Why the Manual Microtech Socom Elite is Better Than the Automatic

[@tonberryhugs6435]

Thanks for your thoughts. Im used to an Ultratech so I'm still going with the auto. Even in a self-defense application, I'll be reaching for my gun, not my knife.

[@TripleEEDC]

The autos are still great too!

[@comanche6943]

Personal preference, both are great. I've carried a SOCOM autos since '95 they originally came with a round button. The button/trigger are raised and stiff (strong spring)to prevent AD's. All about gross muscle memory when SHTF fine skills out the window, you can get used to either deployment style with practice.

[@TripleEEDC]

I can see that. I do think the manual is more natural to deploy quickly though. But both have their merits.

[@iRDude415]

Awesome! I would buy the Socom Auto but Im worried about the spring breaking... Mind if I ask if you ever had your '95 Socom spring replaced?

[@comanche6943]

@@iRDude415 Never had a spring break on any of my Socoms all fast solid openers, come to think of it I’ve never had to take any of them apart. Warm soapy water rinse with hot water; air or blow dry, spray with a silicone lube your back in business.

[@iRDude415]

@@comanche6943 Oh man now this reassures me, gonna have to get 1 soon. Thanks for your input! 😁

[@lionknives3]

Hey Stephen, i have one on the way! The Rockeye is nice but i am probably selling it because it's not for me! Can't wait for the Socom Elite. It's my Grail knife since 10 years now! Thanks for sharing 👍🏽

[@prepordietryin9119]

Good video. I believe the the reason the button is hard to press it's probably because they designed it with people wearing gloves in mind. Not only that but to keep from accidental deployment. I'm debating on getting one but I'm not sure if I want to spend that much money.

[@jesseb8769]

Love them both! Awesome video thanks!

[@TripleEEDC]

Me too, but if you had to pick one, which would you choose?

[@mattwalters6834]

I’ve seen this before and would personally prefer the manual over automatic.

[@aray9628]

100% Agree! Nice video 👊

[@TripleEEDC]

Thanks!

[@WilliamWeiss-k4t]

It's a preference if u want an auto then get the auto if u want manual the get manual.

[@TripleEEDC]

This video is more for people who aren’t sure which to get or if they live far from a dealer to try them out.

[@jeffspicoli6088]

I have RA so I need an assist. Assuming I didn't have a disability, I don't see see the significant discrepancy in moving my thumb one inch up for deployment. But, baring a disability like mine, that probably comes down to preference. Thanks for the video!

[@TripleEEDC]

It’s not that it was so significant. It was more that I found the difference to be just a little annoying and since the knives are so similar (they are the same model after all), I had to differentiate them somehow.

[@damienhughes7228]

I’ve had my eye on a manual socom elite. Don’t think I’d mind the tip down carry so much. Just haven’t pulled the trigger quite yet. So many great knives to choose from

[@TripleEEDC]

The Socom is a knife you can carry and put to hard use, so don’t think twice on it. Pull the trigger! If you’re unsure, buy a user for $180-190. If you don’t like it, you should be able to get at least that back by reselling it.

[@mattpignato9763]

@@TripleEEDC where can I buy used?

[@sergiogarcia9714]

@@mattpignato9763 I've never seen them that low but check on the knife pages on reddit and Facebook. Sometimes they pop up on eBay. I said F it and bought a new one. Most expensive knife I bought but it will last a lifetime.

[@TripleEEDC]

The knife groups on Facebook have had plenty of user socoms running from $180-220 depending on time of year. If you’re patient, you should be able to stay under $200.

[@mattpignato9763]

thanks guys

[@gingebrien2408]

On a perfect world I would have both. But if I had to choose one I’d go with the manual so that I could go to most states except the heavy duty tyrannical ones. Not every where you go allows autos. Snd with the blade 3.98 inches, I’m sure there are Cops that will give you a hard time. But it’s a tough decision. Both are great. I prefer the satin blade over the cerokote.

[@sacredritual9554]

I’d chose the automatic for the sake of the manual being a linear lock

[@TripleEEDC]

It’s a really good liner lock though. Not flimsy at all

[@sacredritual9554]

@@TripleEEDC I just received the auto and now I do feel why people prefers the manual. The spring is too stiff and the handle too light. It really feels like the knife is gonna jump of the hand compared to the stitch for example. Next socom will be manual for me

[@leonardwolf1820]

I have an auto version and find it easy and quick. I have relatively small hands so that may be why.

