ProTech Tactical Response 2 Automatic Knife Review

Pro-Tech Knives, LLC is a family owned company that was established in 1999. Pro-Tech strives to make high quality American made knives. Pro-Tech chooses only the best materials that are available and they have a commitment to craftsmanship. Pro-Tech uses the most current high tech manufacturing process that are around to produce an exceptional knife that tis going to last through the years. To keep quality high and satisfaction levels higher, they actually produce their knives in small batches (around 12,000 knives a year) so that they can take the time to individually hand fit and finish each knife. Because they give each knife special attention, you get a level of quality that isn’t normally found on factory knives. Pro-Tech has worked with knife makers such as Ernest Emerson, Walter Brend, and Allen Elishewitz to produce some of the most innovative knives today. Some of Pro-Tech’s most popular knives are the Godson and Godfather. Pro-Tech has designed models for the U.S. Military and several police departments over the years. One of their popular knives is the Tactical Response 2 Auto Knife, which is what we will be discussing today.

 

 

The Blade:

 

The blade on the Tactical Response 2 is carved out of 154 CM stainless steel. This is a high end stainless steel that is produced by Crucible. Essentially, they took 440C steel and added Molybdenum to upgrade the quality of it. Because of the added Molybdenum, the steel has fantastic ability to hold an edge while maintain excellent levels of corrosion resistance. This is a relatively hard steel that has decent toughness—enough toughness to complete most of your tasks without worry. This steel is not difficult to sharpen, if you have the correct machinery or equipment. 154 CM stainless steel has fair corrosion resistance abilities, but, you will need to make sure to oil your knife periodically. This steel gives you many of the same qualities that S30V steel does, just at a slightly lower level, for a cheaper cost. All in all, this is a good steel. It is not the best steel around, but it will get the job done. It has a good balance between being hard, tough, and corrosion resistant. There are two different options of blade finishes. One blade is the traditional silver and has been bead blasted. The other option is a black blade that has a Diamond Like Coating on it. A bead blast finish is where the manufacturer uses glass or ceramic beads and blasts them at the blade at a high pressure. This process will result in a very even, gray finish. Some pros to having a bead blast finish is that the reflection and glare will be diminished, because it produces a matte finish. However, because the beads create micro-abrasions in the surface of the knife, your blade is going to be more prone to rusting or corroding. If you choose the bead blasted blade, just be aware that you are going to have to put more maintenance into the blade. The second option is the black Diamond Like Coating. This option will also reduce the reflection and glare, because it is dark and matte. The DLC also reduces wear and corrosion, because the blade is literally coated in a material. However, coatings will also be scratched off if you are constantly performing heavy duty tasks with it. Also, the harder the coating, the more expensive it is going to cost. And since a DLC is one of the hardest coatings on the market, the cost of your knife will go up.

The Tactical Response 2 sports a spear point blade shape. This style of blade is a symmetrically pointed blade with a point that is in line with the center line of the blade’s long axis. Both of the edges on the blade rise and fall equally to create a point that is directly center in the blade. This shape of blade is very similar to a needle point blade, but it does have a few advantages over the needle point shape. First, the point on the spear point is stronger, so you won’t have to be as concerned over your tip snapping. Second, the spear point blade shape does sport a small belly that will help you when you are slicing. Another advantage to a spear point blade shape is that there is a lowered tip, which provides you with greater control over your blade helping you perform detail or delicate work with the tip. The spear point blade shape is an excellent balance between piercing and slicing. With this style of knife, you really get the best of both worlds: the tip is sharp enough to stab or pierce things and strong enough for you not to worry about it, and the belly is big enough to allow you to slice things, without getting in the way of your other tasks. This is a great hybrid type blade that is going to be versatile and functional.

There are two different options for the blades edge. You can either get a plain edge or a combo edge, meaning that half of it is serrated and half of it is plain. A plain edge grind will give you better control and accuracy while also providing you with cleaner cuts. With a plain edge, it is easier to skin, peel, or shave. Another benefit to having a plain edge is that they are easier to sharpen. On the other hand, serrations are going to be able to perform the harder cutting tasks. Serrations excel at cutting through rope or wood, because the serrations will bite through it. Before deciding, I would figure out what you want your knife to accomplish and then figure out which edge will give you the best benefits. Another thing to consider is that some people love serrations while some people hate them. Getting a combo edge really just comes down to personal preference.

