Pro-Tech Knives of Artesia, California recently announced the new Pro-Strider SnG Auto knife. Pro-Tech has partnered with Strider on this new design providing an auto-assist action to the original Strider SnG manual folding knife. Pro-Tech was chosen for their expertise in auto knife manufacturing, and for its 100%, American made facilities.
Pro-Tech has a proven name in the knife manufacturing industry, and their products have won several awards including the 2015 investor/collector knife of the year award at Blade Show. Strider has proven themselves as innovative designers of modern knives. The new SnG Auto knife appears to be an excellent option for the rigors of police work.
Pro-Strider SnG Auto
Strider and Pro-Tech ensured the auto-version of the SnG knife will feel exactly the same to owners and users familiar with the manual SnG knife. The overall dimensions of the SnG Auto are exactly the same as the “flat” or “standard” version of the SnG manual knife.
Just like the original SnG, the SnG Auto version will have the option of a machined G10 side having the integrated back-spacer secured to the stonewashed stainless steel frame. The blade release firing button is perfectly recessed to prevent accidental firing, however, the milled relief makes access for activation easy to find when needed.
The mid-custom variation with 416 stainless steel back and integral G-10 topside/back-spacer will be limited to just a few hundred each year as the time to machine the 416 stainless steel as well as all the special diamond tooling to cut the G-10 is very time-consuming.
The multiple options of grip handle, blade colors and materials, and slide safety lever make the Pro-Strider SnG Auto versatile to personal preferences while maintaining outstanding performance through quality materials regardless of individual selections.
Features
The Pro-Strider SnG Auto knife comes with a black anodized aluminum frame featuring a smooth or knurl grip machined pattern with the classic Strider profile. Upgrade options will include G10 scales providing increased durability and grip.
The Pro-Strider SnG Auto takes on the classic Strider profile. This profile takes on a Kukri-style machete pattern, though not as aggressive, providing the user a very natural grip and cutting motion. The blade will have an etching of both the Pro-Tech and Strider logos and also includes a Strider-style titanium pocket clip with the same stonewash finish. The Pro-Strider SnG Auto will have an upgrade blade option using Damascus steel.
This new Pro-Strider SnG Auto has a built-in locking bar providing assured blade position when extended. There is also a sliding-safety bar option for those desiring an extra safety for hard use.
The stonewash finished 154CM stainless steel blade has a plain edge, with a partially serrated blade option. This finish is military-grade anodized for superior corrosion resistance. The blade is designed to open extremely fast with the simple push of the over-sized firing button.
Pro-Tech uses an aggressive tumbling process when forming the Pro-Strider SnG Auto blade. This process can leave pronounced markings on the blade, but this is done intentionally to provide a more rugged appearance.
In addition to the 7075 aluminum handles, the Pro-Strider SnG comes with a G10 handle option. The G10 handles are standard on the Chad Nichols “Black Eye” Damascus steel blade option.
Specifications
- Overall Length: 8.25″
- Blade Length: 3.50″
- Cutting Edge: 2.875″
- Blade Thickness: 0.125″
- Material: 154CM (stonewashed)
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Handle Length: 4.75″
- Thickness: 0.52″
- Handle Material: 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum or G10
- Pocket Clip Material: Titanium
- Custom Handle Material: 416 stainless steel and G10
- Custom Blade Material: Chad Nichols “Black Eye” Damascus
- Weight: 4.95 oz. to 6.15 oz.
- MSRP: $225.00 (for 7075 aluminum handles), $560.00 (for G10 handles), $795.00 (for Chad Nichols “Black Eye” Damascus/G10).
Final Thoughts
Pro-Tech has been producing high-quality knives for many years, and the partnering with the Strider SnG design for an Auto version appears to be a winning combination. From the unique Strider design profile to the selection of high-quality materials the SnG Auto is not only attractive but durable enough for the harshest street conditions an officer may face.
The G10 handles provide outstanding grip characteristics and durability. The stone-washed blade is made of quality material for prolonged blade edge and coated to provide excellent corrosion resistance. The optional slide-safety lever adds one more feature for those looking for a complete duty knife.
Though I have only held this knife briefly it felt good in my hands and would make a fine duty knife. More expensive than many knives on the market, the trade-off is knowing you have quality materials that should easily last your whole career.