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As someone who has a previous gen ultratech and the new ZBT, aside from the ZBT feature, I like a bunch of the other upgrades: wider switch, dual fuel, vent ports in chassis, titanium clip, lower profile glass breaker, engraved logo instead of laser etched, very sterile and no billboarding. Oh, and no more proprietary screws. The ZBT feature is just a bonus for me!
Sadly, i have also seen those issues as well as them not opening. They are probably going to do what they did on the MSI and release 4 versions in a year. @igoryurkin9038
Hell yeah it has zero blade play! Or at least mine does. Mine had some minor spring sing, but I fixed that with some white lithium grease and it’s been solid
Now if they put the ZBT on other models, that Hera II 4" may be too alluring, also they mentioned in the promotions that the ZBT tech is adjustable in case it starts to have blade play, which is why they arent using the proprietary hardware.
I just got my SE and I was shocked too, since I have multiple OTF's and even a 2020 ultratech. On top of it all, the fact that it's adjustable if there is even a hint of play, this is a massive move in the OTF market or even a Microtech being serviceable.
From the few tests I've seen the zero blade play models aren't nearly as reliable as past ultratechs. Glad I waited. Ended up grabbing 4 different ultratechs during the sale they had a few weeks ago.... I honestly can't remember the last time I've seen brand new ultras for 225$
Picked my drop point version up today. It is definitely an upgrade over the previous Gen. It’s a home run in my book. I’ll definitely have multiple variations of it when those start rolling out. Also the new drop point blade looks way better and has a higher grind.
I saw another review that took issue with the way it resets (if it fails). Looks like you have to shake it to get it to reset the mechanism (rather than pulling the blade out like a standard OTF). That same review also pointed out that if the holes near the breaker get clogged up, the mechanism to fail and you have to clear them before the knife will be able to properly seat. Personally I’m interested in seeing this system on the Combat Troodon.
I know some dealers who got a whole shipment of these that have substantial blade play so if you are going to pick one up get it in person or be prepared to return it
This is a great video - Microtech has been crushing it for 2 years, I have all of the next Gen knives (OTF and Folders) and they are fantastic! Can’t wait to get this in Tanto, what makes this even more special is you can tune it. Also, given the potential bankruptcy of Crucible, I am fine with M390MK - at least Bihlernis stable company!
Problem with absolutely no blade play is when you take it to work, and get a little griding dust in it, it jams. I have one forst gen ultra techs and scarab 2. The scarab jams with aluminum dust from using flapper wheel
I'm waiting till they come out with a single edge ultratech ZBT before I order one. Also, probably not ordering any Microtechs unless it's a ZBT model from now on. Definitely excited for when the Glykon and Scarab get the ZBT treatment.
I owned a couple of microtechs. They are great in aseptic conditions, but get them mildly dirty and they don’t work. They have to be cleaned and oiled. Still carry one, but I am aware that it must be pretty clean.
Hey my friend your deadlock is the exact one I always wanted but couldn't afford when they were out. Is there anyway possible I can buy one from Hawk knives or somewhere else for the amount they went for like 1200 when they came out and if there is can you please let me know I would greatly appreciate it buddy.
There will always be some issues with a new release, especially this type of tech with tight tolerances. A good spray of vrem oil will likely fix it and if not, MTK will - patience is key.
Cool video!! One of ur sponsors needs to send u a new black mat to display the knives on for ur videos... hint hint...and then u can give ur current one with the little slice in it away to a lucky random viewer. 😁
Neat!!! 400 duckets?!? I don't like any OTF that much. They are cool as shit but not for me currently to play with it here and there, and not have a need to ever carry it. MC greatly appreciate your shit broham!!!
That's not necessarily true that it's all m390 on microteh I just recently got an ultratech in Magna cut steel but not the ZBT and the ZBTs are designed to be user serviceable so if they do get play you can adjust it to get rid of it
im so glad they made these but im also disappointed they just copied most of the deadlock mechanism. They just use the locking tabs as opposed to the rotating ball lock in the blade.
