With the 2023 SHOT Show currently in full swing, we’re currently being treated to a slew of noteworthy gear releases — including an all-new knife design from renowned brand Microtech. Despite being best-known for its automatic blades, Microtech’s latest release is a manually-operated folder that represents several noteworthy firsts for the already accomplished company.
Dubbed the Microtech Standard Issue — or “MSI” — the brand’s latest release is a tactically-inspired American-made everyday carry knife that was engineered specifically for hard use. Weighing in at 5oz and spanning 8.93” overall, the Standard Issue is comprised of a hardened steel liner and a titanium back-spacer sandwiched between a set of machined G10 or carbon fiber scales. In addition to sporting a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, the MSI’s handle also sees Microtech’s first-ever use of its all-new RAM-LOK. Though it looks similar to Benchmade’s AXIS lock, the RAM-LOK utilizes its own proprietary design. Made from one solid piece, this fully-caged mechanism, this bar lock-style mechanism features a closed-spring strut and an ambidextrous version of Microtech’s X Button slider on both sides of the knife.
Mated to the handle is a 3.88” reverse tanto blade that’s deployed via a uniquely-shaped thumb hole opening. The blade is also incredibly beefy at 0.16” thick, and as such lends itself particularly well to workhorse duties. Adorned in a combination of regular and black stonewashed finishes, the blade is composed of M390MK — an all-new, tweaked version of M390 blade steel with improved edge retention. Born out of a collaboration between Microtech and Böhler, M390MK (or “M390 Microtech Knives”) is exclusive to Microtech and will become a staple on its knives over the next few years.
Slated for a release in the coming weeks, the Microtech Standard Issue Knife will start at $250.
