Absolutely WICKED! Microtech Amphibian Folding Knife - Full Review

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@roberttaylor6030]

You say you don't like a recurve, but wasn't your first "Good" knife the Blur? And didn't you say that's the one that started it all?

[@metal_complex]

​@@roberttaylor6030yep. But that was literally 17+ years ago. I don't currently like recurves

[@roberttaylor6030]

@metal_complex like a chick I bring up things out of the past, lol.

[@Lochlann13]

It blows my mind that Microtech hasn't built the Ram-Lok to include a Shark Lock style 'trigger' on the spine of the knife. It's already exposed, and seems like it'd be pretty simple. They could even use a stylized version of the switch from their OTF blades.

[@P.W.R.]

That will be put in the $1.5k Marfione custom. Lol

[@azael831]

Shark locl looks stupid, thats why.

[@badnfluence11]

I just got my Ram Lok Stitch yesterday and was thinking the same thing. Surely there will be someone who creates an aftermarket replacement for the Ram Lok 'button?' With a tab at the top. Something similar to the tab on the Winter Blade Company Severn model I would think could work perfectly.

[@chriswebb3018]

It's because that is a Demko thing. Leave the steeling designs to China

[@BrockOfBodom]

I actually had shaped a small piece of plastic to glue to the back of the ram lok, and it worked really well. Too well to not have included it factory lol

[@michaelcarr2619]

I have the apocalypse version and it’s by far my favorite knife in my collection. I don’t collect any knives that I won’t use. This is an awesome user!

[@sturmgewehr70]

Pulled the trigger on the fluted black G10 variant last night. It’s my first knife purchase of 2024 and I’m looking forward to it!

[@benmalone6968]

I love the form of like every RAM lock knife they've come up with. The stitch is perfectly urgo and still gorgeous. The MSI is like legit the most handsome knife microtech has and thr amphibian is just clean. I will say though it is my least favorite but I still love it

[@Soxguy]

Just picked up this knife in aluminum scales and apocalyptic finish from SMKW. Can’t wait to handle it! Great review, love your channel and all of your content.

[@NWEDC]

I appreciate the information on this knife, as well as the issues that Microtech has been running into with their steels and locks. I know it’s not a big deal, but it was unknown to me, and I swear im not under a rock or completely disconnected from the community so it was surprising to learn. It’s made me reconsider dropping a lot of money on a knife with potential issues I wasn’t aware of. Thanks brother.

[@machinegunmike13]

I’m glad the contego was mentioned! That’s why I’m buying one, I love my contego.

[@PinkyPowers]

I have the OD Green fluted G10 Amphiban. It arrived with pretty severe lock stick. But I kept it on my desk for a couple of weeks, and flicked it religiously, until most of it went away. I have two Ram-Lok Stitches, one G10, one aluminum, and there's no lock stick on either of those. As an owner of a few Striders, I'm accustomed to dealing with such issues. I even had to break in a Hinderer, once. Out of the 11 Hinderers I own, only one had any kind of lock stick, but it does happen.

[@Kilt_Camera_and_Carry]

I have the Fluted Aluminum from EKnives and absolutely love it!

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy and thanks! Have all three and just like your kids they all are loved and have their unique differences! They just feel good in your hands, like you actually got something for your money. Be well!

[@thevillageyid]

Is there a fixed blade version of this? I love the shape of it. Do you know of any knives that have the same shape?

[@michaeldixon3562]

Now would you suggest Alum handles or G10 ?

[@RenedeDon]

I find myself really liking the manuals over the autos from MT lately, mostly for one hand closing and fidget factor. After getting the Stitch and MSI I saw this popping on a few of the usual suspect sites so decided "why not" and got it in my preferred G10 scale. Thanks for the recommendation sir!

[@srtc317]

I have the same problem with these. I keep buying them. I think I may have a problem lol

[@No1ANTAGON1ST]

Im not saying it doesnt happen as im a newb to ram locks, but how exactly does it fail? Like the spring comes out of place or actually breaks, or something else with deployment failure?

