Benchmade Infidel VS Microtech Combat Troodon - Which is the Better OTF? 

I own two genuine BM Infidels and have taken them apart to see what makes them so wonderful. ONE thing that makes them so wonderful is the use of a locking boss inserted through the blade shank and secured by a machine screw. From the factory, the ones I have came without thread locker on that screw. After a few dozen blade cycles the blade went from being absolutely rigid feeling to flopping like a freshly caught fish! Once I took a peek inside I saw the problem...the Infidel has an excellent 3-point locking system on the locking BOSS, but if the boss is not secured tight into the blade shank by the machine screw, the blade will wobble around. The screw cannot back out far enough to release the blade entirely, only far enough so that persons who don't know any better will think the knife has just experiences some sort of accelerated wear. Even if the screw could fall out, the locking boss extends through the shank so the blade can't drop out of the knife, but it can wobble around plenty! The right answer is to apply Red Lock-tite to the machine screw and cinch it down tight, and let is set up before cycling the blade. After that the blades on my genuine Infidels have has ZERO play across the face axis, and only slight movement across the edge axis due to the blade locks rocking slightly. The basic design uses a steel sub-frame that aligns the steel locking boss and has a flat front face with rounded edges that mates perfectly with the locking boss. The twin locks swing in behind the boss from either side, creating an interference fit that cannot be "broken" by the "nail test." The result is a very rigid lock up of the locking boss. So any more than the smallest amount of play in an Infidel blade should be cause for investigation.

Good Video man! I agree with your findings and I paid $695 for my Hellhound CT New & I was happy to do it. I think it is that good. I also carry a Custom 1911 or a Dan Wesson 1911 as my EDC when I am off duty. To me it is about Quality over everything else. Thank-you for the informative Video Review. I know making these videos require hours and hours of work, and that you are trying to pass on good information. Stay positive and keep up the good fight for all of us. Love your Microtech…… Don’t Sell It. 🤠👍🇺🇸👮🏻‍♂️⭐️. B9USA Sr.

Nice overview, man. I like both, but I’d prefer the Combat Troodon! ⚔️😎👍

A channel I regularly watch came up with a Combat Troodon review(lovely red handle) and abuse video a couple weeks back, it involved cutting sheet metal, tire sidewalls and hammering the whole knife blade straight up to the handle onto a two inch thick wood plank, as well as dropping it on mud. Passed the test with no failures. :)

Watching this through a projector on a wall - big knives just got bigger!

I have both. I carry a Cipher and the Infidel more often than the Troodon. I have a number of Microtechs that never see pocket time...but they are nice to look at and fire. ;)

The infidel used to be my grail knife. Then the spring tension faded over a very short period of time (1-3 months). This is an issue with all infidels so far as I can tell in my experience

Nice comparison. Now you have to get some Guardian Tactical and Heretic OTFs. 😉

Great comparison. I just bought a Combat Troodon D/E serrated satin blade. Can't wait til it arrives in 2 days. Looks like a great OTF. I prefer Microtechs. Never had one fail yet.

Great review!

Another Kansan here. Appreciate the video!

If a spring is weak then it's more likely to not fully deploy. Completely valid criticism of an otf.

17:55 I believe that design is here so our troops can go "balls deep" on our enemies.

Nice comparison. My preference still goes to Microtech.

I have the Microtech Combat Troodon , knife is a beast. My EDC is the Benchmade Shootout because of how lightweight it is and super sharp. Also, have a Microtech UTX-85 and Benchmade Claymore and Bugout. All awesome knives.

I have the exact same troodon in my carry rotation awesome knife.

So as of Sept of 2023, according to Microtech they are using M390 for year 2022/2023 knifes. I know as well that there is also now a M390MK version as well of blade steel, which is specific for Microtech now. That was from Ray at MT at the Shot Show 2023 interview. 👍🤠

You gotta get yourself a D/E Combat Troodon so we can see the dagger blade in comparision to all the other dagger blades! It's got a nice wide cross section.

Troodon all day everyday. There is really no comparison.

Not sure about toughness. I've seen the microtech otf hammered through a 2x4. I wouldn't do that with a liner lock.

Rockchalk Jayhawk! Just picked up the infidel. Cool knife.

I like Benchmade. I own many of their knives and they are fantastic, but my Phaeton OTF doesn't hold a candle to my Combat Troodon. I'll probably never get another BM OTF, but there will be several Microtechs in my future.

I have the dirac delta as my edc, absolutely love this knife. Fine, quality, American craftsmanship. I got the stonewashed blade with full serration in the M390 steel. Legal to own and carry in my state since 2017. I was torn between the infidel or the dirac delta, i went with the microtech because i already owned the UTX 70, and ive been very impressed with the quality of their knives.

What’s the best way to ensure that a novice like me trying to buy a used knife like the combat Troodon online can make sure that it’s authentic? If I receive it is there a way to look at the serial numbers or is there anything significant that word leave me to believe it’s authentic?

