NTOA Member Tested & Recommended Program
Socom Elite Manual®
Individual Score: 5.00
"Overall, this is an outstanding tactical folding knife. Its premium build quality, smooth deployment, and long-lasting materials make it an excellent choice for first responder, military or everyday carry. While it is on the pricier side, you get what you pay for and this delivers exceptional value for those looking for a high-performance knife that can handle a wide variety of tasks."
-Officer from Pennsylvania
Individual Score: 4.75
"The SOCOM Elite manual knife is great. The knife functions great and comes with an extremely sharp edge. The blade is easily sharpened back to a fine edge and the design is comfortable for all day carry. The only downside I would like to personally like to see is moving the pocket clip to the end of the knife opposite of the hinge. This would allow for single handed draw and opening. Personal preference. The knife opens easily with your thumb and the lock is tight and retains the blade. Overall, an excellent knife."
-NTOA member from Nebraska
Individual Score: 4.85
The Microtech Socom Elite S/E Tactical manual folding knife stands out as a top tier, American-made tactical folder that reflects the brand's dedication to precision, durability, and performance. For knife enthusiasts, first responders, and collectors alike, the Socom Elite represents a near-perfect balance of high-end materials and thoughtful design. With its aggressive profile, razor sharp edge, and robust construction, it's no wonder this knife has earned such a dedicated following.
-NTOA member from Iowa
L-U.D.T.®
Individual Score: 4.54
"The Microtech is an amazing knife. I love how thin it is in my pocket. The recessed area for the deployment button is great, helping prevent it from getting bumped like other auto or spring-assisted knives but it is still easy to hit the button to deploy the blade. I carry it in my pocket that my holster goes over and have no issue with it. It is clear that a lot of thought went into the design of the blade and handle and both are well done."
-Officer from Nebraska
Individual Score: 4.70
I had the privilege of testing and reviewing the Microtech L.U.D.T. Gen III knife!
The knife is very light, weighing 3.4 oz. The knife is not bulky and feels sturdy in your hand. Visually, the knife is one that you would not be disappointed with. It not only looks great, but performs great!
-NTOA member from Oklahoma
Individual Score: 5.00
The blade quickly opens when you press the firing button. I opened the blade well into the 100’s of times and it appears to open at the same speed and efficiency as the day I took it out of the box. The blade, when locked open, is tight! There is no play or wobble when the blade is in the locked position, even after heavy use.
This is a quality blade and is worth the price.
-NTOA member from Ohio
Ultratech® Gen III
Individual Score: 4.39
"The Microtech Ultratech ZBP had a ton of good things going on. This knife was wildly sharp! Slight touches on the tip of the blade let me know just how sharp. While on duty, I used it on several items and surfaces. It cut through most as if the item was not even there. The blade seemed heavy and very sturdy. It noticed it sat still and quietly inside the body. I have had some that rattled inside when moved around."
-Officer from Pennsylvania
Individual Score: 4.70
"The latest drop from Microtech is great. Microtech has been around for some time, has various knife options and used for all types of needs. For those familiar with Microtech, I know you all have heard of the Ultratech! Since 1999, this has been their flagship knife. Since its beginning, the Ultratech has had several modifications and upgrades ultimately resulting in this latest version."
-NTOA member from California
Individual Score: 4.93
"This is my first switch blade that I've owned or tested. The action was very smooth both deploying and stowing the blade. There was no wiggle in the action with the blade filled extended. Right out of the box, the knife was very sharp. Although it hung up a few places when slicing through paper, it did not have any trouble. A little bit of fine honing would certainly solve that issue. I compared this blade to my Benchmade spring assisted folder that I've carried for years. Although the body is much bigger than a traditional folding knife, its not big enough to be a problem."
-NTOA member from Illinois
Stitch Ram-Lok®
Individual Score: 4.00
This is an excellent knife of very high quality. Its well designed, well built, and has been very durable. Carried and intentionally exposed to snow, sleet, and rain without any visible rust. The pocket clip retains the knife well yet allows for easy retrieval. Knife arrived very well sharpened. Used on window screen, 11mm rope, conveyor belt rubber, boxes, electrical wiring, webbing, etc. and has retained its edge very well. Easy one handed opening. The mounting hardware/screws retained their hold despite numerous hot/cold cycles. The release button for the blade was easy to manipulate whether wearing gloves or not. The main criticism is that it is on the larger end of the spectrum for a daily carry knife."
