Microtech MSI & Stitch Review and Testing The Ram Lok

[@willw3298]

My MSI is dated 02/2023. No failures to date. Just spine wacked it a dozen times after watching your video and still no failure. Im definitely keeping mine and I recently added a Stitch ramlok to the collection as well. Thanks for all the testing and reviews!!!

[@Stassa23]

That is awesome to hear so hopefully that is when they corrected the problem thanks for the update 👍🍻🍻

[@TripleEEDC]

Great job on this! This is now THE definitive video on this issue, and your explanations are very well reasoned and paired with solid evidence.

[@proraptor4146]

I wanted one of these so bad until I started seeing vids of lock failures. Its amazing that other reviewers gave it a good rating even though there is a major issue with lock failure. Thank you for being honest

[@cwalker228]

Same here

[@Thekulprit92]

If these were 3v or 4v, maybe k390, id be all over these, but every microtech I've ever used weather it was elmax or m390, it never held an edge

[@Stassa23]

I may not be the best reviewer but I can always guarantee that I will be honest, the whole point of this channel is to help people make informed decisions about the knives that they are interested in 👌 I appreciate your support 🍻🍻

[@Stassa23]

@@Thekulprit92 even though they definitely didn’t wow me with edge retention, they are far better than my older Microtech knives 🍻🍻

[@markpettie681]

@@Thekulprit92 Microtech knives are overrated and overpriced!! They build solid knives with good steel then they ruin it by treating it to soft! Also the springs in their auto knives. LUDT are soft garbage and prematurely fail as well!! Freakin absurdly lame!!

[@noahfournier9034]

That price point and that lock performance is completely unacceptable

[@joeftan]

Really, at any price point that lock performance is unacceptable and unsafe. One knows not to try batoning with a small slip joint knife. Expectations are very different with the MSI.

[@proraptor4146]

Agree 100%

[@tallica4life81]

Mine is a December of 2023 build date with a good lock up. I can spine wack the heck out of mine. It also has lock stick.

[@licencepo4616]

And he say i think it’s a good deal 😂9:29

[@Stassa23]

@@licencepo4616 compared to other American Made knives it is a good deal

[@the_knights_edge]

You're one of the reasons I started a channel! Love your content man!

[@fredstephens6737]

I've been considering the MSI, but came away very impressed with the Stitch. The testing of both and the dissassembly/diagnosis of the MSI were also impressive. Great job!

[@LAG3]

Great review. Short, concise, and to the point. This is exactly why I don't hunt the first version or wait for drops. I've gotten older and become much more patient. I can wait for people to start reviewing a new knife, pros and cons, etc. I am still interested in the MSI, I am much more eager to see if they get rid of the proprietary screws. That's the reason I haven't owned a MT since the early 2000s.

[@Stassa23]

I hate the proprietary screws, I was really happiest to see the MSI and the Stitch don’t have them 🍻🍻

[@Joshua-lx4ck]

Dude, freaking awesome review!!! I am wanting to acquire both of these here knives and I greatly appreciate your non-jaded reviews of them! It seems the early MSI fails even worse than the early Kiver Drop Bears do lol. Stassa you are the best man!! Thank you greatly for what and how you do!!!

[@DoubleDetent]

I have a stitch ramloc born on 6/23 it is Rock solid and I cannot make it fail. I really love it and have no complaints. Edge retention is obviously not the best but not bad and certainly good enough for what I use it for. Ergos are amazing in my hand. One of the top three knives for me this year.

[@jasonbruchmiller4580]

I just got my polymer MSI. First knife of the new year. It was born 11/2023. No issues spine wacking or mild batoning but yeah the edge is soft. Just got my first manix 2 lw in magnacut today and there is just no comparison in edge performamce. The manix was $12 cheaper too. I like the MSI but i love the manix 2 salt.

[@Damen0530]

The MSI is awesome, no lock failures on mine 👍

[@justthetipedc7835]

I literally smack my unit like a chimp on crack and it’s good to go. I’ll count myself lucky because many people have been having problems lately. It’s really unfortunate because they are wonderful US value knives

[@coleporter20]

Same here. My MSI has been my workhorse for a while and it’s been flawless.

