Microtech Pocket Knives Review (SOCOM Elite Auto, SOCOM Elite Manual, LUDT)

If you are looking for a reliable folding knife, Microtech's new release of the SOCOM Elite Auto, Elite Manual, plus the LUDT pocket knife are worth consideration.

In recent years, folding knives have become an essential accessory for blade lovers. They are easy to carry around, making them convenient for hunting expeditions or day-to-day use.

If you have ever owned a Microtech blade, then their SOCOM Elite series and LUDT knives should interest you. These folding knives have unique designs and shapes, meant to give knife enthusiasts proper functionality from their EDC blades.

Rather than throwing caution to the wind, we will discuss some important features and differences that might make the blades an ideal fit for you. 

SOCOM Elite Auto

Description

The SOCOM Elite Auto is a lightweight blade with more to offer than regular pocket knives. The Elite Auto is suited for any outdoor environment, making it an ideal option for camping.

Like its predecessor, the SOCOM Elite Manual, the Auto is designed as a tactical knife. The sleek knife design has a menacing look that fits military personnel. Unlike Microtech's Halo VI, the Elite Auto is more durable and able to handle heavy use without breaking.

SOCOM Elite Auto Specs

Blade Length: 3.98"

Blade Material: M390 Steel

Handle Length: 5.19"

Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum

Total Weight: 5.4 oz.

Overall Length: 9.17"

Mechanism

The SOCOM Elite Auto is a good option if you like the convenience of automatic knives. The knife has a release button on the handle, making it easy to deploy the folded blade.

Similar to other automatic knives, the Elite Auto has a smooth opening mechanism that does all the work for you. Unlike other manual blades like the Gerber Fuse, the SOCOM Elite Auto does not have that sticky feel when releasing the blade.

In addition, the button requires moderate pressure to release the blade, preventing accidental deployment in your pocket or hand while preventing straining.

However, it is essential to note that automatic knives are not legal in all states. Before you decide to get the SOCOM Elite Auto, check out the regulations in your state.

Blade

• Length

The short 3.98" blade on the Elite Auto is ideal for anyone looking for a knife with better control. Short blades are good for cutting and slicing with minimal risk of lacerations.

• Durability

The SOCOM Elite Auto's blade is made from M390 stainless steel. The steel is one of the industry's most superior steels, adding to the knife's durability. The blade is also harder than other pocket knives like the CJRB Swaggs Maileah Liner Lock Knife, meaning that Elite Auto can take a punch.

The high-quality steel is also resistant to corrosion and wear, prolonging the knife's longevity.  

• Finish

The Elite Auto blade has a sleek matte black and satin finish. And, the finish serves more purpose than effortlessly demanding respect.

The black finish does an excellent job of reducing the blade's glare and reflection. It also acts as a barrier between the steel and object, reducing the wear on the blade.

On the other hand, the satin finish is a popular finish in the Auto lineup. Sand-blasting creates this attractive appearance to give the blade a refined look. 

• Style

The SOCOM Elite Auto has a unique tanto blade style. The Tanto shape on the knife makes it ideal for piercing through hard objects.

• Design

The Elite Auto also comes in two blade designs, serrated and non-serrated. 

The Auto has serrations on the cutting edge and near the knife's handle, rather than the spine. The serrations are suitable for sawing through thick material like wood or bones.

Handle

• Durability

This handle on the SOCOM Auto is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. The aluminum material makes the handle stronger, able to take light impacts without breaking. Furthermore, aluminum is also corrosion and wear-resistant.

• Lightweight

Another advantage of having the aluminum handle is reducing the knife's weight, making it ideal for carrying around.

• Conductivity

Aluminum is highly conductive, and heat can quickly transfer to your hand when handling the knife. Users should be cautious when using the knife for hot applications.

• Grip

The handle on this SOCOM Auto has inlays that give you a better grip. Rubber grip inserts fit into the impressions around the aluminum handle for better traction.

• Lanyard Hole

Lastly, you can use the lanyard hole to secure the Elite Auto around your neck or backpack for easier access.

Pocket Clip

The SOCOM Elite Auto also comes with a sleek-looking pocket clip that matches the finishing on the blade. The clip is engraved with silver "Microtech" initials that offer a perfect contrast to the black finish.

SOCOM Elite Manual

Description

The SOCOM Elite Manual comes from the same line as the SOCOM Elite Auto. The knife offers more versatility and functionality for EDC.

The first thing you notice about the Elite Manual is its unique design. The pocket knife has excellent visuals that command notable admiration. 

The significant difference between Elite Auto and Manual is the opening mechanism. The Manual deployment is entirely at your thumb control. So, the SOCOM Elite Manual is the ideal knife if you like flipping the blade.

SOCOM Elite Manual Specs

Blade Length: 3.98"

Blade Material: M390 Steel

Handle Length: 5.19"

Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum

Total Weight: 5.4 oz.

Overall Length: 9.17"

SOCOM Elite Manual Features

Mechanism

As previously stated, the Elite Manual has a manual blade deployment. The blade has a double thumb stud that provides the necessary traction when releasing the knife.

The manual deployment is not as smooth as the automatic release in SOCOM Auto. However, the deployment is cleaner than other manual knives like the Boker Chiroptera Karambit.

Blade

• Length

The SOCOM Manual is a good option if you like short blades. The 3.98" blade gives you better control when slicing or piercing rigid material, making it ideal for EDC.

• Durability

Like the Auto, this Microtech blade is made from high-quality M390 stainless steel that can withstand pressure while cutting or piercing hard material. The M390 steel is impact resistant and does not dent easily. Likewise, the blade is resistant to corrosion and wearing, making it ideal for use in most environments.

