Is new any better than Old? Microtech Zero Blade Tolerance. No BS demo.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Please also watch hardness test here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bobciYaMatqMrtU Share your thoughts!

[@proraptor4146]

Im so happy to find a youtube knife reviewer that does actual tests, cutting paper and cardboard isnt a real test.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Some don’t even do that…

[@SOMNIOHM]

*_This is truly bananas! Just more proof that Microtech makes damn good knives!_* _Thank you for torturing this lovely demonstration piece for our entertainment, and knowledge!_

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@LoganLawrence]

Finally! I’ve been waiting for this. Thank you for making this!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@LoganLawrence Thanks for subscribing!

[@joshuaojeda9033]

Never clicked on a video so fast! I’ve been waiting for this one. Thanks as always!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@joshuaojeda9033 I am happy to hear from you! Thanks for subscribing!

[@plynch113]

I lobe my Microtech knives. 20 yrs ago I could never afford them as a young man just starting out. Now with more disposable income I can basically buy whatever I want and pride of ownership is a real thing. Nothing wrong with buying what you can afford, if its a live wire who cares....buy what you can afford or save up for the real thing. Merry Christmas!

[@DavidV4444]

Microtech is absolutely the best - I have most of the new versions and love them! Tighter tolerances will decrease reliability - but I would say less than .000000001% of us utilize the knife in conditions that cause failure and even less to save our lives. As much as everyone wants to be a tactical operator, exactly none of us really are.

[@DXSharpening]

Awesome video as always, I honestly have been surprised at the amount of emphasis placed on the zero blade play by everyone in the knife community vs the new action. I couldn't care less about an otf wiggling slightly, and would be more concerned about not being able to get the blade functioning easily again by simply pulling the blade out. Thanks for the review and the tests and sweet red wings

[@AeratingThatching]

Always enjoy your videos. Thanks for your time and efforts.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@AeratingThatching Thanks for subscribing! I hope you also enjoyed the hardness test video that came out simultaneously with this one?

[@Szyszka-df6xh]

The best knife channel iever!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@Szyszka-df6xh Where? Where? LoL Thanks!

[@FrostSouLx]

I think the gen 3 is definitely going to be i little more sensitive to elements because the locking mechanism has to be so perfect that if anything gets in there it can prevent it from deploying, but although we all are looking at it like is the only thing they changed, lets not forget the awesome pocket clip, and the dual spring making it so much smoother when deploying overall i like the changes

[@yuriistetsenko5948]

I tested my Combat Troodon Gen 3, it passed the tests without a hitch. The mechanism is exactly the same as the Gen 2, except for the two springs. But it is without the ZBT, so...

[@danzigrulze5211]

I actually find it pretty amusing. While I do own some older Microtechs, I rarely carry them. Now they made a model that is both flawed functionally and completely impractical at the same time, with a higher price point. Would love to see someone do a test like this with their G&G Deadlock, but I doubt that would ever happen. Really enjoyed the video.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

Great video, my friend. As for me.. Well, i went with a Maxace Neptune in aluminum. Hardly any blade play and has never failed so far. I only carry my otf for personal protection. There is no need for me to spend 400+ bucks. I also carry my MT MSI for everyday use. 😊

[@CuttingBoardRx]

I figured the H&K crowd would go with Microtech and the Canik users would gravitate towards Maxace. For those in SIG/Glock/M&P9 category it’s Kershaw Livewire. All of the above are right choices for the right people!

[@SNIPER_NO_SNIPING]

I love my zbt but I love my old school ultratechs also.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

I like all of them, but the Glykon takes the cake!

[@pink7930]

They are already popping up on the secondary. I was definitely waiting for this feature to come out to get a Microtech OTF, but I do realize its one of those oddly human things to not want the blade to move when it functionally doesnt change much. Knife market is really interesting in the way they cater to peoples perceptions instead of waving it off. Best hobby ❤️ Great review as always 🫡

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@pink7930 Glad you enjoyed this! If I wasn’t a KZbinr and a collector, I would not spend more than 30 bucks over what Kershaw Livewire costs in equivalent trim.

[@pink7930]

@CuttingBoardRx I'm well past any rationality as far as value is concerned. I had a Livewire that functioned flawlessly, but it didn't satiate my pretentiousness 😉 keep up the great work brother.