[@Treeguy-ny6vb]

Same here, no issues with mine and I whacked the shit out of it like 10 times. Hopefully they fixed the problem because I love the knife. The mark on mine on the ledge on the spine looks like it goes deeper in on mine.

[@chrishinkle5982]

Haven’t tried a MSI but my Stitch dated 09/2023 has been great locked up like a vault and I love it one of my favorite knives! Thanks for sharing bud!👊🏻

[@ryandye6242]

I can’t wait to see what they tell you

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

Yes! Please do an update video to let us know how they fix your MSI

[@DonFarmer-sh7ml]

excellent reviews as always. i have both the msi and the stitch (recent additions). didn't disassemble them, but both passed spine whack test with no failures.

[@MASHEDMallow11]

I purchased the msi first and just never fell in love with it, sold it 3 weeks later. Got the stitch a few weeks later and love it. The ram lock just feels better on the stitch. I don't spine whack and I don't put a lot into the spine whacks, the msi just felt incomplete for some reason

[@mynamesjeff347]

That's funny cuz I have both and feel the same way. Msi is nice it's big it's light but just boring compared to my stitch

[@Stassa23]

The only reason I do the spine whack tests from time to time is because I’ve had 2 knives that failed on me during normal testing, I had my thumb on the spine in a Sabre grip pushing through some rubber and the other one it was a triple walled TV box. I got two stitches from the cardboard one and luckily the blade got stuck in the cardboard one. So it’s probably just fear based for me 👍🍻🍻

[@MASHEDMallow11]

@@Stassa23 that's the first good reason I have heard to check that

[@Stassa23]

@@MASHEDMallow11 I’m sure most people would never have that happen because they don’t use their knives like that but it something I enjoy doing 👍

[@KandKo]

You should put at least a bit into spine whack tests.... yes, if you are smashing a folding knife on it's spine as hard as you can, it isn't doesn't have any real world value. However, this knife is a prefect example of why people do them. It is failing the spine whack test with such little energy, this knife could literally close on your hand in a stressful, life or death situation. That is something anyone who carries a folding knife should want to be aware of.

[@TheJohnbortle]

I'm kinda glad it took me as long as it did for me to get an MSI. I have an FRN or whatever built in 09/23 and I beat the hell out of it after I started seeing all the videos about lock failure. I couldn't get mine to budge.

[@kimbalxyz2]

Mine is also 9/23, no issues so far !

[@chrisoliver1327]

I was waiting for your review on the ram lock & the MSI. Glad to see your testing especially! Definitely wait a bit on the MSI.

[@Birdbear-qm9lf]

I’m VERY glad my my MSI is dated 03/2024 lol. It’s not even a month old. Won’t budge a bit with spine whacks. My Stitch is dated 02/2024 and it’s my favorite knife I’ve ever owned from MT. I have Halos, a Hera, 2 Ultratechs, and a socom elite. Stitch is my fav amongst them all

[@robertbrunello]

I love my Stitch, absolute beast!

[@mrmaxx4400]

I appreciate your critique and clear explanations. I have the Stitch and MSI (newer) and enjoy them both.

[@DavidV4444]

I absolutely love my Stitch and MSI - for my usage which is light EDC, I couldn’t possibly care less how the knife reacts to a spine whack test - I performed the test and it did not have an issue.

[@jeremydoucette6352]

I bought one of the new DLC black-coated FRN MSI's with a birth date of 11/2023. My RAM lock looks like the Stitch you tested. Did some spine whacks a couple weeks ago with no failures.

[@davidf3974]

Im a bit late to the party but im watching this video while i wait for a stitch to arrive. My msi (05/25) withstands abusive spinewhacks but has a bit of vertical play in the locked position as well as soft "detent" to the point where i can just flick the blade open. Not the best knife but im happy with it in my daily rotation, also fairly priced for that much m390 and decent construction compared to some of the other production knives in my collection

[@gstrader73]

Do you own a time machine?

[@LanningKann]

My MSI has solid lockup. Mine has a smooth stop pin VS the decorated one you have. I have seen others with the smooth pin showing up on dealer sites. Wondering if that was part of the changes to fix the lockup. Mine is dated 3/24

[@BluetoothBlades]

One thing that i had noticed is that the throw on the spring rod on the Stitch is shorter and the spring looks to be a tad thicker than the one on the MSI along wuth the ramp cut outs that you mentioned in this video...well done sir !

