From Middle School Teacher to Knifemaker | Protech Knives Shop Tour

[@scscarborough]

Great story & video! Have to purchase a Protech auto soon! Will you or do you have a Runt (or similar) with American Flag design scales? Thank you.

[@BladeHQ]

STEEEEEVE! You won the Protech TR-3!! Please send us an email marketing (at) bladehq (dot)com and we'll ship it out to you! -Ben

[@scscarborough]

@@BladeHQ YOU GOTTA BE......AWESOME!! THANK YOU, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[@pro-techknives1235]

THANK YOU to everyone who watched our video. Appreciate all the great comments and questions. I'm going to take a lunch break now...… and possibly get back to making some knives!Will try to log back on later and answer more questions as time allows.

[@davidsandlin9686]

Pro-Tech Knives are you guys gonna build anymore Strider PT knives?

[@funnylittlecharacter692]

Pro-Tech Knives can I work for you lol. Joking but I really appreciate a company that strives for perfection with zero compromise! It’s crazy to see how many companies have not stuck to the things that are important. I’ve never had a protech but as soon as I can I will be getting one (especially since I live in GA where I can actually carry an auto)! I appreciate you doing this with bladehq it really was entertaining and educational. You guys are awesome!

[@Tisirfall]

I saw a great post on reddit where you guys restored a sprint protec for a guy which got is as a wedding present. I don't own a protec knife and I don't know if it's sold in the Netherlands but if need be ill import one from the states. I'm all about the people behind the blade as much as the blade itself

[@kyScotty93]

make something with a spring that's canada legal!

[@PulledPurk]

Do you guys produce the Kwaiken auto?

[@pro-techknives1235]

Good Morning!

[@MarioSaboni]

Pro-Tech Knives whats your go to everyday carry?

[@gnomersy1087]

Good Morning! I'm actually sitting in a high school class room during a prep period right now so a quick question for you Dave. How did you manage to transition financially from teaching into knife making?

[@landonkettrey9496]

Dave, how did you come to realize your passion in the knife industry? Were you a collector first or has knife making always struck your fancy?

[@art1208]

Was the transition from teaching to knife-making difficult?

[@brandonteel505]

Good morning Dave! I am a middle school teacher and want to know, if you were to design a knife for a wood shop setting (with district approval of course), what features would it have (in your Protech style), and would it still be an auto!? Thanks, -B

[@bluenotesessions1]

I am glad my knife addiction is helping to fund badass documentaries like this.

[@ronfaircloth]

Dave is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever want to meet. He’s great to do business with. I was blessed to meet his Father several times before he passed away. It was easy to see where Dave got his work ethic from. I first talked with Dave years ago after watching an episode of the Terminator TV show where a beautiful Terminator whipped out an all black automatic and stabbed another Terminator in the head with it. I managed to freeze the frame, see the brand was Pro-Tech, which I had never heard of. I found a phone # and Dave, the owner answered the call. I learned that the model was a prototype of a TR-3. It’s still my favorite model of any brand in my collection. I own 24 different styles of the TR-3 + 16 other Pro-Tech’s of the other various incredible models He produces. Thanks Dave!

[@dwnforcemedia]

You sold me!

[@johnswanson9037]

I never considered a Protech before. I am now.

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thank you! Our USA made and family built brand appreciates the support.

[@The4cp]

You won't regret it.

[@mikeisaac3826]

John Swanson I’ve heard of ProTech from BladeHQ but I never looked into it. But from seeing that ProTech are perfectionists I need to get one of em. Especially that knife that guy was engraving on, yeah I’m already attached.

[@ratride1]

Pro-Tech Knives. Of all the knives that have crossed my hands my Protech Strider is one of my favorites. Well done.

[@arrowheads46]

They kick a$$!

[@BladeHQ]

Thanks everyone for participating in the Q&A. There were a ton of good questions asked. If this video sparked your interest in Protech Knives the best place to buy them is here: bit.ly/2RZS0yU

[@jeffh7039]

This is definitely not Jeff from Protech... Awesome video Dave! Best BladeHQ video ever!