Man I just can’t get over them using d2 steel for a 400$ knife

I almost bought the very same MT model but I changed my mind. I went with an all black Infidel in S30V. No regrets whatsoever.

friends help in choosing which one to buy?

Both Fantastic knives ! You are right , its the about the knives. Great video , Thanks for sharing !

You said OTF's all have play in the blades except for the Deadlock...my Microtech Halo V has absolutely no play at all but it is also single action...I didn't know if you wanted to clarify you ment D/A.

My CT broke the spring twice. I finally fixed it after having to order the tool and deburr the bitch myself

Once you are spending 500$ what's another 180$? Just get what you want or you might end up with both ; )

the prices of these is out of control! that being said, they are both cool as fuck and i want them. lol

Getting a follow from a fellow Kansan.

Ak47 vs ar15 Ive played with both knives and own ultratech and know it dont always work without maintenance like ar15 requires so i think the benchmade would be better for a tactical situation and think it will always deploy and dont feel same way with microtech.. i dont own either or tested them but my opinion based on ultratech needing constant cleaning and lube even if not using it , just from dust in your pocket.. i dont think same happens with the benchmade.. funny thing it i want the microtech cause blade material and i want DE spear point with 1 side fully serrated

I’m glad I live in Montana, now I just need to own one of these 😆

Definitely microtech!

I usually agree with you on most things. I would say that I disagree with the locking system not being durable. I’ve seen these things take a ton of abuse (mainly on RU-vid stress testing videos). But they hold up very well. I use both otf’s and folding. Ive had folding knives fail, never had an otf from Microtech fail. I’ve actually never seen one fail. And I have seen numerous liner locks and frame locks fail.

I can carry grapefruit in my gym shorts pockets...does it make sense? Fu** no.

PVK sells the tri-bit for the Microtech.

Are these legal in arizona??

Both of my expensive OTF's had gotten scratches on the blades from the moment it was first opened... The tolerances are so tight to try and keep trash out to try and prevent people from opening them that it just rubs in certain areas... It isnt a HUGE issue on the microtech versus the Hogue I have which is definitely worse but its bad enough... I don't want scratches on my brand new 300+ dollar knife that I can do nothing to prevent.

Over these 2 the combat troodon is the winner in my opinion. If you compared it to the phaeton, autocrat, or discontinued pagan then microtech had a loss. For these 2 I am going for the combat troodon.

I would love to get my hands on an feel the differences in person before dropping hundreds of dollars for one...

Benchmade is famous for their amazing customer service and warranty. How is Mircotech warranty? heard many bad stories about their service or not fulfilling warranty.

Someday I ll own a Microtech.

Infidel! You see way more of those in the field, especially while I was with the Rangers! Benchmade is a great company! Microtech is awesome as well

Check out a Piranha Excalibur, built like a tank.

Used to be a huge fan of Benchmade. Not so much anymore. I’ve gone off into the weeds of customs and semi customs and I haven’t gone back. I have a mini Infidel and I have the 121-1VI. Like the Microtech wins.

Ok ok but Which is the best ambidextrous knife..

I carried the infedel for 3 years on duty then swapped to microtech and have carried it ever since

I just got the same pattern microtech but its in m390

Microtech has had benchmade beat for years. I like benchmade for their balisongs [except the 6x series, like what the fuck were they thinking?] since they hold up, and are genuinely well made. The out the fronts from benchmades are just too outdated I guess you could say. They don’t seem special, and well with the infidel I get those cheap single action knockoff vibes from it. I ordered a Dirac delta and well, compared to my old infidel I can say it’s time to retire or revamp the infidel. I won’t buy a new benchmade though, considering their recent track record.

My issue with the BM infidel is the fact that the handle is shaped like a yogurt slinger and the blade comes equipped with a tiny set of balls and a pencil dee on either side. Seriously WTF were they thinking with that? Between that and the crude looking firing switch with exposed track, I’ll take Microtech all day every day.

Is the Microtech very sharp out of the box ?

I just bought a combat troodon I love it

I just bought a microtech for the first time I think I'm going to return it.

i need the 3300BK Benchmade Infidel. Everyone's out of it looks like. Found one at Blade HQ but when ordering the "processing payment" just spun and spun for 11 minutes until I closed the page. Now I've got that to worry about as to when an unexpected charge will show up. A poop show with those guys, even a data breach in 2021 reviewed by the fed not to have revealed any social security info, but what about card numbers. Doh!!! If anyone has a line on that BK being in stock please give a shout out. Thanks.

My infidel has zero blade play, no "loosey goosey" as mentioned. And no button play. Not sure if I got lucky or the sample in this video was rode hard and out up wet or what

It seems that you're comparing a new Troodon to an Infidel that clearly has some miles on it. I think that's where the play that you noted on the BM is from. I own both and both were very tight and tactile out of the box. It seems like the Troodon has held up better but I also carry the infidel more so it's tough to really pick one. Both are outstanding knives. Great video sir. Thanks!

infidels $380 new. Mini version is also available

If you want a otf go for microtech if you want a balisong go to benchmade

I wear skinny jeans and I carry cold steel xl so u definitely can wear it skinny jeans brother

Those tactical beans seem a little unnecessary.

