A Complete Guide to Microtech Knives
Jan 15th 2019
In 1994, in a small apartment in Vero Beach, Florida, Anthony Marifone founded a knife company that was soon to launch some of the most innovative and coveted knife designs on the planet.
From those humble beginnings, Microtech has continued to push the boundaries of knife design, combining ancient knife-making techniques with the latest technology to gain a reputation for making the best automatic knives in the world.
If you want to experience the quality of a Microtech blade, here is everything you need to know about Microtech knives.
Precision, Power, Perfection: Microtech Principles of Design
Microtech never compromises on the quality of their materials or their construction. All knife components are manufactured in the USA, and Microtech’s team of engineers refines their designs to create knives that never let you down.
Microtech uses a variety of steels for their knives, including Bohler M390 and Elmax. Their go-to steel for the majority of their production knives is ultra-premium Carpenter CTS-204P steel, which is manufactured in Philadelphia. CTS-204P offers the hard-wearing durability of high-end steel with incredible edge retention and corrosion resistance.
After the individual components have been machined, every knife is carefully assembled by hand to produce high-performance knives that demonstrate an attention to detail that is unrivaled in the industry.
Microtech knives have had a devoted following among collectors and enthusiasts in the knife industry for years, but it is only recently that they have gained mainstream attention due to their use in the John Wick film franchise. The eponymous hero, played by beloved actor Keanu Reeves, frequently wields a Microtech Ultratech, Combat Troodon, and Cypher with grace and expertise that demonstrates the versatility and performance of the blades.
Discover the Microtech Range
Microtech has been developing superior-quality knives for more than 25 years. During this time, they have released some outstanding automatic folding and OTF blades ideal for tactical, combat, and everyday carry.
Here are some of the top knife models available from Microtech:
Microtech Ultratech
Widely considered to be the out-the-front knife, the Microtech Ultratech sets the standard for every other OTF blade in the industry. As one of the original Microtech OTF designs, its popularity with EDC enthusiasts means that it has been in production almost since the company’s inception.
The 3.4-inch blade comes in a variety of versatile styles, from double-edged to tanto, to drop-point. The contoured aluminum handle features a glass breaker for use in an emergency. Microtech’s specialized firing mechanism minimizes wear and tear by allowing the firing component to remain “at rest” when the blade is both open and closed.
The handle is secured with Microtech’s proprietary “tri-angle” hardware, which gives the knife a sleek, modern aesthetic. You can get the aluminum alloy handle in a variety of luxury finishes, including copper and brass. The full weight of this knife is just 3.5 oz.
Microtech UTX-85
The first of the variations on the Ultratech measures just 85% of the original size. The smaller size of the Microtech UTX 85 is designed to fit perfectly in your hand for better grip and maneuverability, making it the ideal blade for EDC and concealed carry in jurisdictions that allow it. The blade length is 3.11-inches long and weighs only 3.1 oz.
The deployment mechanism has been refined to fire more smoothly than the original Ultratech for an easy-to-use knife that is ideally suited to beginners and knife users with small hands. It also features a ball-bearing glass breaker and a reversible titanium pocket clip for tip-down carry.
Microtech UTX-70
The most compact version of the original Ultratech and the second smallest knife in the Microtech range is the UTX-70. The discreet profile is perfect for concealed carry and can be carried in any sized pocket or bag, as well as easily attached to keychains or hidden in purses.
With a blade length of 2.9-inches and an overall length just under 6-inches, the Microtech UTX-70 finds the perfect balance between a hard-wearing functional cutting blade and a discreet self-defense knife. It weighs in at a mere 1.25 oz. and features the standard Ultratech glass-breaker in the handle.
Microtech Combat Troodon
A long-time favorite of law enforcement and military professionals, the Microtech Combat Troodon combines the durability and functionality of a tactical knife with the flexibility of a combat blade.
As strong as the dinosaur for which it was named, the Combat Troodon is an upgrade from the standard Troodon model and is the largest OTF knife in production at Microtech, weighing an impressive 5.8 ounces. The total 9.5-inch size gives the knife excellent heft for powerful strikes, and the ergonomic grip ensures that you maintain a secure hold on your knife no matter the situation.
The handle is constructed from 6061 T6 anodized aluminum with milled grooves to give the knife an aggressive design that complements the rugged, hard-wearing Carpenter CTS-204P steel blade.
The ambidextrous pocket clip offers tip-down carry, while the double-action OTF deployment mechanism offers smooth opening and closing for speedy response times, giving you the edge when you need it most.
Microtech Cypher
Although the Cypher OTF knife has been in the Microtech range for years, it has achieved new heights of fame, thanks to the new John Wick: Chapter 3 film. The collaboration between Anthony Marifone and Derek Munroe of Munroe knives has produced a knife with exceptional detail and precision craftsmanship.
The Munroe-designed handle is 5.6-inches of finely milled aluminum, which features unique grooves along either side for incredible grip. The Microtech Cypher weighs 4.14 oz., which is about average weight for an OTF knife and provides easy handling and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for a tactical or combat blade.
The Microtech OTF blade is four inches of M390 steel, which provides a high-performance cutting edge. It is available in Wharncliffe, double edge, and serrated blade styles with a variety of finishes, including the ever-popular stonewash, black, and satin.
