Watch This Before Buying A Microtech in 2024 - Microtech Dirac Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- This is a video of my Dirac D/E (9/2023) that I purchased. Overall the knife is disappointing due to lackluster quality control from Microtech. It would be one thing if this was a $50 knife but this knife costs $270+ and is made by a company that touts quality above everything.
#microtech #microtechknives #microtechdirac #microtechdiracdelta #microtechultratech #uktratech #otf #otfknife #otfknives #pocketknife #edc #everydaycarry #edcgear #edcreview #review #dirac #diracotf #diracdelta #pocketknifereview
Just want to clarify: I’m not hating on Microtech, I’m a long time user and I think they’re a great company and have many great products. I just want them to stay that way and I think it helps everyone when people give critical feedback.
Also - I had someone comment saying that knives are tools and that I should get over it. Maybe so but I do think if someone pays for a Milwaukee or Dewalt and receives Hyper Tough quality, there is an issue that should be addressed. Thanks for watching :)
Bruh I regret my last two microtech purchases and the last three and final benchmade purchases for this exact reason. When you get a chinese knife for a third and sometimes even a 6th of what it's American equivalent cost with the same or better materials makes you (me) feel like an idiot to continue to buy them, especially when the Chinese knife beats it in every conceivable way.
Your story of instant dulling sounds like edge drag to me. If the knife's geometry isn't right the edge will ride on one of the latches or on the handle track itself. Given that tape isn't very dulling, even against a crap heat treat, that sounds like what might be happening to you.
I bought two microtechs. First one I thought must be some kind of un-funny joke it was so bad. Bought a second and it was even worse. And it isn't just aesthetics and fitment, the heat treats on both is remarkably poor. Edge geometry is also pretty questionable. We're these made as cutting tools or toys? Will not be buying a third.
I did buy a Kershaw Livewire and (from my sample size of 1) have been extremely impressed. Every single aspect is better. From fitment to edge retention to blade geometry. How does Kershaw do it for half the price?
Late response but yes, you’re absolutely right about the edge dragging! At the time I was pretty frustrated with the poor QC and was just listing off all the issues with it but the problem was definitely the edge drag. I’ve heard amazing things about the livewire, that’s up on my list of OTFs to buy. People say it’s a superior product for a much more reasonable price, I’m personally tired of Microtech disregarding customer issues and continuing to charge outrageous prices. Take care and thank you for your comment!
Great review. Not long winded and to the point. 👍🏼
Thank you very much!!
I agree with you. If you buy a chevy C8 corvette you expect high quality! Not everyone one buys a Microtech to use .collectors. or can afford one everyday.
Exactly!
Yes. We all know of the exceptional quality of General Motors products. Products so good the pcm will give error codes for problems for components that aren’t even on that specific model. Quality indeed.
But a c8 is crap
Thanks for showing the (potential) bad side of an expensive knife.
You’re welcome! Their quality seems to have gotten better since February from what others have said. I bought another MT in December with a 12/23 manufacturing date and it was bad also. Take care!
The biggest question is not the “play” factor but the reliability of deploying the blade. I just bought the Gen 3 Scarab 2 at blade show 2024 and there are some tolerances in button and blade and it’s a $530 knife. It’s just the way it is guys. However it’s dependable. That’s what counts and I love it. It’s my second microtech blade and I’ll buy more in the future.
I agree completely, the blade play here wasn’t the issue although I have noticed my pre-2020 Microtechs are all more solid than my new ones. The issue here was the crooked blade holes and overall decrease in quality that I’ve seen over time. Take care and I hope you enjoy your new scarab!
@@GigiEDCagreed. There seems to be some more “inconsistency” with QC.
Great video, thanks for sharing! I fell into the same trap led by positive online reviews. I can tell you my experience with sending a brand new Microtech UTX-85 back to them for a ridiculously stiff firing spring was a disaster. The knife was sparkling new out of the box and I mistakenly thought the company that makes the knife would treat it like a gem. I was wrong. The thing came back not fixed and with several scratches. They refused to address the issue, never again.
