The Lightning OTF VS High End (Microtech) OTF Knives - Which Should You Buy? What's the Difference?
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The lightnings are cool! I got one just to bone up on taking apart OTFs a bit and ended up liking it alot as a yard work knife and it's never failed.
"Im gonna try and make this simple and fast"
*28 minute video.*
"Right"
Lmao
Could have been 38 mins…
I have a Ultratech from 2008 I bought off the original owner for $150, had a spring break on it a month later. Sent an email to Microtech, got a response that same day with a service return order #. Sent it back to them, asked them if I could buy a glassbreaker for it because back in 2008 they did not come with one, and they made it happen... for FREE! Sure, the turn around is about 3-4 week's, but I was really impressed by the way they take care of you. If you have an authentic Microtech, it is covered! It came back awesome, and has not misfired once since it came back from them in January, and I fire it just to fire it many times a day. I used to be one of those guy's that scoffed at a $300+ OTF. It still hasn't replaced my Cold Steel X2 Voyager or Vaquero as my primary go to knife, but it is always there as a backup, or added "flex" knife when edc pocket check is called. Lol. It has however started my down the road of buying too many knives, but hey, at least it isn't crack! 😂😂😂👌
But you shouldn't have to send back a knife, you paid top dollar for. If it costs top dollar, it should have top, quality control. If you aren't getting good QC, you are not getting proper service for your money. You are not getting good customer service.
One is all you need the other is one you can be proud of.
That’s beautifully put lol
Nicely said
Only a fool would spend $600 on a pocket knife. People are starving in this world and the economy is complete shit, yet fools waste so much money on a name
@@_doomzday I work til my fingers bleed. I’ll spend my money how I want. Life isn’t fair. Never has been never will be unfortunately. I work 60 hours a week to afford the knives I find beautiful.
@@_doomzday i agree with the other response. life isn’t fair, but yet im able to work hard to have discretionary income, and bought my microtech as a way to celebrate a milestone in my life.
i just recently bought an ultratech and its nice seeing you post back to back videos on autos and otf's
I recently heard a great term for the "twang" you talk about in the Lightning: "Spring Sing". What a great saying! It's a perfect description.
The way I eliminate spring sing is by disassembling the Lightning & adding some pivot oil all along the spring. This coats it enough to eliminate spring sing on all OTFs I've owned with this problem.
An aside: I've owned about 6 Lightnings in 14 years, & for about 6 years of that my Lightning was my only EDC, & it performed perfectly with frequent light to moderate use. I just kept having to buy new ones because I lost them or gave them away. But I never had issues with them failing. That being said, higher-end OTFs *are* unquestionably better quality. I'm just saying I think the Lightning can hold its own a lot better than many people give it credit for.
I recently sharpened my latest Lightning on my Wicked Edge, & one thing against it is that 440C steel, which feels noticeably chunkier & soft compared to modern high-end or super steels I've worked on. But still, Lightnings are great for the money. 😃
Comprehensive. Thanks!
Yup FW3A in pocket along with Steel Will.
Bought Lightning in yellow for desk..
Never enough flashlights or tools
Excellent video. I know a lot more now than I did before I started watching this video! Thank you.
Great video, thanks! I got a UTX-70 Signature series hellhound, tiny little auto smaller than a pack of gum. So far its fantastic. Glad you mentioned Guardian Tactical, probably need one of those too. So far I also have a UTX-85, its is a much better size. Its funny the 2 UTXs have misfired a time or 2 (no big deal, maybe I was pushing the switch too slow) but my Cobratc has not misfired and was under a hundred bucks. Its has D2 steel but is way too heavy for its small size.
I can’t talk about the $600 knife. I bought the $35 Lightning Elite about a year ago and have taken it apart, easily. and put Silicone grease on the spring and the twang went away. It has failed to open a few times after 100s of openings but you just pull the blade all the way out til it locks and it’s fixed. I have no need for a $600 knife to open Amazon boxes. Great video.