 

 

The Handle:

 

The handle on the Tactical Response 2 is made out of T6-6061 aluminum. Aluminum is a very durable material, especially for knife handles. It has some definite benefits, one being that it is a very lightweight knife, but feels hefty. Many people prefer the heftiness behind it to support them during the heavy duty tasks, and aluminum will give you that. Aluminum is also very resistant to corrosion, cutting down on maintenance time. Unfortunately, aluminum has its drawbacks. One is that it is a cold material; aluminum can actually feel like it is biting into your hand when it gets really cold outside. The second one is that it is prone to scratches and dings. The last one is that aluminum is slippery unless properly texturized. Pro-Tech combats the slickness by adding several areas of engraving. These areas of engraving provide you with fantastic gripping power, so you won’t have to worry about your knife slipping right in the middle of using it. The ergonomics on this handle are also perfect. The curves of the handle fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. There are a few different colors of handles on the Tactical Response 2. The most common color is a simple black handle. But, you can also get your handle in grey.

 

 

The Pocket Clip:

 

This knife comes with a convenient pocket clip to keep your knife secure in your pocket. The pocket clip matches the handle, so it will either be black or grey. This clip is held in place by three screws that have been drilled into the handle. This pocket clip has been designed to carry your knife tip up.

 

 

The Mechanism:

 

The Tactical Response 2 is an automatic knife, or a switchblade. Keep in mind that automatic knives have strict laws in most areas. Make sure you know your local laws before purchasing or carrying this knife. This knife has a button that you push in to activate the opening mechanism. The blade is contained inside of the handle and when you push the button, it will open automatically. To close the knife, you hold down the button and then push on the back, or unsharpened edge, on the knife and then click it into place.

 

 

The Specs:

 

The blade on the Tactical Response 2 is 3 inches long and 0.120 inches thick. When the blade is opened, it measures at 7.5 inches long, with a closed length of 4.5 inches. The handle has a thickness of 0.44 inches. This knife weighs 3.4 ounces.

 

 

The Pros of the Tactical Response 2:

 

• The steel is a high end stainless steel.
• The steel has a great balance between toughness, hardness, and corrosion resistance.
• The steel has two different options for finishes.
• The bead blasted finish creates a matte look, cutting down on reflection and glare.
• The bead blasted finish helps scratches to appear not as obvious.
• The DLC is hard and helps add corrosion resistance to the blade.
• The DLC also cuts down on reflection and glare.
• Can get a black or a grey blade.
• The steel is not difficult to sharpen.
• The spear point shape has a great balance between being able to pierce and being able to slice.
• You have the option to choose a plain edge blade or a combo edge blade.
• The aluminum handle is durable, strong, and very resistant to corrosion.
• The aluminum handle gives you the feel of a heavier knife without actually being a heavier knife.
• You can get the handle in black or grey.
• The ergonomics of the handle help it to fit perfectly in your hand.
• Pro-Tech has engraved areas on the handle to provide you with great grip.
• Pocket clip is sturdy and reliable.
• This is an automatic knife, so it will open quickly and efficiently.

 

 

The Cons of the Tactical Response 2:

 

• The steel choice is decent at all of its properties, but doesn’t really excel at any of its properties.
• The spear point blade shape has a great balance between piercing and slicing, but doesn’t excel at either.
• The pocket clip is not reversible and can only carry your knife tip up.
• This is an automatic knife, so it is not going to be legal in all areas or states.

 

Conclusion:

 

Pro-Tech is an exceptional knife company that gives each and every knife special attention by hand fitting and finishing the knife. They have collaborated with many top notch knife makers and have produced knives for the military and a few different police departments. When you purchase a Pro-Tech knife, you can be sure that it is going to be a high quality knife that has some of the finest materials and newest technology used to create it. Pro-Tech did just that when they designed and produced the Tactical Response 2.

They started out with a good, high end steel. When the blade on a knife is made out of a good steel, the knife is going to be able to complete most tasks. This steel is hard, tough, has fair resistance to corrosion, and maintains an edge well. They provide the user with two different finishes to give you the blade that you want. This knife has been designed to be an all-purpose knife, so they provided you with a fantastically shaped blade. Pro-Tech chose to use a spear point blade because it can pierce and stab and also slice things. You can really do it all with a spear point blade. To complement a great blade, they needed a great handle to go with it, so they chose to use aluminum. This is a lightweight, yet durable material that is very resistant to corrosion. This knife fits perfectly in your hand and gives you exceptional grip. This knife really is a must for your collection or to carry for everyday use.