[@matthewkaufman8604]

What is your ideal blade length and finish?

[@jasonrapa7298]

Thanks Dave for playing along and answering questions and thanks Blade HQ for having him on.

[@stephan123321]

ProTech & Blade HQ...great job!

[@Mezna539]

What a great story/video. I recently purchased my first Protech knife with some help from Derek and the crew at Protech. I got the TR-5 in blue. This knife has absolutely blown me away. I just ordered a second Protech and the anticipation for its arrival is killing me. Anyone who is second guessing themselves on a Protech purchase, don’t. You’ll love it!

[@brandonporter2348]

It feels like it's been forever since your last video came out. Well, I guess I need to make a last minute change to my Christmas list. Another sick video guys!

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thanks!

[@mr.menefee]

Pro-Tech is hands down my favorite auto company! I don't own autos by anybody else anymore. Great service and great value!

[@fullfire0]

Where did the name Protech come from?

[@pro-techknives1235]

I wanted to build a Professional gradd of knives using the latest Technology to fabricate the parts. The two words just came together to make Pro-Tech!

[@isaacgoff9888]

Thank you very much protech for serving our military and police by providing them with the quality tools needed. Keep up the good work. 🇺🇸

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thanks!

[@grahamhowe3702]

Ben out here stealing more knives from inventory! Great video though!

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thanks!

[@AleMalave92]

Some things never change hahahaha

[@BladeHQ]

You mean mwhahahahah!!? ;) -Ben

[@JManis38]

Blade HQ You guy make me sick. A sure antidote would be to send me some of those “steels” to abuse in some good ol’ South Cackalacky red mud... or at least show them of with a staggeringly beautiful contrast. 😎

[@03_austindrake88]

Dave has created a great, great company. I've never seen a Pro-Tech that wasn't top quality. Every knife they put out, is beyond awesome/great quality. Dave's a great guy that puts out awesome knives that aren't crazy expensive.

[@rkingst0n]

I never heard of protech until I accidentally came across them. Did a little research and decided to give them a try. I bought a tr-5 and I absolutely love it. Their knives seem to be top quality and excellent craftsmanship. I am very impressed and wouldn't hesitate to buy another knife from them.

[@mercedesrencher5519]

How did you start designing knives? What is your favorite go to knife? :)

[@pro-techknives1235]

Started by noting what was missing the market. In the 1990's there were only a few autos to chose from and it got me thinking I could make my own.My go to right now is the SPRINT

[@bakerc98]

I’ve never been very interested in autos but now I want to support Dave. He seems like a great guy.

[@o2wow]

RIP Allen Wattenberg, visiting Blade will not be the same.

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thank you for your kindness.

[@Michelangelosrubikscubes]

I love theses videos I’m 13 and my dad Is a gun carrier and knife carrier I have always been fascinated with them and to the point we’re I have matured into a young man so I very much enjoy watching theses videos because it really is awesome to see adults do what they love ;)

[@HikikomoriZone]

I just got my first Protech from BladeHQ a few days ago; the 'tuxedo' Godson. I've never really been interested in autos, but I think Protech may be the company that draws me in. Watching this video and learning about the company made the knife even more appealing in my eyes. Really great products from Protech, and great service and entertainment from BladeHQ.

[@patricksaueressig7476]

Great video of a great story. I bought my first Protech, a Newport, 2 weeks ago. What a fantastic EDC it has become. Simple, elegant, lightweight, flawless. I only need just one more.

[@bluenotesessions1]

I love my Pro-Tech CQC-7. It is elegant and tactical at the same time and it ALWAYS snaps open with authority. You are doing a great job Dave.

[@aldud5170]

I have never had experience with ProTech knives. I was very lucky and I bought limited edition 12/25 TR3 Four Horsemen. I doubted the authenticity and was very worried, because there was no information about this series anywhere. I wrote to ProTech and the next day David answered that my knife was actually made by ProTech, then Derek told in detail the story of its creation. I want to say that now more than just one Protech will appear in my collection. These are amazing, high-quality knives. and the team at this company is very responsive. Thank you, and good luck with your business! Alexei

[@ryangoertzen-regier1824]

I've not really been interested in auto knives before hearing more about you at Protech, but I am now. Thanks for your inspiring story!