Microtech SOCOM Elite
The Microtech SOCOM series was another of Marifone’s earliest designs and has been reproduced in several variations over the years. The SOCOM Elite Manual is the original design and remains popular due to the high-performance liner lock for simple one-handed deployment. However, it is the automatic SOCOM model that is the most popular with users, due to easy blade retrieval.
The contemporary design of the SOCOM Elite includes a 5-inch aluminum handle and 4-inch stainless steel blade in Tanto or drop point styles that is deployed with an automatic push-button opener. The SOCOM weighs in at a hefty 5.4 oz.
The SOCOM was built to be adaptable to any situation. It features a uniquely shaped handle with a flared finger choil and inlay grip that molds to the shape of your hand for superior handling and strength.
Microtech HALO 6
Microtech’s HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) knives were initially put into production for use by the U.S. military. However, the lightning-fast deployment speeds and intimidating design have made them a coveted addition to any knife collection.
At an overall length of over ten inches and a weight of 5.36 oz. the Microtech HALO 6 is the largest of Microtech’s production knives. The 5-inch blade is made from M390 steel and is deployed via a powerful single-action mechanism. The blade is retracted using a unique charging handle.
The HALO comes with a Kydex sheath for comfortable carry on your belt and easy access. Check your local carry laws if you are considering this knife for EDC. The massive blade and hefty size make this an impressive-looking knife.
Microtech LUDT
What began as Microtech’s flagship folding knife model has evolved to become the go-to knife for the Armed Forces and a beloved addition of any knife enthusiast’s collection.
The deployment mechanism fires with speed and power seen more often in OTF knives than lightweight folding knives. It weighs a light 3.6 oz. and features a 3.42-inch blade. The overall length of 8.03 inches is still quite easy to hold and maneuver.
The grooved handle is contoured to your hand and features jimping along the top edge that continues along the spine for enhancing grip no matter the conditions.
Microtech Dirac and Dirac Delta
The Dirac was Microtech’s first knife with an automatic side-firing slider. This streamlined design adds to the already sleek, modern style of the knife, which is reminiscent of the HALO series but offers a more refined aesthetic.
Despite its good looks, the Microtech Dirac is a highly functional tactical blade that has been engineered with high tolerance features, such as proprietary hardware, a high-tech glass breaker, and quick-release spring-loaded firing.
The mid-sized knife measures in at a comfortable 7.25 inches, 2.37oz., and it has a 3.1-inch blade constructed from CTS-204P steel. It doesn’t have the heft of some of the other knives in the Microtech series, but the slim, lightweight frame makes it an agile blade ideal for everyday use.
If you are looking for a knife that combines the gorgeous curves of the Dirac with the tough construction and intimidating size of the Combat Troodon, then the Dirac Delta is the right blade for you.
The Dirac Delta maintains the same slim profile with the double-action side slider but has been reengineered with a more ergonomic handle to compensate for the added size. At an overall length of nine inches and a weight of 4.6 oz., it is comparable in size to the Combat Troodon, with a 3.75-inch dagger or serrated blade and a 5.2-inch aluminum alloy handle.
Microtech Hawk
In 2019, the knife market saw the rerelease of the stunning Hawk folding knife. The classic combat folder has been given a modern update with a sleek profile and improved functional features.
The karambit-style 3.95-inch blade is designed to deliver fast, effective cutting strikes, making the Hawk ideal for self-defense and combat situations. The tip-up carry position and automatic plunge lock mechanism allow for lightning-fast opening, while the 5-ounce weight provides just enough heft to inflict some serious damage.
The handle is constructed from T6 aluminum for durability and contours to your hand with a comfortable choil and notched grip at the base and topside for added security and handling.
Microtech Exocet
The Exocet is the first of its kind and offers a unique combination of double-action OTF knife and money holder. The compact design is the perfect size for EDC and fits snugly in your pocket, ready to be deployed with ease, thanks to the smooth double-action thumb slider.
The clip can hold up to twenty bills or seven cards and still maintain optimal functionality. Best of all, the short 1.9-inch double-edged blade length means that it is legal for concealed carry in California.
Even with its small size, it still carries a bit of heft for more control and precision. It weighs 3oz., and the handle is heavy-duty aluminum alloy.
Marfione Custom Knives
With luxe materials including Damascus steel, Stingray inlay, brass finishes, handcrafted hardware, and intricate detailing, Marfione Custom Knives are a worthwhile investment for any serious knife collection.
One of the stand-out items currently available in the limited-edition range is the Custom SOCOM Elite Stingray. The automatic folder features a 4-inch CTP-204P steel Tanto chisel grind blade that has been polished to a gleaming mirror finish. The aircraft alloy handle is inlaid with Stingray leather, which looks impressive and provides remarkable grip and traction.
Another example of Marfione’s knife mastery is the custom Hawk Auto. The sinister-looking hawkbill blade is finished in two-tone bronze with an apocalyptic stonewash. The black anodized aircraft alloy handle features a bronze push-button automatic opening mechanism and handcrafted bronze hardware accents.
The Wrap-Up
The beauty of Microtech knives is that they are essentially machine-manufactured knives that offer custom knife quality. The ingenuity and innovation that go into every design are unparalleled in the knife industry. It’s no wonder why Microtech continues to win the hearts and minds of knife enthusiasts worldwide.
If you want to get your hands on one of the best knives in the business, contact us today at (423) 525-9477 to find out more about our range of Microtech knife models.