Best Microtech Knives: Unmatched Craftsmanship and Innovation

Microtech makes some of the finest and most famous tactical knives in the world. Their engineering, craftsmanship, and innovation have catapulted the brand from founder Anthony Marfione’s garage into one of the most successful knife brands in the world. These are the best Microtech Knives you can get your hands on today!

Ultratech

As the leading manufacturer of out-the-front automatic knives, Microtech offers a ton of choices when it comes to automatic knives. If we had to pick just one, however, the Ultratech is the easy answer. First launched in 1999, the Ultratech has become the measuring stick by which all other OTFs are measured. They are fast, reliable, and famously durable. Small details of the knife have changed over the years but the core specifications have remained the same: the Ultratech offers a 3.4-inch blade, simple handle ergonomics, and double-action deployment powered by a sliding switch on the spine of the handle.

These days, the Ultratech can be had with several different blade shapes and in countless different colors, materials, and finishes. One of the coolest parts about shopping for an Ultratech is all the different options available: whether you want something simple and effective like plain black aluminum, or rare and elaborate like the Boba Fett-themed Bounty Hunter edition, there’s an Ultratech out there for you. In fact, the Ultratech has been such a popular design that it now also comes in two smaller sizes: the UTX-85 with 3 inches of blade, and the UTX-70 with 2.4 inches.

Socom

The original Socom was first released in 1996 and has gone on to become one of the most legendary tactical knives of all time. Characterized by its sloped thumb ramp and tapered handle, the design combines straightforward dagger-like ergonomics with Microtech’s charismatic style into a uniquely modern design. It has been through a number of substantial revisions over the years and is now available in several fixed and folding versions:

Socom Elite

Made in the USA right alongside Microtech’s OTFs, the Socom Elite is an undeniable classic. Colors and blade steels will vary from batch to batch, but the essentials remain the same: four-inch blade, tapered aluminum handle, glass breaker pommel, tip-down pocket clip. It is available in a manual action configuration with dual oversized thumbstuds and a nested liner lock, or as a push-button automatic. Thanks to its thick yet keenly-ground blade and lively balance in hand, the Socom Elite is a true tactical tool. And with either clip point or tanto blade shapes on offer, there are plenty of options out there to fit your needs.

Socom Bravo

Although the Bravo is the most recent addition to the Socom family, it’s actually based on a long-discontinued Marfione Custom knife from years ago. The Bravo takes the manual action Socom Elite as a starting point and dials up the feature set with a sculpted titanium frame, sculpted titanium pocket clip, and carbon fiber scales. The Bravo is manufactured in China in partnership with Rike Knives, which helps them offer these premium features while maintaining a competitive price point.

Socom Alpha

The strongest of the Socoms is the Alpha, a full-tang fixed blade version that comes in a wide range of sizes to cover everything from EDC to tactical duty. In addition to clip point and tanto variants, the Alpha can also be found with a modified sheepsfoot “Warcom” blade.

LUDT

The L.U.D.T. (Large Underwater Demolition Team) traces its roots back to the very first knife that Microtech ever made, a side-opening automatic designed to be so reliable that it could fire anywhere, even underwater. The modern LUDT has a tapered aluminum frame, a 3.5-inch blade, overbuilt hardware, and a button lock. Like the Socom above, the LUDT is a particularly good cutter, thanks to its broad flat-ground blade, precision manufacturing, and premium steel.

The latest LUDT Gen III started rolling out at the very end of 2023. Changes from the previous generation include a redesigned overall silhouette and reengineered construction that uses torx hardware and a new backspacer.

MSI

The MSI is the newest knife on this list, and in many ways it’s also the most exciting. First of all, it features Microtech’s proprietary RAM-LOK, a crossbar-style locking mechanism that is smooth, safe, and easy to use. The fact that the lock is powered by a coil spring, instead of omega springs like typical crossbar designs, makes it extra durable.

Second, the MSI is a manual (not automatic) knife, making it a great choice for anyone unable or uninterested in carrying an automatic knife.

And third, despite the larger-than-average 3.9″ blade, premium steel, and the fact that it’s made in the USA, the MSI is the most affordable Microtech you can get your hands on. “MSI” is actually short for Microtech Standard Issue, which should tell you something about where the company is positioning this design. Everything that makes Microtech knives special—the aggressive style, the premium quality, and the overall attention to detail—is present on the MSI at a very competitive price.

Combat Troodon

The Combat Troodon is like an Ultratech on steroids: bigger, faster, stronger, and bulked up in every way. If you’re looking for a out-the-front automatic that fills the hand and has a full-sized blade, this Microtech should be at the top off your list. It’s also one of the hardest-hitting OTF designs in Microtech’s catalog, thanks to stiff springs that shoot the blade in and out with authoritative speed. In addition to the 3.8″-bladed Combat Troodon, the Troodon series also offers smaller 3″ and 1.9″ mini versions, which all share the same distinctive handle swell for extra grip.

For 2024, Microtech totally reengineered the platform to introduce the Combat Troodon Gen III. This new knife is the biggest Troodon yet, boasting a full 4.1 inches of blade. Other changes include smoother, easier deployment, an upgraded titanium pocket clip with ceramic ball interface, and a lower-profile glassbreaker at the rear for better comfort in the pocket.

Dirac

The Dirac turns the typical OTF configuration on its side, with a side-mounted switch that allows for a perfectly symmetrical design. If you need a naturally ambidextrous knife that can flex between strong-side and off-side carry without reversing the clip, the Dirac is the knife for you. Plus, there’s just something cool about an out-the-front knife that looks a little more like a classic stiletto dagger.

Like many Microtech OTFs, the Dirac comes equipped with a glassbreaker pommel that secures the pocket clip in place. In keeping with the symmetry of the handle design, the Dirac is only available with a double-edged dagger blade shape. Luckily, there are still plenty of handle color, blade finish, and serration options to choose from. Also, if the 2.9″ blade length of the original Dirac is too small for you, the larger Dirac Delta offers a full 3.8 inches of blade for even better reach.

Exocet

The Exocet stands out in Microtech’s OTF lineup for its uniquely stubby proportions. Even though its sub-two-inch blade makes it California compliant, the extra-wide handle accommodates a broad blade for keen cutting geometry and allows you to get a surprisingly good grip. Once you get one in hand, it will definitely surprise you with just how comfortable and capable it really is! Also, the extra-wide pocket clip doubles as a money clip for a unique everyday carry solution—wallet and pocketknife all in one.

Stitch

Based on an original custom knife by Sebastijan Berenji AKA Borka Blades, the Microtech Stitch is one of the coolest and most coveted new Microtechs to hit the market in years. Borka’s bold style is unmistakable, with an-ultra-wide blade that shoulders its way out of the handle to offer a modified sheepsfoot profile that keeps your fingers elevated away from the edge and out of the way. It is available as a push-button out-the-side automatic, or a newer RAM-LOCK manual version (pictured).