Microtech Combat Troodon

[johns7076]

Just bought one used, though it appears brand new and the deploy/retract is so stiff I can't work it with one hand. Is this normal? Can it be mad easier to operate?

[Railsplitter]

I’ve never owned one but I’ve read lots of comments stating the same thing.

I don’t recall seeing any do it yourself fixes but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any.

[Killgar]

My first though is, if the person who sold you the knife did not disclose the issue then you might want to consider demanding a refund. Maybe you can "fix" the issue yourself, but maybe not. And the longer you wait the less chance you may have to get a refund.

Beyond that, maybe it just needs a good lube job. Microtech has maintenance and lubrication info on their website, with a video (under the topic "Basic Maintenance"). You can find that information by scrolling down to the bottom of the home page on their website and clicking on "Support Portal", then clicking on "Knowledgebase".

They also specifically addresses the issue of stiff buttons, but they don't provide any DIY fix. On the right of the screen, after you do as I described above, you will see a list, and "stiff button" is one of the topics.

If you try their recommended cleaning and lubrication and it doesn't work, and if you can't return it to the seller for a refund (or don't want to), I would suggest contacting Microtech and requesting a warranty repair authorization. You can find all the information regarding Microtechs warranty by taking the same steps necessary to find the maintenance info I described above.

But before I started the process of sending the knife to Microtech I would first try my best to confirm that it isn't a counterfeit. If it is, then you would only be wasting your time and money by shipping it to Microtech.

[johns7076]

Should have posted pictures. I feel certain it's Microtech. Bought it from someone I have bought from before, retired military man, have no reason to doubt him
.

[Madmarco]

Perhaps you could try 1 drop of Latama's Quick Release oil dripped onto the track the lever runs on, John, if it is a lubrication problem that oil will fix it, and if not you'll know it isn't a lubrication problem and look elsewhere for the trouble. ONLY 1 drop, mind you, or you risk gumming it up.

[Rosa]

They can be super stiff when brand new. That, and your thumb does need to be broken in along with the knife's action!
I would start with a review of the information from the manufacturer here: https://microtechknives.com/maintenance/ on cleaning.

What has worked for me is blasting compressed air through the front. A can of compressed air for keyboards will suffice, but an air compressor is awesome. If you want to, carefully remove the glass breaker / pocket clip screw (use masking tape covered pliers), and blast air through that end. A brand new factory Microtech should be clean, but you never know.

Then I dump a little 99% iso alcohol, or lighter fluid cleaner in there and shake it up and dump it out. This stuff evaporates nicely but I again blast with air.

Then shoot Rem Oil in the opening and button. Shake that up, dump, and blast a bit of air in there to remove excess.

Then break in your thumb and the action with repeated opening/closings.

FWIW I find the Sebenza more painful to break in than the Combat Troodon.

[johns7076]

Thanks Rosa!!

[Madmarco]

to AAPK, Rosa!

[johns7076]

As it turns out after all my worry about the Troodon opening difficulty, the responses here and my son-in-law simply pushing with a stronger thumb than I have made it open and close with relative ease. I think it still needs oil and compressed air clean out and it will be working easily enough for my old arthritic hand to make it open.
Thanks to all that replied to this post!