[@metal_complex]

Geometry slip. My guess

[@HailPatrick]

Just picked up 1 of these bad boys! Thanks Metal Complex on reviewing this knife. This is what I needed to hit that "buy" button!

[@VDC_EDC]

Oh my god I just got so excited that you’re trying to swap the clip..I’ve been wanting to know this for a while

[@KO13199]

I wish I liked it. When I played with it, I had the lock get somewhat stuck at a crooked angle like the lock came down enough on one side and not the other and caused it to get stuck. It took two hands to actuate the ram-lock to close it.

[@josef6184]

If this video is uploaded about 11 months back and I find reviews about this knive that got uploaded about 1 month ago here on youtube... Way can I not find the Amphibian back on the website from microtech?

[@tacticalcenter8658]

EDCandLace: Out of the stitch and msi I had and sold the following day because of both having HRCs in the 58s and sharpening about 50 of them in the last 3 months... they are SOFT, it's soft enough that it is noticeably gummy on the stones. Plus the action on both of them is mushy as hell. I received both of mine in the same day, had them poked later that day and sold the next morning lol. If you buy a knife to use and expect serviceable edge retention then you will not be happy.

[@richardsalinetrojr1957]

I'm a bit skeptical about Microtechs Ram-locks in general. You say you haven't had any problems with any of yours, but im still skeptical about the Ram-locks engagement. I don't have an Amphibian, but I do have an MSI coming in the mail this Saturday, so I guess I'll find out for myself. I'm already a little upset with my first Microtech purchase as it is since Microtech apparently uses red loctite on their pivot on the auto Stitch. I broke 3 bits trying to break the pivot free, and now it's to the point I have to send it back to Microtech to have the pivot replaced. That's assuming I'm not able to get a new pivot from Microtech. Sent a message for replacement screws so see what they say. Either way, why th would a knife manufacturer use red loctite on their pivots?

[@jesseshultz3666]

My MSI Orange G-10 fails the spine whack pretty easy. Still, I think it will get better with use, and the chances of that kind of hit are pretty low. Just makes it something to be aware of.

[@dalecarr5445]

I’ve had an ESV and a Stitch both fail with moderate pressure. I’ve also got an ESV that’s fine.

[@rickradix7464]

I've been seeing some testing of the ram lock, and I'm not impressed.A couple of wacks and it folds. They seem weak. Can you address this?

[@Rattersar15]

I don't see how you get a Ram Lock to fail. My MSI is as solid as can be. There is so much metal blocking the blade I don't see how it can possibly move without someone moving the lock. Great knife, btw.

[@SurgingApocalypse]

Early production issues

[@MauchAdoodleDude]

Ordered mine yesterday. Can’t wait.

[@charlesmyers5039]

I struggle flicking this knife....I love it but it's hard for me to fidget with. Not sure why

[@AxelOwnsAll]

Great addition to Ram-Lok Ranch

[@Kirkster131]

Finally scored one in Green G10 whilst watching this. Still trying to get a CF handle without hitting the $3K mark. This overall package hits for me.

[@scrick7112]

Complex, use your Borka custom Stitch for size comparison. I love that folder. Great overview. Thx MC

[@jameswysocki6806]

I like recurve and this knife is gorgeous. The customs are out of this world...

[@Ado2085]

Have you heard if they are going to make a polymer version like the MSI? Absolutely love this knife but cant afford the 300 price tag Love you're channel, thank you!

[@jakeganey7032]

Those have been long out

[@Meechv1]

They definitely will at some point.