[@hsinyen6942]

If I can only pick one manual EDC, will you still recommend Microtech Socom Elite? or other best value? Thanks.

[@TripleEEDC]

It depends on your use. For heavy-duty use, I would recommend the Microtech Socom elite, Spyderco shaman, Benchmade Contego, or Benchmade turret. For medium duty use I would recommend the Benchmade super Freek, spyderco Manix, ZT 0562, or Benchmade 940. For light duty use I would recommend the Hogue Deka or Benchmade Bugout.

[@hsinyen6942]

@@TripleEEDC Wow, you are really wonderful. Thanks for the advice. Which OTF (3.5"+) will you recommend for light duty and EDC. Really appreciate your kind advice.

[@TripleEEDC]

Hsin Yen the Guardian Tactical Recon-040 would be my choice but it’s 3.75 inches. If you need under 3.5 inches, the Guardian Recon-035 (3.3 inches) and Microtech Ultratech (3.4 inches) are both great choices. I will say though that I prefer OTS automatics and regular folding knives for EDC over OTFs.

[@hsinyen6942]

@@TripleEEDC Thanks so much, will go for Guardian Tactical Recon-040. thanks.

[@nhwnhw02]

The pocket sized folder that deploys fastest is any of the Emerson folders with the wave feature. As soon as the pocketknife has cleared your pocket the blade is fully deployed. Almost as fast is any pocket knife with a Spyderco hole. Your thumb and forefinger are gripping the hole as the knife clears your pocket. Then do the Spyederco drop and the fully open knife is in your hand. A slight hand reposition and you are done. Anything else is slower. A Microtech Socom auto or manual deploys slower than any of the above but they have their own attributes. Hearing my Socom auto snap open is a small bit of fun.

[@hsinyen6942]

Thanks for the video, it answer my manual vs. auto question right on! Can you advice where can I buy a used one? Thanks.

[@TripleEEDC]

The best place to buy a used one is any of the secondary market places. Facebook has several knife pages where you can buy second-hand knives. I like the Knife Trading Sales and Feedback group, but several other groups are great. The Microtech group has more actual buttholes than knives (don’t ask), so that group would be hit or miss. You can also find deals on Reddit in the Knife Swap subreddit and on Bladeforums. You can expect to pay $180ish for a user and $200-225 for a LNIB or slightly used one. If you pay more than that you are overpaying and should just be patient and wait on a better deal to come along (because it will).

[@maxedlegacy3330]

Another good place to buy is arizonacustomknives

[@danscollectables5997]

👍👍. Thanks

[@hphillips7425]

I watched both video's. I'm still having trouble deciding and I don't have a local dealer. The only thing I am sure of is I don't want a benchmade because of their anti 2nd amendment actions. Probably the best thing to do is order both. Thanks and good video 👍

[@TripleEEDC]

Both the auto and manual are great. It ultimately depends what gives you more satisfaction: the kick of a good auto or the free swinging fidget factor of a manual. Both is a fine option though.

[@brandong2142]

Did you end up getting one? If so, did you go manual or auto?

[@hphillips7425]

@@brandong2142 got the manual and the action is smooth and bank vault solid

[@dombond6515]

So I really wanted the auto socom but jef jewell lent me his and the button was so ridiculous hard to press I couldn't believe it!!! I didnt have the issues taking it outta my pocket but ya the manual is alot better! The auto is exactly what I wanted but just couldn't woth that stiff action

[@TripleEEDC]

Yeah the action is stiff for sure. That’s cool that Jeff Jewell lent it to you. The manual is just an amazing knife. I actually just traded the automatic.

[@monkeyfaceII]

totally gree bro!

[@TripleEEDC]

Thanks!

[@MRsolidcolor]

i want the manual just because i have the LUDT and the spring brakes. and it sucks and its not the same..

[@TripleEEDC]

Sorry to hear that. That’s one of the reasons I like the actual manual. Have you tried microtech’s warranty?

[@normd7195]

Really!!!

[@mikeboudreaux6465]

Auto is lighter by almost an ounce, and does not take "a long time to open."

[@CookieBaby4204]

Yeet