-Officer from South Dakota
Individual Score: 4.72
"I tested the Microtech Stitch RAM-LOK Fluted G-10 Black Stonewash Partial Serrated knife. The knife has a good weight to it when held, but also not too bulky or noticeable when carried in a pocket. You can immediately tell this is a quality built knife when you first pick it up. Several co-workers picked the knife and immediately commented on how good it felt in their hand with the weight and design. The pocket clip has a deep pocket allowing the knife to sit deep in the pocket and is mostly concealed inside the pocket. The pocket clip is attached by star-shaped allen / Torx screws and can be moved to either side of the knife. It is a manual open knife but has enough spring tension to allow the knife to be opened with a one-handed flick."
-NTOA member from California
Individual Score: 3.46
"Overall, the Microtech Stitch Ram-Lok Clip Point is an outstanding blade for tactical and heavy-duty use. It's clearly built with quality and precision in mind, and it would be a top tier choice for anyone needing a dependable, hard-use folder. However, for those in roles requiring streamlined gear and compact carry, the size may be something to carefully consider."
-NTOA member from Louisiana
Combat Troodon®
Individual Score: 4.62
"The Combat Troodon D/E Generation 3 Tactical switchblade knife exceeded my expectations in both design and functionality. The blade extends and retracts smoothly, and it feels solid when locked in place or retracted. The knife is lightweight and slides easily in and out of my pocket, regardless of what I'm wearing. I appreciated the addition of the smooth round ball on the pocket clip, which makes it easier to remove the knife from my pocket."
-Officer from Pennsylvania
Individual Score: 4.25
"Overall, the construction quality of this knife seemed exceptionally high. Parts that are meant to be moved move freely and without play. I have no complaints against the knife, and I really appreciate how sturdy it is. It feels solid and well balanced in your hand. I would absolutely recommend this knife to another officer looking for an auto opener, everyday carry knife."
-NTOA member from Virginia
Individual Score: 5.00
"Hands down best OTF knife I have put my hands on. I have heard about Microtech knives but never experienced them until now. The knife feels great in your hand. The weight is noticeable but feels like a solid piece of equipment. The handle is very comfortable in the hand. The design of the handle creates great traction in the hand. The knife is easy to manipulate with gloves, bare hands or dirty greasy hands. The action is so smooth as the blade deploys its insane. So smooth and fast. Unlike so many other OTF knives the blade is solid and not flimsy. There is little to no play with the blade. Right out the box the blade was super sharp and ready for action, it should be noted that is a dual edged spear point blade. This knife turns heads for sure. The overall appearance and then once someone puts it in their hand and feels the action they are absolutely hooked. Microtech is most defiantly the leader in OTF knives, and it shows why."
-NTOA member from Michigan
Stitch Auto®
Individual Score: 5.00
"After reviewing the Microtech Stitch Auto, I now know why its so expensive. This is the most robust folder I've ever used. I'm confident it will perform any task I throw at it. The auto button is protected by a raised border, it makes it super simple to open, but prevents it from opening in my pocket. I've carried on duty in a sap pocket, in EDC regular pants pocket, and yard work on a tool belt, all with great comfort. When I first opened it, I noticed the heft and large size, but after testing it, those are certainly perks, not drawbacks. The auto spring is super strong, and snaps open with a satisfying metal crack. It is easy to close one handed on your leg or table. The blade came super sharp and has held its edge very well."
-NTOA member from Arizona
Individual Score: 4.52
"The design of the overall knife is good it is rather wide to carry in a pocket as an EDC but on a vest seems to be fine, The scales are well cut and provide excellent grip even in wet conditions or with gloves. The spring is very tight and if not holding on to it tight the knife will propel from your hands. My knife came with an entire black serrated edge, and it maintained a good sharpness all through the cutting of various materials. However the black finish started to show signs of wear not only from use but from inside the pocket. The blade has a good thumb ramp for holding the knife in a defensive position however is rather large and wide for trying to cut in tighter areas(ie:getting under a ziptie). Overall a very durable knife with quality you would expect from a company like Microtech. The pocket clip holds the knife firmly in place due to it being a double bent type clip."
-NTOA member from Tennessee
Individual Score: 4.69
"I found the knife to be both aesthetically pleasing and very well-built. The blade itself is very sharp and I was able to cut through, stab and slash everything I could find. During testing, I did not experience any issues with deploying or closing the knife. The blade appears to be holding its sharpness well and none of the screws appear to be coming loose from the recoil. Overall, this is one of the nicest knives I've ever had the pleasure of using. The only negative to this knife is it not being ambidextrous, in regards to both the pocket clip and the deploying button. Although I prefer out-the-front knives I would highly recommend this knife."
-NTOA member from New Jersey