[@justinhorn2864]

Any way to make more money

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

You mean factory seconds? I don't see any on MT website

[@windowbreezes]

nah Secondary Buy/Sell

[@johnhughes905]

As might be expected, not zero, but less tolerance. But seems less tolerant to contaminants. I suspect we have all applied the "fifth element" to most of our tools and toys, Ha!. That was a lot of fun, thanks!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@johnhughes905 Thank you! Feel free to share the “Fifth Element” stories with us 😁

[@whatfor5]

I own a couple microtech knives. I'm always disappointed in them, they're just optimized more to be toys and jewelry than tools. Getting rid of that little bit of blade play isn't worth anything if it reduces the firing reliability even further. I'm so thankful for your review of the Livewire actually, because you finally demonstrated to me that an OTF with reasonably tight tolerances can be made reliable enough to be a wonderful tool. I've been carrying it everyday for almost 6 months now. It has survived water, rock dust, pocket lint, dirt, and god know what else.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@whatfor5 🤣reading your list, I really, really don’t want to know “what else” 😬🙀LMAO

[@samoliver9132]

@@CuttingBoardRxever hear what happened to Gadaffi? Yeah this guy did pretty much the same thing with his ultratech😮

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@samoliver9132 strange association, but ok…

[@dynamicfirearmsinc432]

OUTSTANDING as always thank for educating me on this new Micotech. I am thinking I am still going to stick with the Kershaw Livewire ,you gave me your opinion on to go out a get. I am interested if you can do American made Axial OTF shift they're pretty good but not sure until maybe some of your testing LOL. Thank you again for giving a honest and very cool video!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@dynamicfirearmsinc432 Good idea! Great to have you on the channel!

[@licencepo4616]

Thanks for the demo

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@licencepo4616 Thanks for commenting!

[@1AbominAble1]

Excellent video. Thank you for making it, I found it very entertaining. If other people actually complain about how you spend your money or treat your tools, please ignore them. Thank you for putting your money on the line so that people like me can see what the knives can really handle. I’ve been carrying MT’s for 20 years. I think that they are very tough knives even though I’ve broken the action on a few OTF’s over the years. I’m happy to see that the ZBT should hold up to daily use without any major issues.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate the support! Also, great move that they kept the price about the same as the older models while taking heat treat a notch higher! Thanks for subscribing!

[@13vrod]

Love your videos. Thank you

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@13vrod Thanks for subscribing!

[@willng34]

Thanks for the test! great video

[@One-cx6up]

Nice video, thanks!!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@thundair]

I struggle with Microtech. On the one hand, they have shady business practices, pressuring dealers to drop other OTF lines to maintain a hegemony. On the other hand, they're crazy expensive, with very little steel variation. I guess my struggle is finding a reason to buy

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@thundair Always vote with your dollars!

[@Maxiius]

"Ooo CBRx has a new otf video drop!" Watch it. Smiles in Kershaw Livewire 😎

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@Maxiius Livewire is still my #1 choice if someone only wants to carry one OTF! 👍

[@staysharp525]

Just recieved and put my video up only thing I don't like is on the firing swith they made the x bigger with sharp edges

[@cainmiranda1204]

A++ video . Saving people the money

[@EvilSSP]

I feel like they intentionally used a wonky name/phrase like zero blade tolerance so that it doesn't literally say "zero blade play" and I'm betting it may have something to do with other patents or it's an effort to avoid customers crying that their knife still has blade play.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@EvilSSP Well, it literally has no play whatsoever out the box. I would go with Microtech Max Key or MMK because of how the locking screw (the UFO-shaped component) keys into the beveled slot in the front. Sounds a lot testosteronier, descriptive, and less like Human Resources terminology. If only Tony found it in his heart to reach out to the community, so many good things would happen!

[@mangobadger]

Awesome, I was not expecting you to actually do fire! 🔥 I think zbt was more of a proof of concept than a solid product design. I would expect it to be largely forgotten as the engineering is folded into their evergreens.

[@chang850]

Can you find out if there are any measurable differences between them to prove that they actually made design changes to improve the tolerances? Great video, thanks!

[@griff7749]

Excellent tests! I'm more curious how it will fare without lube over months of carry. Personally i would never use an otf in these extreme environments but i do want it to reliably deploy from my clean pocket at any given time, 24/7/365. My Hogue Counterstrike doesn't do this, it just starts failing after a month or two with or without lube (wet or dry lube), and it stays very clean. I'd pay extra for zero blade play, rattle is just a personal annoyance for me, but only if it works on the long term with zero failures, assuming it's not thrown in the dirt lol

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@griff7749 this knife actually rattles like crazy but from the switch, not the blade.

[@griff7749]

@CuttingBoardRx bummer, the Counterstrike has zero switch rattle lol I can't win!