[@sammonica7097]

Please create more content like this. You’re hard work is appreciated!

[@93DracoX]

Nothing better than a story of excellence from a man pursuing his passion. As a budding mechanical engineer and machinist this is awesome!

[@scottcarter512]

Great testimony to a great man, great family, and great knives. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dave and Allen since 1999 when I bought my first TR-1 from him at Ross. Carried them in Iraq and Afghanistan and on duty here at home. Nothing compares. While you might get by carrying only one for life, I’ve chosen to to expand them into a collection. Even my wife has a few Runts. ;) and many of those I serve with are proud owners of Protech Knives. Thanks Blade HQ for a great video. Thanks Dave for following your dreams. 🍺

[@jrocket092887]

This was RAD! Thanks so much for creating this mini documentary.. Really enjoy learning about companies that make some of my favorite knives. Truly fascinated by this!

[@planetsharp8973]

U have had my eye on a Protech knife for a while now. They look and sound great. I can only imagine they work even better than they look.

[@DamianR37]

Wow. The craftsmanship of these knives is unreal. And I have always loved Stillettos, so I really appreciate the classic Italian look of the collector level knives. I will definitely have to get my hands on a Don.

[@AleMalave92]

"No one was going to make my parts a priority like I would" was definitely my favorite line! What an awesome story!!

[@paulstone6117]

What an awesome story. I am sold. My wife and kids finally have a Christmas present they can buy for me.

[@jimmygreene1677]

got my first Protech this year a few months back! the PT is blue with a black DLC cpm154 blade. the thing is lightning fast and whips open with a vengeance! it's never had a issue so far and is a awesome looking blade with a good edge. they have gotten a customer, fan and admirer for life!!!

[@chuckdrost3865]

Glad to see the passion for quality still exists in this day in age. You have a great product keep up the good work.

[@lukerussell2203]

This is just amazing to me. One thing I love about knife companies is that they aren’t usually so huge and inflated that you still get a story like Dave’s from one of the best known knife companies in the world

[@RJIVHALO]

Just got my second protech yesterday and love it. Definitely a company that pays attention to the details. Now have a Sprint with a carbon fiber inlay and a Protech/Ferrum Forge Mordax.

[@Gilbertmk2]

Just bought my first protech a month ago, a blade hq exclusive desert warrior tr-3 and I love it.

[@tybell203]

Really cool seeing a guy chase after his passion and create an amazing product in the process

[@kaybarnard9676]

Ben, These are beautiful and functional - I love your knives. I'm a pretty old librarian, but have been looking at learning to forge - you are an inspiration!

[@kaybarnard9676]

Oops! Sorry, using my mom's laptop - this is actually from Kent!

[@davidbuchanan2073]

Love the design on these knives. Impressed by the knife that survived the house fire.

[@prescottshirley8140]

Never gave these guys a look at all. After this video went and viewed Blade HQ’s catalogue of ProTechs and man are they cool knives! Loved these shop tour videos guys!

[@Plagwez]

I absolutely love Blade HQs attention to detail with their video production & content. Keep it up!

[@xKaidoh]

Great video. It's so cool to see a knife company based so closely to home. I pass by this area everyday on my way to work.

[@aristotlegomez6066]

I'm a Professional Chef and my love for knives was always with as long as I can remember. I got inspired after watching this video and I want to pursue my knife making career and I also got convinced to try protect knives with will be my first .

[@Friedman617]

Great film!!! Keep them coming it’s great to here the stories of the pioneers for this industry! Sorry about your loss.

[@solarjinx]

Hands down one of the best knife maker vids I've watched. Great job, Ben! I only have one Protech but i love it with a snappy passion.

[@BladeHQ]

Thanks! It was definitely a team effort. The majority of the work on this project was Jamie, our video man. He crushed it. -Ben

[@The4cp]

Hell of a company. Probably the best quality for the price I've ever gotten. If you haven't tried Protech, please do. You won't regret it.