That’s how they were. The older Microtechs were not easy to fire. There’s no fixing it bc those were the springs they used
Thank you for commenting! I’ve heard that before too, several people online have claimed that their knife was returned to them with new scuff marks. It’s really wild to hear so many issues with their customer service and basically nothing has been done. I hope you’ll find a knife company that treats you better, take care!
I bought a Dirac last year. It has terrible blade play, both up/down and left/right. I also have a Dirac Delta that has the off-center clip. Lot of money to spend for shoddy workmanship.
I hear you! That was the whole point in making this video. Every single video Microtech makes talks about quality and yet they send out knives like this all the time. I got a Combat Troodon Gen III after this and it wasn’t any good. For these prices you can get a really well made gun and there’s many knives with better quality for far less money.
You do know that if you contact Microtech they will fix any issues you have right? I got a new mini Hera that had a tiny scratch on the blade. I contacted Microtech and they replaced it no questions asked.
Unfortunately I haven’t had that response from them, neither with this knife or another back in January, but that’s good you had that experience. They absolutely should’ve exchanged it for you. Take care brother.
Hey welcome to RUclips buddy and you are very right DLT trading is so awesome. I have bought probably 100 knives from them in the past 5 years. Not one problem
Thank you for the support brother, I really appreciate it!
I have a brand new Scarab with a little button play. A little blade play is to be expected with any OTF, unless it's a $3500.00 Deadlock. That 2023 Dirac should be M390, which has really good edge retention. I have that exact same knife, and I've never noticed the button play. I'll have to look at it when I go home this evening and see if there is any. There are steels with a higher HRC, but M390 and now M390MK is pretty highly rated. I'm a bit of a Microtech geek, and the only issue I've had is that little bit of button play on this Scarab.
Thanks for the comment! Yes, the blade play actually wasn’t that bad. Out of all of my MY OTFs, my Dirac and Dirac Delta have some of the least. I was mainly just frustrated when I got this knife due to all of the issues put together, previous defective products and lack of customer service on MT’s side.
I think this happened to Surefire a long time ago too. Thanks for the video, well done. Also, Microtech seems to be doing away with production of the Ultratech UTX-85s and 70s in 2024 too. I hope your issues with Microtech got resolved.
Thank you very much my friend! My issues weren’t resolved with them but I did successfully return the knife. Unfortunately, I got another defective knife shortly after 😅 as for Surefire, I’ve heard that from others as well. Hopefully both of them can get it together. Take care and thanks for commenting!
@@GigiEDC thank you for the update. Your experience makes me a little bit hesitant to get a microtech for my brothe’sr birthday, but maybe those QC issues will get lined out.
@@Dad_Brad I’m happy to hear my videos are helping with your decision! I will say that Microtech seems to have gotten better recently. I’m not certain but I read that they addressed the QC issues a few months back. Since then I’ve bought three more knives from them, the last two without any issues.
Ive been really wanting to puchase my first OTF knife was really chomping at the bit at a Microtech. Ya This has me second gussing. I wont touch bench made with them having done anti gun shit in the past.
You can look into older Microtechs or guardian tacticals. I don’t own a GT personally but I hear good things about them. Benchmade has fallen off although I love my infidel so good idea there. Take a look at my latest videos if you want to see my last Microtech and how it turned out. Thanks for watching!
This is a very rare occurrence, trust me.
I have many Microtech’s, the bulk of my collection is Chris Reeve, Medford and Microtech and I have come across a few issues with every knife company - this issue is rare for Microtech, I would buy with confidence.
Nothing wrong with microtechs, yea a lemon makes it off the line sometimes, no big deal. 98% of their knives are solid and built right. Nothing is perfect, and if your microtech isnt then send it in and their warranty will cover it.
