How to Choose a Microtech OTF Knife: Side-by-Side Comparison

So you’re thinking about getting a Microtech out-the-front (OTF) knife.

Good for you! Microtech OTFs are awesome!

But there are a lot of them, and you may be wondering which is the best for you.

In this guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know about every OTF Microtech has to offer.

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In This Guide

• Comparison Table
• Ultratech (Gen IV)
  • UTX-85 (Gen IV)
  • UTX-70 (Gen IV)
• Hera II
  • Hera II Mini
• Dirac
  • Dirac Delta
• Combat Troodon (Gen III)
• Scarab II
• Glykon
• Cypher II
• Exocet II
• Other Microtech OTFs
• Shop by Use Case
• Shop by Size
• Additional Recourses

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Comparison Table

Scarab II

Combat Troodon

Hera II

Dirac Delta

Glykon

Ultratech

Cypher II

UTX-85

Dirac

Hera II Mini

UTX-70

Exocet II

Overall Length:

9.7"

9.57"

9.45"

9.4"

9.00"

8.54"

8.50"

7.65"

7.25"

6.9"

6"

5.69"

Blade Length:

3.95"

4.04"

4.01"

3.79"

3.75"

3.55"

3.55"

3.1"

2.92"

2.95"

2.5"

2.34"

Blade Material:

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

M390MK

Handle Material:

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum, Titanium

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Pocket Clip:

Steel

Titanium

Titanium

Steel

Titanium

Titanium

Titanium

Titanium

Steel

Titanium

Titanium

Titanium

Weight:

5.92 oz.

4.95 oz.

4.9 oz.

4.6 oz.

5.23 oz.

3.61 oz.

3.96 oz.

3.1 oz.

2.37 oz.

1.9 oz.

1.4 oz.

2.75 oz.

Price:

~$550

~$500

~$525

~$400

~$550

~$350

~$450

~$300

~$350

~$300

~$250

~$300

Glossary of Terms

The following terms reference features common on most Microtech OTF knives. Click a term to learn more about it!

Dual Fuel Drive Train

The modern double-spring firing mechanism in Microtech’s contemporary OTF offerings. The Dual Fuel Drive Train improves the action, making it both smoother and easier on your thumbs.

Crud Kutter

The diagonal milling beneath the thumb slide (switch) on most Microtech OTFs. It both reduces friction for smoother operation and chews through lint and other gunk, maintaining the knife’s functionality.

X-Button

The thumb slide or switch you use to operate the knife. Microtech uses distinctive X-pattern milling on their switches, providing tremendous grip, sometimes at the cost of comfort. It’s especially effective for use with gloves.

M390MK Steel

A proprietary steel that’s a take on Bohler M390 with slightly more carbon. The resulting steel is markedly more wear-resistant at the cost of some corrosion resistance.

Exclusive Blade Styles

Microtech has a number of specialty blade shapes that are usually only found on Signature Series/Marfione Select models, or custom knives. Here are the common ones:

• Hellhound – a take on a tanto featuring spine notches, stylistic holes, and an upswept tip.
• Spartan – a double-edged dagger-like blade with distinct points near the tip, almost like a double-sided tanto.
• Interceptor – a clip point style blade with saw-like teeth on the spine and a double-edged tip.

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Ultratech Gen IV

Overall Length: 8.54"

Blade Length: 3.55"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 3.61 oz.

Price: ~$350

The Ultratech was Microtech’s first double-action OTF. Released in 1999, it made a splash so big that knifemakers and collectors are still bobbing in the ripples.

At launch, its slender build, reliable action, premium materials, and tight tolerances set it apart from its contemporaries.

Today, in its fourth generation, the Ultratech has all that and more.

Boasting over two decades of iteration, it incorporates all of Microtech’s innovations, including the now-standard Crud Kutter, X-Button switch, Dual Fuel Drive Train, and proprietary M390MK steel.

If you can’t decide which Microtech OTF to get, one thing’s for certain: You can’t go wrong with an Ultratech!

