Is The New "Zero Blade Play" (ZBT) Microtech Ultratech Worth Buying? | Full Review

Full review of the ZBT Microtech Ultratech.
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[@hificat101]

Heard something interesting about these ZBT knives on a Microtech video. If they fail to lock out for any reason on a deployment, you're supposed to shake the blade back down in instead of pulling or whipping the blade out into lockup. Apparently that can damage it internally, knock the ZBT mechanism out of alignment.

[@CapFlipGaming]

I hope they have a good warranty. I could see myself forgetting this.

[@erslll71]

Mine showed up yesterday from eKnives. I like it a lot. First OTF. I was never excited about an OTF, especially hearing MC talk about how they all had blade play. Glad I waited. Everyone has a price for cool. This one fit the bill for me.

[@DavidV4444]

Microtech has delivered an enormous amount of upgrade and value across their lines with minimal price increases, sometimes no increases at all - I appreciate that because it doesn’t happen very often .

[@parkewalton]

I wanted to own at least one OTF. When I found out a reliable zero blade play system, at this point price point, and with Microtech, existed it was over and done. What a great introduction to the OTF world for me. I love mine. I’m the same as MC. I’ll activate it , draw forth the blade, emtry to wiggle it and think, “that’s cool.” Just remember, if you shake it 3 times you’re playing with it.

[@nfitzsim]

Well now I REALLY wish I’d spent more than 20 minutes putting together that adjustment video lol. A re-shoot may be in order

[@The_circular_square]

I replaced my bearings in my amphibian with skiffs and found out that it was red loctite. It was a massive pain. Good thing they make their hardware out of steel.

[@joshpulliam]

I picked up the drop point version at my local knife store. It is excellent and I’ve barely been able to keep it out of my pocket. Mine has the slightest hint of play but it doesn’t bother me and I’m not planning on adjusting it. I’m way more excited about the dual fuel drive train and the new pocket clip. Also the new version of the drop point blade has superior geometry over the Gen 2.

[@kennedyx8]

Agree on the grind. I never liked the previous drop point shape but this one looks great.

[@SMS2884]

The question is how long do I have to wait to easily pick one up in the grind that I want. Might be a little wait.

[@Spthomas47]

I'd be in, but that button jiggle is killing me lol For me, and I'm a ridiculous person, that takes away from the zbt factor. Now, that's probably just watching/listening to it picked up and put down. There's a couple blade shapes and finishes I might bite on. We'll see. 🤘🏼✌🏼

[@danielclemens4509]

Mine is perfect! No trigger play and fnf is on point. Love it…

[@dariocarafa3788]

I have the dual edge and the single edge and I am absolutely ecstatic. I too hate at the blade play of out the fronts and although I know it doesn't affect ability other than maybe certain fine cutting tasks where blade plate could affect It just bugged me. I genuinely hope that they implement the ZBT mechanism in all their out the fronts and if they do I will absolutely be buying all of them. I genuinely hope that people thinking this is a gimmick doesn't affect them buying it and making it

[@mystyleandmore3192]

I love you, buddy, but you missed so many details that make the Knife what it is. What about the dual fuel drivetrain, (the double spring). Crud cutter behind the switch. And it is 100% made in the USA. The only mechanism on the Knife that is not made literally by Microtech is the Spring, which is US made by a Spring company. The fact that when you get this knife in a single edge configuration when you bare down on the single ledge, you don’t have any play and not having that play on a single edge makes the whole night feel different. There’s just things that I wish you would’ve mentioned. But all in all keep up the good work, buddy. Just a sidenote, maybe check out the custom version Atrius. It’s absolutely awesome.

[@rodlively156]

I have the Microtech OTF Luminary & Surfire Light set ZBT and a Ultratech D/E & S/E. The S/E has side blade play. Sending it back for a new one.

[@mystyleandmore3192]

Just tune the Blade play out. You may as well if you have so many other ZBT’s. You have to get used to tuning it anyways.

[@rodlively156]

@ I just expected it to come from MicroTech correct. I know it’s not like my 5 Hawk Deadlocks, but still quality control and order directly from MicroTech. Not that it matters. Just saying. I love my Microtech’s. I have #13 of 500 JW3 and the JW4 Deadlock #13 of 500. Still have all of them and probably have more than 25 OTF’s and my first purchase was a UDT. Still working great.