@@GigiEDC I have a 04/24 combat troodon and a 03/2024 dirac, those are just the newest ones I have, I just purchased a Signature series UTX-85 sidestep in OD green that will be here thursday, I imagine it will be perfect as well, if it isnt, I will send it back to microtech. I've had 0 issues, not sure why people are talking shit, your're not very likely to have issues, but all companies will have SOME, they are humans checking these things after all. I've had a blade replaced with MT and they did it wonderfully, they've also sharpened 2 of my OTF's. Funny enough I always considered my benchmades to be top tier and when I moved over to Microtech i found out how shitty the benchmades were, they dont have positive engagement like the MT's do, the blades wobble alot more, and they are expensive AF, i have an Infidel, Pagan, Autocrat and a Phaeton. All I'm saying is take this with a grain of salt, if you want the microtech, purchase it, worst case scenario get it from someone with a great return policy, like DLT.
Thanks again man, you saved me some headaches and helped alot with you video. Keep up the good work🎉
Thank you again brother, as always! Your support means a lot to me. Hopefully I’ll make some videos soon, always happy to help!
@@GigiEDC looking forward to them
You’re not wrong. Received a delta shadow with a horribly loose trigger. Not sure how impaired their employees are who initial those inspection stickers attached to the plastic sheaths/bags. Totally unbecoming of their price point.
I bought a second hand but completely unused mint marfione custom Combat Troodon and immediately sold it for this same reason, but still had the knife in hand waiting to ship it when it's high end chinese replacement came in. Side by side the chinese knife was better in every single way.
I now know that his signature means nothing at all, they are built on the same lines as the "production" knives.
I agree 100% I now have 5 OTFs and my Dirac Delta and Ultra tech are kinda just a$$. My trigger just fell off my delta and my ultra tech miss fires constantly. Cleaning it daily is my only option, yes I know that voids the warranty. Honestly, my Kershaw livewire has been my go-to EDC. So much so I just bought a second. I mean I washed and dried the livewire once on accident and it’s still just as good as the day I got it. But I baby the crap out of my Dirac delta (just because of the price) and it’s still falling apart.
Honestly I was disappointed in my UT also. I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about the Livewire - literally not one bad thing. I emailed Kershaw asking if they were planning to make a larger one (3.9”+ blade” and she said she couldn’t say but it’s very possible. If they do I’m picking one as soon as they release it. Thanks for your comment and take care brother!
I have the exact same knife. It is perfection. You are right though, quality of EVERY piece has to be perfect for this cash.
I’m glad you’re enjoying yours, if MT focused on QC and customer service no one would come close to them. Take care and thank you for commenting!
I agree . You should have a good quality knife. To me its a matter of personal choice really. Ive had a bench made assisted knife for over 20 years. I have 1 otf knife. Cobratec. I like it. I do have other knives.
Cobratecs are great for the money in my opinion, I’ve handle a couple and it felt solid. I’m glad you enjoy it, thanks for commenting!
Thanks bro, so true, honestly if below 100$, I am fine with all that. But for MT price? No way.
I hear that. $300 is a little wild considering everything, thank you for commenting!
Ironically i am purchasing a Microtech Amphibian on Friday and seen this prior... definitely spending over 300 and
I am purchasing through Blade HQ 🤞
Hopefully all goes well.
Thanks for the video sir.😎👌
I hope you enjoy it! I purchased an amphibian a couple of months ago - it’s probably the best folding knife I own. It’s very well built. I couldn’t recommend it more. Take care!
@@GigiEDC my 1st microtech purchase. Already pulled the trigger.
Do the holes in the blade and the groove centre it inside 😮somehow?
Just seems like it has no purpose tbh.
No, it’s purely aesthetic. I’m not the biggest fan of them either but they’ve grown on me over time. Thank you for commenting and take care!
@GigiEDC thanks for the reply, lot of manufacturing just for a look
When you cut thru tape it leaves a residue of the adhesive from the tape on the edge. I wont shave with that residue on there. You will need to clean with a 99% alcohol or brake cleaner to get the residue off, then it will shave again.
Thank you! I heard this after I made this video and you’re absolutely right. I was a little thrown off by it at the time.
The Newest Knives Finally did what i have waiting For The Hera2 Combat Troodon , and LUDT are Half as Hard to open My Thumb is old and Hurts These New ones is super easy .Best improvement in a long Time ? I own many and Lucky i guess no Bad one. I Have many knives and If a knife cost $200.00 it should Shave out of The bok Most do not ,I bought my first knife From Knives + it had an option want it to shave $ 5.00 it came and it is How all knives I got $800.00 Knives that came not shaving . I would be angry if i got more than one knife that was not right from the same Brnd .