You answered my comment the other day on one of your old OTF videos. I decided I’m going with the Guardian Tactical Recon-035. That the best looking OTF imo. I will probably end up with an ultratech/combat troodon eventually as well. Thanks MC 🙌
I recently bought a Recon-035 & I was blown away by the craftsmanship, materials, & smooth action. Definitely one of my favorite knafs. You'll love it! 😃
@@pateralus9 That’s awesome! I appreciate the reply, I’m sure I will love it! Where did you get yours at? I usually shop at BladeHQ, but they have a very limited selection, and I can’t find any information on when more will be coming out.
I think it’s kind of ugly, but if you told me I had to get rid of my ultratech or recon 035, without hesitation I would say goodbye to my ultratech.
AKC F-20… enough said. Killer quality and build for $60. It’s at Grindworx currently pick one up before they are gone.
Lol I just got that exact knife today and I'm in love with it. I was originally going with a lightning but the AKC F-20's body is just so much better looking.
The most firing issues I've had with Microtech was dirt and tried to use other oils because I didn't have RemOil. Bought Remoil at Walmart and never a failure since.
I suggest using WD-40 over rem oil for OTFs
do NOT use wd-40... if you had to use any garage oils, (if anything) try ATF .
If you really think about it you either buy multiple times cheaply and end up spending the same or more, or you buy once and it lasts forever or the company takes care of it so you don't have to buy again. So personally I prefer to buy once and it work vs multiple buys and wait times for shipping and etc.. and it's not like microtechs are crazy stupid expensive. You can get a microtech otf for under $300 and it is built the same as any of their knives. You buy 5 or 6 of the lightning and you could have bought a microtech with full LIFETIME warranty❤❤
9:01
The Microtech has, as stated, a Type III Hard Anodized finish. The Lightning also has an anodized finish, it's just not nearly the same penetration depth and isn't nearly as hard or corrosion resistant.
I have a large Cobratec I use on the daily only because I don’t want to lose my expensive Microtec UTX 85. Both are awesome knives. Cobras are made in TX with a lifetime warranty. Little on the heavy side though compared to a lightning I was shown at a knife shop which is why I’m watching this vid on them.
Xring actually pounds the microtech into the 2x4 multiple times like a nail and it works perfectly everytime haha I love it. It's a great show of quality built tools and when the microtech fails you simply send it back to them and they fix it no questions asked unless you purposely destroyed it even then they will fix the knife but you will have to pay for the parts needed to do the repair
I just got a lighting with the tanto it is amazing $29 it is razor sharp. It’s a great knife it’s not heavy like some cheap off. But if you want a middle grade look up slenderman off d2 $130 very nice aluminum. But back to the lighting it is absolutely worth the money
I have a Ultratech and bought a lightning just for shits... ended up giving it to my buddy but I will definitely be grabbing another lightning soon from my local dealer
In my state, it's legal to OWN auto knives, but not carry them. I really wanted one, but I knew it was just going to live in my desk drawer and act as a fidget toy/box opener/general desk knife, so I didn't want to spend a lot. I bought a lightning, spent next to nothing for it, and that was 7 years ago. It's still in my desk, it still works perfectly, and I love it. It can't compete with my Manix 2XL (Primary EDC) or my Para3 in Maxamet (backup EDC), but it certainly does what I expected of it. It's a great little knife. Zero regrets. (Still better than S&W) LOL
I have a $65 knife that cuts through stuff as well as my $400 Microtech.
But the difference in feel is like the difference between a Toyota Corolla and a Porsche 911 Turbo S.
Good thing I'd never use a car to open a box
“They started pounding it into a hard surface to fail it” to try and close it. Man I laughed so hard at that. Man o man that was hilarious. Great video
My MicroTech UT misfired twice in the first 5 deployments. So i threw it in the dumpster and bought a Kershaw Livewire and x3 Lightnings. So far so DAMN good. John Wick can suck on my white hot Lighting. 🔥
Bought a Lightning last year and love it. But the siren song kept singing for the Microtech and yesterday surrendered and got the 121-11. YOLO!!