Highlights:

• Most popular OTF knife ever
• Defined the modern double-action OTF
• Design perfected over decades

UTX-85 Gen IV

Overall Length: 7.65"

Blade Length: 3.1"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 3.1 oz. 

Price: ~$300

The Microtech UTX-85 is much like the incredibly popular Ultratech, but shrunk down by 15%, hence the name UTX-85 (it’s 85% the size of the Ultratech).

Dimensionally, it’s as wide and thick as the Ultratech, but not quite as long.

While the handle is shorter, it’s worth noting that it still accommodates a full four-finger grip, even for people with larger hands.

In short, it’s the Ultratech but perhaps a little more EDC (everyday carry) friendly and a little less intimidating.

Highlights:

• 85% the size of an Ultratech
• Same thickness and width as the Ultratech
• Great for small hands and shallow pockets

UTX-70 Gen IV

Overall Length: 6"

Blade Length: 2.5"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 1.4 oz. 

Price: ~$250

The Microtech UTX-70, as you may have guessed, is 70% the size of the Ultratech.

But, unlike the UTX-85, it’s completely congruent to its big brother (it shares the same dimensions, just scaled down).

So it’s thinner, narrower, and shorted. The result is quite tiny and quite cute.

But don’t let its size fool you: The UTX-70 is a mighty little OTF! Its blade is just as sharp, and its fit and finish are just as refined.

Thanks to its smaller size, the action is easier to cycle, making it nearly impossible to stop fidgeting with. Most people will struggle to get the four-finger grip, however.

The UTX-70 is ideal if you have small hands, small pockets, want an unobtrusive knife, or are addicted to fidgeting with your pocket cutlery (as many of us are).

Highlights:

• 70% the size of an Ultratech in all dimensions
• Super fidget-friendly action
• Great for very small hands and very shallow pockets

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Hera II

Overall Length: 9.45"

Blade Length: 4.01"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 4.9 oz.

Price: ~$525

The Hera II was part of Microtech’s new wave of OTFs, introducing the Crud Kutter and Dual Fuel Drive Train.

As a result, it has exceptionally smooth operation belying its size. While the original was small to medium, the Hera II is decidedly large.

Despite that, it remains extremely elegant and user-friendly.

Visually, the most notable feature is the lack of any visible screws beyond the large pocket-clip screw, keeping the looks super elegant and clean.

Wear it with a suit, carry it in a purse, make it your new EDC, or take it to war—it will excel in all cases!

Highlights:

• Larger than the original
• Blends classy looks with badass performance
• Only one visible screw

Hera II Mini

Overall Length: 6.9"

Blade Length: 2.95"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 1.9 oz.

Price: ~$300

The Microtech Hera II Mini is as its name suggests: a small version of the full-sized Hera II.

Unlike the full-sized one, however, the Hera II Mini does wear all its screws on the outside; otherwise, it perfectly scales down the stylish, sleek look of its larger cousin.

The Hera II Mini excels in one attribute above all other Microtech OTFs (and most OTFs in general): It’s remarkably easy and comfortable to fire and retract the blade.

It’s even markedly easier to operate than the UTX-70—a comparably sized knife. There’s no better option on this list for OTF fidgeters and people with weaker hands.

The Hera II Mini is, without question, the most accessible Microtech OTF, thanks to its superb action and approachable, unintimidating size.

Hera II Mini also facilitates a four-finger grip quite comfortably, for those who want that.

Don’t sleep on this tiny powerhouse!

Highlights:

• Doesn’t have hidden screws like the full-sized variant
• Perfect for small hands and shallow pockets
• Requires relatively little hand strength to operate comfortably

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Dirac

Overall Length: 7.25"

Blade Length: 2.92"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Steel

Weight: 2.37 oz. 

Price: ~$350

The Dirac is a small OTF that breaks the mold. While nearly all of Microtech’s OTFs have spine-mounted switches, the Dirac wears it on its face.

