There are certain sounds that just illicit a guttural response. Examples include racking a pump-action shotgun, working the slide on a 1911, or chambering a round in an AK-47. Something else in this category is the opening of an automatic knife. And Microtech is arguably leading the way in the category of automatic knives.
Microtech Automatic Knives
Excluding the cool factor, which should never be underestimated, why an automatic knife over more mundane manual blade choices? The answer may rest with the sub-sections of our society permitted unfettered access to auto knives—military, law enforcement, and EMT personnel. The salient point for automatics, whether out-the-side or out-the-front (OTF), is ease of one-handed operation.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
If you think gun statutes are confusing, try wading into knife ordinances. Fortunately, automatic knives, often broadly labeled as switchblades, are experiencing a resurgence as numerous states revisit outdated knife laws. Unfortunately, federal regulations are lagging behind in this trend.
Automatic blades’ popularity in the marketplace has been artificially affected by laws beginning in the mid-1950’s. This leads us to the disclaimer of ensuring that you are aware of your specific situation regarding the possession of automatic blades. Before you buy an auto, make sure to understand the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
Holding Down the Fort
Many in the industry credit Microtech with helping to rejuvenate the automatic knife market. Anthony and Susan Marfione are the co-owners of Microtech. The company was incorporated in 1994 in Vero Beach, FL, before arriving at its current locations in North Carolina. Anthony’s custom knife operation, Marfione Custom Knives, is at the Fletcher, NC, site as well.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Anthony is regarded as one of the most talented custom knife makers. Though separate, the two entities are mutually supportive. Microtech is renowned for maintaining custom-like tolerances, finishes, and sharpness on its production blades. One key aspect for Microtech is its commitment to constructing its knives here in the US with US materials.
Automatics are typically folding or OTF, with the blade contained in the handle, and open automatically when a button, lever, or switch on the handle is activated. This is the key difference between pure automatics and the ever-increasing number of spring-assisted knives available for legal purchase. Automatic knife designs can be traced back to the 18th Century.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Microtech offers numerous examples of both folding and OTF auto blades. The company exemplifies the “buy once, cry once” methodology. Over the years, I have become familiar with multiple auto-folding and OTF Microtech models. The auto-folding models are SOCOM Elite, L.U.D.T., and, more recently, the Stitch.
OTF Microtechs started with the Combat Troodon, then evolved into the Dirac and Makora. Each Microtech model offers numerous choices for blade materials, handles, blade profiles, colors, etc. Options can be overwhelming.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The Microtech Combat Troodon
The Microtech Combat Troodon is the battleship of Microtech’s OTF lineup. To ease your curiosity, a Troodon was a North American bird-like dinosaur similar to a raptor in profile. It is Microtech’s largest OTF, with a 4-inch blade and an overall length of 9.5 inches, and a weight of 5 ounces.
A pocket clip allows for right-hand tip-down carry. However, the pocket clip can be reversed for left-hand carry if desired. The carbide glass breaker on the butt is a nice touch. Not trying to be shallow or dramatic, but the double-action Microtech Combat Troodon OTF is flat out impressive. Cold, hard steel appearing in the blink of an eye is hard to deny.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Microtech constantly seeks improvement with all its designs. For example, the Combat Troodon is in its Third Generation. The Combat Troodon 3rd Gen features a Microtech spring system enhancement, which is said to improve deployment in critical situations.
The release button has been enhanced to minimize friction and is “self-cleaning,” reducing maintenance/cleaning. Microtech’s attention to detail is further reflected in the Combat Troodon’s new titanium pocket clip with ceramic detent, improving security and accessibility.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
6061 T6 textured aluminum handle contains the double-action OTF Combat Troodon. My Combat Troodon’s feature dagger blades with partial serrations. Other blade profile options are available.
My earlier comments about being cognizant of your jurisdiction’s regulations apply to the Combat Troodon’s double-edged blades, not just the auto deployment method.
The Combat Troodon’s serrated edge makes short work in terms of cutting any rope or sawing through other mediums. It is a tactical knife, intended for offense or defense—not camp chores, opening boxes, etc. One of the benefits that OTF knives bring over their folding auto brethren is no need to shift or alter grip after opening.
Microtech SOCOM Elite
The Microtech SOCOM Elite auto folder has set the standard for tactical/utility auto knives since its introduction in 1996. The SOCOM Elite is an early Microtech knife model. Both manual and auto variants are available.
My SOCOM Elite’s 4-inch Tanto-style blade (other blade types offered) is made from M390. This gives the knife an overall length of 9 inches when the blade is deployed. The weight of the SOCOM Elite is 5.6 ounces.
A plunge lock method is used to secure the blade in lockup. The lock springs open when the blade is fully extended, fitting into a cutout on the tang of the blade, holding it in place. To release, you press the button in and swing the blade shut. There is a cutout on the opposite side of the tang that the button lock rests in to keep the blade shut as well.
The pocket clip is set up for tip-down carry. The push button is intuitive for easy opening. Unlike some other auto out-the-side blades, a safety is not present. Microtech has designed the button so that a safety would be superfluous. Similar to the Combat Troodon, blade presentation is vigorous and positive.
