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Posted: 6/10/2009 5:13:30 AM EDT
| I have been interested in purchasing either a Microtech Ultratech or a Benchmade Infidel. I looked at there warranty and if the knife where to break you would have to be either LEO or military to send it back to be fixed. I am neither, Has anyone owned either of these knives? If so have you had any problems with them? |
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I haven't owned either of those knife brands, but if the warranty info you stated is correct, I wouldn't like it. If you end up with a Kershaw or Zero Tolerance, the warranty and customer service are awesome. If you break it, they'll replace it, no questions asked. |
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I own a Microtech UX70, but I don't carry it.
A good friend of mine has a microtech OTF (don't know the model), carried it quite a bit, and had problems with pocket lint and other debris clogging up the mechanism inside the handle. As a classIII dealer he was able to send it back (repeatedly). Below is my .02 so it's worth what you paid for it! Most OTFs to include Microtechs are extremely "cool". They are well-made from quality materials and their price reflects that. With that said, they are a novelty/collector item IMHO. There are a few custom makers of OTFs that can take serious abuse (one has a youtube video of him shoving through a 55gallon steel drum...I think it runs close to $1k), but Microtech and Benchmade ain't it. The locking mechanisms don't like any sort of debris and can fail to fire or get hung up inside the handle if too much lint makes its way inside. The firing mechanisms could be described as fragile with 1, 2, or 4 small springs and a "sear". SO, if you're buying it for the collection, to play with it for awhile, or for minimal use then have at it. They really do have a cool factor untouched by side openers. If you intend to use this knife regularly (moderate or hard use) I'd look elsewhere. Microtech used to make a damn fine auto side opener. Lone Wolf knives makes a good "stealth" auto with sliding cocobolo scales that's held up fairly well so far in my use (I made thread here about my Double Duty). A few semi-custom makers make pretty good auto side openers...just do a bit of searching. Keep in mind that in most states carrying an automatic knife (not to be confused with assisted opening) is illegal. Also, you are correct in your assertion that Microtech will not accept returns or perform warranty work on any of their auto knives unless they come from active LE or military (LEO supposedly must include department letterhead). Not sure about the BM Infidel. |
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