Size-wise, the Dirac is quite small; it’s also easy to operate, making it a fantastic option for people with smaller or weaker hands (or anyone with a propensity for the miniature).

Notably, neither the Dirac nor the Dirac Delta (below) afford blade options beyond the standard dagger, though it is available partially or fully serrated.

Highlights:

• Thumb slide on the face of the handle instead of the spine
• Small and easy to use
• Only has double-edged blades

Dirac Delta

Overall Length: 9.4"

Blade Length: 3.79"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Steel

Weight: 4.6 oz.

Price: ~$400

The Dirac Delta is, conversely, a big knife. At roughly twice the size of the standard version, it means business!

Its larger size lends it toward more tactical applications, though it’s no slouch in the EDC department.

First responders, military personnel, and safety-conscious citizens will be pleased with what this mighty blade offers.

If you want a larger OTF, for the money, the Dirac Delta is difficult to beat!

Highlights:

• Thumb slide on the face of the handle instead of the spine
• Large and ideal for tactical/self defense use
• Only had double-edged blades

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Combat Troodon (Gen III)

Overall Length: 9.57"

Blade Length: 4.04"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 4.95 oz. 

Price: ~$500

Before the Combat Troodon, there was the Troodon—a smaller version of the now-iconic monster of a knife that is the Combat variant.

While the original Troodon (and the tiny Troodon-M) aren’t in production as of 2026, their bigger brother is more popular than ever.

Alongside the Hera II, it stepped into the spotlight in 2024 at SHOT Show, introducing the Crud Kutter and Dual Fuel Drive Train.

This third-generation version of the Combat Troodon boasts noticeably smoother action and better ergonomics than the original.

It’s the sort of knife you can count on when your life is on the line.

Highlights:

• Improved action and ergonomics over the original
• Built to be used in intense, high-stakes environments
• Massive but still relatively easy and comfortable to operate

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Scarab II (Gen III)

Overall Length: 9.7"

Blade Length: 3.95"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Steel

Weight: 5.92 oz. 

Price: ~$550

The original Scarab was a meaty mid-sized OTF with a thick blade and grip inserts.

Next came the Scarab II, which was bigger overall, with a longer blade.

In 2024, the Scarab II Gen III came out, sporting such upgrades as the aforementioned Dual Fuel Drive Train and Crud Kutter.

To this day, the Scarab II sticks to its roots: Thick, big, long, and dangerous. These days you can find it with or without the grip inserts.

The Scarab II has a wider switch than its contemporaries, and many users find it to be the most comfortable to actuate in the entire Microtech OTF lineup.

Lastly, it was designed with fluting in the blade and strategic holes in the handle, allowing fluid to move through the system.

The result?

An OTF that can fire/retract while fully submerged in water!

Highlights:

• Built like a brick
• Comfortable thumb slide
• Can function while submerged underwater

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Glykon

Overall Length: 9.00"

Blade Length: 3.75"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum, Titanium

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 5.23 oz.

Price: ~$550

The Glykon debuted in 2022 at the USN Gathering.

While other OTFs offer exactly one way to operate the blade, the Glykon provides three.

Microtech achieved this by using a three-sided switch: the primary switch is on the spine, with two small switches on either side.

All three switches, each with the X-Button pattern, are technically the same piece.

Titanium half scales create a track for the unique thumb slide to move along. (The backspacer is also titanium!)

The result is a knife you can open from the spine or either face, and close like it’s a crossbar lock knife (by pulling the two side switches with your thumb and index finger).

The Glykon is a mid-sized knife that’s great for EDC and perfectly useful for many other applications.

Its three openers make it a fidgeter’s dream, though some users find the smaller X-Button switches on the sides to be uncomfortable to use.

Highlights:

• Tri-sided button offers many ways to open and close the knife
• Milled titanium half-scales and backspacer
• Fun to fidget with (if you have calluses)

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Cypher II

Overall Length: 8.50"

Blade Length: 3.55"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 3.96 oz. 

