Microtech Introduces Initial Culinary Line, Integrating Everyday Carry Steel into Chef's Attire
Let's Dive into Microtech's Culinary Kingdom
Step into the world of Microtech, a pioneer in the EDC realm, particularly renowned for its exceptional automatic knives. They've just unleashed a limited-edition seven-piece cooking collection, exclusively crafted in the United States. This is Microtech's first foray into the kitchen, and it's a marvelous continuation of their dedication to quality and craftsmanship, as demonstrated in their other blades. The collection boasts the same Böhler M390MK steel revered by tactical knife enthusiasts, combined with Microtech's meticulous attention to detail in terms of fit and finish[1].
From Garage Genesis to Gourmet Glory
The story behind Microtech is more than just product expansion. Founded in a Florida apartment by Tony and Susan Marfione in 1994, Microtech set out to redefine American-made goods by upholding the beliefs that precision and innovation could coexist[2]. Fast-forward three decades, and that same ethos—the renowned 0.001′′ tolerances, in-house machining, and stringent quality control—is now being brought to kitchen activities like carrot julienning and filleting fish.
The timing feels apt, with the tactical knife market flooded with overseas alternatives, and the culinary space yearning for premium American-made options that leverage the expertise of those who excel in the realm of EDC knives. Microtech seems to have struck the perfect balance, utilizing their manufacturing capabilities without the intricacies of spring mechanisms and firing buttons[2].
Where Material Science Meets Meal Prep
The choice of M390MK steel is intriguing from a technical perspective. Unlike traditional cutlery carbon steel, this steel delivers corrosion resistance and edge retention suitable for handling everything from acidic tomatoes to daily dishwasher cycles. The stonewash and DLC coating options add an additional layer of protection and aesthetic appeal[1].
Handles come in the familiar Microtech range: G-10 scales, carbon fiber, and the proprietary ULTEM polymer. Each handle features optional titanium bolsters for those seeking a premium feel. The color palette—nine options range from Black, OD Green, and Coyote Tan to Ember, Caribbean Blue, and Ivory—reflects the same emphasis on personalization that has made their tactical lines collectible[1]. However, in a working kitchen, the OD Green or black might be the most practical choices.
The Array of Tools
The blade designs show a thoughtful consideration for real-world kitchen tasks. The 6.125-inch boning knife features a narrow spine ideal for working around joints and bones, while the 8-inch chef's knife delivers proportions familiar to anyone who's used a Wüsthof or Henckels[1]. The dual Santoku offerings (4.2 inches and 6 inches) cater to serious kitchen preppers or those requiring tools that accommodate different hand sizes. The collection also includes a 5-inch utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, and a 4-piece steak knife set.
The Spec Sheet
Model Range: 7 knives in total (Chef's 8 inches, Santoku 6 inches & 4.2 inches, Utility 5 inches, Boning 6.125 inches, Paring 3.5 inches, Steak Knife Set)Blade Steel: Böhler M390MKBlade Finish: Stonewash or DLC coatingHandle Materials: G-10, Carbon Fiber, ULTEM (with optional titanium bolsters)Color Options: 9 choices (Black, OD Green, Coyote Tan, Ember, Caribbean Blue, Ivory, Carbon Fiber, Livewire, ULTEM)Weight Range: 3.48 ounces to 9.04 ouncesPrice: $70 to $300 each ($1,655 for the whole set)
Pricing & Availability
Pricing for this culinary collection starts at $70 for the paring knife and goes up to $300 for the four-piece steak set. However, to get your hands on these kitchen knives, you'll need to purchase the complete seven-piece set priced at $1,655, as individual pieces are currently sold out[1].
- The Microtech's Culinary Kingdom, a new venture into food-and-drink, leverages the company's expertise in the tactical knife industry by applying their meticulous style and manufacturing techniques to home-and-garden tools.
- In the realm of finance, the collection is priced between $70 to $300 each, but to own the complete seven-piece set, a lifestyle investment of $1,655 is required.
- As technology extends its footprint in cooking, Microtech employs the same Boehler M390MK steel found in their EDC knives in their kitchen knives, ensuring both corrosion resistance and edge retention.
- The merge of Microtech's lifestyle focus and the food-and-drink industry is demonstrated by the offering of various blade designs tailored to versatile kitchen tasks, from carrot julienning to filleting fish.