[@ExtraCrispy357]

I totally agree with you about recurve blades - I usually avoid buying them if I see that. It really is a deal breaker for me. This is a very nice knife, but, I have so many others I want to buy, so I'll wait and see if they release one in the future without the recurve. For example, I bought the Benchmade North Fork folder when it had the recurve, and now they released one with a straight blade! Ugh! Your best (literal LOL) line in this video was at: 9:15 "You can be the smartest freakin' bit wizard level 100, right? There's always those guys - 'I just got out the quality tools - that's the problem!'."😆 So true that it looks better with less billboarding. IMO, the claw logo looks super-cool, but the old style of their label made the knife look cheap (like an SOG knife). I just heard you mention that the Amphibian reminds you of the BM Contego and I shouted "YES, YES!" out loud! I thought the same thing when I first saw this knife -even though the blade shape is different. It must be the size of the knife and the milling of the scales. Take care bro!

[@ShivaShambho77]

COMPLEX! Where did you get those Ti scales for the AD-10???!

[@jonathanwatson268]

Original goat scales. They make great stuff!

[@ShivaShambho77]

@@jonathanwatson268 Thank you!

[@terryboylstein472]

My stitch is coming this week and my padre what a week!!!

[@rando27enco]

4:51 watch cutting board review video on the lock failure. It’s fine under static loads but the geometry fails under impact without alterations to the geometry.

[@BlamminJeans]

Why don't you like recurves, anything specific?

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

They're super difficult to sharpen

[@BlamminJeans]

@@HyperactiveNeuron dang, I'm new to the knife world and I bought an xm-18 recurve cuz it looked cool, never thought past aesthetics lol. Any other blade shapes that are pita? Cheers

[@southwestedc]

@@BlamminJeans The best blade shape is a drop point ;) Recurves only real downside is that theyre hard to sharpen and look kinda silly.

[@BlamminJeans]

@@southwestedc silly? I think it looks badass, like a mild kukri shape. Now for me, silly is the tanto shape.

[@southwestedc]

@@BlamminJeans To each their own I suppose. You wont catch me carrying either one but if you like that look then more power to ya. As far as practicality is concerned though a drop point/clip point or a sheepsfoot/wharnclif is definitely the way to go.

[@Kris_Stiletto]

I absolutely luv my MSI, RAM-LOK Folders. So, I had to get one of these, too... I have the Apocalyptic, Plain Edge, OD Green G-10 Model on the way. And, when the 7075 Aircraft Grade Aluminum Handled Model becomes available again, I plan on getting one of those, too... I absolutely luv the Microtech Ram-Lok Folders. Great Video! :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@Dunny901]

I'm waiting for the drop of titanium scales for the stitch and maybe if someone makes a "wave" for the stitch.

[@zbaird3]

Man some of those Custom Amphibians are Amazing... would love to have one...

[@rabbivj]

I love my amphibian! I have the fluted aluminum apoc and the CF DLC. 😊

[@trevorcrystal520]

Now that they are prioritizing the knife over the billboard I Will actually consider a Microtech. Stitch is still my front runner.

[@the_knife_degenerate]

1:55 hey that’s me!

[@michaelcarr2619]

Great video MC. Finally covered my favorite knife! Love this knife! Best overall user. I don’t like to carry anything much smaller so it’s perfect size for big guys. Really good design.

[@ravenshield7823]

Level 100 torx bit guy here, nice knife!

[@ShivaShambho77]

That ram lok does Not appear to be fully engaging. Look how much further the lock 'can' be engaged! There's a video out there, on how to tune that in.

[@metal_complex]

It engages substantially more than a typical liner or frame lock if we're talking total surface contact. I just looked and ya... substantially more

[@tgonzalez1983]

Hopefully they make as much of these as the MSI. The handles on these are on the peak of being too long. Any bigger & operating the lock would be uncomfortable

[@scottyh.6992]

I definately would like to check this one out. I looks like a custom Emerson Super Commander

[@cesarcesar5129]

Watching the full review of a knife you already own? Legend..

[@yossarian3]

Microtech needs to make a bunch of these with anodize Al scales in different colors.

[@just9911]

Can someone give me a quick and dirty explanation of what was failing? Are they unlocking or is something breaking? If it’s the lock just disengaging, I wonder if it can be fixed with spring tension.