The infidel is nostalgic to me, so unfortunately I have to own one… My first expensive knife was an Infidel I had for a few years back in 2014 that I basically got for free before I really got into knives.. I eventually lost it and didn’t wanna pay the price to replace it. Then the blue and black ones in s30v came out in 2021 and I wanted a replacement… so I like it because it’s nostalgic, but it is in no way my best OTF😂😂 The people that say zero blade play on the infidel are just lying to themselves, she’s a floppy girl
Because for a good while there M390 was one of the most popular blade steels, so Microtech made a deal with Bohler to create their own proprietary blend of M390 and named it M390MK which stands for M390 Microtech Knives. So since they made that deal, they probably had to purchase a ton of it.
@justindiehl7272 Gotcha, that makes sense. Hopefully, they mix in some new steels down the road. M390 might be the most overused boring steel out there.
I like zero blade play on my other knives. In fact if I look at a knife for sale and it has blade play, I won't buy it. It says " sub- standard quality " to me.
@ who showed different data? B/c CBRx tested a new ZBT and it was hitting about 61 HRC. I mean…that’s two points higher than five other blades he has tested from Microtech that all hit below 60.
when are you going to review a Kizer Hawk, man you got to try one. If you're not impressed I will probably unsubscribe haha. no I won't love and respect your channel
Yeah its disappointing, i noticably dulled a microtech m390 peeling an orange. It was quite the shock to me. Ill have to see how it stands up when i put my own edge on it
I sent my ZBT back. It definitely had zero blade play but the switch was loose, wiggly and rattling. While this might be standard for Ultratechs, it cheapened the knife, lessened the overall value and generally disappointed me. I have sub $100 OTFs that have solid switches.
All of my microtechs are like that and it's 100% on purpose. There's a spring under the switch that's constantly pushing it up so it doesn't drag. It's not a design flaw.
The button has a spring pushing it away from the body. It's to prevent the steel button from wearing out the Al body too soon. Yes, the cheap clones do typically lack this mechanism. Microtechs are the most proven and resalable OTFs out there and know what they are doing. What a bizarre reason to reject them!
OTF blade play is overrated. I’m cool off the majority of Microtech’s new gen designs. Boring handles/clips that lack esthetics while looking far too similar to one another. Also, their cheesy marketing lingo is gross
So the true story behind this isn’t that they just “saw” the hawk deadlock. It actually has to do with the John Wick movies. Rock the armorer for the movies got pissed at Tony because all the knives that MT sent them kept malfunctioning on JW3 which lead to Rock telling them to F off and he chose Hawk knives deadlock for the next movie JW4. This angered Tony and he then decided to compete with hawk by making the Atrius and then undercut them with the ultratech. I understand it sounds like fanfic but I have personally met Rock and these are his words to me.
@@griff7749 Yes, I do. It was more about a personal disagreement with Taran. This is also why the MT knives were pulled out of the collectors gun kits that were done for JW3. Had nothing to do with reliability or anything like that. I think stories were made up and passed along by people who really didn’t know what was going on behind the scenes. 👍🏼
This is also a false statement. You do realize that almost all of these complex internal designs from different manufactures are patented. In order to get around that you must come up with your own patented design that does not infringe on someone else’s. 👍🏼
@@LoganLawrencehave both. The microtech is cool but the Hawk is still superior in terms of fit/finish/function. I doubt Hawk is sweating much. The buying audiences are totally different.
The zbt is a completely different internal design. Not just some simple upgrade. The blade play is user adjustable as well. Did you do any research before ranting and bumbling through this professional knife discussion. Unsubscribing. Can't take you serious anymore.
Well most people want high quality when paying a premium on a product. It’s all about preference. If you’re fine with spending that type of money on a knife with blade play, more power to ya. Most people don’t even want to spend that much money on a knife at all, let alone one that doesn’t have a rock solid lock up. I have many Microtech otfs with blade play as per usual and I’m fine with it. But there are those who aren’t.
@LoganLawrence so you're going to tell me that all the 100 of thousands of OTF's that were bought before last month didn't include the type of people you talk about??? You telling me you don't have any OTF's now? And if you do that makes you a hypocrite. Only other one with no blade play is an $1800 hawk.
