Easy to operate, built to work hard, the Pro-Tech TR3 Integrity is a premium carry knife that is both willing and capable of handling the tough jobs
by Dexter Ewing; photos by Marty Stanfield, Marty Stanfield Photography
There are few companies making modern automatic folding knives that can touch the innovation, quality, and value that a made-in-the-USA Pro Tech knife brings. The folks at Pro-Tech Knives work hard to produce the best production automatics you will ever have in your hand. Their TR3 (Tactical Response 3) Integrity model exemplifies the Pro-Tech spirit with premium quality manufacturing, high-end blade steels, and perfectly smooth and snappy automatic action.
The TR3 has been a best-seller for the company for multiple years running and it is offered in many SKUs — from basic user to full-dress custom with exotic blade and handle materials. But in its base form, the TR3 is quite simply a user knife with its ergonomic handle paired with a modified drop point blade (although not everyone can legally own an automatic knife because of legal restrictions). Pro-Tech has the answer for this in the form of their new TR3 Integrity manual button lock folder. This knife boasts the same TR3 design, dimensions, and build; however, instead of a push-button automatic release mechanism, you can open the blade manually with ambidextrous thumb studs. Pro Tech’s robust button lock design locks the blade. Flat out, it’s a win for all knife fans.
We got our hands on a sample of the TR3 Integrity and ran the knife through its paces.
Ergonomic Functionality
Merriam-Webster ‘s dictionary defines “integrity” as “a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values…a quality or state of being undivided or complete.” The TR3 Integrity is well engineered and just a solid knife all around. Starting with the 3.5-inch-long modified drop point blade with premium CPM S35VN stainless steel, chosen for its toughness and edge holding characteristics. Dual thumb studs permit the blade to be deployed rapidly with either hand. The blade rotates on a pair of caged bearings in the pivot, making the action ultra buttery smooth.
The handle measures 4.6 inches in length. It is machined from T6 6061 aircraft grade aluminum alloy and given a hardcoat anodized finish that enhances the knife’s aesthetic quality. The handle sports Pro-Tech’s newest machining pattern called Relic. This repeating pattern gives an interesting visual appeal to the handle. The thumb rest portion of the handle hosts traction notches for firm placement of your thumb when applying downward pressure to the blade. The slight indentation seats your thumb comfortably — great for prolonged use.
Smooth Operation
On the presentation side is a recessed lock button. Firmly depress the button to unlock the blade and rotate it shut. On the opposite side of the handle is a deep-carry fold-over pocket clip that allows the TR3 Integrity to ride as low as possible in the pocket for maximum concealment.
A large finger recess helps to index your grip. The index finger settles in this recess while the remaining fingers clasp the length of the handle. There are no hotspots along the handle and the knife feels secure in the hand. The test model features a subdued color palette comprised of dark green anodized aluminum grips and a stonewashed-finish plain edge blade. The hardware is bead blast gray, which blends into the dark green of the handle scales nicely and matches the stonewashed blade.
A Hard-Use Blade
In use, the TR3 Integrity is a pleasure to work with. Simply put, it’s a well-designed and well-manufactured high-performance cutting tool. The drop point blade has more than enough tip to be precise and to perform scoring tasks. The belly of the blade slices easily through whatever you are cutting. Pro-Tech grinds the blade flat. Don’t be afraid to use it hard as there’s plenty of meat to the blade.
I prefer drop point blades anyway because you can make the belly of the blade work for you and use the entire cutting edge to your advantage. When cutting on a flat surface, the curve allows you to also raise the handle to a comfortable angle, which is really important when it comes to control of the knife. The S35VN steel holds an edge through a lot of use. For those who dislike frequent sharpening, this is the steel for you. Yes, it is a bit more difficult to resharpen compared to lower grades of stainless steel found on knives costing less, but this is a reasonable trade-off.
Handle and Lock
One of the things I especially like about the TR3 Integrity is the handle design. I Love the way the large finger recess and the thumb rest indent work in unison. They allow you to obtain a secure grip on the handle. The thumb rest lets you place pressure easily onto the blade to make the cut. There is no concern that your thumb will slip during the process.
The button lock is a great alternative to liner locks, frame locks, and lockbacks. You can easily close the blade one-handed without your fingers traversing the path of the closing blade. Hold the handle of the opened knife at an angle, butt end facing the floor. Depress the button and gravity will take over. This allows the blade to close on its own thanks to the pivot bearings. You don’t even need to touch the blade to close it. Super safe if you ask me!
Perfect for EDC
Carrying the TR3 Integrity around is also as much a pleasure as it is to use. The pocket clip carries the knife deep in your pocket yet you can still pinch the handle to remove it. The flat profile of the aluminum handle allows the knife to ride comfortably in the pocket. You barely notice it is with you. In all, the TR3 Integrity is a definite winner from the folks at Pro-Tech Knives. It’s a “user” for sure, and it will hold up to anything you throw in its path.
The TR3 Integrity is available in a variety of handle colors and blade finishes. The MSRP of the configuration tested is $340. Pricing will vary depending on blade finishes and handle options. You can purchase the knife through authorized Pro-Tech dealers.
