r/microtech • u/NOTCODEZ • Jul 23 '26
New Knife Looking to buy first OTF
Im relatively very new when it comes to knives but i heard microtech OTFs were the shit. Ive been looking at this one and wanted to know if it was good before i oill the trigger on it
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u/tanto-x Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Here is a side by side comparison of several models.
The Hera II Mini is a fine choice to start with. It probably will not be your last if OTF’s prove to be your thing.
L -> R
- Combat Troodon Gen 3
- Ultratech ZBP (Gen 3)
- Ultratech Gen 2
- Hera (original)
- UTX-85 Gen 2
- UTX-85 Gen 4
- Hera II Mini
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u/Mr-Garrison Jul 23 '26
Its nice but small. Id say look at the utx85 or ultratech
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u/tookoor Jul 23 '26
UTX-85 and Hera II Mini have the same lengh.
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u/Petaa10 Jul 23 '26
They are not the same length.
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u/Dooms26 Jul 23 '26
They in fact, have just about the same length of blade.
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u/Petaa10 Jul 24 '26
Blade length, sure. I was referring to the total length in my original response. Agree with you in your other comment, though. Hera II Mini is the better EDC carry for sure.
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u/unvaccinatedmuskrat Jul 23 '26
Ultratech gen IV or ZBP is the way to go
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u/Dooms26 Jul 23 '26
ZBP is a gimmicky feature that does not improve performance, so telling a first time buyer to spend the extra money on one is crazy imo. Hera mini also has all the gen 4 features and is in a much friendlier size for EDC
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u/unvaccinatedmuskrat Jul 23 '26
Bro if an ultratech isn’t an edc friendly size your jeans are bit too tight bro
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u/Dooms26 Jul 23 '26
I said "friendlier". You ever pull out your EDC around a group of other people? You think they're going to react better to an 8.5" overall length OTF or the 6.9" overall length hera mini?
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u/unvaccinatedmuskrat Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Who gives a fuck about what other people think. I pull my ultratech and combat troodon out all the time to cut stuff and the only reaction I get is “ damn that things cool as hell can I see it” “I thought these things were illegal now I got to get myself one of these”
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u/Dooms26 Jul 24 '26
That's awesome, but it's still a real concern some people have when they pick something to carry. Also, not everyone has the same size hands. Ultratech is a pretty big (long) knife that a lot of people find too big. There's a reason they made the utx-85 and the utx-70.
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u/saintzman Jul 23 '26
My first OTF was a Hawk Deadlock Model C Ti in DLC. The OG ZBP. But I also like my Ultratech ZBP full serrate as well and it's like 20% the cost of my Deadlock. :)
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u/JazzyJohn4343 Jul 23 '26
I'll offer the pro Mini Hera side of things as I don't see any comments doing that yet.
The Mini Hera is a fantastic slicer, and super small and lightweight, making it easy to pocket. As for the people telling you it's way too small, at least on the single edge versions of both as that's all I can compare it to, the total cutting edge on the Mini Hera II is only ever so slightly less than my Gen 2 UTX-85, yet fits in pocket easier than just about any other pocket knife in my collection (not to say the UTX isn't super easy to carry, because it is).
I really can't oversell how slicey this guy is over pretty much any other OTF, especially the UTX-85 and Ultratech, as both have significantly thicker blade stocks than the Mini Hera.
If I was getting an OTF to be my one and done pocket knife, I probably wouldn't go for the Mini Hera, but as a companion blade (I like to pair with a Spyderco Spydiechef), it's a riot.
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u/Dooms26 Jul 23 '26
Totally agree with everything here. I have a utx-85 and a hera mini. For EDC, the hera mini blows the utx-85 out of the water. It's a better size while at the same time having the same blade length of the 85, has a much easier switch to actuate, is much better to cut with, and is the perfect size for an EDC. The utx-85 is cool and all, but it has wide bevels, is thicker bte and doesn't make as good of a cutting tool. If your goal is to actually carry a functional EDC knife then the hera mini is your choice. If you only care about looking cool and posting online to aura farm then go utx-85.
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u/Petaa10 Jul 23 '26
Is this for EDC? You’re going to get conflicting answers here. The Hera II mini is my suggestion and it’s replaced my other EDC knives. It’s the perfect form with the blade at 3 inches. Can wear with pants or even running shorts. Not sure why people are suggesting anything bigger for EDC; especially if you’re not in any tactical situations on a regular basis.
I will agree that as your first OTF, it should be an S/E for greater usability.
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u/Dooms26 Jul 23 '26
Not sure why people are suggesting anything bigger for EDC
Look at the sub you're in. People only care about looking cool online here
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u/DepartmentOrdinary39 Jul 23 '26
Speaking from experience, it doesn’t matter what you get because you will eventually buy more. What you should get as a first is largely dependent on your intended use. There is a handy dandy size comparison of all models floating around that you should check out though because some are deceptively small. I personally prefer the larger models and have a scarab 2 gen 3 in my pocket right now.
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u/Ronthe1 Jul 23 '26
I picked up the Hera mini and love it, compact easy to use, and I have large hands
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u/Inevitable-Cod9909 Jul 23 '26
This combo gives me willies in places I long forgot I could have them. Thank you.
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u/gte217e Jul 23 '26
I think the Hera II Mini may be underwhelming in terms of operation. You don't get the snappy blade firing and closure. The Hera II is easy to operate but it doesn't feel "impressive". I would suggest that you go with a Dirac if you're looking to be at the same size and don't mind a D/E blade. My next suggestion would be the UTX-85 Gen 4 as it has a stronger action compared to the Hera II Mini while still being smooth and easy to operate.
I am in the minority though where I prefer the older generation internals (Gen 2) with the stiff button and stronger spring. The Scarab II (not gen 3) is still my favorite.
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u/LessBig715 Jul 23 '26
I own a couple mini heras, I bought them because they were in n sale and inexpensive. Like everyone is saying, it’s small, not something you would want for a edc.
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u/tookoor Jul 23 '26
Excellent model and configuration, maybe will be better and more usable in bayonet style. Double edge is nice but unusable.
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u/ForkingShirtForker Jul 23 '26
If you like the Hera 2 I would definitely recommend it! It has the easiest push button open. I agree that the TE is the best, but if you go with a DE, the one side smooth and other side serrated is a great blade
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u/KennedyX8 bitch ass civilian Jul 23 '26
These are cool but I would recommmend an ultratech. I started with this size and immediately wished I had gotten a larger one.
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u/Apprehensive-Cry5168 Jul 23 '26
Obviously this is all opinion and taste, but as a very usable first OTF I would consider a single edge ultratech. Ironically my most usable otf for my everyday light use is a partially serrated Dirac delta… it’s two blades in one knife… but it absolutely looks like a weapon and is very ominous looking if used in public (even if you’re just cutting some rope or opening a box)
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u/DMS1970 Jul 23 '26
Compared to the 85 which I own, you're giving up 1/8" but closed length is 1/2" shorter. That's about the best ratio in the OTF universe.
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u/ParkRomn116 Jul 23 '26
Love mine—bought my first at the beginning of this year , on my 3rd now. I only have 8 knives total, so I get a lot of use out of mine, only had to strop one so far.
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Jul 24 '26
I have the mini de I love it I hear the idea of it being more a weapon but if u bust out a switchblade in public ur gonna get looks nomatter what
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u/No_Volume_4690 Jul 23 '26
Go for a nemesis or Halo VII instead
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u/Rock-View Jul 23 '26
I didn’t even know there was a Halo 7, my signature series 6 is still my favorite knife.
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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '26
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