I forget to mention 03/2024 is the production date of this knife. 😮

@GetOutOfMyArea

Ай бұрын

Mine is 12/2023

@tcranger85

Ай бұрын

My MSI is 11/2023 and I could not replicate this, which was a sigh of relief.

@TheoVannX

Ай бұрын

That is insane mine a 02/2024 and I've spine whack the tar out of it and it holds. Black g10- all stonewashed blade for reference

Don't forget that BladeHQ made this their knife of the year for 2023 lmao.

@Laurarium

Ай бұрын

Retailers😂

I’m my experience with Microtech, it’s fashion over function. I don’t say that easily since the L.U.D.T. Is my favorite ots design. Even then, the internals on that particular knife had failed me 4 times even after warranty repair. Although, all that aside, customer service is amazing.

@jlogue751

Ай бұрын

Agree on ludt..looove it..but my spring broke 2 months in...scared to send it in lol

@justincortez3404

Ай бұрын

@@jlogue751Microtechs customer service is top notch. I think you’ll be happy with sending it in, granted you get it back… I’d recommend putting some insurance on for peace of mind. The sooner you send it the sooner you get it back.

Beat by a Gerber..... ouch!

I just tried the same test on my microtech. The lock did not fail once I would definitely consider sending it back to them and letting them have a look at it.

Microtech will be sending you a cease and desist shortly. Marfione's a jerk that way. I haven't lock strength tested my MSI yet but this video has definitely made sure I plan to do so before I put it in the kit I had intended it for

I tested my MSI and the lock held. I'm very happy because it is my go to pocket knife. I'd definitely send your knife to warrant to repair.

I recently purchased the Microtech stitch with the fluted aluminum scales and partially serrated blade. I heard about the lock hop after purchasing but in my personal tests it did not fail at all. I can however agree wholeheartedly on the lack of edge retention and touching up the edge is quite easy. I do love the stitch and have zero regrets buying it…… but after a short month in my pocket it’s living in the safe now except for special occasions. My current daily user has gone back to my Benchmade Freek in M4. While the stitch is fantastic it has a shape and ergonomics that lend it more towards tactical, while the Freek is perfect for edc.

Stassa 23 channel has a video to show how to fix it, all though depending on how you feel you shouldn’t half to at that price point.

EDCandLace: Out of the stitch and msi I had and sold the following day because of both having HRCs in the 58s and sharpening about 50 of them in the last 3 months... they are SOFT, it's soft enough that it is noticeably gummy on the stones. Plus the action on both of them is mushy as hell. I received both of mine in the same day, had them poked later that day and sold the next morning lol. If you buy a knife to use and expect serviceable edge retention then you will not be happy.

@tacticalcenter8658

Ай бұрын

Microtech hardness ranges from 57 to 59. M390 should be 62rc unless using secondary hardening.

@jimshort9266

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the heads up. I’ve been eyeing the stitch. Glad I came across your comment before spending that kind of money.

@M.O.Petersson

Ай бұрын

Wow, thank you for the information. I’ve been eyeballing the msi for a long time now but after seeing this video I’m gonna keep my money in the pocket.

My limited experience with the Ram-Lok have been mixed. I really love the Stitch, one of the smoothest crossbar type folders I own. But I also have an Amphibian that locks up so tight that it needs 2 hands & excessive pressure to disengage. And my polymer MSI has 'detent lash' in the closed position, meaning the blade wiggles a bit. Of the current Microtech manuals the Stitch is my favourite by far, then the Socom Elite which is a liner lock.

This gets me thinking, especially with neeves knives' recent video on the civivi fg and we vision r, and while those didn't fail quite so bad I did expect more from those knives. I wonder if it has something to do with the size of the primary component of the lock, maybe something to do with the momentum it has when thwacked like that. Maybe locks that move sideways have an advantage in that regard. That also raises once again the question of the relevance of spine thwack testing, since outside of abusive scenarios such as buttoning, that kind of failure won't happen in normal use, even when pulling back through material.

Hey, love the content as always, have you reviewed the amphibian from Microtech yet ? If so I'm sorry I missed the video.😊

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Not yet!

Awesome review. Thanks so much for your time.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I got one of the early releases of the MSI dated 8/23 and I tried the spine wack and I had no issues. It's been trustworthy for me.

I had literally the same exact issue with a g10 frag MSI. I sent it back to microtech, and after like four months I got it back. They wouldn't say anything about what they did, not now it locks up just fine and the ram lok spring feels significantly stronger.

