thebblade last year with a standard blade. It never failed. It gets slow drop some oil in it and hang it upside down for a bit. I just retired it and tried a few others, but ended up going back to a ultratech. I just trust it. They are slick though.

[@stuartrollings602]

I have MTs , Benchmades, Hogues, Ritters, and love em all! Even own knockoffs and enjoy them for what they are. If I am outdoors I always carry fixed blades for utility reasons..thanks!

[@bryanmartin5920]

I just purchased the kershaw livewire double edge, and I’d love to see how it performs under some stress testing since the blade is so thin. I really love it so far tho!

[@gideonstactical]

Great suggestion!

[@gabrielbaker2667]

Lost a lot of respect for Microtech when they booted Axial off of online retailers because they felt threatened by actual competition.

[@robertm9848]

Can you expand on this? I've never heard this before.

[@gabrielbaker2667]

@@robertm9848Yes, Anthony Marfione of Microtech had an issue with online retailers (Smoky Mountain KnifeWorks, BladeHQ, etc) selling Axial’s Shift OTF knife. Another American company, 6061 aluminum body, smooth action, 20CV, you name it. Great product that undercut the Ultratech by about $75-$100. Marfione told retailers to choose between carrying Axial or carrying Microtech. So now you can only buy Axial products from their website, because all the online retailers had to make a business decision. Incredibly scummy, Microtech coast on their reputation, price gouge, increase overseas production, all while trying to kill American competition in the crib.

[@JackG79]

​​@@robertm9848microtech told some of the retailers that they have contracts with that if they sell axial knives that they would pull their product and leave. It was a real snake in the grass cowardly way to do business. Especially to be so threatened by a small upstart. Really made microtech look bad. It's why I don't buy their products anymore myself.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

for real? wow...if this is true i'm done with mt😮

[@xerxestelevision6666]

Heavy political statements when I’m just looking for a knife.

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Have 2 tanto LEO Ultratechs both in M390. One is partially serrated and set up left handed which I’ve carried for several years. Once a year or so I’ll blow them out and lube with REM oil, never had a problem. Thanks for the video!

[@paulbosley6448]

Im a otf junkie. I own pretty much every otf available.The Hawk Deadlock is by a huge margin the best overall the only two problems are its price and availability. The benchmade shootout is what I recommend for most people. It is the best slicer, the lighest full sized otf and has a very easy action. The problem is many people don't like the plastic feel and the light weight, I also notice the blade wiggle, but i daily a Deadlock, most people won't notice as much. The axial shift is a good choice if you don't like the almost toy like feel of the shootout...if heavy duty is your thing then guardian tactical is a great choice. Microtech was the king a long time ago. With the new gen 3 stuff they are making an effort and once the zero play stuff comes out maybe they can get back on top but right now there are better options...the livewire is just as good for less money... anyway great video new subscriber:)

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights. And welcome to the GT crew!

[@BladesRKing]

I’ve have two OTF Microtechs. Nice knives, but not meant for the average days tasks, though they can be used obviously. I always wanted one like I always wanted a Desert Eagle. They do offer military discount and that’s why I bought them.

[@dennisobrien3618]

OTFs always interested me, but they fall into the novelty category for me, and their price points have kept me from purchasing. Thanks for the review nonetheless, Aaron.

[@EDCandLace]

If you want a solid otf that functions extremely well.. maxace archer, 90-100 bucks and it's a badass.

[@dennisobrien3618]

@@EDCandLace Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@18echo]

My first exposure in the microtech line was because of a very good friend who was going through a very difficult divorce and had to sell half of his M/T collection , at the time he offered me 4 halo v 2014/2015 elmax plain T/E , 3 combat troodon t/e, d/e and s/e, and 2 socom DA black plain for $3k , after reading a little bit about microtech I went ahead with the purchase and after 19 years I very glad my investment is probably double or maybe tripled ,specially on one of the socom d/a which I found out is a rare Vero beach first production run .😅😅

[@Mike-mi3yw]