Microtech L.U.D.T.
The L.U.D.T. (Large Underwater Demolition Team) Gen III appeared in 2023. It traces its heritage to one of the earliest Microtech offerings, the UDT. The UDT was the first knife produced under the Microtech banner.
Both the UDT and L.U.D.T. are designed specifically for underwater use, with a powerful coil-spring automatic action that can fire the blade underwater. The L.U.D.T. Gen III automatic blade rides on twenty-four silica carbide bearings for a smooth action. Its tip-up carry clip gives users security and quick access to this sturdy, water-resistant folder. The L.U.D.T. weighs only 3.6 ounces with a 3.5-inch Bohler M390K blade.
Microtech Stitch
The third Microtech auto folder is the Stitch, and is my most recent Microtech addition. The Stitch is a production version of the 2017 custom knife collaboration between Marfione Custom Knives and Borka Blades. It combines Borka’s blade design with Microtech’s proven automatic functioning.
A 3.75-inch M390 spear-point blade gives the Stitch its unique aesthetic, with a pronounced choil and thumb ramp. Opening is forceful. Lockup is sturdy. Textured aluminum handles provide a solid grip on the 6.38-ounce knife.
Microtech Dirac
The Dirac is Microtech’s first model with a thumb slide on the handle face, rather than the side. This is an OTF meant for everyday carry with a deep carry pocket clip. The 2.8-inch M390, double-edged dagger blade fits into a compact 4-inch aluminum handle. The Dirac weighs only 2.3 ounces.
Microtech Makora
The OTF Makora is a Microtech Signature Series offering, returning 20 years after its initial introduction. With that said, it is currently not shown on the Microtech website, but is available on various knife-distribution sites.
The latest Makora is slightly thicker and lighter, with a peaked handle and an updated glass breaker. Its handle is inset on both sides with Microtech’s famous 3M composite grip-enhancing material. The top and bottom of the handle feature holes that align with the fluting at the base of the blade to improve underwater operation.
The Makora’s action is enhanced by nickel-boron internals that reduce friction, improving consistency. Its spring remains in an “at rest” position except when deployed. With no fatigue on the compressed spring when the knife is not in use, this gives the users the reliability and confidence that when the release is pushed, the knife will operate.
This new Makora shows how far Microtech has come and proves its commitment to continual improvement. The Makora has a double-edged M390 3.4-inch blade inside a 5.15-inch handle. Weight is 3.7 ounces.
The Argument for Automatic Knives
Smooth one-handed opening has many applications. Imagine coming under attack and having to access your weapon while fending off an attacker’s initial rush without sustaining undue damage in the effort. The clear-cut winner…pun intended…is a fixed blade.
Unfortunately, fixed blades are neither easy to conceal nor socially accepted. Automatic knives are a superior option, especially over manual folders. The advantage of this is that you might be in a confined space where movement is limited.
Knives with their blades stored in the handle have many practical advantages, especially ones that open quickly with one hand. Out-the-side and OTF knives are easier to carry and more discreet than fixed-blade knives. Either can be specialty models tailor-made for CBQ hand-to-hand applications or more utilitarian for general EDC.
Conversations with federal and local law enforcement personnel indicate a preference for the fold-open automatic versus OTF. This is derived from available blade profiles, lending to more utilitarian use. Along these lines, Microtech offers manually operated versions of many of the folding models, including the SOCOM Elite and Stitch.
I would be remiss if I did not mention one of the benefits that Microtech OTF knives have over their folding auto brethren. Specifically, there is no need to shift or alter your grip after opening. The handle itself is designed to be ambidextrous, with equal cutouts on both sides of the knife to let you grip it with either hand.
Cutting to the Point
Microtech automatic knives offer versatility and immediate access when needed most. However, quality automatic blades, either folders or OTF, are generally more expensive than their manual counterparts. This can be attributed to a limited market and to its greater complexity in construction.
You want an auto knife maker who is experienced and proven when considering an auto knife for more than just a conversation piece. Microtech is certainly a great place to start in this regard.
Microtech uses Bohler M-390MK steel for many of its blades, including those featured in this article. M-390MK is a premium high-end stainless steel. It is blessed with the ability to hold an edge for a long time while still being easy to sharpen. You usually do not get both.
A quickly accessed blade is a bonus, especially one made from premium materials. Imagine a first responder dealing with a seat belt or wound dressing, a concealed carry practitioner having to defend against a gun grab with one available hand, a frogman prepping a demolition charge, or more humdrum tasks such as opening a package. You get the point.
During months, even years, of handling between my sons and me, each Microtech has been opened/closed literally hundreds of times and carried daily. None of us encountered any issues during that time. Likewise, there was no horizontal or vertical blade play at all when open.
Every opportunity to slice meat, cut a box open, sever a rope, or plunge a blade into a ham or roast was taken advantage of. Scientific? No. However, it gives a sense of a blade’s feel when working, given that human volunteers are in short supply.
WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS
Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.