I saw a video of a guy disassemble his microtech and part of the problem is the part of the blade the ran lock engages is a ramp so it's only engaging with the very tip of the ram lock and there's a big gap under the rest of it. If you have a flat surface on the bottom of the ram lock why not flatten out the part of the blade so more of the lock engages with it? Makes no sense and seems like a major design miss on their part.

Cripes, even cheap SRM and Ganzo Axis type locks are more secure, I've spine locked models from both.

You are one of 4 KZread knife reviewers that have experienced Ram-Lok failures on the Microtech MSI.

Excellent review, its good to know how these more expensive exclusive hype knives actually go when tested

Got my MSI about 2 months ago and have had no issues with it. I even tried the spine wack test again after watching your video and it passed just fine. I do agree with you about the steel however. But I love this knife and it sucks that some are having lock issues.

Well I have an MSI,2 Stitch’s, and a Amphibian….love em but still just pocket jewelry for me. I carry a fixed blade for real work in the woods or defense and the folders become backup at best. Thanks for the review and will check to see if Microtech does anything to remedy.

Holy shit. They need to recall those. Thats absolutely a lawsuit coming. You put hardly any force on that spine. No way it should be slipping that lock like that. They better do something ASAP

@georgelin8498

Ай бұрын

Would be a hard case to win. You’re going to get cut playing with knives.

@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223

Ай бұрын

@@georgelin8498 ok Google. Thanks

I love my msi, never had a problem with it. And let’s be real, no one usually cranks on their pocket knives hard enough to make the locks fail…that’s why I have fixed blade. That being said, the m390 doesn’t hold up as well as some of my other m390 knives

Great video buddy great info

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

No problem!!

More lock test please.Your video are the best.Iam from Greece😀😀

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Awesome!!! 😎

I’ve been using one of the new Microtech LUDT gen 3s and love M390MK , compared to S30V, S35VN, 20cv and M390 standard, it’s honestly been the best steel I’ve had on a knife

Just a guess, but I wonder if the extra mass of that big sliding block just has too much inertia. This is actually a method for opening some padlocks or container locks. They call it “rapping” because they commonly impart that force with a rubber or urethane mallet. You impart force on a heavy locking pall inside the lock and inertia actually moves for just a split second, which is enough to open the lock. No picking required.

@JohnSmith-gs4lw

Ай бұрын

An example on the consistently underwhelming Master Lock product line: kzread.info7xpvs2WhsS8

I have the g10 MSI and the benchmark Adamas and love them both. I just spine thawked it as hard as I could about 20 times and it didn’t fail at all, I doubt the g10 would make a difference vs the poly. But maybe I got a good one or maybe yours was a dud. I did get mine as soon as they released so not sure if qc was better before they started producing a lot more but I’m super happy with my MSI and carry it a lot.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Good data and thanks for sharing that!

Can you do a machete comparison which machete is best for the bush and around the house thanks keep up the good work

U should try out Zapas knives, they remind me alot of bps knives but with their own style which honestly i quite like. Seems to be a polish company and a good deal for the price

I can't speak for the MSI but I'm in love with my STITCH!!!

Exactly why I didn't get the msi or adamas which had lock fail test too in baton text which I would never do..thats why instead I got benchmades persidio ii ..vault like lock up no fail! Yes it's s30v,but a great knife.

Regular Axis style locks fail when you hit the Butt or Pommel against something hard, also. I noticed your Stop Pin looks different from mine. What's the date of manufacturing on your pocket clip? Mine is 11/23 on both of mine and they don't fail light spine whacking. Myself, I absolutely luv my two MSI RAM-LOK Folders. To me, the RAM-LOK is much more fun and easier to use and operate than the traditional Axis style lock types. I would like to see Tony Marfione do strength test with his Manual Folders like Andrew Demko did back I the day with the Tri-Ad Folders. So, far, I have only seen GSM, Cold Steel do strength test on their Atlas-Lock, with Stickman. Personally, I think all Manufacturers, should do strength testing KZread Videos. Keep up the good Work! :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

One of the knife reviewers (Stassa ?) compared the MSI lock to the Stich. The Stich was solid, and he showed the slight differences why it was so. Supposedly, Microtech is addressing the problem.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

I hope so! Mine was made in 3/2024

@kayrafisher5023

Ай бұрын

Another reviewer (believe it was cuttingboardreviews) took apart the MSI and stated the notch that engages the ram-lok doesn’t engage and it’s very high, he sanded it down and didn’t have anymore issues. Personally, I did the same thing and I haven’t had any issues with spine whacking since. I agree though, coming from such a reputable branch such as Microtech, it is disappointing. However it is a simple fix.