I have 2 ultratecs and they both have problems deploying sometimes, and I’ve had 3-4 lightnings and I’ve never had a problem with the actual function. Lightning otf forsure
Well you've got 6 total examples there. Not a lot to go on. I'd call that bad luck. Too many variables to call it anything else.
@jennifer kelley ok 👍
@jennifer kelley well listen the microtechs are everything you hope them to be and better but for some reason I just haven’t had good luck, I’ve sent them back a few times each. After they came back the first time I sent them, I never let them leave my room again and all that happens to them is me playing with it all day but they still broke. The best way to tell is through your own experience so keep that in mind when thinking if you want something like this
I had a similar experience. Ive only had 1 lightning and i totally beat the shit out of left it outside in the tool box and its never failed me at all. My ultratec has popped off a few times but man i still love it lol sometime you only get some of what you pay for
It’s the basic business law of diminishing returns. The price increases at a steeper rate than the quality.
I'd love to get a microtech some day, but for now a lightning will do the job just fine I guess :)
It's literally an ego thing. "I spent more money, therefore I have a better blade."
I've used a Microtech AND all of the "budget" blades (Lightning, AKC, Atomic, Titan, etc.) as EDCs for years in a general blue collar position (opening letters, opening packages, breaking down cardboard, cleaning my nails, cutting twine, cutting zip ties, cutting thread, cutting paracord), and they all work the same with zero problems.
If you want ego status and bragging rights, Microtech is is great. They make a great product.
If your main concern is simply EDC in a normal environment, the "budget" blades are a MUCH better investment. They work fine, they last for years, and if you lose, damage, or break them, you can buy 5 of them for what you are overpaying for an ego brand name.
Have you ever reviewed cobratec ctk - 1 I have the D2 steel drop non-serrated black other than Microtech it's the best OTF I've ever had and I've had quite a few
just purchased a cobratec otf today
I've been running 2 lightning elite for around a year. The one in my left pocket get ABUSED. the one in my right pocket is the one that stays really sharp and used selectively. I work on the farm and it's been dropped, run-over, caked in mud dropped in water, covered in dust, cleaned a bunch of deer, everything! they are very reliable knives. Really hard to beat for the price. Off they would just over a better steel and charged a little more it would be perfect. I finally bit the bullet, My ultratech should be here Monday I'm hoping it'll meet my expectations.
What's the verdict?
@@twotex4235 I highly recommend it. I switched over to microtech a few months back. I lost one of my lightnings but I still use them. The reason for switching was better steel. If you're wanting to get one I'd say buy it! It works great!
I can't see my comment so I don't know if you can but I said I recommend it it's the best cheaper otf I've used. I switched to an ultra tech for better steel. But I still use my lightning. It's reliable and if it's not abused it'll hold an edge well enough. I'd say if you're thinking about it go for it!
@@alexduke5402 thanks 🙏
5:05 You can clearly see the injection points on the back of the knife above the rear most screws where the casting of zinc was done and the bubbles in the smooth sections. Simply put it is a cast piece of metal. Nothing bad about that, its just in a different class obviously than the custom machined aluminum bar stock of the Microtech. You are paying for the quality difference here. It takes about 8 hours of mill time for the case fronts and backs alone, hence the cost difference we are seeing. Just pointing that out there and stating the obvious to others. That being said many people that spend $500-$1000 for a knife will think twice about using them on a construction site, vs the cheaper if I drop it 100 feet down onto concrete then oh well. I think its great you are taking opposite sides of the spectrum here on comparisons.