[@sazaneyes3]

People are doing heavy spine whacks and getting the lock to disengage.

[@85bcole]

Just wondering about a deep carry clip like the one on my MSI for my amphibian. Read my mind.. Great videos

[@joshuakeltz7025]

That is a really nice looking, large folder.

[@roberttaylor6030]

You say you don't like a recurve . But wasn't your first " Good " knife a Kershaw Blur?

[@hificat101]

This knife is pretty cool, but I'd rather have that fluted aluminum Stitch. And I never wanted a Stitch at all till I saw the fluted aluminum. Don't know why, but really don't like the look of the MSI. I think it's mostly the handle I don't like.

[@JeffMountainPicker]

Great looking knife; rugged & well made!

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

Hot damn, that’s a cool looking knife 🔥

[@jonayytsunamayy8685]

I'm getting this eventually....but I'm not looking forward to sharpening it😂

[@rustyshackleford5331]

Isn't that ram-lock a ball-lock like the one on the manix 2?

[@Cyanoblades]

Nope, there's no ball. The lock up is totally different.

[@rando27enco]

Really wish this wasn’t in M390. S45vn, CTS-XHP, Magnacut and Elmax would have all been better options for this geometry and purpose.

[@skryze6381]

Agreed, my dumbass got a Glykon which I like but I hear a lot of bad things about M390 and poor heat treats on them specifically

[@southwestedc]

M390 is almost always the wrong steel for any knife or purpose except for a very small percentage. It excels at breaking down cardboard in a theoretical perfect world where youre never going to knock the edge against anything harder than oak. In real life where staples exist and people cut things other than cardboard boxes its almost always going to chip. High edge retention and low toughness is great for chef knives but not pocket knives IMO. Edit- Which is why I prefer magnacut, CPM 154, S35VN, Nitro V and vanax are all infinitely superior to m390 for basically every use case

[@joshuamackey2326]

​@@southwestedcit depends on the heat treat if the heat treat and hardness is correct m390 is a very viable steel in terms of edge retention and ease of sharpen ect but yes u are right too about magna cut and the other steels that u mentioned. the steel used in the dead lock seems to be a very good steel 20sv I believe is what it is called.

[@joshuamackey2326]

It might be 20cv it's called one of those 2

[@southwestedc]

@@joshuamackey2326 20cv is essentially the same steel as M390. I like it better just due to it being american made but it basically the same steel just from Crucible instead of Bohler.

[@Obsidian-One]

As much as I love Microtech they consistently hit in the 57 to 59 hrc range, which really sucks because imagine how insanely good they would be if they stayed sharp as long as they should...

[@the.shotgun.approach]

I don't like it. I'm returning mine on Monday. It's not fidget friendly. I'm sure it would make a great user knife, but I'm a collector. I feel the thumb studs are in the wrong place, and should be flipped around 180 degrees. The way it sits now, when you flip it open, to get the best "torque," your thumb uses the pointy narrow end and it's rather sharp. It's a beautiful knife though.

[@ix8750]

Man I would love to have one of those. Even just a regular one.

[@clintcrosby6337]

I like all the ram lok series. Thanks MC

[@blakewilson8072]

Now see, you went the opposite as me on the pocket clip compatibility; I'd have jumped to being happy I could get a deep carry clip for the Amphibian. lol. I know you don't always care about deep carry, but it's pretty essential as far as I'm concerned. To each their own tho, you do you boo! lol 😅🤣 🤣 🤣

[@Patrick2345454]

I need this in the BladeHQ Dessert Warrior color.

[@benmalone6968]

Bro I'd cop it instantly

[@nopenope7088]

Dessert or desert?

[@benmalone6968]

@@nopenope7088 he meant dessert, it sounds funny but actually the desert warrior was spelt wrong once and hence the dessert warrior was made and it’s pink and blue with sprinkles

[@benmalone6968]

@@nopenope7088 blade ha exclusive skin though

[@LanningKann]

Reminds me of the Commander.

