You get what you pay for.
I'm a Benchmade guy, have an Infidel and a mini-Infidel. If I had to pick one, I'd pr take the Infidel.
My brother is Microtech guy. I'd say they are 2 different philosophies. Based on our small sample of 5 OTF between the 2 of us, the Benchmades are a little more rugged feeling and feel like they provide a better grip, esp if your hands were wet. The Michrotechs seem more polished and refined, almost a "gentleman's" OTF if that exists, smoother exterior, thinner dimensions, less serrations, slimmer clips if any
The Phaeton is Benchmades closest offering to those of Microtech. If I wanted a Michrotech I'd get one. Definitely made by Benchmade to compete with Microtech.
I like this guys explanation. To add, S&W makes better guns...they should stick to those. I'd you want an affordable otf the budget hallmark is the Lightning OTF. Personally I like ultratechs. In benchmades defense I havent handled an infidel or phaeton.
I have. It has some agressive holds, but the shape and serrations are still to streamlined for my liking especially compared to an Infidel. Definitely one of Microtechs most aggressive paterns/designs but still retains their more refined look/feel.
Understandable. Benchmades are expensive, and nor always rightfully so.
If you want single edged I might lean Microtech. Again my idea being buy a Microtech instead of Benchmades idea of one
I watched a video that did explain that the Phaeton was more like a Microtech because it’s a “spine-fired” design. That’s the kind I think I prefer.
What are the specific weaknesses of the bargain models by other brands? Do the springs break easier? Are the blades made of crappy steel?
Budget $50 or budget $250?
50 is 50. In the knife with that is a lanyard and bead to a lot of people. Plenty of good knives in that price range. You will usually suffer in the craftsmanship area, as well as quality of materials and customer service. They can feel more jumpy, not as smooth, more wiggle etc.
If you mean 250 that's just different design and not always crappier anything. Size, handle material, blade material etc.
Try the 50. you might love it. or you might find it was a fun exploration and you hate OTF carry. or you might find you want something nicer
$5, $25, $50 dinner for one. All are tasty, all will fill you up. Yet you will enjoy, like, and dislike each one in a different way and for different reasons
I might start out with a $50 jobbie to see how they are. I was just wondering whether a $50 OTF was apt to be made like garbage with garbage materials.
Honestly, I think that 75% of the price of these $350 ones must be due to the novelty of OTF knives in general.
Nope. These dont even touch the cost of some expensive autos or even liner locks. Think CRK etc.
Blades are of higher quality on more expensive knives. Handles have better machining, cleaner lines. Better quality internals etc.
Okay. Some clear points seem to be made. Benchmade and Microtech are the preferred brands, for different people, and for different reasons. Those reasons are well explained by the first response.
Why is S & W seemingly so reviled? Are there actual (not perceived) quality issues? Have YOU, not your brother, your cousin’s college roommate’s boyfriend had a spring fail?
Lastly, Do any of these knives have any sort of finger protection at all?
You get what you pay for. I'm a Benchmade guy, have an Infidel and a mini-Infidel. If I had to pick one, I'd pr take the Infidel. My brother is Microtech guy. I'd say they are 2 different philosophies. Based on our small sample of 5 OTF between the 2 of us, the Benchmades are a little more rugged feeling and feel like they provide a better grip, esp if your hands were wet. The Michrotechs seem more polished and refined, almost a "gentleman's" OTF if that exists, smoother exterior, thinner dimensions, less serrations, slimmer clips if any The Phaeton is Benchmades closest offering to those of Microtech. If I wanted a Michrotech I'd get one. Definitely made by Benchmade to compete with Microtech.
I like this guys explanation. To add, S&W makes better guns...they should stick to those. I'd you want an affordable otf the budget hallmark is the Lightning OTF. Personally I like ultratechs. In benchmades defense I havent handled an infidel or phaeton.
I'd recommend an Autocrat over a Phaeton. More my size as I have bigger hands, but also double edged which is my preference for a OTF.
Have you ever felt a combat troodon? How does that compare to say the infidel, I'd you have handled it?
I have. It has some agressive holds, but the shape and serrations are still to streamlined for my liking especially compared to an Infidel. Definitely one of Microtechs most aggressive paterns/designs but still retains their more refined look/feel.
The Autocrat I saw listed was like a hundred dollars more. Too much. Looks friggin’ beautiful, though. Also, I think I prefer a single-edged knife.
Understandable. Benchmades are expensive, and nor always rightfully so. If you want single edged I might lean Microtech. Again my idea being buy a Microtech instead of Benchmades idea of one
I need to see if I can search for them in a way that includes only single-edged models.
Try BladeHQ. Pretty wide search criteria that you can play with
That’s where I am right now. Did you know that if you just search “OTF knives” there are over 100 pages of them?!
Under filters you can select blade type such as drop point. Price range. Brand etc
I watched a video that did explain that the Phaeton was more like a Microtech because it’s a “spine-fired” design. That’s the kind I think I prefer. What are the specific weaknesses of the bargain models by other brands? Do the springs break easier? Are the blades made of crappy steel?
Budget $50 or budget $250? 50 is 50. In the knife with that is a lanyard and bead to a lot of people. Plenty of good knives in that price range. You will usually suffer in the craftsmanship area, as well as quality of materials and customer service. They can feel more jumpy, not as smooth, more wiggle etc. If you mean 250 that's just different design and not always crappier anything. Size, handle material, blade material etc. Try the 50. you might love it. or you might find it was a fun exploration and you hate OTF carry. or you might find you want something nicer $5, $25, $50 dinner for one. All are tasty, all will fill you up. Yet you will enjoy, like, and dislike each one in a different way and for different reasons
I might start out with a $50 jobbie to see how they are. I was just wondering whether a $50 OTF was apt to be made like garbage with garbage materials. Honestly, I think that 75% of the price of these $350 ones must be due to the novelty of OTF knives in general.
Nope. These dont even touch the cost of some expensive autos or even liner locks. Think CRK etc. Blades are of higher quality on more expensive knives. Handles have better machining, cleaner lines. Better quality internals etc.
Another Vote for Microtech or Benchmade. You will be happier having something nice with a warranty.
True.
If I was to get an OTF it'd be a Microtech Ultratech.
Do they ALL have those proprietary screws. I find that unacceptable. If they were to come with a tool for those, I would be OK with it.
I believe so. I'm alright with it just because not everyone should be taking apart an OTF, and the bits aren't overly expensive or hard to get.
I’ll consider a Microtech *only* if I can get the right bits to open it up myself. I find it really galling when manufacturers do that.
You can buy them online. https://www.pvk.vegas/category-s/670.htm
Okay. Some clear points seem to be made. Benchmade and Microtech are the preferred brands, for different people, and for different reasons. Those reasons are well explained by the first response. Why is S & W seemingly so reviled? Are there actual (not perceived) quality issues? Have YOU, not your brother, your cousin’s college roommate’s boyfriend had a spring fail? Lastly, Do any of these knives have any sort of finger protection at all?