Microtech

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Overview

Microtech Knives, Inc. manufactures automatic knives, particularly Out The Front (OTF) models, folding knives, and fixed blades, with a focus on tight machining tolerances to 0.001 inches. The company is known for tactical knives used by the US Military, including HALO, UDT, SOCOM, and Currahee models, and contributed to the 1990s resurgence of tactical automatics alongside Benchmade. It operates two manufacturing factories and a corporate headquarters, emphasizing precision cutlery since 1994.¹²⁵

History

Microtech Knives was founded in 1994 in Vero Beach, Florida, by Anthony Marfione and Susan Marfione in an apartment. The company relocated to Bradford, Pennsylvania in 2005, then to Fletcher, North Carolina in 2009, expanding its corporate headquarters to Mills River, NC in 2018. It now maintains two active manufacturing factories and continues under family leadership with Sean Marfione involved.¹²⁵⁸

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Out The Front (OTF) Automatics	Tactical automatic knives with blade deploying from handle front	$300 - $1,800
Double Action (D/A) Automatics	Dual-action automatic folding knives	$250 - $1,200
Folding Knives	Manual and semi-automatic pocket knives	$200 - $800
Fixed Blade Knives	Tactical and utilitarian fixed blades	$150 - $600
Combat Troodon	Large OTF combat knife	$500 - $1,200

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in the United States at two factories in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, with corporate headquarters in Mills River, NC. Manufacturing is in-house, stressing American labor and tight tolerances to 0.001 inches. The company supports local initiatives while using advanced techniques.¹²⁵

Notable Products

Combat Troodon - Large OTF automatic knife designed for tactical use
Ultralight - Lightweight OTF side-opening automatic knife
HALO - Fixed blade designed for US Military HALO jumps
UDT - Fixed blade for US Navy Underwater Demolition Team
SOCOM - Tactical knife for US Special Operations Command

Reputation

Microtech is regarded by enthusiasts and professionals for precision engineering, smooth automatic action, and high-quality materials in OTF knives. Collectors favor OTF and D/A models for their reliability over cheap imports. Criticisms include high prices and legal restrictions on automatics in some areas.¹³

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