[@dustinyork304]

Always been a fan of pro tech knives because of the quality and materials for the price point that IMO can't be beat

[@jkstdstang]

What a great story and video thoroughly enjoyed it and nice seeing some Protech footage and Bruce Shaw doing the engraving!

[@tucan4154]

Seen a few ProTechs at my local shop. Always felt good in the hand and opened with authority. Nice video.

[@iPat5]

Blade HQ, bravo on the film, you should make more of these.

[@iancooper7643]

My role model right there! I'm a middle school teach, and aspiring maker as well! Keep up the good work.

[@apprenticegilligan1635]

Love it. Epic, epic epic in every way. I am a Desert Storm Veteran and I sure wish they would have issued Pro-Tech on our ship for us deck hands. Amazing knives and would love to own one.

[@Jerv1919]

Picked up a Protech Half-Breed in November and it's now my EDC. Great blade, and now that I know more about the company I will look at more of their knives.

[@retireddpd1996]

I was a Bomb Tech in Detroit PD for many years before I retired in 1991. I just wish I had one of your knives when I was in that business. Now that autos are legal in Michigan, your blades are definitely on my radar for a future purchase. Keep up the good work.

[@golfnb28]

Protech knives are awesome. I'd love to have one. These knives seem to be amongst the best I've ever seen.

[@zachstuff]

Great feature of a Great American Company! Nicely done. Love mine already!

[@michaellucero1048]

Cool history of an American knife company. Beautiful craftsmanship! Thanks blade hq for this short vid.

[@mrsgoddessofwisdom]

Amazing. Hands down quality work. Well done guys.

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thanks!

[@GOxHAM]

Sweet and short video! Always awesome seeing people succeed in their business and trade.

[@show-me-rocks6639]

Awesome video guys and proud to say I just ordered my 1st USA Protech! Oh and I’ve already picked out my next one! Beautiful knives guys, your quality is spot on! God bless!!

[@BenKurth]

Wow. Very impressive. High quality production video showcasing a high quality product. Very nice.

[@zaparoo1]

I own and regularly carry two different Protech knives, a Runt and a Magic (it really is magic!). I also have several other auto-openers from other makers. The Protechs are definitely my favorites. Their opening action is unlike any other, and I've opened a lot of auto openers. I never knew I needed or really even wanted an auto-opener . . . until I had one. Now they are my favorites. I intend to buy more and will definitely buy Protech again.

[@jeffreyoldham55]

I love the Protech's, and own several. The firing mechanisms are superb. My favorites are the Investor/Collector series. Thanks for producing this great video!

[@bryant5241]

Love the history of the company, products and owner... Will own a protech very soon.

[@midwestfisherman]

I’d never heard of Pro-Tech before now. What a great story!

[@NM-apache]

I met you Dave at your Pro-Tech facility. I met your Dad as well. My condolences to you and your family my friend. Pro-Tech owner for life ;-)

[@ericbenavides8142]

Been carrying the same Pro-Tech auto on duty for about 14 years and still works like a champ. Been wanting another one but why when mine is still going strong. Quality, functionality, and durability, that's all you need to know about these knives!

[@tinovalle5278]

Great video! Pro-Tech TR-3 X1 M ROCKS!!! Sure wish Pro-Tech would have set up their shop out here in Colorado so I could buy more of their products. I haven't found many dealers out here that stock more than a few of their knives but I add to my collection when they are available. Just picked up a First Production T503 #140 of 400 and it's perfect in every respect. Keep up the great work Pro-Tech!

[@TC-sh4uy]

Protech has always made outstanding quality knives at very reasonable price. Awesome to hear the background on how it all started and see that Dave still strives to achieve the utmost quality in his designs. Win or not, I’ll still have a TR-3 in my pocket! 😎

[@blizzardchill9050]

I've always been a Benchmade guy- your video may have just turned me in to a Pro-tech guy. LOVE THE CO STORY

[@amateurknives2012]

It's great to see were knife makers got there start great video will diffinatly look into Pro-Techs line of knives.

[@jerryriggi1700]

Great look inside Protech. Thanks for sharing!

