Microtech MSI that stays locked? We WON ​Shoutout to ⁠

[@CuttingBoardRx]

How about the news? Finally industry reacts. Not even a year has passed since I published the first videos showing the failure 😂 Here are the links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqLEl3-lrtGVjdE kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnnVf6Nvjq-nbbc

[@sloppyfinish]

would be nice to see microtech up their hrc in a similar amount of time

[@aslamsa50]

Thank you for the mention 😊. Exposing such quality issues is good for the customer as well as for the manufacturer, especially for a company like Microtech that cares about their quality and reputation. Respect for everything! 😃

[@MedHead1]

Thank YOU for the assistance my man. Good looking out.

[@Brye29]

They are still making the groved stop pin beyond March 2024. I've seen some date June and July 2024 that still have it. I think it could just be a fluke his wasn't groved. So issue may still be there

[@chanabhaji2726]

I had benchmade mini Ritter with the lock bar gap many years ago. Spent hours filling the tang to get it to engage correctly and get rid of the wiggle. It's good you've brought this to our attention hopefully now makers will see these videos and start to improve the quality. Good lad you, keep up with the scrutiny it needs to be addressed

[@mel87123]

Your review likely contributed to the development of a better product! These companies might not like what you have to say, but you are doing the industry and the consumer a favor!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Thank you! I think my videos pushed some bigger channels with a combined total of over a million subscribers to acknowledge the problem publicly. What is outrageous is that Microtech did not recall these knifes even though they clearly considered unlocking to be an issue.

[@powersww1reset]

Yep, this channel and Aaron, over at Gideons Tactical, surely lit a fire!

[@strongishpath1556]

@@CuttingBoardRxthat’s wild to me. I wonder if Benchmade would have recalled a knife with a failure like that!

[@alexaliwarlock]

Always great to see companies fixing their blunders. Excellent comparison and shout outs to Aslam 🙌

[@CuttingBoardRx]

We should push for recall. Microtech made this sneaky update and now they think it’s all good…

[@alexaliwarlock]

@@CuttingBoardRx that is an excellent point

[@powersww1reset]

Now if they would just compensate their loyal fans, who bought it first but then got screwed with a flawed dangerous product 🫤. Just like Benchmade, they quietly fix it, which is 100% admittance that they sent out a faulty product, and still profited just the same. Pretty shady business practices. Could have offered a flippin T-shirt or something to the “Shang hi’d fans

[@DanMatheny-sl7xk]

My MSI is dated 03-24 and has the ribbed stop pin that you older version has. I unfortunately don’t currently have a caliper to measure, but I spine striked it decently hard several times with zero lock failure.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

That’s good news for those of us who may choose to modify the blade to make it work

[@jasonbruchmiller4580]

For what it's worth, I also have a 11/2023 polymer MSI that I purchased 1/2024 with the ribbed stop pin that I have yet to fail. I started with the same upside down wack on a stump that gave you a scar. I've since used the side of a thick wood strop striking from the top down from tip to stop pin. I used a rubber mallet today before this post. Maybe a one off or maybe they were already tweaking the lock face in November based on existing feedback.

[@passwurd7987]

My MSI was made on 12/23, while the stop pin still has channels the lock was updated to seat on the blade a bit better. Copying your spinewack test, it holds up.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@passwurd7987 I actually think that the smooth pin is a ribbed pin sleeved on a few knives. This was occurring for 1-2 months in February-May 2024. I am speculating because I haven’t had a first hand experience with one made like this

[@patrickduncan9584]

picking up a Stitch dated 12/23 over the weekend, nervously waiting to see how its going to hold up, really appreciate you bringing attention to the topic

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Sure thing. I was able to get my 10/2023 Stitch to work by flattening the blade engagement surface. But I’m just a mechanical engineer, so wtf do I know?