Blade play is perfectly normal with otf knives, but the other flaws are unacceptable from Microtech. I have gotten several great knives from them, the new amphibian with fluted aluminum is, for all intents and purposes, perfect. My 2022 ludt and my Dirac are both great knives and I am very happy with them. My Exocet however is a dagger edge and the grind line doesn’t run perfectly down the center to the tip and It absolutely kills me, but it’s a gift so I’m not sending it back. Neither of my ultratechs have had awesome action but one is pretty good. I’ve definitely been having a better time with them recently, I think they’re pulling their shit together for their 30rh anniversary.
Thank you for the comment! Yes, I agree that blade play is normal on OTFs to a certain extent. This Dirac wasn’t that bad actually, not compared to some of my newer MTs. MT’s folders are amazing and their OTFs are great too but I’ve been noticing significant issues with quality recently. It’s actually the reason I started posting videos. I’m a long time Microtech fan and I hope they address these things. Recently they announced a zero blade play model that I’m excited about so they’re trying! Take care
Was this a Factory Second that made it’s way in the production pile???
Unacceptable for the price
Thank you for the comment my friend! No, it wasn’t a factory second unfortunately. I understand that any company has issues like this but their response is what made me make this video. The good news is that they’ve gotten better since last October. Take care!
@@GigiEDC that is good to hear, but still unacceptable to a paying customer of their super expensive products especially in these
Days…
Fortunately but Unfortunately for me i bought a rare Ultratech Warhound two tone blue from BHQ today, $484… if anything is wrong with it i will be so let disappointed and let down.
My first Microtech.
Appreciate your video, I was about to make my first purchase. Now I won’t until I see this quality control issue addressed!
From what I’ve heard, MT fired a bunch of their QC people recently. I can’t verify this though. Unfortunately if you are stuck with a defective model they will give you the run around. You’re better off returning it to the seller than sending it to MT, it took me 2 months (and $200) which was past my return date. If you get a good one - it’s great. That’s if you get a good one though. I’m optimistic about them going forward.
I hope so cause I just spent $300 on a Dirac! Shoulda seen your video first! Wish me luck!! 😂
@@machendachenI hope it turned out alright!
@@GigiEDC it did but it was smaller and lighter than I thought. Very sharp but couldn’t see it being worth the $300 so I sent it back and got me a Socom Mini fixed blade on sale for $228! Don’t ask me how I went from an otf to a fixed blade!
That was exactly my first impression also. When I read the specs it didn’t seem too small but in the hands it felt so tiny. I ended up getting the Dirac Delta and it was much better. I hope you’re enjoying your Socom Mini, take care my friend.
I like my clone more than the real one- no cap its a better knife all around
Thank you for commenting! Who did you buy your clone from? I’d be interested in reviewing one and comparing them to the real one
What's the clone. ?? I just picked up a boker plus lhotak mini eagle v2.0 . It's got a good trigger and blade is really tight considering the price. Smkw had them for $63.
Personally, don’t see what the big deal is about OTF knives. I waited and bought a Kershaw live wire. It does everything the microtechs do and sits in the same drawer. Microtech stitch is what I carry daily.
The Stitch is great! I’ve never had issues with Microtech folders. The Amphibian got me back into folding knives but I still love OTFs. Are they as practical? Of course not, they’re just a lot of fun for me. Take care and thanks for commenting!
Paul A. Dirac. (di-rak)
Thank you! I had no idea that’s who it was named after, take care!
Mine arrived with a crooked pocket clip too. Luckily my trigger isn’t loose and it looks like the blade holes are straight. Still disappointed considering what I’ve heard about Microtech.
Sorry to hear that, I know it’s disappointing. I’ll be getting a Combat Troodon Gen III soon, I ordered a CT off of DHgate with the same blade. I’m very curious to see how they compare in terms of quality control. Benchmade has already lost their way and I hope MT isn’t next. Thank you for viewing and commenting, merry Christmas
All two way OTF knives have that blade play.