[@ValentinPlotnichenko]

Great Video! I visited Ross Cutlery in LA few weeks ago and sales person told me the story of Dave and Protech knives. I purchased 3 including unique Bladeshow 2018 prototype Kwaiken Auto. Highly recommend Protech and Ross Cutlery store! Thanks Guys!

[@Spiral_Out_68.]

I have the Rockeye and it is still one of the best made knives I own. Great job Pro-Tech!

[@dougjackson3344]

That is a really neat story. I didn't know that about ProTech. I've been wanting a Protech Knife for a while now I think this may be just what I needed to go out by 1. Great video thanks

[@americanedgeknives]

Great video Ben! Cool to share your story with everyone else that hasn't heard it yet Dave. Cool to get a behind the scenes view of how it all happens.

[@willwoods7879]

Protech is one of the best Auto knife you can get! super reliable & great heat treat! great hard user also.

[@KevinSpell]

I love my TR-5! Such a great knife! It never fails. Keep up the great work Dave!

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thanks!

[@masonjames4353]

What in your opinion makes you love knives the most , I love the enthusiasm for knives and I love companies who are consumer driven and when the owners are involved in the basic knife making tasks

[@alecshane6683]

Dave thank you for all you do. Attention to detail and uncompromising quality sets you above everyone 👍🏻🤟🖖

[@5skif5]

Keep up the good work! Quality and design speaks volumes of manufacturing process.

[@downsouth701]

Dave is da man!! Awesome accomplishments with the protechs. Your knives are definitely USA quality we come to expect from American built tools. Thanks Blade HQ and Protech for the chance to win a cool and awesome blade, u guys rock!!!!

[@jeffmorrison4667]

Nice piece fellas! Content and production were SHARP!

[@cookec]

Excellent knives and it sounds like a really solid guy heading up the whole thing! thank you!

[@cesarc.43]

These are awesome. That collectors one is great with the custom engraving.

[@JoeBananas3]

Incredible job on this film BHQ! And phenomenal work by the Dave and the Protech team!!

[@BladeHQ]

Thanks Joe! That means a lot coming from you. -Ben

[@JoeBananas3]

Blade HQ My pleasure! This was easily the best film to date. Great work my friend.

[@Dnd-wz9yn]

This is my favorite BHQ video to date! Hope to see more offerings for lefties!

[@pro-techknives1235]

Thanks! Leftie GODSON coming January

[@StephenPW]

Recently bought my first Protech. A Tr-5 from Blade HQ, Great knife!

[@pmwheatley]

I'm addicted to Blade HQ videos! You need to do more!!

[@DixBr0]

Amazing video, very well edited, very interesting! Hope you make more videos like that for other brands, it's a pleasure!

[@omky756]

Pretty amazing products and company..AMERICAN MADE.!!! My next knife WILL be a ProTech knife.!!! Thanks BladeHQ

[@patrickconnors8403]

I see a Protech in the future; great informational video and thanks as always Ben. I did get a kick out of your selection of a Ben Blue.

[@JesseBitesBack]

Damn this video took my respect for protech to a new level. Also the production quality on this video was fantastic the editor did a great job

[@pro-techknives1235]

Special thanks to Jaime at Blade HQ, he really knocked it out of the park on the editing!

[@brandonkalpin6220]

Great video! I love hearing about knife makers histories.

[@bnpqowl]

Ben's got an awesome job. He gets to shoot videos for KZbin with great equipment, play with knives, and talk with knife industry leaders all while wearing sandals, a t-shirt and cargo shorts.

[@BladeHQ]

Not bad, right? But you forgot a couple things: stay up late figuring out storylines, slinging coffee for Jamie (video man), and stressing about deadlines. I really enjoy it, but what you see on video and real life aren't always the same. Except for the sandals. Those are legit. ;) -Ben

[@peterbalames9815]

Love the backstory (history of Protech) reminds me of my family history in business

[@wayneerwin1498]

Never have owned a protech but have always heard great things.

[@mountainpatriot546]

I’ve been looking into protech for awhile now. Everything I’ve read and seen on them seems to be awesome. I think it’s time to add to collection.