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As someone who has a previous gen ultratech and the new ZBT, aside from the ZBT feature, I like a bunch of the other upgrades: wider switch, dual fuel, vent ports in chassis, titanium clip, lower profile glass breaker, engraved logo instead of laser etched, very sterile and no billboarding. Oh, and no more proprietary screws. The ZBT feature is just a bonus for me!
1000% agree - I have every new Microtech (Folders and OTF’s), can’t wait to get the ZBT in Tanto!
There are already several videos of this knife not closing.
Yes mine has problems opening in certain positions no problem closing@@igoryurkin9038
Sadly, i have also seen those issues as well as them not opening. They are probably going to do what they did on the MSI and release 4 versions in a year. @igoryurkin9038
I hate the torx screws, the tri-lobs look so much better
Im really impressed with the "adjustable" aspect of the zbt. Thats really cool. Figuring for wear of the knife over time. Love it.
Watching microtech get better and better over the years really showed me that i shouldnt give benchmade a dollar lol.
Hell yeah it has zero blade play! Or at least mine does. Mine had some minor spring sing, but I fixed that with some white lithium grease and it’s been solid
Now if they put the ZBT on other models, that Hera II 4" may be too alluring, also they mentioned in the promotions that the ZBT tech is adjustable in case it starts to have blade play, which is why they arent using the proprietary hardware.
I just got my SE and I was shocked too, since I have multiple OTF's and even a 2020 ultratech. On top of it all, the fact that it's adjustable if there is even a hint of play, this is a massive move in the OTF market or even a Microtech being serviceable.
Made me very happy. Mine is absolutely 100% dead solid. And even if it wasn't you can adjust it out which is probably the coolest part
Sure its an upgrade, that light switch + the Zero Blade play is a huge upgrade in my opinion... i mean that drive trail system is soo smooth
The machined clip is nice also
From the few tests I've seen the zero blade play models aren't nearly as reliable as past ultratechs. Glad I waited. Ended up grabbing 4 different ultratechs during the sale they had a few weeks ago.... I honestly can't remember the last time I've seen brand new ultras for 225$
It’s adjustable 😉 user manual QR code shows serviceability. As per Microtech.
Picked my drop point version up today. It is definitely an upgrade over the previous Gen. It’s a home run in my book. I’ll definitely have multiple variations of it when those start rolling out. Also the new drop point blade looks way better and has a higher grind.
I finally pre-ordered excalibur! I can't wait! Definitely the most excited I've been for a knife.
I saw another review that took issue with the way it resets (if it fails). Looks like you have to shake it to get it to reset the mechanism (rather than pulling the blade out like a standard OTF). That same review also pointed out that if the holes near the breaker get clogged up, the mechanism to fail and you have to clear them before the knife will be able to properly seat. Personally I’m interested in seeing this system on the Combat Troodon.
I know some dealers who got a whole shipment of these that have substantial blade play so if you are going to pick one up get it in person or be prepared to return it
What dealers?
@ sharp things Okc they had to return all of them the new shipment is perfect but the first one was terrible
How much thicker is it than the previous Ultratech?
This is a great video - Microtech has been crushing it for 2 years, I have all of the next Gen knives (OTF and Folders) and they are fantastic! Can’t wait to get this in Tanto, what makes this even more special is you can tune it. Also, given the potential bankruptcy of Crucible, I am fine with M390MK - at least Bihlernis stable company!
Problem with absolutely no blade play is when you take it to work, and get a little griding dust in it, it jams. I have one forst gen ultra techs and scarab 2. The scarab jams with aluminum dust from using flapper wheel
i need it. a significant difference and upgrade from my 12 year old utx 70. but where are these new guys at?
Hope they’ll do zbt versions on some larger models.
I was so looking forward to the laugh after you tried to get the blade to move. I got it, thanks!😂
I'm waiting till they come out with a single edge ultratech ZBT before I order one. Also, probably not ordering any Microtechs unless it's a ZBT model from now on. Definitely excited for when the Glykon and Scarab get the ZBT treatment.
Is that a silicon nitride bearing ball in the pocket clip? If so that’s bad ass.