@tacticalcenter8658

Ай бұрын

Ask them if they will address the 57 to 59rc m390 too. Make it 62rc like its supposed to be or use something else.

The Microtech MSI is one of my favorite edc knives. It's freaking awesome, lightweight and a great blade

A little stronger spring should address the issue. BM had some issues with the gen 2 of the Adamas.

@tacticalcenter8658

Ай бұрын

It doesn't fix the sub par m390 hardness

@brianc2399

Ай бұрын

@@tacticalcenter8658 I sent emails to Microtech regarding their M390 hardness. Zero replies.

Great video as always Aaron. I will probably get savaged for saying this, but I have never understood the Microtech fascination. I have known so many people who have had problems with their knives. Especially after what they pad for them. I guess I like the other “Tech” company better. Protech knives (for me anyway) seem a lot more well made and they come with a friendlier price point. Just sayin’ 😎

I wonder if a spring swap to a stronger spring would fix the issue or if its a design issue. Either way, it should warrant a recall from Microtech due to the lack of safety/risk of cutting your fingers off.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

That could be it

Honestly, I couldn't imagine a situation where a "spine-whack" failure could be an issue for me. Then again, I'm not like I'm out there trying to build a log cabin with it. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I've had mine for a solid year now, dated 4/2023. I've carried it off and on for the past year. Never had an issue. Foundry work, so it's a hot, and dusty environment. Not to mention sweaty! 😂 I do simple tasks, like cutting cardboard and cordage. Then it sits in my sweaty pocket most of the night. The edge might need to be touched up, but that's normal wear and tear. No noticible rust spots, either. Overall, it's a pretty decent knife.

Tried the same manip with two Ganzo knives (G727, F7551) and the locks stayed strong. Tried it again with a very bad Brother knife (kind of Spyderco clone that I never use) and the lock didn't fail too. Weird !

I can hear the lock failure when you opened the blade. I do have a spyderco manix when I open it. I hear that slap of the lock. In this video, I hear the manix lock but not the micro. I didn't hear that slap only a flick ?

G'day Aaron, wow, definitely a non-starter IMO. Sure one wouldn't usually spine thwack in use, but thats about equivalent to a low drop. Ultimately, whats the point of a lock ...... if it doesn't reliably lock. Reckon I'd find myself not trusting it even under normal use. Cheers Duke.

Picked up the same model without coating on the blade. Whacked the spine multiple times as I had heard it could be and issue and had no lock failure. This is my first Microtech so I don't have any other experience with them other than my MSI made on 3/24 like yours. Really enjoying the knife so far. You need to send yours in and let Microtech address your issues, and if you do let us know how it goes.

@tacticalcenter8658

Ай бұрын

You enjoy 57-59rc m390? Lol

@jbmc638

Ай бұрын

@@tacticalcenter8658 I don't know exactly what the rc of the blade is on any knife I own, it works or it does not. Only had this knife a couple of weeks so maybe I will change my mind.

@tacticalcenter8658

Ай бұрын

@@jbmc638 its 57 to 59. M390 should be at 62. You got hozed

I have 8 MSI only 2 had this problem one was a second generation the other was like yours. I sent the older one in and two weeks I had it back! Excellent warranty work done. The newer one I fixed and was quite easy, around 20 minutes of my time. It is disappointing but I have purchased $1000 customs with bigger problems and never get resolved. So if you get the lemon send it in.

@tacticalcenter8658

Ай бұрын

All of your microtechs were under 59rc. Which is bad.

@PeterC585

Ай бұрын

@@tacticalcenter8658 thanks for checking mine out!

@PeterC585

Ай бұрын

@@tacticalcenter8658 thanks for checking all the rc Hardness for me

@Superbus753

Ай бұрын

The just send it in part might be easy for you living in the us but for everyone else shipping to the us alone already costs 50-100$ just to fix something that should have never left the factory in the state it is? I don’t think microtech pays for our shipping costs. It is an unsafe product!