[@L2EDC]

LOVE that orange! I have the same. I also have that same Stitch. Great review.

[@tallica4life81]

My msi has been a good one to cut with and came really sharp too. It still cuts after all the cutting I have done maybe 3 weeks of cutting cardboard on the factory edge. It’s obviously in need of a new edge but still workable.

[@Kris_Stiletto]

I absolutely luv mine. There is a easy fix for them. There's a Video, by another Reviewer, that shows how to fix the MSI Folders with the lock issue. Great Video. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@RJIVHALO]

I have a January 2024 Msi. They definitely changed up the tang of the blade where the lock engages. Haven’t had any issues with mine so far. I also had an original first production run Msi and didn’t have any issues with that one either. So idk.

[@jasonl8]

I have a newer MSI I tried a few spine whacks on mine no issues still rock solid

[@Katodwg]

Well thank you for this, the batoning is something I would expect a lock to hold up to, so at least now someone finally proved to me that a lock failure can happen. Although, I wouldn't submit a folder to batoning, that's what fixed blades are for...and axes. Thank you for some proof, I've been asking for a while for someone to prove spine whack tests were useful

[@S7ORM3X]

"but but mine doesnt fail dUdE" good review love these tests and personal insights also showing how the locks fails is pretty good stuff for buyers

[@timtitus2532]

Neither one of these are on my radar. Good review and testing. Thanks.

[@jasonstephenson9959]

I think that wasnt corrosion but bubbling when sintered in the mold

[@napsterninja]

From the various Ramlok models, I do notice there is a difference in how much the Ramlok engages. Figure I would send in the knife under warranty if it bothers me or feel like it unsafe.

[@mercilessforever]

Ill take both. Shame I literally just received my pm2 yesterday, which was the same day I discovered and fell in love with the ram lock variants like the msi

[@wallman117]

Ive got an msi 03/2024 and I've tried and failed to force a safe failure so hopefully its a good sign

[@busbus76]

My Stitch & Amphibian Ram-Lok are solid. The Amphibian had some lock stick and isn't as smooth but it's breaking in. I love them both but wish the M390MK wasn't so soft. Requires a lot of touch ups and stropping

[@RR-pv4mc]

It amazes me that the MSI Ram Lok test is failing, and yet Authorized Dealers are rating it the knife of the year? Why??!! Something is not right in Denmark!! Great video!!!

[@mikereese15]

Impressed by that stitch. And of they fixed the msi, im in for both.

[@Monsoonpain]

Just got mine...no problems, I like it. Only issue was that I ordered plain edge...they sent partial serrated. Not the end of the world, but it's not what I ordered.

[@AndrewBradley-kx4bb]

AWESOME. I really like the STITCH!

[@Thekulprit92]

People over-lubricating their knives can get oil on the lock face and allows it to slip, not saying this is happening, but ive cleaned a few benchmades that were like new for people and it completely resolved the issue

[@Stassa23]

That is the exact reason I took mine apart because I thought it might have had Lube on the lock face so it’s been running dry ever since I had first noticed the lock failure about two months after I bought it. Mine is definitely the very small contact are and it also has the older lock face woos a good bit smaller than the one on my stitch which is solid as a rock so unfortunately mine will be going in for warranty and hopefully they will resolve the issue but I’ll update y’all when I get it back

[@OGBladeReviews]

I've been carrying and using my MSI for about 4 months now. It performs very well in every chore that I throw at it. However I'm not inclined to accept the premise invented by others which result in the lock failing. Reason is, the cause for failure is imparting vibrational force on the wrong side of the blade with a material harder than anything I might normally encounter, and this includes those who fantasize using this knife for tactical or self protection purposes - Not a likely scenario, anyway. There are fixed blades better suited than folders for many tasks, just as hammers aren't screwdrivers or wrenches. Don't be duped into using someone else's sets of criteria to fashion what your own daily EDC use might be. In most cases these tests were devised as clickbait, plain and simple. This is not to say that I don't respect what Stassa has presented here. But consider how you really use a particular tool and go with that. Mine cuts just fine! 🗡️👍🗡️

[@pink7930]

Finally found an aluminum handle ram-lok stitch at NC Blade. Took months.