[@krazy_roach1698]

Thanks

[@abners4780]

Mine came with a lot of noise on deployment button, and after a day of messing with it, i had to adjust it. It started failing, so it was not as reliable but still cool.

[@ZachBroughton]

Ordered an Ultratech on 1/1, so it'll be sad if the price goes down after since the price has been steady for a while.

[@Dylancla]

I have a benchmade with play I bought my mom a taiwan lighting for Christmas and it has zero blade play.

[@brettallen4217]

Honestly it’s only for people who really like the idea of no blade play but at the same time I don’t think the upcharge is terrible from the base price for how much they probably poured into the development of this new system

[@patrickhibpshman]

I was fortunate to get one with no button play/noise at all but I did have to sharpen it as it was not that sharp. I will agree that ZBT Is definitely more for bragging then anything. I thought it would be more of an needed feature but it definitely isnt you'd honestly never notice in day to day use. You only really notice when you intentionally try to find play. Cool but probably not worth the extra.

[@erinsquirkychannel501]

What did u say on one of ur videos about cobra tech or Viper tech that u could get it for 20/30, that people are paying 100 for it, do u have a link to where can get it for alot less thk u

[@IronButterknife]

Are the Dead Locks adjustable?

[@LadyEmilyNyx]

If ever an OTF was going to make me want an OTF, I think it woul be the ultratech There's just something about th look that tickles me just right And the slightly loose blade of an OTF is absolutely a deal breaker for me, so the ZBT is definitely appealing Still illegal here, but it's got me considering a type of knife I never thought I'd consider owning.

[@tommyl8452]

Tight tolerance = high maintenance

[@xanderbrindle]

I'd love a mini one for CA. Preferably in the lightsaber colours.

[@staysharp525]

Mine has weird failing depending wich way and hand I'm deploying it with does yours if not what's the fix

[@griff7749]

I'd recommend trying to tune it, if you have the tools. You'll need a t8, t20, t30 and a small, skinny flat head. Make sure to watch a video on adjusting the zbt mechanism. You'll probably have to back it off a bit and hopefully it's still no blade play, but at least it'll be reliable.

[@dontcare2121]

Does the Hawk deadlock require adjustment over time?

[@metal_complex]

I've never had to adjust either of mine and they've been deployed hundreds of times

[@dontcare2121]

@metal_complex gotcha, thanks

[@metal_complex]

​@@dontcare2121i should clarify: if they DID end up needing to be adjusted, I am not sure it's possible.

[@dontcare2121]

@metal_complex ah, got it, good to know, thanks man

[@markaradi464]

Glad I heard you saying the Livewire is still the best buy. The Livewire can be had for as low as $220. The ZBT Ultratech is $380, the cheapest non zbt (old) Ultratech is $301. [All BladeHQ prices] Like seriously? That is ridiculously expensive for a knife that you can choose in steels from.. uhh... M390MK and then M390MK and then some M390MK. That is probably a great steel as it's reviewed and analyzed by professionals. But that's also way, way less expensive and much much worse in all categories than the Magnacut in the Livewire. Seriously... $160 more over the Livewire for 0 blade play? From that $160 I can buy another amazing knife that's also way better and comes in Magnacut, namely the Manix 2 Salt. Microtech is just out of their damn mind. PS: I do love the design, it does look very, very nice and sweet. I wish I had one but I'm not willing to put down a Livewire and a Manix 2 Salt price for one in M390MK, even.

[@Carver878]

Did you know you can reverse flick the zt 0223? Also i feel like the mission to achieve zero blade play in an otf is about as valid as the huge logos companies like to throw on blades. Or excessive jimping. Its not for everyone but those who enjoy it almost enjoy it too much😅

[@Couram]

Did you know you can front flip the shaman? Hurts like a bitch though

[@boyscout399]

The Magnuson Moss warranty act means you cannot void a warranty simply by disassembling a device.

[@Fly2kill1]

Good luck with that.

[@citizenkane454]

My only issue with microtech is their soft heat treat at that price point

[@WDA97]

It's actually illegal to void a warranty due to disassembly now

[@metal_complex]

Really? That's good to know

[@HarryBallsich]

Remove price and the type of knife. Then ask yourself would you prefer a knife "with" out "without" blade play? I bet you choose "without" blade play.