I have an LUDT, socom elite, an ultratech m390, Utx-85 204p, Utx-70 m390, a combat troodon m390 and a troodon m390. I have way more spyderco and Protech knives but I still enjoy Microtech. Some are just collector pieces and some are users. They function well, have never had one fail, and they come in a lot of options. My favorite is the standard troodon tanto (though there aren’t many out there anymore). How could I forgot my scarab 2! Also a great knife probably my second favorite

[@brettmorrical6978]

I love my Microtech Ultratech. Yes, the action takes a little effort, but if you lack the hand/thumb strength to deploy it, you probably won't fare well in a self defense situation anyway. In that situation, you will only need to deploy it once. Why do people sit around and deploy their knives all day with no intent to use it? My UT is simply a backup to my Sig P365XL or 320 models. I bought the double edge dagger to be used strictly as a self defense EDC knife. If I'm in the woods or in areas not known to be sketchy, I carry my Benchmade OTFs. I have to admit, that BM Shootout is calling my name with a siren song.

[@TacticalTinkerer]

MT was king of OTFs for a very long time. Tony was an absolute mechanical genius in many ways, but that was way before CNC revolutionized the industry. While still relevant in the collector space, I think there are better options for users at a better price point.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

King of fooling nobs into buying over priced duudoo

[@DavidV4444]

Anyone who wastes money outside of Microtech IMO is wasting money. For the Microtech haters - I love you - more Microtechs for me.

[@JpSki84]

I had a microtech utg-85 but sold it. Was not a fan of it at all. I bought a Guardian Tactical GTX-035. That is hands down the smoothest action on an otf I've ever felt. It feels like glass. With that being said, I am still a fixed blade edc guy all the way! I carry 1 of 3 knives. My LT Wright Next Gen cpm3v, Stroup Knives GP2 or my RMJ Utsidihi. I carry them all cross draw appendix. Good review as always, brother!

[@danielclemens4509]

My guardian tactical has so much blade play it has reliably issues.

[@boomstickman71]

It's funny seeing an owner of a newer Microtech complain about the thumb release being hard to use, when they are SO much easier nowadays than they were a decade ago. Mine is a 2013, and it took awhile to build up the strength in my thumb to get the blade back in. Most of us old school owners started out using two thumbs. That's how stiff the older ones were. I'd like to know if the new style glass breakers will fit the same threads as the old school ones. The main reason I rarely carry mine, other than not wanting to destroy it, is because the old school glass breakers were rather sharp, and I usually end up poking myself with it.

[@warpedone2]

Thanks for filming

[@troyelder56]

Really recommend single edge full serration if you actually use your knives. IMO my Microtech did not come shaving sharp out of the box and barely passed the paper test. The serrated edge has stayed sharp very long time hardly use the non serrated edge except cutting food 😂

[@reeks303]

I have several OTF knives and I think the Hogue compound is still my favorite. Stays in my pocket more than Benchmade or Microtech

[@jamieluvsknives3912]

I’m a big fan of microtech I have the ultratech ,the exocet and the combat trodon hellhound also heratic knives makes a great single action otf . Great video

[@clintonlewis1261]

The switch would drive me crazy 🤪

[@charlessalmond7076]

I own a few knives. Only have 4 otf's. Benchmade Autocrat, Microtech Ultratech, Krate Tactical Ghost (Ultratech clone), Cobra Tec Tanto two-tone blade. Looking at a Utx-85 with s/e blade next. (Hopefully this year) Good outlook on pros and cons sir!

[@realbuffstuff]

How many days do I get to open and close my Microtech 100 times before I’m disqualified? Mine is so incredibly stiff! 🙁

[@Huey4214]

Love knives and own many but never an OTF. I rarely carry any of the out the side autos I own and prefer crossbar lock manuals. The American made OTF's are some of the most frequently counterfeited blades sold by Facebook scammers with fake Microtechs leading the way. I have considered the Livewire for a while and may give one a try in the future. Great video as usual.