I owned a couple of microtechs. They are great in aseptic conditions, but get them mildly dirty and they don’t work. They have to be cleaned and oiled. Still carry one, but I am aware that it must be pretty clean.
It would be really cool if they apply this feature to the Gen III scarab. Even more so if you could send it in for the upgrade.
I got the Ultratech and the Luminary. Microtechs ZBT blades are the real deal. Worth every penny.
When you recommend using Rem Oil on your automatic otf’s do you use the liquid in the plastic bottle or do you use the spray in the metal can?
Personally, I stay away from aerosol lubricants
Dang mc got out to the tip and was really cranking on it.
I'll be getting a red one once it's available 😁
YES
Hey my friend your deadlock is the exact one I always wanted but couldn't afford when they were out. Is there anyway possible I can buy one from Hawk knives or somewhere else for the amount they went for like 1200 when they came out and if there is can you please let me know I would greatly appreciate it buddy.
My Bro just got a CKF Traktor. omg nothing like it out there. Expensive but the amount of machining is crazy
And what is the big screw at the back of the handle ..? ^^
I do wish they’d also do hollow grinds on their double edge knives as well.
Agreed. Heretic and Gaurdian Tactical do it. I know Microtech can.
I’ve never pulled the trigger on a microtech. Maybe this will be the first one.
Thanks for another great review
I hope it lowers the price of the non-zbt. I trust the reliability better on the old mechanism
There will always be some issues with a new release, especially this type of tech with tight tolerances. A good spray of vrem oil will likely fix it and if not, MTK will - patience is key.
Mine had blade play out of the box, but it was easy to fix it.
I learned it was adjustable so that you can fix it over time
@@metal_complexit is very simple to do as well. It is still solid after my initial adjustment.
Still love my Model B & C the best. Hope to see ZBT on the Scarab II!
we love your channel!!! All hail Spider Co!
Cool video!! One of ur sponsors needs to send u a new black mat to display the knives on for ur videos... hint hint...and then u can give ur current one with the little slice in it away to a lucky random viewer. 😁
Well said. If you're already looking at microtechs, it's already too late for you! Can't wait to see this on other models and with other colors.
Neat!!! 400 duckets?!? I don't like any OTF that much. They are cool as shit but not for me currently to play with it here and there, and not have a need to ever carry it.
MC greatly appreciate your shit broham!!!
I'm amazed and now i can cut sosages without zero play in the knife blade,only first i must buy the knife for 1000+ bucks!
So you didn’t watch the video. Crazy.
Thanks
How much cost this new Ultratech ..?
What are your thoughts on “custom” Microtechs? Sounds like Tony may not actually touch them?
They're just hand ground with special frames, inlays and finishes. I doubt Tony has anything to do with them but I honestly don't know
Tony and Sean sign the DoA 🤣
I have OTF’s, but I don’t yet have a Microtech. This might be the sign I need to pick one up.
That's not necessarily true that it's all m390 on microteh I just recently got an ultratech in Magna cut steel but not the ZBT and the ZBTs are designed to be user serviceable so if they do get play you can adjust it to get rid of it
“If you’re an infidel owner” sounds so bad lol 😂
im so glad they made these but im also disappointed they just copied most of the deadlock mechanism. They just use the locking tabs as opposed to the rotating ball lock in the blade.
For stay at the first place of the race, Microtech have to be the first to create a no blade mouvement otf !! ^^ If we let Hawk out of the run ..! ^^
When are they doing the zbt trudon anyone?
Do you review watches too?
Bruh 💀
9.6 on the slap
Zero play means more sensitive to dirt with deployment
3:45 consider my enthusiasm tickled😂
The infidel is nostalgic to me, so unfortunately I have to own one…
My first expensive knife was an Infidel I had for a few years back in 2014 that I basically got for free before I really got into knives.. I eventually lost it and didn’t wanna pay the price to replace it. Then the blue and black ones in s30v came out in 2021 and I wanted a replacement… so I like it because it’s nostalgic, but it is in no way my best OTF😂😂
The people that say zero blade play on the infidel are just lying to themselves, she’s a floppy girl
Ugh they were already hard to get, now they’ll be impossible to get for three years! I hate when you do videos on knives I don’t have yet!