I got a lightning elite and it fails kind of often I even oiled it up and it felt junked up so I completely cleaned it with brake cleaner and got the long straw up in there and sprayed out a bunch of gray junk potential wear from the blade as it looks like it has a rub point but now it’s feels all tightened up again and feels new but it does fail again here and there but not nearly as much as it use to. But for $30 it’s a fun fidget toy for adults and serves it’s intended purpose of cutting when it needs too lol
They get shit in em from time to time when they're in the pocket being carried. I have a shrade single action otf that jammed in like a day because it's totally open on the side for assisted closing. It's built well enough but it's terrible for every day carry because of that
Here's a somewhat more nuanced utilitarian argument here:
When cost isn't as important and you don't want to have to wait for another knife, should your only knife become inoperable, then you might be better off just dropping more money once. But you ought to at least consider if the increase in price is proportional to the increase in performance. You have to look at "how many of Knife-A do I need to buy to get the same performance/life out of Knife-B?" If the Microtech holds up flawlessly for 6 years while the Lightning holds up for 2, then it takes 3 Lightnings for each Microtech. But unless you buy all 3 Lightnings at once, you may have to wait for a week between having them. Though, if you're this far into the knife rabbit hole, you've likely got many more knives to use in the meantime.
Of course, buying American means that your money is all staying here rather than 20% of it going to that Chinese/Taiwanese (because those AREN'T the same thing) factory. It's just personal preference. I happen to think that the lightning is a far better choice for someone that isn't "American-made Only" and who doesn't have several hundred dollars to drop on a utility knife. But I also believe that you should be buying at least 90% of your daily expendatures on American-made goods.
In any case, I appreciate the consideration and honesty.
I recently bought a benchmade infidel and a microtech ultratech in the same week.
I got the benchmade infidel first and it immediately misfired straight out of the box but I think that was due to shipping because I lubed it with some heretic otf lube and it hasn't misfired again...
Whereas the microtech ultratech continues to constantly misfire like every 20 times.
I followed online advice and took it to work and blew it out with compressed air and lubed it then blew it out again... still misfires...at this point I'm going with benchmade.
I really want a troodon but I'm afraid I'm going to get the same terrible quality... switch wiggle and the switch tears your thumb up... plus the constant misfire.... did I just get a dud or what?
I’ve owned 20 different Microtechs and about 10 ultratechs and I’ve never had one misfire that wasn’t intentionally done.
Ditto 👍
I use fixed blade. Never had any problems with fixed blade
I have a lightning with the blacked out tanto, and that tanto tip is going to penetrate 'some' before the blade kicks off the track.... I thunked mine into my desk drawer, and it went in a lot further than I expected LOL... and that's into wood! (but that tanto tip is extremely pointy)
The lightning otf was the second knife I ever purchased at like age 12, right after a Byrd cara cara haha. I still have it and it still works fine. I've only used it to open mail, though😂🤷♂️
I've also had a bounty hunter ultratech and the only similarities are that they're both otf's and have a side-mounted switch😂 idk how people actually recommend the lightning otf over a microtech, unless you're specifically looking for a budget otf, of course
I really want the smallest OTF on the market to carry. I think that would fit my use for a pocket knife best.
I have yo get a lightning.its so hard to find a knife thats made of the same material as a hot wheels car.must me a qualaty knife
I love my Miceotechs my Ultratech and Dirac Delta but both of them had the it main springs snap inside the chassis my Delta is 9/19 and my Ultratech is 5/20 so they're new and I had to swap springs with ones from eBay and they're actually pretty good they have less tension than stock Microtech springs but so far they're holding up and the springs are extremely easy to change
Voids the warranty though and they have an extremely great warranty. Also it will loosen up (or you'll find a better technique) over time. It took about 3 months for me amd mine was 01/20
@@chrisamerson my Delta and Cypher out of the box were extremely easy to operate spring tension was good and easy to engage and disengage my Ultratech the tension was extremely tight it took both hands to disengage and I modify cars so voiding warranties is my specialty
If you just want to play with a OTF, the lighting is fine.
That Micro Tech is way out of my price range, but it sure is a beauty.
