Protech TR-3 Integrity Manual Framelock Folder

Reviewed by corwin99 on April 26th, 2012

The Protech TR-3 Manual Integrity folder is Protech’s lone manual folder offering, as the majority of their knives are automatics. This is the Jerzeedevil.com limited edition, which is a limited production of 100 pieces with a unique Satin Titanium handle with blue edge annodized accents on them.

While I have been a member of Jerzeedevil since their inception years ago, I have never been able to participate in the forum knives as they have been Automatic folders aside from the etched Sebenzas. I’ve always been a big fan of Protech and when the chance to pick up #28 showed up, I had to snag it. I am very happy with the purchase – it is a VERY fine knife.

Blade
This version of the Protech TR-3 Manual Integrity folder comes with an upgraded S35VN steel blade, instead of the usual 154CM Stainless Steel. While the 154CM is a fine steel, the S35VN is a marked improvedment over the 154CM with improved edge retention and performance. The finish is a satin stonewash combination with satin flats and stonewashed grinds, which gives the blade a nice bit of contrast.

The blade is very sharp out of the box, close to Spyderco Sharp, which is a compliment. The blade shape is a very serviceable unoffending drop point style with pronouced false edge on the spine. Single thumbstud allow for right hand opening only, but can probably be switched if you wish.

Handle
Beautiful satin finished titanium handles, that could even be hand-rubbed. The sides of the handle have been annodized blue along with the stonewashed pocket clip to match. The lock side of the frame is deep laser etched with “Don’t Make Me Cut You”, which is a Jerzeedevil forum slogan as well as the limited edition numbering. The JD Logo is etched on the front side of the titanium handles. The handle shape is very comfortable and fits well in all handling positions.

Fit and Finish
Superb fit and finish. There is almost no blade play in the closed position when optimally tightened, which is nice to see. The blade also opens smoothly and oozes quality when held. To be quite honest, the finish on this knife is definately much better than the JD Pricing would have suggested. If it wasn’t a limited edition I would seriously considering carrying this as an EDC.

I really like the handle finishing. I would love to see knives like the Bradley Alias and Sebenza come with a satin finish. The Sebenza has satin finished handles on the graphic models, but not the basic. I suppose the bead blast is still cheaper and easier to do. Initially, the lockback did not engage as much as I had liked, but after opening and closing a handful of times it has settled in and locks up perfectly.

Overall
I like how the Protech TR-3 has stepped up with this limited edition to provide some very high quality features such as S35VN steel, selectively annodized handles and satin finished handles all in a Titanium framelock package that has superb fit and finish. One of the most satisfying knives I have purchased new at “full price” in a long time.

Blade: S35VN Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 3.5″
Handle: Satin 6al4v Titanium
Overall Length: 7.6″
Weight: 4.45 ounces

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