Combat troodon very good. I love microtech. I come from Thailand.🙏🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭👏💯💯💯

This is not even a debate. A pre 2022 CT is tits

As a Canadian…🤦🏻‍♂️🇨🇦

I bought 3300 Infidel,maybe. The slide switch has screw,plus a glass breaker. Additionally, no balls on blade. Doesn't say Infidel on pocket clip.Can it b

Microtech all day long!

This fancy blade with holes looks like pain in the a.. when You EDC this knife and even the small debris can jam Your knife. And Microtechs are not especially debris friendly knives.

Once I've shelled out the thousand or so for a Combat Troodon "Signature Series" isn't it MY knife? Shouldn't MT want me - the person who just forked over huge money for a knife composed of $20 worth of raw material to be happy? No, of course not because that would destroy the myth that these knifes are just oh-so-complicated and only a certified MT knife-magician can understand them! I own several Microtech knives and I've pulled the top cover on every single one of them to examine how they work. I found no special placards or a slender hair strategically placed to alert the MT wizards of my intrusion, so if I ever experience a major break down such as a broken blade, I'll send that puppy right on in! There is really nothing else but the firing spring to break and those can be SELF-sourced.

Actually microtech will fix anything you acrew up but they do charge for it. So say you sharpen your microtech and you don't do it right and screw the blade up, they will replace the blade but your going to pay for it.

The only scary part of this beautiful knives is the over pricing 😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸

MICROTECH ALL DAY! BEST AUTO'S ON THE MARKET..!! LOVE MINES! INFIDELS ARE THE UGLIEST AUTOS TO ME...THEY NEED TO REDESIGN THEM FAST!! NEVER LIKED UM...

Hello fellow Kansan

Totally illegal in Canada, unfortunately. 😭

The mechanisms in the benchmade is a nightmare to service. Mine wasn’t firing properly due to pocket lint I guess(it looked fairly clean when I opened it). There are a total of six left springs that gave me a hell of a time to reset. I know it may take a while getting your knife back, but in my opinion take advantage of their warranty, plus the knife comes back razor sharp.

The infidel blade looks like it will snap like a toothpick.

Cool! I'm afraid I'll pass on both... I don't need speed when I need a knife, I have 2 folders that work just fine. These are cool though. Thanks. Oh if I spend that much on a knife I better get a nurse too!😂😂

As a REALLY well trained knife fighter ( I began my training when I was only 5 years old, as my both parents were Military and had a huge experience as they fight during very deadly wars : mom fight in Indochina and in Algeria and dad fight in Vietnam ( He was French but lived in USA from 1944 to 1974, I should say 1969 as he was in Vietnam from 1969 to 1974 ). My both parents wanted me to be ready to fight as they thought that a WW 3 was coming, and they began by training me to Close Combat . So, as I want a knife to be a good fighting knife, I prefer the Benchmade because a double edged blade is always more effective, and even if I have 2 Benchmade infidel, I always prefer to have a fixed blade with me, more effective, more silent ( a good knife fighter never ever let his enemies to know he carry a knife until he stabs, and All OTF are pretty noisy, and a very typical noise, so a fixed blade is far more easy to use silently !

Am I the only one that sees the nutsack at the base of the blade on the infidel

I find it kind of ridiculous these knives are only sold to law enforcement or military when LEO academies don’t train or certify on the usage of knives. Straight up Police states.

Infidel just way cooler looking. Never thought any OTF with the boxy shape and switch on the side was near as cool-they all look like cheapies from gun shows.

I would never use an OTF in a tactical role.

Griptilian?

I live in Texas ,I can have grenades mailed to me bro 😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸

Buy it from out of the country or on eBay and you can order it anywhere lol

Where is the griptilian?

So you’re saying when you overpaid for this knife you now understand Benchmade Bugout owners and why they sell so well? 😂😂😂. Kidding of course! I say this in total jest!

Benchmade = classy Microtech = gas station

Ultratech fires better than combat troodon

What's OTF?

Subjective I know, but that MC is just ugly. But I’m a sucker for symmetry so I picked up the infidel. On sale of course!

Anyone who wears their sisters jeans.....shouldn't carry anything except for a purse also.

If a law is unjust you shouldn’t follow it said MLK.

Hurrr durrr proprietary hardware. What a joke

Love the free state of kansas

Ha! You failed the infidel into the paper and not yours😂😂😂👊🏽

I"m still punishing benchmade. I wouldn't buy that ugly POS anyway. I do have a MT CT and it's an absolute beast!!

I just don't understand why microtech doesn't make more hellhound blade..It sold out everywhere why make all these blades that no one buys..They seriously need to take a few months and only produce hellhound blade..

Used to love both companies. Now you have to decide whether you wish to support Benchmade's anti 2A and left wing political contributions or Mirotech's known design "borrowing" and horrible reputation for customer service and spotty QC.