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This Tactical EDC Knife Honors One of the Most Beloved Tool Brands Ever

While its styling obviously draws heavily from Milwaukee Tool, this military-inspired blade is also extremely capable and tough.

Close-up of a red metal tool with the white "Microtech" logo and a lightning bolt design.Blade HQ
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By Sean Tirman

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Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, better known as Milwaukee Tool (or just Milwaukee), was founded all the way back in 1924. With over a century under its belt, it is one of the most storied, venerated and relied-upon tool brands on the market today.

It is also known for creating tools with a signature color combination.

It’s this styling that the Microtech L.U.D.T. Journeyman Gen III T/E borrows, as an homage to the beloved toolmaker. But this tactical EDC knife is a capable tool in its own right, as well.

Orange-handled Microtech folding knife with a black blade resting on a workbench near gloves and a power tool.
This stunning EDC folder borrows its styling from Milwaukee Tool, an iconic brand with a storied history.
Blade HQ

A different kind of power tool

Microtech has done a spectacular job of reinterpreting Milwaukee’s signature styling and colors for this knife. Even at a distance, it’s clear what the brand was trying to achieve, and I dare say they nailed it precisely.

The red handle perfectly mimics Milwaukee’s most vibrant trademark hue, and it’s furthered by the choice of font for the white logo and slender lightning bolt, crafting a perfect tribute to the tool brand’s own.

Close-up of a two-tone gray knife blade with a textured black section and an orange handle.
This knife benefits from a unique, two-tone, two-texture tanto blade.
Blade HQ

But I’d also go so far as to say that the two-toned blade is even more intriguing. Not only does it feature the other two colors, black and dark gray, but it manages it uniquely, with a bold diagonal divide and, even more interestingly, two different textures.

The tip half of the blade features a classic stonewash-style finish, while the lower half, the blacked-out portion, has an almost sandpaper-like texture. And yet, for all its styling, its materials and mechanisms are somehow even better.

Close-up of a black textured knife blade with a white octopus logo and red handle.
Along with having a full-length fuller (or blood groove), the blade is also built from high-performance M390MK steel.
Blade HQ

High-performance reissue

For those unaware, the Microtech L.U.D.T. is actually an existing silhouette. And yes, its name is, in fact, an acronym. It stands for Large Underwater Demolition Team and is named for the WWII-era Navy frogmen that predated the SEALs.

While the styling heavily differentiates this tactical knife from its siblings, it shares many elements in common, not the least of which includes its 8.00-inch overall length and 3.5-inch blade.

Close-up of an orange textured tool handle with black screws and engraved text "L.U.D.T.
L.U.D.T. stands for “Large Underwater Demolition Team” and refers to the U.S. Navy’s elite WWII-era tactical swimmers.
Blade HQ

Like its predecessors, its aggressive tanto blade features a fuller (or a blood groove) and it’s built from Microtech’s proprietary version of Böhler’s beloved M390 super steel (M390MK). For reference, this specially developed version improves on the original’s toughness and edge retention.

Opposite the blade, the handle is crafted from aluminum and has a button-actuated automatic deployment and locking mechanism. The knife also gets a pocket clip for easy pocket (and pack) carry, and it has a lanyard hole for additional accouterments.

Orange folding knife with black clip on a black and yellow work surface next to drill bits and a power tool.
The knife handle features a sturdy pocket clip for easier carry and a lanyard hole.
Blade HQ

Availability and pricing

The Microtech L.U.D.T. Journeyman Gen III T/E is now available for preorder at Blade HQ for $411. While the price is obviously a big ask, it’s also a limited edition, so I don’t expect it to remain in stock for very long.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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