Knife Review: Microtech Signature Series Socom Elite Spear Point Folding Knife

The Microtech Signature Series Socom Elite Spear Point Folding Knife

Microtech Knives is a knife manufacturing company that is famous for tis automatic knives. This company was founded in Vero Beach, Florida in 1994 and operated there until relocating to Bradford, Pennsylvania in 2005 and then to Fletcher, North Carolina in 2009. IN 2007 the company began manufacturing an American-made version of the Steyr AUG under the subsidiary name of Microtech Small Arms research (MSAR).

This company has long promoted itself as stressing quality with regard to tight machining tolerances, to within one thousandth of an inch. Custom knife makers, such as Greg Lightfoot have remarked that these tolerances are what makes the factory knives so close the custom design, saying, “It has the same quality as a handmade custom.”

Microtech has designed knives for use by the US Military such as the HALO, UDT, SOCOM, and Currahee models. Although Microtech has produced many styles of blades such as kitchen knives, fishing knives, arrow heads, and balisong knives; Microtech is most famous for tis tactical automatic knives. The most popular designs among their collectors are the “Out the Front” and the “Double Action” automatics. Microtech along with Benchmade Knives were responsible for the resurgence in the popularity of tactical automatic knives in the 1990s. These knives were seen more as a precision-made tool utilizing powerful springs and high-grade bushings as opposed to a cheap import.

Microtech has collaborated with famous knife makers and designers such as Ernest Emerson, Bob Terzuola, Mick Strider, Walter Brend, Mike Turber, Greg Lightfoot, and Reese Weiland on exclusive designs.

Today we will be discussing the Microtech Signature Series Socom Elite folding knife, which is currently available at BladeOps.

The Blade:

The blade on this version of the Socom Elite tactical is made out of M390 stainless steel. This steel is manufactured by Bohler-Uddeholm. They created one of the newer super steels that has made an appearance in the cutlery industry. This steel was developed specifically for cutlery that would need very high levels of corrosion resistance, hardness, and wear resistance. They were able to create such a high-quality steel because they used a third-generation powder metal technology that is able to enhance the good qualities of a steel.

Bohler-Uddeholm also added in chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten, which allow the blade to keep its crazy sharp edge. The hardness of this steel is what gives it the ability to have such a fine edge in the first place. This steel can be hardened to a 60-62 HRC. However, although Bohler-Uddeholm has created a very hard steel that is also durable, it is still going to be a little bit complicated to sharpen. This steel is also known as what is a “Microclean” steel, because it can be polished to a mirror finish.

The blade has been finished in a bronze finish. This is really similar to the satin finish, as it has similar reflective qualities. However, instead of being a clean silver, this finish is bronze. IT is not the boldest of bronzes, and does seem a little bit watered down, nearing the color of a dark gold. However, this does not take away from the uniqueness of it. You aren’t going to find a bronze blade on many knives, so this does become a showstopper.

The blade has been carved into a spear point blade shape. This is a great hybrid design, because it is designed to be capable of doing a little bit of everything. The spear point is made up of a symmetrically pointed blade that has the tip in line with the center of the blade. This is similar to the needle-point blade, which is in fact, the design that it is most commonly compared to. They are similar because they are good for piercing, but they are different because the needle-point is sharp, but weak. The spear point is not quite as sharp, although you will be able to pierce with it, which means that it is going to be a little stronger.

The point on the spear point is also a little bit lowered, which is going to give you some superior control over your cuts. Lastly, the spear point shape does have a small belly that can be used for some cutting, although not all cutting. If you were to compare the belly on this blade shape with the belly on a drop point or a clip point, it would seem tiny. It will be able to slice some things, but not all things. Like I said, this is a good hybrid design, because it is going to be capable of most things, but it is not going to excel at anything.

The sharpened edge on the Signature Series Socom Elite is a plain edge. This is the most common edge style, because it is the simplest and most classic. The plain edge is one continuous edge without any teeth or serrations. This brings a few benefits to the knife. For starters, it is going to be easiest to sharpen. This is because you don’t have to worry about the teeth, in fact, some plain edges are so easy to sharpen that you can do it in the field. Sometimes even with just a rock, although I wouldn’t recommend it on this knife. You can also get a finer and sharper edge on it, which will elevate the knife’s ability to slice. Lastly, it equips you to take on a wider variety of tasks.