[@patrickduncan9584]

@@CuttingBoardRx a lot more than me! So if I do have this issue I’m turning it in on their warranty, I’m buying it used but it shouldn’t matter

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@patrickduncan9584 they will say its inappropriate use. One of the comments says they increased the stop pin diameter by .010” That’s a lot in machining world.

[@patrickduncan9584]

@@CuttingBoardRx got my Stitch in, its perfect, lockups perfect, I didnt knock it too hard but it looks/feels solid!

[@OldDominionEDC]

I'm glad MT has fixed the defective design. My big problem is that MT had to have known about the defect before Blade Show '23, did not issue a recall, and continued putting defective Ram-Loks on the market.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

They sent the updated knife without the stop pin screws, with moded ram loc to metal_complex though just to make sure that the older version is sufficiently swept under the rug

[@AMR33DRZ]

Recently purchased an aluminum OD Stitch with the ram lok. Originally saw stassa23 video comparing the two. Sold my MSI because of it. Not sure if it failed or not. So the stitch I acquired a few days ago has a date of 06/24. Has the fancy stop pin. Has good engagement on the tang. I hand selected at a local shop so I looked at how far the lock was engaging on the tang. After watching your videos I started looking at it. However noticed the tang is flat and don't see a physical bump at the end. Also I can't see a flattened spot on my ram bar. Didn't take apart yet so not sure. I was concerned because on my example the ram lok is like in the middle at full lock up... Found a wooden dowel about a 1/4" in diameter, spine wacked it several times. Maybe doesn't have enough mass. Put the stick on my table and hit the knife down how you did. Lock never fail thankfully. Just thought I'd share what I see different on my stitch

[@Warsmith_Honsou]

I have a version like yours, only the coating on the blade is apocalyptic. And I don't have any problems with the lock. I think they changed the stopping pin only because the original pin with the groove quickly wore out, which led to play in the blade. The problem with the lock, it seems to me, is connected only with flaws in the processing of parts and general quality control.

[@patricksmatrick6193]

I don’t know, I have the similar stop pin on my stitch auto and zero issues. They’ve used those stop pins for a while on other models that went on for years with no issues.

[@Mesmerizing_dogma]

Apparently they've changed back the stop-pin to the textured version. I've seen photos of the newest Stitch in Tan Aluminum dated April 2024, it had a textured one. I've handled the G-10 Stitch from February 2024 and it had a flat pin. This is weird

[@bighaggis4825]

The stop pin change seems to be a little inconsistent. I just got a brand new one today dated 04/2024, and it definitely has the lock bar interface change, but has the older grooved stop pin. However I cannot get it to fail on the spine whack, and I’ve hit pretty hard. Personally I’d prefer the non grooved stop pin, but the knife seems as solid as can be, so I’m curious to know why some are coming with grooved pins and some aren’t.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Are they scraping the bottom of the parts bin?

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

They 100% knew they had a problem. That’s why I take issue with people who blindly support these companies, even after you demonstrate on camera they have problems. Many have shown this issue, you just showed why it was happening. I’m glad it brought it to light and they fixed it.

[@Knivess0]

They don't want to admit they spent hundreds on dollars on brand alone.

[@GerstBladeworks]

The issue is 95 % of folks buying knives nowadays only care about either : aesthetics, “fidget ability” (whatever the heck that means) , pocket presence as in more of a luxury item like a purse for ladies..or scalpers buying them all up to resell on eBay .. only 5 percent use knives as intended and even less do it with intentions of hard use because they don’t want scratch it.. like it’s a toy. It’s not, it’s a tool and should be used as such

[@GerstBladeworks]

@@Knivess0that apart of the problem too. Simply ridiculous

[@MedHead1]

Bless you my man, your videos show the truth to these makers who cut corners.

[@ShinyFallingStar]

I have a 03/2024 MSI. I do not have calipers, but it is either exactly or almost the same width of a 1/4" torx bit. I am using a wiha bit for comparison. Original Goat scales have an image for which scales fit the new one, it looks exactly like that.

