Protech Dark Angel First Run Stainless Steel OTF
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I've recently acquired the limited run of Protech's new OTF so I've decided to drop a few lines about the knife. Since it is my first SA OTF don't expect any great review...just few thoughts.
The specs. Protech's first run full size OTF features solid 416 stainless steel chassis with two-tone blasted and satin finish. The blade is dagger style double edged satin finished. The steel used is 154-CM. The release button has black lip pearl inlay. This SS Dark Angel weighs 218 g, closed length is 130 mm, blade length is 94 mm. It comes in a nice and sturdy nylon sheath.
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The look. The 2-tone finish makes the handle look narrower which is 'in harmony' with the drop shape space around the firing button and creates very 'sexy' shape. The knife itself is quite thin and it has good handle/blade length ratio. I think the sleek look of this knife is very attractive. I prefer the satin look of steel than the black aluminum and it has somehow 'cleaner' look without the safety.
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The action. Dark Angel fires fast and hard. It has very small side to side play, but a bit more up and down play. You can hear it rattle when manipulating the knife. I assume it is normal with OTFs nevertheless from what I've read about SA OTF's I expected tighter tolerances. The charging bar on the side is bit annoying since it can easily happen that you forget your finger in its way while firing the knife... It doesn't require much effort to push the button and release the blade considering it does not have a safety can only carry it in a sheath. Well, it is not meant to be carried in a pocket (no pocket clip). I can see two reasons for not having a safety on this one since the aluminum has safety and pocket clip. First, probably to cut the cost of machining the SS handle to add the safety. Second, to have the abovementioned 'cleaner' look of this more of a show piece. Anyway, it is quite heavy to carry around...
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The blade. I like the shape of the blade, but I have some complains about the workmanship on the blade. Well, maybe I'm too much a nitpicker, in any case I think I should mention it with a knife of this price. So what's my problem? I don't know if it is intentional, but the edges are uneven. When you look at the double edge the left side edge is ground higher than the right one. The same when you turn the knife. It causes that the center line does not go straight to the tip. On one side it also appears to be slightly curved and not a straight line.
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All in all I'd say it is very nice, very heavy, very expensive letter opener.
Don't get me wrong, I knew it when I bought it. I have no other use for dagger style blade without a safety. And I like solid heavy knives (like 29 Knives). You wouldn't expect a knife with black lip pearl button to serve as a tactical knife, would you?
Nevertheless, I had higher expectations about the tolerances and the details of the blade. Would I buy it again? Probably not. Being more of a balisong guy, I would rather save the money and get another 29 Knives or something. I just wanted to check out this OTF. But do I regret buying it? Nah, it's quite cool and I like it
I'd love to hear someone sharing his/her thoughts about the recently released aluminum production version of the Dark Angel with the pocket clip, safety and affordable price.
Last but not least I'd like to thank Chris_himself for helping me with getting this knife.
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Originally Posted by ratstuph
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