[@redrebelleader-7495]

Excluding the type of knife and then saying someone would choose a knife without blade play doesn’t make sense. For an OTF you’re going to have blade play (excluding the ZBT and Hawk)…and yet it’s still safer than a folding knife. If the lock fails in the open position the blade won’t close on your hand, and even with play it’s still stronger than most folders. So, I don’t understand what you’re getting at.

[@micon9460]

No way would I pay that much for a blade with zbt. It's a gimmick plain and simple. You can get a l8vewire for $200 and they are super light to deploy and retract.

[@P.W.R.]

Bro what? The whole point is to have an OTF with no blade play. If we remove the price and type of knife, what are we even doing? This makes no sense. Of course we all want the knife with no blade play. The point is that it's an OTF with no wiggle like the Deadlock, but costs "poor man" prices, at least in comparison. Pay what it costs or don't. No hate my guy, just don't be silly.

[@micon9460]

​@@P.W.R.. if minimal blade play bothers you you have issues. Dont be silly. Blade play doesn't affect anything about a knife. I started out with a lightning OTF almost a decade ago and if the paint didnt chip/wear off id put it up against any OTF with blade play. Long as it cuts and deploys when it should then theres no difference...but then again I actually use all my high end or low end knifes

[@whysoseriouszxd5946]

I'd rather have a knife with a little play and be way more reliable, this ZBT system is failing on people and getting stuck open, and it fails to deploy occasionally.

[@barrybueler3356]

Trade ya my old mint condition ultratech in elmax tanto rip light swoop to the edge for yours not even Brocken in yet have the box also mint condition 😊

[@micon9460]

I know you hate to hear this but I was right again. Thanks got agreeing with me.

[@metal_complex]

What were you right about and who are you?

[@markcomisky7106]

Is microtech doing this across the entire line

[@boyscout399]

I think that's safe to assume if it sells well. I would imagine ease of manufacturing with sharing parts making the mechanisms as similar as possible

[@ChairmanKimchi]

Short answer: no. Long answer: also no.

[@igoryurkin9038]

100%

[@Mastersargent3841]

For the win

[@mrbuttons1243]

No one has ever said, "man, this OTF would sure cut a whole lot better if it didn't have this littlest bit of blade play". It might be cool but it's just something for somebody to brag about. It doesn't affect performance.

[@toddjcole6935]

I still prefer my HAWK C mod.

[@mattelness2027]

I'm sure you do. But for those who don't want to spend 3000 on a knife, this will do

[@RobsJots]

I dunno. Having no blade play does make an OTF feel sturdier/safer 🤷🏻‍♂️

If anything these systems make them less safe you could alao make folders much stronger if you were fine with bladeplay

[@robthompson8285]

The only thing we humans cannot figure out is the mind of the modern female. 😅

[@cowboysilver4838]

Best comment I’ve read in awhile!

[@CINDER-QCTC]

would you spend 500 on just a game console? a fire arm? would you spend 1000$ on a cool new refrigerator that you can see through without opening it? spend money and spend as much as you want, cool shit is cool, if you living in a cardboard box then maybe this isnt the best purchase though

[@metal_complex]

Good insights, but also obvious insights. Kind of a given that if you live in a box, you don't need an expensive refrigerator but I appreciate the comment anyway

[@Fly2kill1]

Those fridges are way more then that. Mine with the screen was $5k.

[@jaredappleseed7037]

Zero blade tay

[@PeteyMcSavage]

That’s funny people buying $300 knives

[@garyjustgary5059]

That’s funny people spending $300 a month on smokes or alcohol or drugs. I’d rather buy knives.

[@Mbowen75]

Almost $200 more for zero blade play!? No thank you i just received a utx-70 from Aliexp and it has no! Let me repeat no" blade play! For $25! And i dear u to show me the difference between the two real and Aliexp and the price $25 vs $300! 🙄

[@rustyshackleford5331]

Cool sh.t isn't cheap and cheap sh.t isn't cool🤔

[@GSK4EVER]

Skip Microtech and go straight to the Hawk. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.