In response to Benchmades infamous Axis lock Patent expiring in late 2018, many industry leaders including Microtech began ramping up and building/designing "Bar Locks" in the style of the Axis lock. The Patented Microtech "Ram-Lok" emerged in 2023 as a solution for an American made manual folding knife with premium blade steel (Microtechs own Bohler M390MK) and polymer injected handles. This would Allow Microtech to offer the new MSI (Microtech Standard Issue) at an amazing retail price ($175.00 for the base model)

The MSI was the first in the Ram-Lok series, being followed by the Ram-Lok Stitch and eventually the rebirth of the Amphibian. The MSI broke ground with the Ram-Lok and Polymer Injection but would also be offered in semi-premium versions that would have G10 and Aluminum handles. This would also be the first knife in the Microtech lineup that would allow aftermarket customization (Scales, Pocket clips ETC)