Does it have play in and out like other OTF's? or is it like rock solid?
rock solid , watch the video .... ^^
Why does microtech, for the most part, only use m390?
Because for a good while there M390 was one of the most popular blade steels, so Microtech made a deal with Bohler to create their own proprietary blend of M390 and named it M390MK which stands for M390 Microtech Knives. So since they made that deal, they probably had to purchase a ton of it.
@justindiehl7272 Gotcha, that makes sense. Hopefully, they mix in some new steels down the road. M390 might be the most overused boring steel out there.
I hope they start to use MagnaCut soon. I want a ZBT in magnacut!
@LoganLawrence I agree, I'd be much more inclined to get one with a better steel. I like their knives, but I dislike the soft m390.
They also switched to torx screws instead of proprietary hardware, win win
The collector brain always has an element of "im special" type of thinking
I think that's just people in general. We all like to think we're special
@metal_complex true because my mama told me so🤣
I like how they’re complaining voice of a viewer was Mickey Mouse lol
That's how they sound in my head. 7 years if this. Not one of them taken seriously
For 360 dollars it's a feature not a gimmick.
6:15 lol
MC, wanna buy some old school Microtechs?
I like zero blade play on my other knives. In fact if I look at a knife for sale and it has blade play, I won't buy it. It says " sub- standard quality " to me.
Well that’s most otfs for ya
@LoganLawrence that's why my 1st sentence said " on my other knives ". Yes, I do tolerate it on the few OTF's I own.
Annette Figaro says this one's for real.
As an owner of several Microtechs I would be definitely be interested in a Troodon version and maybe a Scarab.
That’s not the ultra tech or utx85 that’s the luminary
... no. It's the ultratech. Check the link
@@metal_complexI still don’t see the ultratech just the Atreus and Luminary
@@metal_complexnever mind I found it. Don’t know why I would question the knife god lmao 🤣 😂
Try cutting it on a piece of leather, that is where you will see blade play!!
I did and there isn't any
Enough said, give me 3
I guess mines not new enough 😂
3 minute ad about a spinach omelet? Not happening
I just saw a video by CBRx where he tested a newer Microtech and it was higher on average by at least a point. Putting it within M390 range.
They are still running it less than 60, which is pitiful.
@ who showed different data?
B/c CBRx tested a new ZBT and it was hitting about 61 HRC. I mean…that’s two points higher than five other blades he has tested from Microtech that all hit below 60.
when are you going to review a Kizer Hawk, man you got to try one. If you're not impressed I will probably unsubscribe haha. no I won't love and respect your channel
Review is scheduled incoming
Hawk is bad a**blade very well done
I rather buy the Heretic NYX Otf,
Sold out EVERYWHERE🤦🏿♂️
That's called "demand"
The poor hrc on microtechs is the main reason I haven't gotten one. 58-60 on m390 is unacceptable, especially on a $300+ knife
Yeah its disappointing, i noticably dulled a microtech m390 peeling an orange. It was quite the shock to me. Ill have to see how it stands up when i put my own edge on it
Wait until the ninth breaks, their customer service is the worst in history. If it breaks, you might as well just throw it in the drawer.
I've dealt with their customer service many times. Always good. They won't cover the knife if you're abusing it.
What was your issue? I need context
I sent my ZBT back. It definitely had zero blade play but the switch was loose, wiggly and rattling. While this might be standard for Ultratechs, it cheapened the knife, lessened the overall value and generally disappointed me. I have sub $100 OTFs that have solid switches.
I have the luminary and also have a slightly rattly switch. I think that's just the name of the game
Saw lots of discussions about the issue so it seems commonplace if not part of their design.
All of my microtechs are like that and it's 100% on purpose. There's a spring under the switch that's constantly pushing it up so it doesn't drag. It's not a design flaw.
It’s a feature not a bug. Now I know I won’t be buying another Microtech OTF.
The button has a spring pushing it away from the body. It's to prevent the steel button from wearing out the Al body too soon. Yes, the cheap clones do typically lack this mechanism. Microtechs are the most proven and resalable OTFs out there and know what they are doing. What a bizarre reason to reject them!