[@harryanderson7282]

What about the Stitch and Amphibian models? Where they as inherently unsafe/prone to that type of catastrophic failure as the MSI? I ask b/c I was seriously contemplating getting one, but now am unsure as to whether I'd want to expose myself to that degree of potential danger.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@harryanderson7282 all 3 were. And I know for sure that MSI and Amphibian were fixed, possibly stitch as well. The lock geometry was completely altered.

[@harryanderson7282]

@@CuttingBoardRx I appreciate the timely response! On purchasing a newly manufactured example of any of those three knives what date would represent a redesigned model?

[@makikarp]

My MSI dated 02/2024 had the smooth stop pin but my Stitch dated 03/2024 still has the channeled stop pin. I have also found pictures online where Stitch from 02/2024 having the smooth stop pin but MSI w. G10 scales still have the channeled ones. It feels like Microtech just grabs whatever available on hand

[@JamesReedy]

Hrmm I have 3 MSI’s two with the G10 scales (the second is on its way, it’s a gift for someone) and 1 with the Carbon Fiber scales (signature) will have to check. I think they’re pretty recent and they have the more detailed stop piece.

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

Solid overview, my guy. Great looking knife. I'm very fascinated by the MSI but I'm worried that it strays a bit too far from the classic styling that appeals to me most and enters that modern, techy, "space cadet" category that tends to grow old very quickly for me. I stopped buying knives that I think I might not stay in honeymoon phase with and buy only the more traditional, classy and timeless designs. Yeah I know that can be boring but I just hate that feeling when I've spent $200 to $600 on something and I begin wondering why I even bought it. Such is my crux i suppose. Great freakin' knife though! Who knows, maybe I'll pick one up some day. We'll see. Stay CHAAARRP, mane!

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

dang man that instant spinewhack fail was scary!🤯 i absolutely hate it when such design flaws happen, almost severed my pinky because of a faulty lock on a kizer. thank you very much for revealing such flaws, people like you make companies change and improve their products!👍👌 sadly my frag-g10 msi is one of the older ones, i'll eventually try the spinewhack test but i have not much hope lol...

[@lsimm15]

I have an amphibian and stitch both dated 4/24. I bought them as factory seconds. Both of them still have the ribbed stopped pin. If I was home I’d get some pictures. I’m a truck driver nature of the beast.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Good info! Safe travels!

[@LanningKann]

Funny thing. I have a newer version. (Before I knew it was a newer one) and was confused by the smooth stop pin. At first I thought maybe I bought a clone. Lol. Once I realized it was a real MSI after doing some back checking with the dealer, I emailed Microtech asking if I could buy the older style sculpted stop in since it looked cool. They won’t do that. Mine also has the new style engagement “hump” on the tang. So yes, can confirm that MT made a design change. If you’re buying an MSI, look for the smooth stop pin before buying. I suspect the smooth stop pin is very so slightly smaller in circumference which would allow the lock bar to engage ever so slightly closer on the tang.

[@patricksmatrick6193]

I think being channeled or not isn’t irrelevant to lock up at all, but it is cheaper to manufacture the smooth surface. I say the because they’ve used the decorative stop pins on a few models with no issues.

[@SimonRiley115]

I've seen several videos of people having issues with the lock on these

[@CuttingBoardRx]

For the record, mine was the first 😉 and the amount of hate mail I received was crazy! Oh, you shouldn’t do it to a knife bla bla bla…

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

@@CuttingBoardRxhey you did people a favor, those who complain are blind sheep. You should expect a lock to work for your money, period and safety.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@BrandonGavin_EDC Thanks! I don’t understand some people…

[@HarryBallsich]

@@CuttingBoardRx I understand. KZbinrs who don't want to bite the hand that feeds them, and people that made a poor choice who want to justify it so they blindly ignore the truth.

[@Browncoatful]

I have a Microtech MSI that was made on 6/24 that is more comparable to the 2023 model you showed except for the engagement geometry which appears more like the 2024 model shown. I did however do a spine whack test and saw no failures.