Microtech*
Just about to order my fourth lightning when this popped up
I found the Gap called Slenderman EDC $150-$200 range and I love it better than my Microtech UTX
I payed for a Cheap OTF knife from 1986 and it's still working like Brand New. It cost me 15 dollars back then.
I have more expensive knives, though I am generally not a knife snob. But my Lightning OTF is my everyday go-to knife for typical light-duty use, which is more than fortnightly envelope opening, but then again doesn't include batoning kindling or doing brain surgery. After 10 years or so, no issues.
Mine doesn't have the messed up handle flaw they must of fixed the mold
I just ordered a new one because a few more people have told me that. I'll likely do another video on the lightning by itself 👍
Great video! I have a few Microtechs myself, but still interested in the lightening for budget carry.
Definitely worth it. I have recently purchased a few Lightnings and Lightning Elites. I enjoy my Zero Tolerance, Spyderco, Benchmade, Chris Reeve, Hinderer, etc. knives. . . but these Lightnings are seriously freaking fun and sharp for their price. Probably my favorite etc beaters now. 😁
@@staticfrequency2250 I also ended up with a lightning and lightning elite. They are quite a bit of fun haha.
@@slo_carry that's awesome, man! I enjoy using the crap out of mine. I cut kernmantle ropes, aramid fiber ropes, plastics, cardboard, etc. Etc. I grew up using knives hard on a ranch, and anybody that thinks Lightnings can't be hard use knives are the same people that love spine-whack tests. 😂🤣
Man your camera is fantastic.
Hmmm leather and glass? Tempered? Hand blown or stained? We need a comparison video to see which is best for edc or hard use. I bet all would have a better carry profile than the pm3. Great videos brother. Cant wait for the next
I just got my first OTF! A full-size Cobratec with a plain dagger blade. I'm impressed so far. Does anyone know how hard you can stab material with a Cobratec before it comes off track? I don't want to break mine, it was a gift from my girlfriend. Hoping to find some torture test videos!
I suggest just not stabbing things unless you have one from a reputable company that has a good warranty
If you’ve owned and used both. You know there is no reals comparison to be made here. When it comes to quality. Still, I like both.
I just send my microtech's back in when they need to be opened and cleaned or sharpened. Its at most 20 bucks and you don't need to worry about it because they make it like new before sending it back
Appreciate the comparisons
Have you had your hands on a Lightning Elite yet? They’re only $5 more, and I’m really wondering if there’s any noticeable difference in quality or action.
Just got one. Vid coming soon 👍
@@metal_complex Awesome, I can’t wait for that video to drop! I went ahead and ordered 2 elites (drop point black and satin blades) since I figure that even if there’s a very slight noticeable upgrade, it’d be well worth the 5 bucks. Thanks for the reply!
The original is from Taiwan. The ELITE from China, not as good. Different companies.
If I slide the button on my UTX70 really slowly, It wont open all the way. Only happens if I do it on purpose.
My UTX70 also makes a TWANG when I open it.
Try some REM oil. Thats what they use at the factory and should help relieve any excess friction causing the issue
@@metal_complex Thanks. I have some rem oil lying around somewhere.
The best OTF for the money is the Microtech Ultratech, for around 200 bucks. IMO there only good for stabbing or opening boxes/letters. So you might as well get it in double edge. If your state allows it.
Where r u finding an ultratec for 200? I can't find one for less than 275
@@keithswinford8260 call some of the bigger knife dealers and offer them 210 for one. I've heard of them selling for as cheap as 150bucks at shot show/ blade show before covid.
Is it even legal to edc a knife that costs more than your glock 19?
Surely you realize there is something between the Lighting and the Microtach Combat Troodon.
For example, a "clone" Combat Troodon direct from China for around $40-$50 - a perfect copy of the original save for the blade locks, and maybe lesser steel or hardening, but then, what EXACTLY are most people going to DO with a knife?