Not all but yes, generally speaking they do!
@@GigiEDC generally speaking there is one model that locks tight and it’s thousands of dollars.
Four models, soon to be 5, but yes. Again, the blade play wasn’t the main issue with this knife here. The issue was the terrible quality control.
Axial makes dependable OTFs. Microtech knives sacrifice dependability for aesthetics imo. Axial while some say look boring, are dependable.
Also, Kershaw Livewire.
Thanks for the comment! I’ve been wanting an Axial for awhile. I messaged them and asked if they’re going to release an OTF with a 3.8”+ blade and they said they have stuff in the works. I also asked Kershaw the same - I’d love to see a Livewire with a larger blade to take on the Combat Troodon. They’re definitely on my list to purchase though. Take care!
Your doing a great thing, solid info as always
Thank you again for your support man!
I personally inspect every knife,.but I'm also just a 1 man show who is retired .
You should post some videos of your knives, I’d love to see them!
ruclips.net/video/2DflGv3kG9Y/видео.htmlsi=Sd5IP-ys1u61CZaH
Link to my new vs. old Dirac comparison
Sometimes the Chinese are better I got 3 of them. The 2 work great the 3rd has issues..
Agreed! I love supporting American companies but you’re absolutely right.
Link to my infidel and Dirac delta comparison - two great OTFs
ruclips.net/video/KFspeDV0o8Q/видео.htmlsi=WI2K-ct_lPLPyxnP
I recently came across 2 knives that I thought were lost. A Benchmade Infidel and a Benchmade Ambassador. They're at least 20 years old. All the finish is worn off the Ambassador but it still fires hard with zero blade play. The Infidel looks like it was run over by a truck. It will fire if you hold the button on straight. It falls off. Even with that there's very little blade play. I contacted Benchmade about getting them repaired and they said it would be at least a year.
There knives are way overpriced!!
$400.00 - $4000. They make so much extra money for knives worth way less to make. It's sad for the buyer ...
I hear you! The price is the biggest issue for most people, it’s a lot to spend on a knife you plan to use as a tool. The good part is that you get a lifetime warranty and good materials though. I’d recommend looking into some used MTs or Guardian Tacticals. You can find a used Dirac Delta for $200 and I think it’ll be money well spent. There are many, many options though. Thanks for watching and take care!
I have several Microtech knives I bought yrs.
past when I had more money, but retired now and so I don't buy expensive knives anymore. I'm am glad I bought them then because they just keep getting more expensive day by day.
@@Whitevaliantwarrioroh I see, I misunderstood. The good thing about MT, as you probably know, is that they hold their value in case you ever want to sell and buy a newer model. Good luck and take care!
There was a time I’d swear by Microtech but I’ve seen a couple of newer ones that do have minor defects most people wouldn’t catch initially. I think they are still really nice knives overall and all of mine are perfect or near perfect but I’ve seen some bad ones. Nothing like how poorly made an Infidel is but just minor things that you wouldn’t expect a $400 knife to have. I feel like all the big traditional knife companies have lost some on QC. I had a buyout that was replaced because the handle flat out snapped under normal use. I have 2 ZT’s whose locks fail with a minor hit to the blades spine. I have Shun kitchen knives that have chipped blades from sharpening. Yea man, QC is down around the board. That said I’ve had a lot of luck recently with RMJ and Chaves Knives.
57rc to 59rc m390 is super soft.
Genuinely curious, what do you think the best hardness is for M390? Thanks for commenting!
@@GigiEDC m390 should be at no less than 62rc. If using secondary hardening heat treatment protocol, no less than 60rc. This is not opinion.
Thanks for the info!
Benchmade Infidel you might like better.
I have two, they have a special place in my heart :) I recently posted a video on how to fix excessive blade play on an infidel. I wish Benchmade would make an XL version with a wider blade, 4.5” in length. Take care!
