Microtech Combat Troodon: $530 Real vs. $45 HiFinder Clone Pt. 1

[@GigiEDC]

Hey everyone, I made the update showing the internals between the real and fake Combat Troodon if you’d like to learn more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hanEfph3rtSkgJYsi=gV6xVMMSrMlEM9cH Additional specs: Blade widths using a caliper - Counterfeit: 0.820 in (20.83 mm) Authentic: 0.842 (21.39 mm) Lock up: 9:09 Handle materials according to manufacturers - Counterfeit: 7075 aluminum Authentic: 6061 aluminum

[@greebuh]

Iv'e lost a few very expensive knives and now I like copies.

[@GigiEDC]

I hear you my friend, I thought I lost my CT a few days ago and I nearly panicked 😅

[@greebuh]

@GigiEDC I lost a Gaurdian Tactical 035 dagger. Wasnt cool, i really liked that knife. Still have my Recon Elite though.

[@GigiEDC]

Btw: The authentic CT is in an apocalyptic finish, the counterfeit is a stonewash. Also at 2:42 I meant to say the switch on the genuine CT doesn’t bother me personally.

[@Sharkzbladezngunz]

Excellent comparison video

[@GigiEDC]

Thank you brother!

[@andrejbolcha3368]

I’ve just spent around 2k last month for mct knives and dying to see what are the internal differences between those two. Also not one person open new scarab gen 3 to look inside. I think microtech knows nobody opens them or really use so they don’t bother to make them better quality for actual use. I THINK not saying that is true. Thank you for informing video

[@GigiEDC]

Thank you for your comment and view! And wow, $2K is a lot. I hope you enjoy them. I will absolutely do a video comparing the internals between the two very soon. I’ve done it off camera and I think you’d be surprised at the similarities between them internally. I’m waiting to get my Gen III Combat Troodon back from Microtech (sent it in for excessive blade play) and I’ll do a video of its internals as well.

[@GigiEDC]

Just made the video going over the internals. I hope this helps, if you have any questions feel free to ask. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hanEfph3rtSkgJYsi=YY1bjqf7McdHo8-R

[@3quartertim3]

Polish the back of the buttons…I do my clones and my real ones. Makes a big difference!

[@GigiEDC]

Great info!

[@Elmax17.5dps]

Ive always seen 21618 07/21 on hifinders. The 21616 is usually the jufule that hifinder made for his brand. They are made the same but the 21618 models have a better heat treat, sharper tolerances and sprung buttons

[@GigiEDC]

Really? I didn’t know anything about this, I’m going to check this out! If it’s better tolerances and quality I’d love to pick one up to check it out. Thanks for letting me know!

[@B-leafer]

Where can I get the clone??

[@GigiEDC]

You can search on DHgate or AliExpress. It’ll be under the brand Hifinder but sellers pop up, get banned and pop up again under a different name. They’ll usually be in the $40-$60 range. Avoid Wish if you can and any models under $25. Good luck and let me know if you need more help!

[@3quartertim3]

@@GigiEDCmy card gets marked some weird way… did you have trouble ordering from them?

[@GigiEDC]

@@3quartertim3 On which site, or both? I’ve never had any issue ordering although I’ve only ever used my debit card via Apple Pay.

[@olegkrasko8928]

i have original CT D/E 2023 and hifinder clone D/E 2023, and the second one is excellent knife except of the old school button which I admit is not very convenient considering the strength of the spring. Otherwise, there are no complaints about the mechanics, the backlash is even slightly less than that of the original MT.

[@GigiEDC]

Glad you’re enjoying your HiFinder my friend! Yes my issues are the same as yours - I feel that the switch is too small for the spring’s force. I do think a small amount of oil can help minimize the force required to open it though. Overall, it’s a great knife for the price. I just wish it didn’t use Microtech logos - a clone is better than a counterfeit in my view. Take care and thanks for commenting!

[@olegkrasko8928]

@@GigiEDC I took a different approach, I glue 2-3 layers of nylon (kapton) duct tape on the bottom of button. this can be done with hifinder/VESPA (CT clone, scarab 2 gen 2 clone, CT gen 3 clone) since the bottom surface is flat. but consider what shear force of the button on CT (near the blade ejection point) is about 3kg this is not very helpful😂😂😂

[@GigiEDC]

@@olegkrasko8928That’s very smart, I’ve never thought of that. I think a lot of people would find that tip useful. Thank you for commenting!

[@3quartertim3]

Little to no difference I have both and the hifinder actually has less play. I guess the steels better in my MT but idk

[@GigiEDC]

This is my conclusion as well. HiFinder consistently has a better lock up but lower quality blade steel, although it’s still respectable. They do offer M390 versions now though! The 7075 aluminum on the fake is also better than MT’s 6065.

[@3quartertim3]

@@GigiEDCI think parts replacement may be an issue with clones idk. Are the screws and springs the same?

[@박성민-i5y]

Does it still work?

[@GigiEDC]

I actually gave this one to a friend that I work with, he’s been using it for months and no issue. I’m really surprised by how well it’s held up because he puts it through hell. Funny enough, the spring on my real one broke last week and it’s newer than this one and it’s certainly been babied more. Take care!

[@박성민-i5y]

@@GigiEDC Well done thank you bro🙏

[@shoot-n-scoot3539]

Too much money for the real Microtech. I can get a high quality pistol for that price. Thanks for the review of both knives.

[@GigiEDC]

I’ve had this same thought. It’s certainly not for everyone - the price also keeps many people from using it and enjoying it even if they do buy one. I’m very happy with mine but I probably wouldn’t buy a second one. Take care and thanks for commenting!

[@frankatkins4969]

Honestly the fakes are good enough. Not paying $500 for a tad better or the name brand.

[@GigiEDC]

I love having both but I certainly enjoy using my fake more than my real one. If I drop the fake I couldn’t care less, if I drop the real one there’s definitely some real disappointment there. I do enjoy having the real one in my hands of course but at the end of the day they’re tools! Take care!