I would prefer to have a direct copy of the Combat Troodon with all the neat color, logos, markings, and features, than a Lighting.
idk if i paid hundreds of dollars for a knife, I would expect the company to put some extra r&d money into flat springs like in firears which are more compact for their given spring constant with a longer dynamic range. these cheap chinease knockoffs are actually motivating companies with big price tags to invest and develop more advanced tech to justify their price.... i hope.... idk buyers need to be more pickey if they arnt movtivated enough right now. got a 7$ version of that 450$ knife.
in the fieir aerms industry, hk was doing this in the late 90s and early 2000s and thats where most of our modern hand guen tech comes from: polymer reinforced frames, good triggers, double recoil springs, polygonal rifeling (glock stopped doing this to save like 20$/article), ect
I was thinking about getting a lightning.
My combat troodons spring broke and is getting repaired by microtech I don't know why it broke tho kinda disappointed for price
Just bad luck. Thats what the warranty is for. Sounds like you're being taken care of. I've owned tons. Never had a spring break.
Lightning otf and Boker Kalashnikov side swing are best for the money.
you get what you pay for most times. I treat knifes like Pokémon 🤣 got to collect them all 🔥😍 i really wish canada allowed otf's 😭
I tried sending a small Kershaw knife to a friend in Canada. It was confiscated because it was open assist with a thumb stud lol. I've been to Canada and really enjoyed it and I really love the people but damn, yall got some bs laws on weapons/tools.
@@Bluelightbandit right canada 🇨🇦 does some stupid stuff lol. one's the knives in canada your aloud to own and carry it but can't ship it across the border. only thing that's 100% Illegal is butterfly knife, otf's and something about a flick of the wrist lmao 🤣 any knife can be opened like that if you try hard enough 😂
I really like the Microtech Combat Troodon, but to be honest I think that it's a bit overpriced because it starts at $480.00. I personally think that a Microtech Combat Troodon should honestly cost no more than $400.00!!!! That's why I prefer the Microtech Ultratech, becuase it's a more EDC friendly size/weight and starts at $289.00!!!
1.5x is a glorious thing. :-)
Where is the cobrateck otf in this comparison ?
I'm not a big fan of Cobratec knives. They've got a few serious Microtech ripoffs, and some of the knives are absurdly overpriced for what they are. But if you enjoy them, keep enjoying them. Nothing wrong with that.
There are a brands in the 90 to 150 range that are basically Atomic OTFs being sold for more money. Not any of the real good brands like Guardian, Microtech, Benchmade, or Kershaw; but some of the ones you can only get from their own website being promoted by CZcamsrs who don't know any better. At least some of the knives Cobratec are clearly re-badged Atomics it looks like they are buying the same parts kits from china as the Atomic knives and selling them for triple the price.
I got my Lightning a couple of years ago and the fit and finish on mine is much better than yours. I don't have that flat spot on the texturing and the sides come together with no ridges that you can see or feel. The spring looks to be a lot tighter than yours as well. It's still a beater. My Ultratech has about the same pressure on the trigger but is much easier to get traction on.
You have Instagram? Id be curious to see a picture of it 👍
The people who say they aren't tools....are in fact.....actually tools.
Haha I just ordered one last night after seeing them so cheap on grindworks
I've had both micro tech is good, not worth the money though
I am not a collector but I just wantv1 high quality knife that I can use for years. For me that was a microtech troodon
I can attest to the ultratech. It's so good
I mean of course the lighting isn't the better of the 2.. but it's still a great otf for the value and definitely the best budget otf out there. And a otf you can actually use and not worry about damaging or losing.. you have to consider the price and what you actually get for the money which is a great value in my opinion. I have a bm infidel and don't act like the lighting is better but it definitely holds its own for the money..
The reason I did this video (as I said in the video) is because I've actually had people claim that the Lightning IS the same thing. What might seem obvious to you and I isn't necessarily obvious to everyone.
@@metal_complex true. I mean people that claim they are the same clearly have never handled a higher quality otf.. however I do think these are a great value otf and I use them for carry at work and stuff where I wouldn't wanna carry my bm infidel and risk damaging or loosing my better otf. I will say mine has been very reliable and stood up well and actually like the deployment switch better on the lighting then my infidel.