Microtechs QC is garbage. I have a 2/2024 cypher 2 and the edges on each side are no where near symmetrical. The top grinds on the blade are off from the left right to the right side. I sent photos to Microtechs customer service and they told me that my knife fell within their range of what passes QC. I told them I have over $15k in my collection and never in my years have I received a brand new knife whose blade looks different when comparing both sides of the blade. Absolute garbage QC. ..couple their QC with the blade play on a microtech and all you have is a nice looking toy. Nothing both a knife for the douche canoes.
Thank you for your comment brother! Of course, I completely understand where you’re coming from. I got a 12/2023 Combat Troodon Gen III and was completely disappointed. I hate that so many people have had this experience, there’s absolutely no excuse for a “high end” knife, as they claim to be, to come in that condition. Unfortunately so many people make excuses for them rather than calling them out. Have you contacted them at all? I’d love to hear what they say.
@@GigiEDCthis cypher II isn’t even my first microtech. I’ve had issues with all of them. I tried a diraq in like September 2021.. the blade went limp every other deploy. Returned.
Fast forward to November 2022, purchased 2 Makoras and a combat troodon. Both makoras had HORRIBLE grinds and one deployed like garbage. The combat troodon was too difficult to deploy so I ended up returning everything.
The new drivetrain in the Cypher II is a GREAT update and for that, I’ve kept the knife but I definitely won’t throw another dime at Microtech.
@@GigiEDCalso, thank you for the content. ✊🏼👊🏼🔪
That is a copy, you can't tell that!
It’s absolutely not a copy brother, I got this from DLT Trading. They are an authorized dealer and verified its authenticity. I actually had doubts myself because of how sloppy it was.
It's real man.
Don’t know what everyone is expecting from mass produced production level knives. I own a gen 2 combat troodon and the firing switch has some play in it, is it the end of world? No. Was the pocket clip crooked? Bought a tool bit and fixed it myself.
The customs wouldn’t exist with the tighter tolerances if people didn’t buy the production models. The only problem is most of us here can’t afford the exorbitant prices for the customs and are stuck with production models.
I’ll say this, the 500$ price tag was worth ever penny. It hasn’t malfunctioned in the two years I’ve owned it. Remoil and a blast of compressed air each month and it still fires like the day it left the factory.
To be fair, the Gen II Combat Troodon is supposed to have switch play as it has a spring underneath the switch unlike the Dirac. As for what people should expect, I’d say for the price issues like this are unacceptable. Particularly when there are issues that can’t be fixed by the buyer (incorrectly drilled blade holes, etc.) As for the custom Microtechs, from my experience and the experience of others there’s absolutely no difference in the tolerances. My custom CT was no different in that respect to my production models. I thought it would’ve been too honestly. It was one reason I purchased it and I know EdgedMindset thought the same too. Again, just my experience. Take care and thanks for commenting!
I think Microtech is crushing it these days.
Definitely doing well with the new releases. Aside from this knife and my Gen III CT (Microtech said it was defective after it was sent in), the rest I’ve gotten in the past year have been solid. Just got an Amphibian and it’s great. They addressed issues with quality control and it really seemed to help.
Yeah im over US made knives, especially hinderers and MTs. Just buy fakes, those knife-makers have ripped off enough people to live comfortably.
Thanks for the comment! If you like fakes, check out my last video if you want. I don’t blame you for being over US made knives, I’ll probably be there soon since there’s a 50% chance MT will send me a defective product. The fakes? Never had an issue.
microtech is full of crap always not many workers stay with the company that says something everytime you watch those whats in your pocket videos notice how many worker always have only been there 3 months 3 weeks ect its because not many loyal workers are there a few have been there 8-10 years very few .they are not a good company from my eyes the knives are way over priced way way over priced and the fat cats keep getting fatter but the small guys get the shaft like many american companies greedy over priced this video dosent surprise me i never listen to the fan boys who are full of crap also .i like to buy chinese clones they work great besides who takes a hammer or blow torch to your knife??? lol
Thank you for commenting brother, I hear you. It’s crazy to me that they sell knives for $4000+ just because they hit it with a flame. I wouldn’t care if they genuinely cared about their customers though. The problem is that people become brand fanatics and make excuses for companies that don’t care about them. It helps no one. Take care!
280?
Yes, $280 new for the Dirac. The larger Dirac Delta is $380+