Price: ~$450

The Cypher was born of a collaboration between Tony Marfione and DC Munroe as a custom piece.

Later, Microtech pushed a production run of the knife, preserving the unique handle milling that defines it.

In 2024, a new version of the Cypher hit the market: the Cypher II.

It featured all the upgrades we’ve been mentioning throughout this article: the Crud Kutter milling under the switch, the improved action, the Bohler M390MK steel blade, etc.

The Cypher II is smaller than the original, moving from large to a more EDC-friendly medium size.

Additionally, all but one of its screws are hidden, adding to the visual appeal.

Highlights:

• Distinctive handle milling
• Medium-sized while the original was quite large
• Originally a collaboration with DC Munroe

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Exocet II

Overall Length: 5.69"

Blade Length: 2.34"

Blade Material: Bohler M390MK

Handle Material: Aluminum

Pocket Clip: Titanium

Weight: 2.75 oz.

Price: ~$300

The original pitch for the Exocet was an OTF knife that was also a money clip.

And the end product was exactly that.

The Exocet II replaced the steel clip it was first introduced with, adding a premium machined titanium replacement.

Additionally, the modern version has a slightly longer blade, which means it’s not California legal like the first one was.

The knife is easy and fun to use, unintimidating, and extremely effective at most EDC cutting tasks.

If you favor the unusual or novel, you’ll be pleased with this pick!

Highlights:

• OTF and money clip in one
• Not California legal (the original was)
• Novel dimensions for an OTF

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Other Microtech OTFs

Microtech makes a lot of knives, and most of them are OTFs. Here and there, there’s the occasional special piece (usually part of the Marfione Select or Signature Series lines).

These never hang around long: quantities are limited. For that reason, we’ve chosen not to include them in the main list.

Even so, they’re worth a mention, so here they are:

Atreus

The Microtech Atreus pairs Zero Blade Play technology with carbon fiber or titanium handle inlays.

It has serious collector appeal, with some versions featuring anodized titanium inlays in the blade!

Daytona

The Microtech Daytona offers a UTX-85-sized package with handle inlays for added grip and style.

Halo

The Microtech Halo delivers powerful single-action deployment and uses a rear charging handle to retract the blade.

The Halo was Microtech’s first OTF, and collectors seek all versions of it. It’s an OTF icon!

Luminary

The Microtech Luminary combines stiletto-inspired styling with Zero Blade Play technology and smooth Dual Fuel action.

Many versions insert glowing tritium into the switch for improved usability in the dark.

Makora

The Microtech Makora is built on the Ultratech framework.

It features handle inlays for added grip, nickel-boron-coated internals for reduced friction, and drainage ports to support underwater operation.

Nemesis

The modern Microtech Nemesis combines a long dagger blade with a streamlined handle and front-mounted thumb slide.

It’s a single-action OTF with a charging handle and liner-style lock. If you want heaps of style points while keeping it unconventional, choose the Nemesis.

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Shop by Use Case

How do you plan to use your new Microtech OTF? Browse the use cases below for an idea of which OTFs might fit best into your life.

Shop by Size

There are four main size categories for Microtech’s OTFS: large, medium, small, and mini. We’ve sorted each knife based on its overall length. Check it out!

Large Microtech OTFs (over 9")

• Dirac Delta
• Hera II
• Combat Troodon
• Scarab II

Medium Microtech OTFs (8-9")

• Cypher II
• Ultratech
• Glykon

Small Microtech OTFs (7-8")

• Dirac
• UTX-85

Mini Microtech OTFs (under 7")

• UTX-70
• Exocet II
• Hera II Mini

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Additional Recourses

• OTF Knives Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose an OTF Knife
• Microtech Ultratech Review (Gen II)
• OTF Knife Maintenance – A Guide to OTF Care
• Are Switchblade Knives Illegal?
• 15 Best OTF Knives of 2025 [By Category]