Oh ya for sure. I'd reach for the lightning more often if I planned to beat on something 👍
I have yet to find a cheap OTF that's as LARGE as the Combat Troodon
When he said simple and fast I looked at the video time and it’s 28 minutes !!!!!
Ya... "oops" 😉
I’m getting a lightning for Xmas
Would it be safe to say that 95+% of the time you get what you pay for?? Also, except for those with unlimited discretionary funds, not everyone has it within their "Cutlery" budget to buy the more expensive knives....True...Not true?? One persons cheap is another persons bargain, etc., etc. Just saying - Thanks for the video!!
You are comparing own end of the extreme to the other. What about like a $100 OTF. I have a couple of Cobratec knives that are just as smooth and my Microtechs. The fire button on them are less noisy and less rattle than my microtechs. The blade is only D2 and it’s heavier so I can justify the price a little but the quality is way closer. It would be interesting if you could do a comparison like that.
Like I said in the video, I've experienced the middle ground and it's very lacking in terms of quality for what you're getting.
No. Cobratec is nowhere near the same level as Microtech.
@@metal_complex Yes I agree with that but it is a lot closer than the lightings. I have all three and the level steps are there. I’m not trying to sound contradictory, as I agree with your vid
, I’m just saying it would make for a good video. Especially if there are people out there debating on spending that extra 100 for a good quality OTF.
Here's my main issue with Cobratec besides their lack of quality - They're doing everything they possibly can to hitch a ride by holding on to Microtech's bumper. Its extremely obvious they want to appeal to the same audience, which would be fine if they didn't steal clip, body, breaker, and blade elements. They're a half step from a clone company. Not something I'm gonna show on this channel. Sorry.
@@metal_complex I didn’t even think about that. And that goes back to your point of there’s really nothing else original in between that isn’t an “homage” or clone in that price range huh. Edit: I almost forgot the fact that they are proud of the fact that they are assembled in TX, but all the parts are from who knows where.
👍👍
OTF knives can barely penetrate a single sheet of typing paper. They have *just* enough energy to fling the mass of their own blade far enough that it engages the lock that holds it in the deployed position. Another common misconception about most OTF knives is that the blade is under tension just waiting to be released at the touch of button. While that is true of some single-action OTF knives (like the Microtech HALO), double-action OTF knives require you to load the spring as you push the switch forward. That's why most people that you hand an OTF to will struggle to get it to deploy. It takes effort to load that spring. Once you're used to it, it's nothing. But the first time you handle one you will probably be surprised at the muscle it takes.
I thought Microtechs' were pricey until I started looking at Benchmade OTFs'.
Great video!
I don't have a lightning , i just got a utx85, and... I want a lightning now. I wouldn't hesitate thrashing the lightning... for what that's worth to anyone interested....
From what I can tell in this vid the lightning doesn’t really hold up to the AKC F16 which is another budget otf. I’ve had my f16 for a couple weeks and for only $20 more than the lightning I think it’s a way better deal. Hardly any blade wiggle and fires really well.
mine fails often.
@@schlatt_294 I've had mine fail a handful of times but then again mine doesn't get much use. Do you use yours a lot? not that that should be an issue lol
@@mrnoodles5871 yeah i use mine everyday for utility purposes and sometimes i just like to fidget with it.
AKC f16 is garbage
I will forever love my microtech
If I Buy a Microteck knife for 500 dollars or 10,200 dollars is NO PROBLEM but does Microtect give you a Lifetime or will Replace the 500 or 1000.,200 dollar knife if It Fails to work in a Year or the first Day you Use it. That's my Problem Buying it.
Personally I feel like a worn out looking knife really looks far better than a clean looking one.
People who get an Otf for self defense have always made me laugh. Like you said these are tools first and weapons second. A person with 3 days worth of handgun training will beat someone who’s trained with knives for years most of the time. Knives shouldn’t be someone’s first option for self defense. If you really feel the need to arm yourself, get the right tools for the job.
