SIGforum
What to buy for my first auto?
March 26, 2022, 05:14 PM
P220 SmudgeWhat to buy for my first auto?
I'm moving to Arizona. I've wanted an auto knife since I was a kid. I've never owned on. This is going to happen on day one if I can swing it. I carry Spyderco knives, generally a Military, Parmamilitary 2, or a Manix 2 XL. The former two in S110V, the latter in S30V for reference.
The simple answer is a Microtech Ultratech, right? I tend to like a bigger knife, and was thinking the Dirac Delta looks interesting as well. I'll have to see what I think of the switch placement. I kind of really wanted a Spyderco Vallotton and send it to butch to convert it to DA, but that might be a long-term project. I will not buy a Benchmade, so let's not even go there. I want an OTF.
There's several Microtech dealers in the Mesa area. I'll be going to at least one to check stuff out probably the first week I'm there.
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Endeavoring to master the subtle art of the grapefruit spoon.
March 26, 2022, 05:51 PM
GrumpyBikerDo yourself a big favor & buy a Guardian Tactical Recon. The activation switch is butter smooth & requires about 1/3 less effort to deploy and the texturing is comfortable vs abrasive on the Ultratech. Two former Microtech employees, one an engineer the other from marketing if I remember correctly, started the company and improved the product. Adding a stainless steel plate under the activation switch and ball bearings to the bottom of the activation switch that makes a night & day difference in effort to deploy.
I bought an Ultratech and then a friend suggested the Guardian, so I ordered one of those as soon as we finished chatting. They arrived the same day & I was very impressed with the ease of function , thicker (top to bottom) hand filling feel over the longer thinner Ultratech & the hollow ground blade on the Guardian vs the thick non-slicey blade on the Ultratech.
I had the extra so I kept both but if only one could stay it would easily be the Guardian.
I’m looking at a second when the right blade shape& finish as well as case color comes back in stock.
I have & don’t really care for the larger Microtechs & I love a larger Knife.
* if you’re looking at a side opening auto the Stitch is nice.
U.S.M.C.
VFW-8054
III%
"Never let a Wishbone grow where a Backbone should be "
March 26, 2022, 06:45 PM
P220 SmudgeThanks, first I've heard of those. Quick look online shows them sold out everywhere, so I guess I'll get on an email alert or something. I like that blue handle. The grind on that blade compared to the Microtech really shows what you're talking about.
If this website is reputable, they've got a number of models in stock.
https://www.gpknives.com/brand...tactical-knives.htmlBladeHQ was totally out of stock.
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Endeavoring to master the subtle art of the grapefruit spoon.
March 26, 2022, 09:37 PM
jhe888quote:
Originally posted by P220 Smudge:
Thanks, first I've heard of those. Quick look online shows them sold out everywhere, so I guess I'll get on an email alert or something. I like that blue handle. The grind on that blade compared to the Microtech really shows what you're talking about.
If this website is reputable, they've got a number of models in stock.
https://www.gpknives.com/brand...tactical-knives.htmlBladeHQ was totally out of stock.
GP Knives is excellent. Be confident.
The fish is mute, expressionless. The fish doesn't think because the fish knows everything. March 26, 2022, 10:02 PM
GrumpyBikerI’ve bought a few from GP, no issues.
I ordered my Guardian Tactical from these guys.
https://northwestknives.com/co...ns/guardian-tactical
U.S.M.C.
VFW-8054
III%
"Never let a Wishbone grow where a Backbone should be "
March 27, 2022, 10:20 AM
patwMy first and only so far, is a HK made by Hogue. I bought it about a year and a half ago and it has served me well. I have a few friends I work with that have the same one, Incursion and they use it all of the time without issue. I got mine from Blade HQ. Prices seem to have increased but in this day and age,what hasn't?
March 27, 2022, 01:16 PM
VoshterkoffFirst on my list is an Ultratech, although the Guardian Tactical mentioned above might beat it out.
March 27, 2022, 02:31 PM
Z06I too moved to AZ for ‘fun’ knives...
Microtech:
...and for the best of both worlds: Spyderco Autos:
some of the others:
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The trouble with trouble is; it always starts out as fun.
March 27, 2022, 09:26 PM
P220 SmudgeHadn’t even thought about a Spyderco. Hmmm. Didn’t think about Hogue, either. I’ll take Grumpy’s suggestion and order a Guardian Tactical Recon first, though. Like Z06, I’m probably going to end with more than a few.
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Endeavoring to master the subtle art of the grapefruit spoon.
March 28, 2022, 01:35 PM
VoshterkoffI wish Hogue would make a nice slim DA auto, an unashamed Ultratech ripoff. I’d rather give them my money.
March 28, 2022, 04:03 PM
side_shotI have a buck 110 stock auto
"They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin, 1759--
Special Edition - Reverse TT 229ST.Sig Logo'd CTC Grips., Bedair guide rod
March 28, 2022, 04:55 PM
Sig2340If you are interested I'm selling my unused, not carried safe queen of a [URL=Microtech Ultratech RSK FLAT BODY]Microtech RSK[/URL].
Its out of production but was made available by Microtech directly to badged state local and federal rescue services workers.
Tanto Blade with serrated edge.
I'm asking $275, shipped.
I can send pictures if interested
Nice is overrated
"It's every freedom-loving individual's duty to lie to the government."
Airsoftguy, June 29, 2018
March 28, 2022, 07:59 PM
btgoannaTake a look at Protech for a side opener. I have several and are happy with them. My micro tech ultra is nice too

. March 29, 2022, 02:35 PM
LincolnSixEchoI’ll echo a Microtech Ultratech or UTX-85 for OTF. For side openers, I like the Microtech LUDT, or pro-tech (take your pic for model). For budget, I love the Boker Kalishnikov side autos as they fire hard and reliably and it carries well for about 1/6 the cost of a Micro.