@PeterC585

Ай бұрын

@@Superbus753 I agree with you! That's why I don't buy any knives made outside of the USA

Manix2 all day!!! Best steel varieties, ergos are great, lock is strong, it’s ambi, and it has lightweight and full g10 with liner variations. Aftermarket is catching up nicely for it as well. Only downside to the manix like you said is it’s not as fidget friendly as other options but I’ll accept that trade off. Also spyderco takes their heat treat of steels seriously even with all the varieties they offer. Pricing is still competitive for a USA made blade and tends to undercuts microtech and benchmade for competitive materials on their core models. I love benchmade (them and kershaw/zt and are semi local) but the manix2 is amazing I love both my bd1 lightweight and s30v g10 models both have served me very well for a long time. Feedback given lol 😂

@notmoose8670

Ай бұрын

Wish they would offer more steel choices on the Manix..... S30V is boring haha

@brentmellinger1798

Ай бұрын

They do offer it in sooooooo many more options than s30v, that is just the base steel for the g10 model. They have ran sprints in so many steel options I can’t even list them all but off the top of my head between the lightweight and g10 models it’s been offered in s110v, maxamet, rex45, spy27, cpm 15v, cru wear, m4, and magnacut. That’s just what I can remember I’m sure I’ve missed several steel offerings. Spyderco does them in sprint runs and exclusive models for distributors so it’s honestly hard to keep track. But if you like the pattern of knife chances are you can get it in whatever steel you like eventually.

@notmoose8670

Ай бұрын

@@brentmellinger1798 Yeah I know there are a couple other steals available (Rex 45 and M4) but they are on the lightweight model. Sprint runs are so hard to acquire. I haven't been fast enough to get any and I dislike the whole idea. Great for resellers but I just want a Manix I can use in someting other than S30V. I'm tempted to get a Rex or M4 but I live in a place where high humidity is the norm. 😞

@brentmellinger1798

Ай бұрын

S110v is a standard production variant for the manix both g10 and lightweight versions, good corrosion resistance and edge holding not the greatest in the toughness department though. Can’t have it all lol. I’m gonna get the magnacut salt whenever it finally becomes readily available but that is a lightweight model.

@notmoose8670

Ай бұрын

@@brentmellinger1798 $230 for a Manix 2 in 110 is too much for me haha just $50 bucks more and you can have a Reate 🙈

Nice test ... Ya mine also does the same thing have no problems with my Adamas thow things a beast

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Totally! I love the Adamas!

@mikefriend6996

Ай бұрын

Me to I'm actually carrying it right now me and the wife just got back from a hike here in Michigan

My Adamas folds on a spin wack so they may have fixed it. But both my mini and the full size Adamas don't hold up to spine wacks. Gives me anxiety just thinking about it

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Dang that sucks! Send it in!

Tri-ad Lock FTW⚔️

I would much rather have a bit 'softer', easier to touch up, steel for a bush knife. I have a couple knives take and keep an edge very well, BUT are a REAL-REAL PITA to get an edge back on....I would much rather have a knife that I could find a river rock and straighten the edge if it came down to it, in the bush. I would never buy any Microtech knife, no. I believe the original 'RAM-LOK' was the Kershaw1910 design by Grant and Gavin Hawk from about 2010

Thanks To Zoleo For Sponsoring This Video Satellite Communicator Link** alnk.to/3chnV6C Promo Code: GT4ZOLEO

Ive heard the steel wasn't well heat treated on those. Was that wrong?

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Mine holds an ok edge

That lock is plain DANGEROUS to the user. Someone is gonna get cut due to lock failing and sue Microtech for millions.

Next time you do a utility knife video you should check out the Gil-Tek R.U.K. P $10 and USA made

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Will do!

Wow 😮.

That lock is a huge deficiency.

Though it's similar to a spine whack, The Dutch Bushcraft Knives battened a Bugout, no prob, Adamas, it failed.

While I can appreciate the content, I’m just wondering what real world application spine thwacking has for users. What cutting task is going to put downward pressure on top of the spine that would make it fail?

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Correct not many! But good to know the limits of a tool

I think a stronger spring might solve the lock issue and improve the detent strength. Try taking it apart and putting a stiffer spring in it, see what happens and maybe make a video.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

That spring may be the issue

I’m seeing a lot of people saying that theirs withstood spine whacks, which is good for them, but the fact that lock failure on this model is so prevalent that it’s a major part of every time it’s discussed is an issue. Any lock can technically fail, but the RAM-LOK is commonly failing where even gas station liner locks aren’t, which absolutely shouldn’t be happening with anything a company like Microtech is putting out. Their low heat treatments on the steel is also a factor that’s really hard to justify, too. It’s all just very disappointing, especially since this is one of the more budget-friendly offerings Microtech has. It could’ve been an amazing value, and I suppose for some people it has been, but for far too many, it hasn’t, and I hope they actually fix these issues, rather than letting complaints roll off their backs

I have heard and seen demonstrations about the failing of the Ram Lock from microtech. To be completely honest, they should recall this product. If i spend after tax close to $400 on a new knife, it better stand up against some abuse. But after a light tap on the spine on the blade??.. a good way to lose a finger! I carry a Spyderco Manix 2 LW because of your original video show casing the knife you keep coming back to. I love the manix 2 hands down my go-to knife.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

That is awesome!

