The Microtech Sigil and Microtech Cypher were collaborations designed by Knife maker Deryk Munroe. Munroes design language is clear and present in these Microtech collaborations, he very much transported his custom language including his signature Techno-Archaic lines seen on his previous work, the Warg and the Omen. Munroe's knives all appear to be keys to unlock the door to some distant realm, making a connection through tools, tapping into something most designers struggle to communicate clearly.
The Sigil would be released in three different variants from the Marfione custom shop before eventually reaching a short production run from Microtech, during this time the Cypher OTF would also be released and use very much the same language in this conversation as the folding Sigil. These collaborations would certainly stand out as some of the most outside the box Marfione Customs and Microtech Production knives to date. This model would also premiere a new style of hardware or really a new style of holding the hardware in the knife.
The Gen 1 Sigil would premiere with the Sigil Bit hardware, actually a modified Medium Triangle Bit. The screw head of this new fastener only allows for purchase by the bit on three sides of the head, the rest of the head rides incredibly close to edges of the screw pocket. This allows for the screw to sit sub-surface much easier than previously. Gen 1 would also be smaller in overall size than later generations and use the Sub-Frame Locking mechanism. One of the more standout features of the Gen 1 was the spring loaded pocket clip that nestled into the frame while not in use.
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
An early example of the Gen 1 Sigil, we can see how the pocket clip is seamlessly concealed into the frame. This was a great concept esthetically but eventually led to failure over time as the mechanics were a little to complicated.
Marfione Custom Munroe Sigil
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
This engraved version had a "Matching" Siphon 2 with a similar Alien Motif. The copper onlays work perfectly with the copper hardware.
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
This full dress custom version lacks the "Tombstone" milling pattern on the spine and pocket clip.
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
This example uses Carbon Fiber for both the front and rear scales, a perfect example of how the Sub-Frame lock came in handy with a build like this. Otherwise not possible with a traditional frame lock.
Marfione Custom Munroe Sigil with Carbon Fiber Handles and Copper Hardware and a High Polish Blade
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
Another example uses Brass for both the front and rear scales, a build otherwise not possible with a traditional frame lock.
Marfione Custom Munroe Sigil Bearing Grade Brass Handles with a High Polish Blade
The Gen 2 Sigil would see the removal of the nestled spring loaded pocket clip and the Sub-Frame Lock. The new Sigil would be updated to a standard frame with a 3D milled clip, it would also be enlarged to fit the new mechanics and clip. The MK6 as it was dubbed also saw a sporadic and limited Microtech production run.
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
Microtech Sigil MK6 196-3DLCTA Full serrated Apocalyptic DLC blade and hardware with Tan anodized show scale and matching overtravel stop, Titanium lock side and pocket clip
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
Editors Note; This would be an early use of the signature on the pocket clip to indicate a signature series build from the factory. Also in later years this build and all other FULL DLC knives would be designated a "Shadow Series"
Microtech Sigil MK6 196-1DLC Stonewash blade with FULL DLC jacketing
Chassis: Med Sigil Bit
Pivot: Sigil Pivot
The era of "Super builds" was strong and continued into the Sigil lineup from the MArfione custom shop. This example was dressed with a high polish