[@Laurarium]

Well, wear resistance doesn’t nearly equal edge retention😢 actually.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, no autos here, OTF or otherwise, so it was very interesting to see a few side by side, ... like the BM btw. Though it depends why you actually own one in the first place IMO. Yes they are far more concealable, but as a proper self defense tool they dont make sense to me, they're all handle and not much blade, i.e. ............ "that's not a knife" lol. A mighty expensive fidget toy and not much call for letter openers these days, but hey, each to their own. What !!!! a special tool ...... well we all know what that's about, ....... as if it wasn't pricey enough already. Cheers Duke.

[@DustinFlu]

Great video! You should try the original otf King tye benchmade infidel!

[@JS-ym8qi]

It's just phenomenal^^

[@DavidV4444]

Microtech in 2024 is absolutely crushing the OTF market as well as the folder market - I only buy Microtech, Chris Reeve and Medford and Microtech sits at the very top!

[@xforce708]

13 minutes in an you just laid the MT and BM side by side and that my friend is a huge thing for me. I’ve been carrying a MT U85 for almost two years now. It slips into the pocket of Ariat Rebar jeans perfectly. Just like she said, size matters. 😂🤣😂🤣😂 As for the switch. I have a bitch of a job and it’s switch is nothing to me. But my wife and 33 year old daughter does have trouble with it and has to find their inner balls to function it. 😂🤣😂🤣😂 So yes, it might be a problem for some men. I mean, we don’t all work with our hands daily like I have my whole adult life. I do hate the special fasteners though. Luckily I haven’t needed to disassemble. Some lighter fluid on occasion clears hiccups. If I have some crazy work to do I have other blades. This is for packaging, apples and SHTF stab a biotch when boolats are all gone. Lol

[@Cabur_Skirata]

So, asking because I'm looking at my first otf knife, what do those of your that own them like about them? In terms of speed, I've mastered my spydie flick to be pretty fast so thats not much of a thing for me, and the durability of an otf vs regular folder is a concern.

[@VWKID61]

No need to take apart your microtech simply unscrew the glass breaker/ pommel and use compressed air to blow the pocket lint and dust accumulation out the front.

[@Cid_1]

I believe they have a new button now (not sure on every model), and also regular screws instead of the triangle bits. I also believe they are offered without the glass breaker. I remember I saw a video on it very recently. So hopefully dealers have clear listings with pictures to separate between the old and the new. That yellow/green button color goes really well with that black body btw. Keep up the good work.

[@TheBeater2382]

Get rid of the glass breaker or make it optional. Replace the triangular screws with T bits and wipe off all the goofy labeling on the blade/clip.

[@justinrivera5877]

No Guardian Tactical Recon 35 or Scout?

[@sofakingphat8087]

I think that as many complaints microtech gets with their switch, they would be more compliant to change it. I haven’t got the new generation three model in my hand. Yeah, but I think that they are working on their switch. I think that if someone took the initiative to work their 3-D printer and make some aftermarket switches, they could become very rich.

[@gideonstactical]

That is very true

[@RockyMountainEDC]

When the ultra tech came out it was great for its time considering competition ! Now it’s not really the best. The ergonomics and natural feel on the BM shootout feels so much better ! Great video and thanks for sharing !

[@sethgrasser3057]

Keep up the great work 👍 👏 💪

[@griff7749]

I have the hogue counterstrike, it's really nice actually, and looks a lot better than most otfs IMO because of the fluted texture and full contouring.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

i think the general fit and finish is great but the mechanics are very prone to even the slightest bits of dust and lint, they are rather fidget toys and status symbols than real user knives. don't get me wrong, i like my exocet and troodon, but they are quite finicky.

[@JamesFrench-xh5oi]

I have a ultratech daggar. I use it everyday day. Serrated blade and plain blade. Good edc

[@cainkopczynskie6296]

I love my guardian tactical. Smooth and snappy.

[@gideonstactical]

I want to try those out

[@cainkopczynskie6296]

@gideonstactical I have the middle size. I think they just released a new batch of the smaller ones in bladehq.

[@DamionJR4923]

I always wanted an OTF and I finally bought a ultratech last year. I have used it a decent amount and am usually a bit underwhelmed. It looks nice the action isn’t that nice. I have to oil it quite often or it will misfire. I probably won’t buy another Micotech. I want to try a live wire or shoot out. The shootout has a great action. At this point I prefer cross bar or compression lock better.