[@joeinnovative8948]

I have a newer MSI from 01/24, it is the older style grooved pin and measures at 0.224" Sadly if I hold it up and tap it like you did with yours, it will snap shut. I have a call into Microtech to see if they will resolve the issue for me

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Oh man, I’m sorry to hear this! Please keep the record of any conversation with them and let us know what they do!

[@joeinnovative8948]

​@@CuttingBoardRx, I called and left a message today and I will post their reply if I get a call back

[@adamposey6985]

I just bought one from smkw that has the all the attributes of the older knife you showed. It's date is 06/2024...

[@Rottidog68]

Lazy Nov. 11 at home & I got to thinking. (I should have warned you 1st, my apologies) I have a couple MSI & a Stich I got from an ebay seller, selling 'Chinatechs' Microtechs & other brands like Spyderco, Demko, Cold Steel, Tangyuan666. I got 2 (they screwed up an order & sent 1 in error) of the inexpensive fiber reinforced nylon (FRN) scaled MSI & their carbon fiber scaled Stitch. I have a 'Spyderco' Shaman in jade scales & Manix 2 in G10 that I believe is a Blade HQ knock-off with the jade scales & 'M4' steel. The Microtechs all had the Ram-Lok issue of failing the spine whack test. Easily corrected with a fine diamond file, emery cloth, Dremel kit works wonders with buffing & material removal & a lot of diss & re-assembly to get the right fit. The build quality on such inexpensive knives is surprising. Albeit, I don't know the HRC of the steel or what steel it is exactly. But they take screaming edges. I'd like to see how they'd survive (or not) your durability tests... after correcting the Ram-Lok issue that will almost certainly be present. I believe their Shamans are all auctions with sales usually around $30 USD +/-. The Stitch's are $55 USD OBO & the MSI with FRN are $35 USD OBO. As I said, not expensive but very functional for those that would like to get the feel of a particular knife without spending a few hundred dollars 1st. I'm curious if you'd grab one or 2 & beat the 'Special High Intensity Training' out of them & see how they'd fair? I was thinking of emailing this to you, but then I thought (again) why not on a video of his about Microtechs & see if other viewers might be interested & leave a LIKE to show interest? See, I should have warned you I was thinking today. 😊😎

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@Rottidog68 Sir, I appreciate your motivation to help the other folks find good deals but I don’t sell knives on this channel. Please don’t post any product links to knives. Pretty sure everyone here is aware of various clones of popular knives and I see no value in promoting them any further. I did a video about one clone and it clearly shows that their “D2” was softer than dog poop. That said, if anyone is looking to experience a cheap version of a new and unusual locking system, these may be ok.

[@Rottidog68]

@@CuttingBoardRx Links? I mentioned a place where I got some knives. I didn't imply anything about you selling knives. You delve into knives in ways that are uncommon on YT. I figured it could be interesting content comparing what you have already & what inexpensive would be. Won't happen again.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@Rottidog68 No problem.

[@robertstratton1805]

Well done, sir

[@elChristian760]

I just received one yesterday with a 2024 date but the older ribbed stop pin. Wish I could measuring tool.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@elChristian760 No worries, the key is if they fixed the blade to ramp engagement. Smooth pin is just cosmetic. BTW, how come you are not subscribed to this channel? Don’t you want to see honest reviews before you buy your next knife?

[@elChristian760]

@CuttingBoardRx subbed lol I let daughter use phone so I watch from the shadows most of the time, so she doesn't have recommended videos.

[@anxiety762mm]

My MSI is dated 7/24 and has the same stop pin as yours. Mine is a g10 model. So maybe they do the polymer versions differently?

