ProTech TR4 (Pocket Clip + PHOTOS)

A

azm@

Joined
Feb 22, 2010
Messages
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Second post!
It's your favorite Lurker checking in from the epicenter of the invasion.

And YES I did a search (for all you "I come here to read, yet I hate to re-read sh*t." types).

I'll make this quick and painless. I just broke the Protech TR4 in with a couple weeks of pocket carry time: (pictured 3rd from left for reference):

[Left to Right: TR3, Godfather, TR4, Combat Troodon, SOCOM, Retribution (x3), Crosshair]

Problem is, this pocket clip (and ProTech clips in general) is.. VERY, let's say..RIGID?. (read: tighter than a ticks ass). So much so that it won't slide in/out the pocket without GREAT effort and attention. This is in part due to the unusual tackiness of the black coating of the knife. Noticeably more tacky/grippy than the Microtech OTF and much more than its predecessor, the TR3. The clip also gets in the way during the holster/unholster action. Why cary without a clip you ask? This model works OK floating round in the pocket because it has a very well engineered locking mechanism.

Would you detach this clip and re-evaluate?
or
Would you pull it off, bend it in a vice, and reattach?

Any feedback on clip-less carry would be valuable, and appreciated,
M@
 
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I would probably just bend it in small increments until you get it where you want it.



Btw, I love the large Retribution you have there. I sanded the handles flat on mine and put a tip up, foldover, deep-carry, pocketclip on it and it is awesome!!


Btw again. Welcome to BF. Looks like you already have an excellent start on the collection. How do like the TR-4? That will probably be the next auto I get.
 
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Thanks Cutter, PLEASE tell me you put a clip on the "small" Retribution, and not the LG.. If you did put a clip in the LG (for pocket carry) I need to know more...

The TR4 is a great daily user and resolves all of the shortcomings of the TR-3, add some improvements, but at a cost (weight).

The main shortcoming of the TR3 (despite TR3's main strength=lightweight) was it's length. With this came limitations in using the base for impact/strikes with the knife butt. The TR4 eliminates this by not only increasing the overall length, but also offering an index finger placement on the blade base. This allows the user to "choke up" for non-lethal strikes with the knife butt as well as combo strike/slash attacks and defense. You may also "choke down" on the handle to extend range/minimize exposure.

The lock is highly reliable and has a very positive CNC milled that audibly clicks as you engage/disengage it. The lock is NOT capable of locking the open blade but it adds the ability to let the knife float around in a pocket (not clipped). And oh that clip!

The black annodized coating on the handle is noticeably tackier that the TR3's, but this may wear with time. The handle becomes marred VERY easily with ANY metallic contact. I have three scratches from three different things (washing machine, blue jean rivet, wedding ring) already. Does it add character? You decide.

The sheath is well designed and if you decide to keep the pocket clip installed, you'll probably insert it tip down (otherwise the clip hangs up). This means that you'll have to rotate the knife to deploy it. Minor training issue, but when you carry 5 different knives these minor issues become obvious.
 
Here's what that strike/slash combo looks like (sans gore):
First you strike:


Then you slash:


Ho Ho WHOA!
 
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Nice pics and writeup on the TR-4. Makes me want one even more! Far as the Retribution goes, I did clip the BIG'UN!:eek::thumbup::) It rides comfortably in my right front pocket as I wear mostly kakhi style pants with slash pockets. For jeans I think it would be a little obvious, except for the carpenter style jeans. I only carry it rarely now, but when I did this, past Spring, I carried it for a couple months straight with no problems.:thumbup::)
 
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