[@AscendedWalrus]

I'm over here watching this video yet I don't even cut tape with my new ultratech lol

[@beeferbeefer7903]

Smith and Weston out the front the best OTF night out there and it doesn’t cost $1 million like a microtech

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@beeferbeefer7903 Sorry if you feel this way. S&W knives are all China-made, they use hugely inferior steels, the OTFs are prone to failure, especially the safety switch in the back. Templar Knives or Cobratech are better budget choice. I would not rely on S&W knife for anything but cutting bread and spreading butter.

[@wishonafish]

subbed, good vids

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Welcome to the Tribe! Spread the word!

[@wishonafish]

@CuttingBoardRx thx brother, about to start knife vids myself, wish me luck

[@southside1975]

Like the boots 👍

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@southside1975 I love the Red Wings! They sure take the time to break in, but once they do, holly crap! Totally worth the price of a Benchmade Dashitian

[@southside1975]

@@CuttingBoardRx I know I have to many if you ask my wife. I been spending my money on knifes last 2 years. Hey what do you think of the spyderco c253 YOJUMBO? I just picked one up BF Sale.

[@jaredappleseed7037]

Have you tried the medford otf?

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@jaredappleseed7037 Yes! Medford MERC-1 OTF. Un-Sugarcoated Review, Test, Fix. @MedfordKnifeTool hope you see this 🔔 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKO1m2B5bbCZpas

[@bigglock5478]

I saw these tighter tolerances impacting the reliability and ease to reset it after coming off track a mile away. I got ripped apart on Reddit for mentioning it haha! I think it’s still a great design, however not for me

[@CuttingBoardRx]

It is definitely a controversial move: operational reliability to address a non-existent problem!

[@matthewf1979]

You opened a can of worms with that "quality" footwear comment. Look at Nick's boots if you want a lifetime casual boot that can take actual hard work. I'd recommend the Americana, Falcon or Heritage Moc Toe. The Overlander is my favorite pure work boot they make. I own the Falcon and Overlander and will not be going back to any other brands.

[@ct2368]

I don't even know why zero blade play is a big deal? I was always fine with the play in mine.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@ct2368 it is a marketing differentiation feature or, in simple terms, a gimmick.

[@simartnullnet]

Good explanation of why "zero blade tolerance" isn't a good descriptor

[@DeezyP]

I guess ZBT is always better than CBT 😂 🤣. They are cool, but I don't think I'll be running out to buy one anytime soon.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

It is definitely cool, but you are right, it does feel like a subtle difference.

[@alfredjarry503]

I am about to spend a chunk on a new Hera 2 next week... If I was smart , I would wait until they ZBT the big boys. But , alas I shant.😆

[@staysharp525]

Have you tried adv tactical first otf the guy who oem them.claims very minimal blade play and mine came with alot

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@staysharp525 ADV Tactical is on my Not Interested list because for 80% of their knives they make parts in China, assemble them in South Africa and triple the price. Or build them entirely in China. WE is the OEM. They think we’re stupid. I wouldn’t be surprised that this OTF is assembled in US out of china-sourced parts!

[@nenadcubric2663]

I thought that ZBT is gonig to be more sensitive to dirt

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@nenadcubric2663 It is not that bad! I’m pleasantly surprised!

[@Boosted68firebird]

Great video. I don’t care for Microtech’s new gen designs across their model lines ups. They simply look cheaper and overly Maxace-ish. Their terrible marketing is offensive. “Duel fuel”🤔”Drivetrain”😂Zero fuels involved. A Kershaw Livewires offer a far better value imo

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@Boosted68firebird Drivetrain is almost applicable: a mechanism that stores potential energy in a spring and converts it into kinetic energy via a mechanical action has been called an Engine since the ancient Greeks invented the catapult.

[@zaheerkader7426]

Now you understand why a hawk deadlock is 3x the price 😊

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@zaheerkader7426 Send me yours and I would be exited to prove you right!

[@moss7220]

I love this channel. You're like the Soup Nazi from the Seinfeld sitcom, except for knives.

[@yuriistetsenko5948]

I have told people many times that there are no miracles. By acquiring one, you inevitably lose another, this is the law of physics, mechanics and life in general. It is not for nothing that we see a small play between the frame and slide on pistols. So I will prefer the OTF with a loose blade that will not let me down in difficult conditions. It seems to me that in the 3rd generation knives, Microtech should have stopped at the Crud Kutter (TM) and Dual Fuel Drive Train (TM). Smooth action and high reliability are all you need. I have heard opinions that the more powerful springs of the 2nd generation help the knives cope better with dirt, but I disagree. Even the Kershaw Livewire, which has even softer springs than the MT 3rd generation, easily passed your tests. The funniest thing is that Microtech released OTF with almost no blade play back in the 2010s. Everything new is well forgotten old. What MT does really well is marketing. 😁

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@yuriistetsenko5948 Benchmade Infidel has no play in forward direction but it has it in the other four directions.