He says "Special Formula" the same way I say "tactical"

How did the spine scwhack on this one get through factory testing?

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

No idea and it was built in 3/2024

Great video. I sold mine. Action was very disappointing! My ram stich is so much better.

Nice video GT. Specifically the MSI and Adamas I believe are hit & miss. My MSI lock has not failed thr spine whack, however my full-size and mini Adamas have. in fact I just got them back from Benchmade a week ago and now they are all good. Luckily I have not had the issue with the MSI because microtech warranty is a pain in the ass… because of this I will no longer purchase microtech products

Freaked out.... duplicated the test... and got a completely different result... lock/hop did not fail, for me.

Great video, im interested to see if microtech will respond some way

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

You and me both!

American made doesn’t mean craftsmanship any more. Got rid of my Microtech OTF because so many other manufacturers have smoother action that doesn’t chew up your thumb.

Immediately on looks it makes me think united cutlery.

I have tested two MSIs, a stitch, and an Amphibian. None failed. A couple of the guys at work have MSI as well, no issues. So far I love it. As you stated, the M390MK doesn't hold an edge as long as my TRM knives in 20cv. But the MSI is fantastic.

Is it possible they would send you another one to test it

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Maybe

That lock is disappointing but overall okay knife. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

Guess i lucked out....my MSI passed the spine wack test every time.

That knife is my edc. I have loved it. But dissatisfied with the performance you have had with the lock. Maybe just stick with cold steel pocket bushman.

Not OK. No go for me, not because of danger but because I see it as a flaw that could have been avoided.

I have no issues with my 11/23 MSI.

great test

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

So you probably got an older one. They have fixed it I heard.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

My manufacture date 3/2024 😱

@brianc2399

Ай бұрын

No they haven't. Show us a proof. Make a video.

@davidmayle6103

Ай бұрын

This was called out earlier when it was released in 2023. Supposedly, they were addressing it fixing the issue on new batches for 2024. Disappointing.

Nothing wrong with this knife. It's simply a slip joint in disguise!

Imagine getting beaten by a gerber knife.

Absurd that a $50 Chinese made Kershaw is a significantly better "tactical" option then a USA-made Microtech at almost $200. At least Benchmade fixed the Adamas; I wouldn't be surprised if Microtech never even acknowledges that this is an issue. People are still grabbing them up though, so I guess some people don't mind paying $200 for a glorified slipjoint as long as it looks good...

YAWN 🥱

That's really dangerous..... I see a lot of sliced fingers if you put that thing to any real work.

Great video Aaron! You just saved me money and disappointment

1. an excellent review. 2. Pass on this knife. It will not replace the used Spyderco plain blade Police model resting in a Benchmade bidirectional sheath sitting next to the computer. The blade locks up.

Ouch microtech..... hot garbage!! Dump it!! I know it's not high speed/low drag, but I LOVE my many Recon & American Lawman folders!! The tri-ad lock is the BEST!

Anybody that wants to get rid of it for the spine whack reason just send it too me I will be happy to dispose of it! 😂

I noticed your RAM lock was full of pocket lint and gunk , can you clean it all out with compressed air and try again? not making excuses at all but your lock was full of gunk !

with all the issues lock failures , low heat treat on the m390mk ....... just going to stay away from m390mk and ramlocks all together. as always though looks like a ferrari

Is there a clone on Ali yet?

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Hahah

@M.O.Petersson

Ай бұрын

Actually there is😂

Give ya 30 bucks$ for the Micro..!? 😂

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Haha

ooooooboy

Atleast the lock cant be worse than that vosteed unit??

Mine is solid

It's 6/10 knife that looks 10/10........

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Hahah that’s for sure!

Oh man this is going to get a lot of comments

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

I think so!

I'm not sure that test has any bearing on real world usage.

@gideonstactical

Ай бұрын

Well we can see all the others don’t rebound like that. Each person can make up their own mind.

@charlesdudek7713

Ай бұрын

​@@gideonstacticalYes it is good to know that it does that.

@charlesdudek7713

Ай бұрын

​@@gideonstacticalYes it is good to know that it does that.

Gerber Sedulo FTW!

Completely unacceptable. Send it back!!

For that price - yikes!