• Finish

Like the Elite Auto, the Manual blade comes in a satin finish and matte black finish.

The matte black finish adds durability to the blade. It reduces the amount of wear directly to the blade, acting as a lubricate when cutting or slicing.

If black is not your color, the sand-polished satin finish should make a good choice. The gray finish on the blade reduces the reflectiveness and glares on the blade. This enhances the knife's grind while improving its durability.

• Style

The SOCOM Elite Manual has two blade styles, depending on the type of functionality you want. The strong drop point blade gives you the best performance for slicing and curving. On the other hand, the tanto-shaped blade is excellent for piercing.

• Design

Unlike SOCOM Auto, the Manual only has a flat edge design without the serrations. However, the thin sharp edge does a decent job when cutting and does not give you problems when sharpening.

Handle

• Durability

The Elite Manual's handle is made from high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum. The aluminum has a high tolerance to corrosion, impact, and wear.

• Lightweight

Another advantage of using an aluminum handle is that it reduces the knife's overall weight. This makes the knife lighter and more convenient to carry.

• Conductivity

However, one downside of the aluminum handle is its high conductivity levels. Aluminum conducts heat throughout the frame, so you must be careful when using the knife.

• Grip

The rubber grip inlays on the Elite Manual are ideal for a better grip. The water-resistant inlays prevent slippage when using the knife, giving you better traction and control.

• Lanyard Hole

Like SOCOM Auto, the Manual also has a lanyard hole that gives added carrying options for the blade.

Pocket Clip

The Elite Manual also has an engraved pocket clip on the side of the handle. The clip is made from high-quality steel and is resistant to wear and corrosion.

Microtech LUDT

Description

The LUDT comes from the first line of folding knives that Microtech got to the market. Developed in 1995, the UDT folding knives have become some of the most functional and unique tactical blades. This makes them ideal for use in rescue and military missions.

Over the years, Microtech has continued to refine the UDT series, coming up with the LUDT pocket knife. Unlike its predecessors, like the Microtech 155 lineup, the LUDT offers better functionality for general use, making it ideal for an EDC knife.

In addition, the LUDT also boasts a unique design that will fascinate knife lovers looking for a tactical spin.

LUDT Specs

Blade Length: 3.42"

Blade Material: M390 Steel

Handle Length: 4.61"

Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum

Total Weight: 3.6 oz.

Overall Length: 8.03"

Description

The LUDT comes from the first line of folding knives that Microtech got to the market. Developed in 1995, the UDT folding knives have become some of the most functional and unique tactical blades. This makes them ideal for use in rescue and military missions.

Over the years, Microtech has continued to refine the UDT series, coming up with the LUDT pocket knife. Unlike its predecessors, like the Microtech 155 lineup, the LUDT offers better functionality for general use, making it ideal for an EDC knife.

In addition, the LUDT also boasts a unique design that will fascinate knife lovers looking for a tactical spin.

LUDT Specs

Blade Length: 3.42"

Blade Material: M390 Steel

Handle Length: 4.61"

Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum

Total Weight: 3.6 oz.

Overall Length: 8.03"

 

LUDT Features

Mechanism

Like the SOCOM Elite Auto, the LUDT also has an automatic deployment system. The release button is found on the side of the handle and quickly fires out the blade when needed.

The LUDT is pretty snappy when deploying the blade. The knife uses a heavy spring mechanism that spits the blade without hesitation. However, the button is safely recessed into the handle to prevent accidental deployment.

The button also doubles as a lock when the blade is released. It clamps down on the blade, preventing unwanted folding when using the knife.

Blade

• Length

Just like the Benchmade 4300 CLA, the LUDT has a short blade of 3.42" in length. The shorter blade gives you adequate control when using the knife for everyday work. The blade also gives you enough cutting edge for slicing.

• Durability

The LUDT's blade is made from high-quality M390 stainless steel. The blade is resistant to corrosion and wear, making it ideal for general-purpose use and underwater cutting.

Likewise, the steel also has a higher tolerance for pressure and will not break when striking or piercing rigid material.

• Finish

The Microtech LUDT comes in two finishes: satin and matte black.

The black finish looks cool and also plays a crucial role in protecting the blade's integrity. It helps prevent direct contact with the blade and material, preventing excessive wear and corrosion.

On the other hand, the satin finish is a great way to show off the LUDT grind. It is a sand-blast finish that gives the blade a unique gray look that enhances its appearance.

• Style

The LUDT has a drop point blade style that is ideal for slicing and cutting any material. The blade tip is strong enough to do detailed work without leaving lacerations, making it an ideal utility knife. 

Handle

• Durability

Like the SOCOM Elite series, the LUDT's handle is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. The handle is durable and can handle light impacts. In addition, the handle is also resistant to corrosion, piling, and wearing, giving it better longevity.

• Lightweight

The aluminum material on the handle is also light. Unlike the Spyderco Endura 4 with a steel handle that weighs up to 5.625 oz., the aluminum cuts down on the weight of the LUDT, making it perfect for EDC.

• Conductivity

Like the SOCOM Elite series, the aluminum handle is highly conductive. Using the knife in hot or cold conditions will reduce gripping capabilities.

• Grip

For better control, the aluminum handle has grooves that help enhance the traction while holding the knife. However, it is essential to note that aluminum is pretty slippery when it comes into contact with fluids. You can always use a pair of traction gloves to improve grip.

• Lanyard Hole

The Microtech LUDT also has a lanyard hole that you can use to tie it off around your backpack or neck for easy deployment.

Pocket Clip

The knife also comes with a handy pocket clip. The clip is made from high-quality steel, resistant to wear and corrosion. In addition, the clip is designed to match the blade's color, giving it a unique look.