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@anxiety762mm I actually think that the smooth pin is actually sleeved on a few knives. This was occurring for 1-2 months in February-May 2024. I am speculating because I haven’t had a first hand experience with one made like this

[@kolibria1999]

I have microtech msi date 09/2023 and its not have a problem i just hit a blade tip with wood hit it 10 times like you do in a video and its not collapse or bracke mine is ok 🤗

[@russellcharles7839]

Have a 9/23 msi also. Couldn't get mine to fail.

[@lag1791]

MSI 5/2024 Here and my stop pin is ribbed, FYI. No issue with the lock bar though.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Yep, the smooth pin was some kind of a production fluke. The key is whether the tang is flat.

[@bobshreders5038]

I just received the Smokey Mountain Knife Works exclusive MSI with the olive green FRN handles and coyote tan blade. It dates 6/24. It has the grooved stop pin. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️. I sure hope it’s not a lemon.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

I came to a conclusion that the grooved/not grooved pin is not the determining factor. I have a short video where you can see the blade tang difference: Did Microtech fix MSI, Amphibian, and Stitch Ram Lock? Quietly?Without announcing it? kzbin.infonp9a53pNYB0?feature=share

[@bobshreders5038]

Thank you! I’ll check it out 😊

[@横内重雄]

The blade stop pin on my Stich dated 07/24 has a circular milling.

[@Rottidog68]

Wow, did you get it from Microtech, an authorize retailer or Ebay/AliExpress etc? I'm thinking (hoping) that it's an NOS (New Old Stock).

[@横内重雄]

@@Rottidog68 Factory new from DLT.

[@Rottidog68]

@@横内重雄 In this video he pointed out the new stop pin and that the ribs are gone. I'm not sure 100% that if the pin has been changed, that the lock-up "Standard Issue" was addressed at the same time. One would think so lol. I haven't checked out the links CBX posted in the post below this, but their has been updates, it seems.

[@Chris-ox7qx]

.235 new style (2/24) pin diameter. Measured with calibrated Mitutoyo calipers.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Aha!!! I wonder why…. Lol And thank you so much!!!

[@Chris-ox7qx]

@@CuttingBoardRx …but still have ~40 thousands gap in front of ram-lock (measured perpendicular to lock face)

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Does it hold? Please don’t try for the sake of a comment. unless you already did. It’s a very unsafe test

[@Chris-ox7qx]

@@CuttingBoardRx I gave her some light whacks against wood when your first vid went out but didn’t get her to break free. But I didn’t hit as hard as you did. 🤷🏻

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@Chris-ox7qx good news for you: when they fail, it doesn’t take much.

[@jays8662]

I purchased an MSI maybe 2 months ago, have been EDC it since i got it. I can send it to you for review if you like.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

I have two plus Stitch and Amphibian all from 2023. I wouldn’t put someone’s knife through my kind of testing, but I sincerely appreciate your trust!

[@justinjung1631]

My 10/23 amphibian had the fluted stop pin my 1/24 is solid no fluting like your MSI’s

[@jordanns010]

I ordered this exact color limewire from blade HQ but it was in transit for like 2 weeks and seemed to be lost in the mail. I called blade HQ and thet offered to send me another one (in green) just pay the difference in price ( I think it was like 20 bucks more for the green one). About an hour later I decided to check the first tracking number and it went from "in transit" to "out for delivery" lol. 2 days later the green one was delivered. I got 2 limewires for the price of one 😂

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Should you not have returned it? This way you would feel good about being honest and then someone would be able to buy it from their bargain bean

[@Tommyhawk068]

I have an MSI dated 2/2024 and it WILL fail a heavy spine wack. Light to medium hits are ok but for heavy hitters it definitely fails. I don’t condone to hitting knives like that of course but I just thought I’d share. As far as the updated parts mine definitely has been updated compared to yours.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

This is an important finding!

[@gavin1585]

My MSI dated 06/2024 looks just like the 2023 model in the video.