[@95666]

Damn that black and yellow magnacut DE looks nice, I don't like how much tension there is on the action .

[@zoranurkic2032]

I think that the best otf is benchmade infidel. This is only otf who can be open and closed with fluids inside. I had microtech ultratech too.

[@farticusmaximusOG]

Scarab 2/Makora?

[@jayr526]

Kershaw's launch series is excellent. At least the ones that I own are. The 15 in magna cut is wonderful. I have no reason to believe that the live wire would not be of terrific quality.

[@Fantisan95]

I own one, the quality is outstanding.

[@joshuamackey2326]

The takcom barracuda is an otf that gets miles of praise and u can get it for.under 200 dollar's with a specia code from luvthemknives. Thts the one im getting its a spear point and in magnacut the takcom bulldog is a drop point in m390 and its the same price its more of a work knife but im intrigued by what they have to offer

[@goldentrucker7921]

Axial & and livewire, i think, are both nicer.

[@joshpulliam]

Yes! Finally! The Ultra Review of the Ultratech! I agree with all of your points on the Microtech. I have two and I love them and will not be selling them. However, the action on my Livewire is way better than my Ultratechs. I have handled the Shootout a couple times at my local knife store and I am not a fan of it. It feels cheap. I prefer something more substantial. I EDC my OTFs all the time. Usually though I will have a secondary EDC blade like a Dragonfly. Or I’ll have a Leatherman. So I can use those blades for cutting tasks that don’t make sense to use the OTF for.

[@AsturSupervivencia]

Mira que mola, pero esta prohibidisima en españa y prácticamente todo europa.

[@FagianoGiuseppe]

So this is primarily just for if someone gets sideways with you lol

[@gideonstactical]

Basically haha

[@MedHead1]

I enjoy my Axial.

[@TK-wd7de]

Face it the 300 dollar price is the name the kershaw live wire is just as good and alot less money

[@ting280]

man if otf's were legal here you would have just sold me on the kershaw

[@gideonstactical]

It’s action is delicious

[@Epic_Tim]

Axial shift 3.0 is a way better knife.

[@kathleensmith370]

thanks for showing but OTF's not for me

[@xforce708]

FYI, I can handle a brick 😳

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

i dont own any microtech nor will i ever because of what they did to axial

[@Laurarium]

Hey Aaron! Still remember the BUSSE video you promised me to make ? Just ordered a WD-5 in AEB-L🎉,which is making a short come back after being first introduced on father’s day . Seize the chance❤

[@kejadventures241]

otf's are a cute gimmick but they suck at being used. which is hilarious because you spend an arm and a leg for them.

[@KB-kw8ni]

Mine have worked great at work. No failures

[@justinhorn2864]

Mine work great at being used

[@rnkmode1876]

Yeah OTF knives are definitely cool but imo not practical enough, there's no OTF blade that has a stronger lock then the CS Tri-Ad or then Spyderco knives, etc. But they are fun to play with. Microtech are way overpriced imo for the novelty, i hear great things about Kershaw's new OTF.

[@gideonstactical]

Ya so far the livewire is good 👍

[@davidtate166]

That out the front.is for self-defense blade I never like that kind of blade.

[@Chambelona59]

MEH.

[@Tom-cp6yj]

My Microtech never worked properly. Had failures to fire once every 30 times, and it just literally broke one day... it left such a bad taste in my mouth that never cared to fix it!

[@EDCandLace]

I just can't get over the scrappy cutting geometry of otfs.. the shootout and the livewire have decent geometry. I just don't like them.

[@thewhitegarveytwg8912]

The only people that think Microtech is the pinnacle of OTFs are the people that only buy Microtech. Most Microtech OTFs look like gas station knives and they have terrible action. Ant Marfione is also a huge douche as the Axial incident revealed. Guardian Tactical and Hogue are way better options.

[@KB-kw8ni]

Who the hell is Greg?

[@thewhitegarveytwg8912]

@@KB-kw8ni good question. Probabaly an hole like Ant man