Microtech Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP Bayonet Signature OTF Knife Natural Clear Aluminium, Apocalyptic M390MK F/S by Tony Marfione (1120EX-12APNCS)

Microtech Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP Bayonet Signature Natural Clear Aluminum, Apocalyptic M390MK F/S by Tony Marfione (1120EX-12APNCS) is an OTF automatic knife featuring the Zero Blade Play™ system.

Microtech Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP – Bayonet Signature Series with Zero Blade Play™

Microtech Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP Bayonet Signature Natural Clear Aluminum, Apocalyptic M390MK F/S by Tony Marfione (1120EX-12APNCS) is an advanced OTF automatic knife with a D/A system, part of the Signature Series. The EX-ZBP model expands on the Ultratech design with the Zero Blade Play™ solution, which is designed to reduce blade play after the blade is extended. Combined with the Dual-Fuel Drive Train™ mechanism and the Crud Kutter™ system, the result is an OTF automatic knife with smooth operation, seamless handling, and refined mechanics.

The blade, made of Böhler M390MK steel, features a Bayonet profile, a flat grind, and an Apocalyptic finish, creating a design focused on precise tip control, stable blade performance, and high durability. The F/S variant features serrations on the blade spine, which enhance the blade’s technical appearance and distinguish it from the standard version. The handle, made of 6061-T6 aluminum with a Natural Clear finish, a titanium clip with a rollerball, a Thumb Slide and a glass breaker highlight the collectible nature of this variant.

Böhler M390MK – Microtech’s Powdered Steel for Precision OTF

Böhler M390MK is a high-performance powder steel developed for Microtech in collaboration with Böhler, designed with a focus on wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting sharpness. In the Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP model, this material performs well when cutting tape, film, cardboard, cord, straps, and plastics, where stable edge performance and predictable blade guidance are essential.

The Apocalyptic finish gives the blade a slightly weathered look and helps mask minor marks that develop during regular use. Paired with the light-colored Natural Clear handle, it creates a strong visual contrast characteristic of the Signature Series collector’s editions, without sacrificing the practical, functional nature of the design.

Bayonet and flat grind – symmetry, penetration, and control

The Bayonet profile is distinguished by its slender, technical geometry and a clearly defined tip, which facilitates precise blade guidance and effective precision cutting. The flat grind facilitates smooth cutting through material while maintaining a favorable balance between cutting edge sharpness and structural strength. The serrations on the blade spine highlight the F/S variant and reinforce the aggressive, technical look of this model.

The guard grooves and the symmetrical blade line give the blade its distinctive Microtech look, and the EX-ZBP format makes this variant more advanced than the classic Ultratech versions. The design is well-suited for users and collectors who expect an OTF automatic knife with precise tip control, stable blade operation, and high-quality materials.

Zero Blade Play™, Dual-Fuel Drive Train™, and Crud Kutter™ – Mechanism with Zero Play

The most important feature of the EX-ZBP model is the Zero Blade Play™ system, designed to minimize blade play after deployment. The Dual-Fuel Drive Train™ mechanism improves smoothness and reduces the force required to activate the slide, while maintaining the blade’s fast, decisive action in the D/A OTF system.

The Crud Kutter™ solution uses angled cuts beneath the slide to help reduce the buildup of debris that could interfere with the mechanism’s operation. As a result, the Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP combines the speed of an OTF automatic with greater blade stability when open and a design suited for everyday carry.

Natural Clear Aluminum and titanium clip with rollerball

The handle, made of 6061-T6 aluminum with a Natural Clear finish, is precision-machined to maintain the slim profile and technical aesthetic characteristic of modern Microtech designs. The light-colored body contrasts well with the Apocalyptic blade, emphasizing the character of the Signature Series and showcasing the machine-precision craftsmanship.

Jimping on the spine and underside enhances grip control, while the titanium deep-carry right/left tip-down clip with a rollerball facilitates slipping the knife into a pocket and reduces friction against the fabric. The handle features a glass breaker with a steel pyramid and a tungsten carbide ball, which expands the knife’s functionality in emergency situations.

Why choose the Microtech Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP Bayonet Signature Natural Clear F/S?

The Microtech Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP Bayonet Signature Natural Clear F/S is designed for users and collectors who expect an OTF automatic knife with smooth operation, minimal blade play, and a premium finish. Böhler M390MK steel ensures long-lasting edge retention, the Bayonet profile enhances precision tip control, and the Zero Blade Play™ system improves blade stability when open.

The Dual-Fuel Drive Train™ mechanism, the Crud Kutter™ solution, a titanium clip with a rollerball, and the Natural Clear handle create a design refined for both practical use and collectibility. The F/S variant, featuring serrations on the blade spine, gives the model a more technical, distinctive character.

Key Features at a Glance

• Böhler M390MK: Microtech powder-coated steel with high durability.
• Bayonet: a slim profile for precise tip control.
• F/S: serrations on the blade spine.
• Apocalyptic: a rugged finish that masks minor scratches.
• Zero Blade Play™: a system that minimizes blade play when open.
• Dual-Fuel Drive Train™: smoother operation of the OTF mechanism.
• Crud Kutter™: notches that reduce debris buildup.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Zero Blade Play™ system work?

Zero Blade Play™ is a blade-locking system designed to reduce blade play after the blade is extended. This allows the OTF knife to maintain greater rigidity during use and offers a more stable feel than classic automatic designs with greater blade movement.

What is the Dual-Fuel Drive Train™?

Dual-Fuel Drive Train™ is a drive system responsible for smoother blade extension and retraction in the OTF mechanism. This solution reduces the force required to activate the slide, while maintaining the fast and decisive operation of the automatic knife.

What is the Crud Kutter™ for?

Crud Kutter™ is a series of angled cuts beneath the opening slider that helps reduce the buildup of debris that could interfere with the mechanism’s operation. It’s a practical solution for users who carry a knife every day.

What sets the F/S variant apart?

The F/S variant features serrations on the spine of the blade. This detail enhances the knife’s technical look and distinguishes it from the standard Bayonet version, which lacks this feature.

How do you care for and sharpen Böhler M390MK steel?

After use, clean the blade, dry it thoroughly, and periodically coat it with a thin layer of oil. For sharpening Böhler M390MK, it’s best to use diamond or CBN blades, finishing with a fine grit.

Does the Microtech Ultratech Gen III EX-ZBP have a glass breaker?

Yes, the handle features a glass breaker in the form of a steel pyramid with a tungsten carbide ball. This is a structural element of the knife that expands its functionality in emergency situations, but it is not listed as a separate accessory in the technical specifications.

Prepared by: Specialists at Sharg® – Your expert in EDC and cutting tools