[@dynamicfirearmsinc432]

OMG was going to buy microtech socom bravo next mouth. I just bought the Livewire now I wanted to by a Manual knife by them. Man I did not want to spend 337- on this if it junk.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Sir, you kinda mixed a few things here 😅 Livewire is a Kershaw product that is the best OTF that I ever tested on this channel: Can an OTF Automatic knife survive abuse? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpicdJJ4pc1_r9U Socom bravo is a Chinese made knife that Rike makes under Microtech label. And I agree, that’s a poser junk knife with a strong gasoline odour (as in gas station knife) That said, the Socom Elite Tactical is an excellent US made piece of gear with a lock completely different from the one in this video. Hope that helps!

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

The Socom is rock solid, even the Chinese made Bravo. They have manual elites in stock right now that are perfection. The only problem I have is Microtech runs their m390 way too soft.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@BrandonGavin_EDC ha! You just gave me an excuse to use my brand new portable hardness tester 😁 What do you think M390 should be at?

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

@@CuttingBoardRx preferably around 61-62 HRC. Anything above 60 is pretty good. Microtech has been known to be at the low end of around 58. Even Remette a brand new Chinese company is putting out M390 testing in the 62.7 HRC range. Testers like yourself are why Benchmade had to totally revamp their M4 on the Bailout, when it dropped it was so bad you couldn’t even sharpen it.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@BrandonGavin_EDC I have both MSI and new Remette falcon with pivot button lock in front of me as we speak. Let’s see

[@Stevieray55]

Think it is a matter of every once in a while a lemon slips through I've got MSI with original stop pin and no issues locks up solid and I've got Amphibian with new stop pin no groves and no issues either locks solid I may take closer look later time maybe get back to ya

[@Metalhead-4life]

That a fisheye camera lens. Whatever it is is distracting. Great info though thanks!

[@olegpan1]

Hope, Amphibian will change the same way. But when we buying via internet - who knows, what will be sent

[@CuttingBoardRx]

The Amphibian is much pricier than MSI, so it will probably be the last to get the upgrade. The more expensive a knife is, the less likely it will be used hard. What’s sucks, most likely the parts aren’t interchangeable

[@olegpan1]

@@CuttingBoardRx bad to hear. I don't like MSI, but Amphibian is in my top-3 list for buying. After zt0393 maybe )

[@dmg4415]

I assume that this knife is very expensive, so they should offer a rebuild on its warranty. No questions asked as it is a safety issue.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

It’s their cheapest us-made knife at $176

[@dmg4415]

@@CuttingBoardRx As it is unsafe, they should still offer it. A bad rep is an expense you have to pay for a long time.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@dmg4415 they quietly fixed it. MKM did the same with Yipper but Petersen/Knafs fessed up to that ( with my friendly reminder)

[@GregJK1]

Here is a video of the action on the new MSI. kzbin.infopwscD2ix9og?si=4vGEBFMme8l3o53G

[@CuttingBoardRx]

KZbin isn’t letting me see it. You have to save it as “unlisted” and email me the link

[@GregJK1]

@@CuttingBoardRx I changed to unlisted. Please let me know if that works.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

@@GregJK1 Aha, good job, looks like the ramp angle changed. Thanks!

[@GregJK1]

@@CuttingBoardRx Happy to contribute.

[@geraldwiedemann2126]

Btw they sellin msi replica now 🤫 how do we know if this isnt the replica?

[@CuttingBoardRx]

We just know.

[@shawynporcaro6148]

@@CuttingBoardRxI just recieved my new Msi today. Production date 05/2024. It has the stop pin with the grooves.

[@HarryBallsich]

Good to see that they are even making changes. This is the content I'm subbed for. Have been holding off on buying a sitch or msi for this very reason.

[@GregJK1]

I can send you a video I made of the action upon request.

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Sure, my email is in the channel description.

[@CopLoverDontShoot]

so I just got an msi and mine does not unlock even if I beat it pretty hard. But mine is manufactured 05/2024 and uses the pin like yours. But the gap is even bigger on mine than yours. Mine also has g10 scales I'm not sure if that would matter.