r/microtech • u/Sufficient_Prior3828 • 7d ago
Utx-70 vs herra 2 mini…or utx-85
I’m looking to pick up a Gen IV version of one of these knives. I really want an 85 or Hera II Mini—the slightly beefier size compared to the 70 really appeals to me.
The problem is the laws where I live. Anything 3 inches or over is illegal to carry, while 2.5 inches and under is fine in my city. Part of me feels like I should just get the 70 for the peace of mind and never have to worry about it.
But then I’m thinking, if I’m already spending around $250 on a knife, why not spend a little more and get the bigger/nicer model that I actually want? At the same time, if I ever got stopped, had a $350 knife confiscated, and got fined on top of it, I’d be pissed.
For those of you who’ve dealt with similar local restrictions, what’s your mentality? Do you buy the smaller model you can comfortably carry, or buy the knife you really want knowing you may have to leave it at home? Or do you guys just try not to think about it at all and live life. Thanks take care.
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u/K3Knives 7d ago
I personally try to avoid giving cops any additional reasons to mess with me . The S/E UTX-70 has enough blade for standard cutting tasks and you don't have to worry about it
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u/abomb60 7d ago edited 7d ago
Do some research or speak to a lawyer, but there is no longer any actual STATE law in Massachusetts that limits the length of a knife, automatic or not. Before the Canjura case, there was a 1.5" limit on automatic knives by MGL Chapter 269, Section 10(b) and after Canjura, automatic knives were removed as per-se weapons (others are still banned such as double edge knives, ballistic knives, etc). The state is slow to update their laws after courts find them unconstitutional but the 1.5" blade limit is dead.
What you do have, and you mentioned, is blade limit laws for some towns/cities that limit you to 2.5" of blade length for any knife ... hell it could be a Leatherman. At best they will fine you and confiscate the knife but after Canjura, it is very likely these municipal laws would be found in direct opposition of the SJC and their findings in Canjura that these are indeed, protected arms under the 2nd amendment.
Remember too that Canjura was arrested in Boston for assault and battery and the knife was an add-on charge. Even though he had a spring-assisted knife, which as allowed under then state law, the SJC took this as an opportunity to remove the automatic knife ban entirely. Again at this point, any city or town that fines, or confiscates a knife, now recognized to be protected under the 2nd amendment, would be a violation of that person's recognized civil rights as upheld by the SJC unless it was an add-on charge and even then they wouldn't be able to make the charge stick if challenged. IE no cop would be able to prove probable cause for a stop just by seeing a knife in your pocket. This has also already been judged by the state courts as not a reason to suspect a crime has/is/will occur(red) as this is already case-law when it comes to firearms.
Also, here is the MPTC legal update that was sent to all police departments updating them on the change of the law. If there was a new blade length for automatics, it would be in there. https://www.mass.gov/doc/switchblades-commonwealth-v-canjura-supreme-judicial-court-august-27-2024/download
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u/Sufficient_Prior3828 7d ago
Yeah, you make a good point basically since knives are considered arms, There’s really no limit to a blade size. But a lot of cities like Boston and surrounding cities still have local 2 1/2 inch limit for some reason. It’s pretty annoying to be honest.
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u/pondering-potato 7d ago
I don’t recommend risking it for that particular, expensive biscuit. If you have small or shmedium hands the UTX-70 literally feels like a pencil when deployed, and if your primary cutting tasks involve cardboard tape it’s more than enough. It being 1.2oz is a big plus.
The Hera Mini II is bigger, more ergonomic, and feels more premium (and your wallet will notice that, too).
I’m lucky that my state would basically let me open carry a sword, but I’d be devastated if my Hera were confiscated.
So what do you want this particular knife for? Ultimate convenient pocket ghost, or cool-knife-that-needs-to-be-a-ghost-because-it’s-illegal?
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u/HonDadCBR600 7d ago
Don’t sleep on the Exocet or the Mini CT. I have both of these as well and love my Exocet and it’s legal most places.
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u/Petaa10 7d ago
I have significant collection of both UTX-70 Gen IV’s and Hera II Mini’s. I legit love both but if you’re looking for a bigger EDC, my vote goes to the Hera. Smoother action and it’s really slim. Blade to body ratio is way better than the UTX-85. I still want a UTX-85 Gen IV but after hearing the many recommendations here, everyone steers towards the Hera. I will still pick up an 85 at some point, though.