Why the hate on the Benchmade infidel has less blade play than any Microtech and Benchmade is not partnered with a cheap Chinese knife company
So did they rip off hawks design?
No. Hawk doesn't own the concept of zero blade play. They own their unique mechanism. Microtech didn't steal the mechanism
@@metal_complex Good to know thanks. Will likely buy one.
@metal_complex They still used the same track mechanism from the Deadlock.
Love MT’s but that new pocket clip looks horrible. I’ll stick to the previous gen.
I wish they would’ve put the same clip from the gen 3 combat troodon on this knife too.
OTF blade play is overrated. I’m cool off the majority of Microtech’s new gen designs. Boring handles/clips that lack esthetics while looking far too similar to one another. Also, their cheesy marketing lingo is gross
I hate a knife with blade play
So the true story behind this isn’t that they just “saw” the hawk deadlock. It actually has to do with the John Wick movies. Rock the armorer for the movies got pissed at Tony because all the knives that MT sent them kept malfunctioning on JW3 which lead to Rock telling them to F off and he chose Hawk knives deadlock for the next movie JW4. This angered Tony and he then decided to compete with hawk by making the Atrius and then undercut them with the ultratech. I understand it sounds like fanfic but I have personally met Rock and these are his words to me.
That is interesting, does that mean the Gen 3 models are supposed to be more reliable?
That story regardless of the source is entirely false. 👍🏼
@@XRING you know what the rational was? I'm not surprised this story is false, just curious if you know anything else about it
@@griff7749 Yes, I do. It was more about a personal disagreement with Taran. This is also why the MT knives were pulled out of the collectors gun kits that were done for JW3.
Had nothing to do with reliability or anything like that. I think stories were made up and passed along by people who really didn’t know what was going on behind the scenes. 👍🏼
Can confirm false story. They just wanted to try a new look. Deadlock spoke to them
Super annoying they didn't do S/E first. Nobody wants the dagger blade.
Well they're sold out so... that's wrong
Microtech stole the Hawk mechanism for this. There’s videos proving it.
He’s a hack.
It's definitely not a stolen mechanism. Don't be dramatic for likes
This is also a false statement. You do realize that almost all of these complex internal designs from different manufactures are patented. In order to get around that you must come up with your own patented design that does not infringe on someone else’s. 👍🏼
Someone is mad that they wasted thousands of dollars for a feature that a $400 knife now has. Crazyy
@@LoganLawrencehave both. The microtech is cool but the Hawk is still superior in terms of fit/finish/function. I doubt Hawk is sweating much. The buying audiences are totally different.
OMG!! Quit talking!!!!!😡😡😡
Welcome to the channel. Learn 👍
The zbt is a completely different internal design. Not just some simple upgrade. The blade play is user adjustable as well. Did you do any research before ranting and bumbling through this professional knife discussion. Unsubscribing. Can't take you serious anymore.
Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Rather salty aren’t you! Salt must flow!
With the amount of salt coming from this guy, he must live in Utah
There are already several video of it not closing.
Several you say? There are hundreds in circulation. New products are always accompanied by sensationalized negativity
Complaining about the little blade play most otf $200+ isnt a big deal. Very petty!!!! Its kind of Karen type
Well most people want high quality when paying a premium on a product. It’s all about preference. If you’re fine with spending that type of money on a knife with blade play, more power to ya. Most people don’t even want to spend that much money on a knife at all, let alone one that doesn’t have a rock solid lock up. I have many Microtech otfs with blade play as per usual and I’m fine with it. But there are those who aren’t.
@LoganLawrence so you're going to tell me that all the 100 of thousands of OTF's that were bought before last month didn't include the type of people you talk about??? You telling me you don't have any OTF's now? And if you do that makes you a hypocrite. Only other one with no blade play is an $1800 hawk.
My 2007 MicroTech Combat Troodon has very, very little play. After 17 yrs of ownership, it’s exactly the same as day one.
A production OTF with no blade play?! GASP! The most deadly weapon known to man just got even deadlier! 😮 🫣☠️