[@Smclaugh08]

Injust bot a stitch ramlok and my ramlok freezes and gets jammed but my msi lock works perfect and i have no problem cutting at all

[@joeftan]

No one can say you didn’t test the “spine whack” hard enough on that Stitch Ram Lok. Mine hasn’t failed either, and having fully taken apart and inspected my Stitch RL, I know just how incredibly robust that lock is on the Stitch. I don’t have an MSI, and don’t know why it fails on many samples. The mechanism design is sound. All I can think of is that with some MSI samples, the lock mechanism doesn’t slide forward enough onto the flat portion of the tang, making it dislodge easily. I wonder if there is a difference in the geometry between the earlier vs the current versions of the RL. The earlier ones with the wider sides vs the newer more narrow sides of the lock mechanism. ….Doh! Just watched the last few minutes, and you answered the question exactly.

[@chadca201]

Why were the old msi's failing like this, have they ever gave a answer why? I have one from this year and it is solid as all hell

[@NWEDC]

My Tan G10 MSI Ram-lok is dated 09/2023 and passes the whack test.

[@normrubio]

I imagine that blade show model was alpha and not what is out today. Mine is rock solid

[@barrybueler3356]

Love the MSI design etc was gonna get one but those fails are very disappointing

[@thomasrobarts2399]

Thanks for this I almost bought them msi on sale for 180.00! Not after watching this!!

[@SNIPER_NO_SNIPING]

They get this fixed up for you?

[@ryandye6242]

I really want to get one ! But I’m still on the fence!!

[@paullmight42]

They are such beautiful designs over all...i'd love to try one or both at some point...im a total sucker for fingie choils...

[@mothman7105]

Love watching videos of lock failures and glitches on expensive knives costing hundreds of dollars. Of course I love "pocket jewel" knives made of high grade steel, but I prefer "reasonable" knives that balance practicality and price.

[@jeffd3802]

Love my coldsteel engage

[@EDCandLace]

That m390mk is so soft it's not even funny. Had both mine poked and sold them the next morning... I have no interest in m390 in the 58s... it's really sad that they ran it that soft...

[@coleporter20]

I’ve got an MSI and I have zero issues with the lock. Hate you did. Because I use the crap out of mine and I’ve spine wacked it numerous times just to be sure it’s holding up.

[@Stassa23]

I’m sure they will take care of it but I will keep y’all posted 👍🍻🍻

[@coleporter20]

@@Stassa23 mine is from 10/2023 so I’m wondering if I got a model after the issue was fixed.

[@coleporter20]

@@Stassa23 mine is from 10/2023 so I’m wondering if I got a model after the issue was fixed.

[@josh33025]

My polymer handle msi doesn't fail at a medium spine wack so that's good enough for me.

[@Stassa23]

That’s all you really need to test it, mine literally fail with the lightest tap it’s crazy that it doesn’t fail when I’m putting a bunch of pressure on the spine but I would have to be vibrating the blade whole cutting lol

[@pastubbs]

My MSI fails pretty easily. Edit: not while actually using it, but if I spine wack it, the lock fails. I still carry it, as it's not the only knife I own that I can get the lock to fail.

[@LonnieHutchinson90]

I bet you could file that lock bar on the MSI and that might fix the issue!

[@Stassa23]

I definitely could buy I just want to see how Microtech handles it first

[@stevenlachance8576]

All microtech needed to do for better edge retention was raise their HRC DUH ! I assume you resharpen after testing maybe you should channel Jared and give your steel impression like burr management etc.. I mean you don’t do enough already right😊.

[@Stassa23]

Jared already does a great job with that plus I don’t want my videos to be any longer than they already are however I will from time to time talk about it if is something really out of the norm for the steel or for the company but it’s been a minute since I’ve had one really shock me one way or another 👍🍻🍻

[@WolfCliffSthlm]

Bra test. Och mycke för dyr

[@donparks-n2s]

That lock failure bums me out!