[@P-tricky13]

I have an aluminum one coming in to match my glykon

[@JohnSmith-ze6mz]

I have never seen so many voided warranties in one video! Hehehe!

[@thewaterwarrior9817]

Honestly I really like the knife but I think its too big for my daily carry

[@orendz7740]

Certain KZbinrs are making it sound like the ram locks fail. My MSI is just fine with great action. Did I get lucky? I don’t think so.

[@Tier1deadeye]

Mey MC, get your peeps at original goat scales to get some sick MSI scales in the works!!!

[@karabinas]

Next on my list.

[@mrdoughface]

Just to let you know, coming from someone who definitely knows, WERA bits are far better than WHIA bits. Its not even close and it never has been. And YES, T6's suck. You know knives and I know bits. Ping me if you want to chat about it.

[@mrdoughface]

@68Rockwell I haven't used Blue Point bits, however I have a Gold coloured "diamond" Wera Phillips bit that I have have been screwing drywall with for 15 years! So, that's a pretty good testimonial. I'm a contractor, not a drywall guy per se and within the Wera line there are different levels of quality. I will try some blue point bits, always interested in good stuff.

[@CrazySharp]

The ram lok crew… I bet it looks like the new kids on the block

[@Chopping_Broccoli]

It’s a shame that people are going to judge M390 as a whole based upon the Play-Doh that is M390mk.

[@Sleepy_spartan717]

I wish I liked bar lock knives. I know these are different, but I’m a huge detent whore. After my arius and others in that level, it’s hard to be content with axis style locks. Even the shark lock is a bit mushy for me even though I absolutely love the fidget factor of them. I had my 20.5 for a few months and sold it because it didn’t get much pocket time those funds went to the PNW Wharnetac and I’ve not regretted that purchase in the slightest. Such an amazing deal at 225 with all ti construction, 20cv with the hollow grind, insane got and finish and an almost perfect 1:1 weight to blade ratio. The detent on that knife is nothing short of glorious.

[@mynamesjeff347]

Wow still no CJRB frack ??!!

[@paullmight42]

The customs are bonkers...it's a good lookin knaf...

[@theallix]

I would kill for this to be a wee bit smaller

[@Buzz-Killjoy]

Any idea why this is called the "Amphibian," specifically..? I guess you could ask why a lot of knives are named what they are, but I'd expect something like a diving knife to be named this. Maybe it's just me. 🤷‍♂ I guess I could try to research it myself, but hey - that's what we have you for, right?

[@leotam3372]

I think Microtech was going for the navy seals theme. The original liner lock and auto versions came around the same time as the UDT (underwater demolition team/SEAL) knife

[@w.ericwatt2987]

Absolutely WICKED...that baby is going to trim some fingers. Beautiful knife just as it is !

[@dougputhoff3215]

Just ordered from Knife HQ…..

[@jakeganey7032]

It's like if the arbiter was a folder

[@Digspig]

Huh. I guess that’s why I like it 😂

[@RiverWilliamson]

T6 mini-rant

[@JimJones762x39]

What gas station sells knives anyway? Is that really a thing?

[@neongirl]

The blade of this knife folds like a falling guillotine. I dread to imagine what will happen to the tip of my finger if it accidentally ends up in the path of the blade.

[@Garflog643]

Level 100 T6 Wizard 😂

[@mikereese15]

Thats a big ole blade.

[@VDC_EDC]

Aww man big sad. No fit. 😢

[@SeacryBlastsAloT]

Hardcore SMEXY!

[@Cyanoblades]

T6 torx suck!

[@alwayson999]

What's with all the giggling and chuckling? Like dude, just stick to the script and review the knife. Everyone, do not use his links to buy anything.

[@alwayson999]

This video is so boring that I'm looking forward to it being over

[@krazy_roach1698]

Thanks