[@harryanderson7282]

Watching this after having my Kershaw Livewire die on me sort of puts the question in my head, "why would anyone choose an OTF over a fixed or folding blade when they're so obviously more reliable?" I mean aside from the "fidget factor" coupled w/ the Law of the Forbidden what's the allure of a knife w/ such a disturbingly high rate of failures to fire? Also, for boots, go w/ Nick's. ;)

[@jkn2k]

Hawk Knives laughing, imagine the meme

[@CuttingBoardRx]

If I was them, I would not be laughing if my best selling, most sought product was a $3500 deadlock and the incoming government wasn’t exactly hell bent on printing money and shovelling out “economic relief” checks

[@klaviermd]

Awesome! so embarrassing to see the unreliable performance of ZBT...I just keep my old school halo 3 in collection.

[@jdl4808]

My original ultratech is a big POS so I definitely know not to go for it.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@jdl4808 People either love em or hate em…

[@beeferbeefer7903]

Microtech a piece of garbage wait until you try and get it fixed dear customer service is the worst in the industry and their knives are made like shit. Good looking shit.

[@AnEDCFriend]

No control footwear, test is invalid!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@AnEDCFriend 🤣 at least one nerd got this one!

[@kyleisamazing69]

I couldn’t care less that something was made in America. I’ll buy what I want, what’s most cost efficient and the country has no influence over that. Buying American, solely to buy American is a financial burden no one should put themselves through. There’s a lot of Americans I don’t like and they make things. I’m not going to feel slightly bad for not supporting them.

[@kyleisamazing69]

@@johnnysilverhand1733 @ China & Taiwan also has some pretty good quality stuff leaving their countries. The U.S definitely makes some quality stuff, it just won’t be the sole reason for my purchase

[@kyleisamazing69]

@@johnnysilverhand1733 Reate and Kizer both make some really nice stuff. I just got the Kizer militaw from the high end collection with mars valley carbon fiber inlays, the blade on it is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen on a pocket knife right out of the box. I think it’s nicer than knives double its price tag easily

[@kyleisamazing69]

@@johnnysilverhand1733 that’s fair. I don’t have much of their stuff, but I’ve been very satisfied with what I do have. I really like the reate exo and the exo k. I was pretty blown away how nice that Kizer militaw was though, that knife is nice. No idea how it would hold up to use and abuse though. The action on it is very satisfying

[@kyleisamazing69]

@@johnnysilverhand1733I have too many to list lol my collection is getting a little out of hand. I have a couple users, but it’s mostly a collection. I would highly recommend trying one of the high end Militaw series. I really think they gave Chris reeves a good run for their money with that knife. I believe there may be a couple mars valley ones still in stock. It’s a limited edition Kizer website exclusive. I would highly recommend getting one. It’s very nice and I prefer it over their shiny dlc. Although I’m waiting on my timascus Militaw still to really say. I’ve only seen it on their new megatherium and I would definitely prefer how they did the mars valley one. I believe they hand sharpened and hand brushed it. It looks very nice and very sharp. I usually inspect my knives thoroughly. That knife was flawless

[@kyleisamazing69]

@@johnnysilverhand1733I’d still love to get a full serrated on one side otf. One thing I’m missing, all mine are dagger. I’m fine with how the last gen microtech stuff was. The blade doesn’t play that much

[@benewell4162]

Say you hate Microtech without saying you hate icrotech. OTF knives aren't made to perform under the conditions you subjected them too. You haven't proved much except that your less than subjective test deserves a thumbs. down.

[@mel87123]

Darren, is that you?

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@mel87123 it’s not him, I know because Darren the Commenter is meticulous, he would know the difference between subjective and objective. This whine deserves 3 out of 10 on a Darrenism scale. The guy that lectured us about the boots, now that’s a real Darren!

[@yuriistetsenko5948]

By testing Combat Troodon and Ultratech, Microtech literally told the world that their OTF were made to work in any conditions. And the fact that their knives are supposedly used by law enforcement, special forces and military, lol. And Microtech fans love to talk about it. I don't deny that Microtech makes really strong and reliable OTF... oh, sorry, they don't make them anymore. Now we have this marketing crap with flashy names for the office SWAT.