The Handle:

The handle on this Microtech is made out of aluminum. Aluminum is a very popular option for cutlery handles for a few reasons. For starters, it is easy to machine, which is going to cut down on the cost of more complicated knives such as the Socom Elite. Also, aluminum is known to be a low-density metal. This means that aluminum is going to give the handle plenty of heft. This heft is going to complicate the ferocious blade perfectly. However, the heft does not equal weight. In fact, aluminum is a very lightweight handle material, prefect for a knife that measures in at 9.18 inches long.

Also, aluminum is known to be strong and extremely corrosion resistant. You are not going to have to put in too much maintenance with this blade or handle. This is ideal for a tactical folder, because sometimes you don’t have the time or energy to clean it perfectly and dry it well before putting it away. Neither the blade nor the handle should have any issue standing up to the wide variety of situations that law enforcement, military personnel, or even just a regular citizen may encounter.

There are a couple of drawbacks to an aluminum handle though. The first is that aluminum is known for having high conductive properties. This means that if you were planning on using this Socom Elite in the winter or colder environments, you might want to rethink it. The aluminum may feel like it is biting into your palm. The next drawback is that aluminum is prone to scratches, which will accumulate over time or with hard use. The last drawback is that aluminum is known for being a little bit slippery.

The handle has been anodized black. The anodization process is a process that actually changes the chemical makeup of the first layer on the aluminum. This means that unlike a coating, the color cannot peel off. While it still can be scratched, the anodization does increase the strength and durability of the surface, which will make it less likely to be scratched. The anodization process also increases some of the other characteristics of the aluminum, such as making it more corrosion resistant as well as less maintenance to keep it in good quality. Of course, the anodization also adds in the sleek black color that is both classic and traditional.

To combat the slipperiness, Microtech has added in inlays that promote grip. These are black, which do blend in with the rest of the handle. The inlays are very texturized so that you can feel confident with this tactical knife no matter the situation.

The handle is relatively simple. It has more curves than angles, while still looking tough. Near the bottom of the handle, it does begin to taper. There is a lanyard hole on the butt that will fit most lanyards. This allows you to have the Socom Elite with you in almost any situation. To further promote control over your cuts, there are rows of jimping on the spine and belly both at the top and the bottom of the handle.

The Pocket Clip:

The pocket clip is statically designed for tip down carry and only on the traditional side of the handle. This does mean that the Socom Elite is not fully ambidextrous.

The clip is bronzed, just like the blade as well as the hardware on this knife. The clip is attached closer to the edge of the handle scale and then turns to fit more in the middle of the handle scale. The top of the clip is much larger than the rectangular bottom section.

The Mechanism:

This is a manual folding knife, which does mean that it is going to be legal in more states and cities than an automatic would be and even more states and cities than some spring assisted knives. Manual knives are not as easy to bring into play as the other versions; which definitely can be a drawback when it comes to a tactical knife such as this one.

To assist you in opening the knife, Microtech has equipped it with a thumb stud. The thumb stud is the most common one-handed opening mechanism that you are going to come across in the cutlery industry today. There are a variety of benefits to the thumb stud. Some include how easy it is to use and how easy it is to get the hang of. Also, you only need one hand to open the knife, which is a must when it comes to tactical knives. However, thumb studs are also not the safest option. This is because it does put your fingers in the path of the blade when opening. This can lead to accidental cuts, especially if you are in a stressful tactical situation. A minor drawback is that the thumb stud does extend off the blade, which can get in the way sometimes.

The Specs:

The blade on this version of the Socom Elite measures in at 4 inches long with a handle that measures in at 5.18 inches long. This means that when the blade is deployed, the overall length off this pocketknife is going to come in at 9.18 inches long, which is a fairly big size of ra pocketknife. With the extra length and the higher quality materials, this knife doe with in at 5.25 ounces. Again, this is a heavier weight for your typical pocketknife. Usually, the weight will cap at 5 ounces. This is not too much heavier, so it won’t fully weigh you down, but you will probably notice it in your pocket throughout the day. This Microtech is proudly made in the United States of America.

Conclusion:

While the Socom Elite has been made before, this model has been redesigned--now featuring an upgraded glass breaker system in addition to a modified pocket clip, custom standoffs and a sub-frame lock design. Since the inaugural models debuted in 1996, the Socom line has been a standard for law enforcement, military personnel as well as the civilian sector or anyone else looking for a workhorse of a folder. Part of the Signature Series, this model features a black anodized aircraft-grade aluminum handle complete with grip-promoting inlays, standard bronze hardware, a spear point style blade boasting a "spiked grind", sporting the Microtech claw logo, in a bronze finish and the pocket clip is statically designed for tip down carry only on the traditional side of the handle.

This fantastic knife is currently available at BladeOps. Secure yours today by clicking here.