[@atishch]

@Stassa23 For statistics: Stitch 07/2023 - fails expectedly, Amphibian 10/2023 - no problems, hard test like yours.

[@peytonkellar4621]

Do you mean as in the dates are specific batches for that month and yr only or are you saying since those dates they failed (before or after) ?

[@marfionett7599]

Best lock failure design award.😂

[@zripster]

Not a big fan of microtech, i own a utx 85 and it's the only knife I've ever had to warranty. Within the first month the spring broke, although i haven't had many issues in the 4 since since. Only worse experience I've had was Ashville Steel, had a single action oft from them that stopped functioning within a day of getting it, one of the only knives I've had to return

[@atishch]

MSI, FRN, 08/2023 - FAIL. I deleted my previous comment where I said that mine was fine, because it finally and quite unexpectedly failed on me when I was not at all prepared...

[@atishch]

Disassembled, cleaned up, no oil, put back together - fails consistently, lockup percentage is much like in the video, the hump on the blade is present.

[@jkn2k]

thanks almost got one @@atishch

[@Rob_Houser]

How can you possibly recommend a knife that has a faulty lock? Free knife equals positive reviews? Not cool.

[@corymoore2292]

Spyderco is the only American knife company I trust.

[@Stassa23]

I’ve had a couple Spyderco knives with issues so obviously none of them are perfect but it what they do to fix it that is important for me 🍻

[@corymoore2292]

@@Stassa23 agreed, I would love one of those microtechs if it wasn’t for the lock issue. I’m sure they’ll fix them.

[@dramace11]

Did microtech offer refunds or replacements for the original MSI? That is pathetic and unacceptable from such a great knife company.

[@Stassa23]

I will be contacting them sone so I’ll keep y’all posted 👌🍻

[@peytonkellar4621]

Did they fix it for you?

[@peytonkellar4621]

@@Stassa23did you ever hear back from them? Did they give an explanation?

[@billvan5219]

Your dog is not obnoxious lol, kinda homey

[@dinner_workingsly]

My AliExpress version of this locks up perfectly….I guess stolen intellectual property pays off sometimes 😂

[@mikeking6686]

GET'S THE PETS BEING EATEN OFF THE FRONT PAGE

[@richardvirchow3390]

I don’t have an MSI and will not buy one after your demonstration. About a year ago, I bought 2 knives, different make and models, and when they arrived together in the mail, both had defective liner locks that were unsafe. Both knives were returned for a refund. Are knife manufacturers selling “factory seconds” to make money and cut down on their losses??

[@Quagmire925]

I’m not convinced they are 100% USA made!

[@dan_taninecz_geopol]

Pitiful lock performance. Should be recalled.

[@cwalker228]

I’m confused about your MSI review. You said it didn’t perform terribly when it clearly performed terribly. And how in the world is a knife that performs cleanly terribly a good deal at $250, no matter where it’s made. The dang lock failed every time! I love ya man but I have to call BS on this review.

[@Stassa23]

I said that I’ve had the knife for a long time before this review so it didn’t still have its original factory sharp edge, I used it of and on a good bit before I thought about reviewing it so that is why I said it didn’t perform terribly especially the way my first Socom Elite performed. For a American made knife at its size, materials used, I 100% stand by my my opinions and if it wasn’t for my MSI having the old lock face geometry I would have highly recommend it 👍

[@іѕоторё]

No

[@zaiminadzri3113]

If MSI was china company.... People will go crazy about lock fail.... How this knife win knife of the year with the lock fail like that.... Not cheap knife too.... MSI quickly become overrated knife ever

[@SNIPER_NO_SNIPING]

Microtech has really gone to crap.

[@bwd8664]

Unacceptable, I really hope people stop blindly eating up everything Microtech does. Consistently soft steel, failing to get what is basically a crossbar lock right and unimpressive pricing even with its American competition. Add to that most knives they do have some really poor design element to them. I really do hope they tighten things up as I'd like to have another American company to support.

[@Edgekeeper747]

These knives are garbage. Microtech is overpriced trash

[@lovelykiller07]

stitch > MSI

[@slkknifelover]

Another reason the American companies are gonna go out of business.... rightly so