I picked up a new UTX-85 the other day. This one has the new 204p apocalyptic blade with the top edge fully serrated/bottom edge plain, and the distressed handle. Kind of a different look vs. some of my satin bladed ones with clean handles. I am liking the distressed look the more I see it, and am more apt to use it as a small scratch or two would go largely unnoticed.

Nice! Looks mean.

I was at Omaha Knife yesterday, they have a bunch of those distressed Microtechs in stock in different colors. They look more cool in person than in his photo.

Those are nice.

I have never owned and I don’t think I have handled an OTF knife. They, in concept, seem much more delicate to me. Are they just as robust as a good solid folder?

Thanks guys!

There are at least a few videos that show absolute abuse of these OTF’s and they perform surprisingly well, though I would not ever hard use them because I just don’t see them for that role. Hard use to me equals fixed blade or maybe a robust folder. These may get some jobs done, but they are ‘spensive to chance it, and I like them for more gentlemanly edc tasks. You can get a nice folder like a PM2 or Para 3 that is less than half what these cost, and overall is a better EDC choice. The OTF’s (Microtech at least) are beautifully machined and well fit, kinda like little works of art, much like the Sebenzas of the folder world. The craftsmanship and engineering is appreciable and you get a good sense of the intricacies of the design, which funnily is really not even that complicated.

They certainly also fall into the tactical defensive role, as between one handed manipulation and the intimidation factor alone for some, they can be a convenient deterrent.

Truth be told though, for most including myself, the main reason is just the “cool” or “fun” factor as opening and closing these things is pretty addictive and entertaining.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
I have never owned and I don’t think I have handled an OTF knife. They, in concept, seem much more delicate to me. Are they just as robust as a good solid folder?

Probably not. Just as a solid folder isn't as robust as a fixed knife.

But they aren't delicate. They are easily up to the tasks we put ordinary knives to. They are more sensitive to lubrication than a folder, but that is because they are very closely machined and fitted. They like to be lubed.