Nice Seiko Samurai!!
If anything a OTF knife would be more prone to fail in a self defense situation. A fixed blade imo would be the best candidate for protection. OTFs are fancy box openers lol among other other uses . I can See spending 300 to 500 on a microtech even 1k on a custom offering but when I see some customs cost 10k and up that crazy but maybe if I was super wealthy it wouldn't be. Hard telling not knowing lol.
That is what I was thinking. I have a few Lightning OTFs but if I really need to do the business I have fixed blade full tang knives that didn't even cost $100 that are better than a thousand dollar Microtech.
Yeah as a back up a fixed blade is better but a guy with 3 days of firearms training will beat someone with 30 years of martial arts knife fighting 9/10. And most criminals in the US aren’t pulling up with a knife. A knife should never be someone’s first resort for self defense.
I just picked up a "cheap Chinese" torsion spring side-opening knife with a 5.7" blade for $14 freaking dollars! That's FOURTEEN FREAKING DOLLARS for a near 6" long killing length blade with a stout pivot hinge perfectly capable of doing the job for which it was built! For $14.
What EXACTLY does it take to kill a human? A PENCIL will do it. ANY "cheap" blade will do it. One does not need to piss away hundreds of dollars on an OTF knife with inadequate blade length to kill quickly with thrusts. A sharp STICK will do it. A piece of PVC, heated and hammered flat with a sharp tip ground will do it. There is a reason Italian style "stiletto" knives are still prolific - because they can be had with killing length blades in a compact package! Meanwhile, Micro Tech makes limp-weenie OTF knives that don't have enough blade length to get the job done!
My lighting was pretty bad ass never failed
You really should be comparing apples to apples. Take the China made combat troodon by Vespa. This will be a much more accurate comparison. 1/5 the price for a very high end knife.
I would be more into Microtech if they got rid of the glass breaker and cheap looking blade designs. Those teeth and holes make it look like a gas station knife.
Your gonna talk me into a lightning
Buy them both or start cheap and work your way up. You’ll use the cheap one. I started with the expensive but I like to carry the cheaper ones for harder use days
I can't see why anyone who is putting serious wear and tear on a pocket knife would want to use a 600 dollar knife over something that's easily replaced if lost or stolen/broken. Knife guys love to dick ride the artisan boutique companies because it's their thing, but there's plenty of alternatives for reasonable prices. The arguments between the "cheapos" and "quality" knives is mostly just a battle of the haves and have-nots
Nobody needs an expensive knife. You buy an expensive knife because you want "extra". Even if "extra" has nothing to do with utility. Some people will understand this and some won't, but it is the absolute truth.
@@metal_complex I get it. it's like an art dork buying a painting for 100 grand. Nobody "needs" art, but it's something to serve yourself because of one reason or another. It is cool how every piece of something can be gone over with a fine toothed comb and made from supreme quality materials. my response is more acknowledging the fact that just because knife bros might act smug toward anything cheaper doesn't mean people on a budget are "missing out" by not having a microtech, especially when most people are only slicing packages a few times a day. There really isn't much you're gonna do with a pocket knive that's gonna be THAT demanding lol
I would love to own an OTF but I live in WA so I can't & it irks me😂
Yep I also live in Washington. I saw some at a gun show in puyallup though
You could own one you just can’t legally carry it...
Both bordering states allow them..
I don’t think I’ll ever edc an otf it’s just for fidget factor. As far as quality it’s an obvious gap
I take an otf and a tough knife so I have the wow cool conversation starter and fidget factor of the otf but just in case it fails I have a nice strong knife (in my opinion you should always have a backup)
@@ChickenReenis one is none two is one. Always have a backup. I keep a fixed blade in my car that can’t fail as well.
The Lightning is less than just the tax on the majority of Microtechs. 🤷♂
Just ordered the Lightning Elite for $34.99