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Pro-Tech Rockeye
Who designed the Pro-Tech Rockeye and what's the background?
The Rockeye is a collaboration between Les George and Pro-Tech Knives. George is a 10-year USMC veteran who served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, heavy equipment mechanic, and embassy security guard. He enlisted in 1997 and went full-time into knifemaking in 2008 after mentoring under Stan Fujisaka and Gary Bradburn. George's designs draw on real-world experience in explosive dynamic entry, advanced access and disablement, and close quarters combat. His tactical approach results in knives built for hard use, not just aesthetics.
What are the specifications on the standard Rockeye?
The full-size Rockeye measures 8.375" overall with a 3.375" drop point blade and 5" handle. Blade thickness is 0.125" (1/8"), and weight is about 4.6 ounces depending on configuration. The handle is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, available in knurled or smooth variations. It's an out-the-side automatic with Pro-Tech's signature coil spring mechanism, button lock, tip-up pocket clip, and lanyard hole. The blade bears the Pro-Tech logo on the presentation side and Les George's Cross on the reverse.
How does the SBR differ from the standard Rockeye?
The SBR (Short Blade Rockeye) is the compact version. Overall length drops to 6.5" with a 2.625" blade and 3.75" handle. Blade thickness remains 0.125", but weight drops to about 3 ounces. It keeps the same ergonomic profile and handle-to-blade ratio, just scaled down for more discreet carry without losing the knife's essential character.
What blade steels are available in the Rockeye lineup?
The Rockeye ships in three primary steels: CPM-S35VN, CPM-154, and CPM D2.
CPM-S35VN is the premium choice, true stainless with 14% chromium, superior corrosion resistance, and excellent toughness at 25-28 ft-lbs Charpy C-notch. It heat treats to 60-61 HRC and sharpens easier than D2 while maintaining similar edge retention. The powder metallurgy process gives it a refined carbide structure with niobium carbides replacing some vanadium, which improves toughness over S30V by 15-20% and reduces edge chipping.
CPM-154 offers similar edge retention to S35VN with marginally better toughness due to lower carbon content (1.05% vs 1.40%) and higher molybdenum (4%). It's true stainless and heat-treated to 58-61 HRC. The CPM process gives it significantly better carbide distribution than conventional 154CM.
D2 is semi-stainless—only 12% chromium with roughly half tied up in carbides, limiting corrosion resistance. It requires more maintenance and oiling but delivers aggressive edge performance. Toughness sits lower at 14-15 ft-lbs Charpy. D2 can be harder to bring back to sharp, but holds a working edge well in abrasive materials.
What finishes and configurations does DLT carry?
We stock the full lineup: stonewash, black DLC, and acid wash finishes across all three steels. Handle options include smooth and knurled 6061-T6 aluminum in various anodized colors. We carry standard production models and Operator variants. The Operator series features textured handles, sterile blades with no markings, and tritium inlays in the push button for low-light visibility.
What makes Pro-Tech's automatic action different?
Pro-Tech uses an extra-strong coil spring system that's become their signature. These aren't the weak, hesitant autos you'll find from budget manufacturers. The spring is heat-treated and cryo-treated, housed in a precisely machined aluminum body with hand-fitted components. Deployment is instantaneous and authoritative—the kind of snap that makes you respect the engineering. Pro-Tech has been refining this mechanism since 1999, and it shows.
How does the Rockeye handle for extended use?
The ergonomics are exceptional. George designed the handle with substantial palm swell and contouring that fills the hand without creating hotspots. The knurled versions provide aggressive traction without being abrasive during extended cutting tasks. Handle width is 1.4", thickness is 0.5", giving you real purchase. The finger choil is properly sized for choked-up control, and the drop point geometry balances slicing performance with tip strength.
What's the warranty situation?
Pro-Tech backs the Rockeye with a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner covering defects in materials and craftsmanship. Warranty service requires $15 return postage and a completed service request form. Turnaround is typically 8-10 business days, and Pro-Tech includes factory sharpening. The warranty does NOT cover normal wear, user modifications, disassembly (voids warranty immediately), misuse, or natural handle materials. These knives are hand-fitted in small batches at their California facility, and Pro-Tech stands behind their work.
How does the Rockeye compare to other Pro-Tech models?
The Rockeye sits in the mid-to-large tactical auto category. It's bigger than the Godson but more compact than the Godfather. The handle geometry is pure Les George, with a tactical profile and utilitarian ergonomics rather than the Italian stiletto influence found in the Godfather series. If you want a working tactical auto from a proven designer with real operational experience, the Rockeye delivers.
What maintenance does the Rockeye require?
Use compressed air to blow out lint and debris from the mechanism periodically. Apply a few drops of light lubricant (Pro-Tech recommends light oil) to the pivot area and button mechanism. Do NOT disassemble—it voids the warranty and these are precision-fitted assemblies. The 6061-T6 aluminum is anodized for corrosion resistance, but if you're running D2 steel, keep the blade oiled when not in use. S35VN and CPM-154 are far more forgiving in humid environments.
Is the Rockeye suitable for hard use?
Absolutely. Les George designed this knife based on a decade of military experience where knives get used, abused, and pressed into service beyond their intended purpose. The 0.125" blade stock provides real strength, the drop point geometry is versatile, and Pro-Tech's manufacturing tolerances ensure the lockup stays solid under load. That said, it is still a folder, so respect the mechanical limits. George himself has discussed using knives as improvised tools in the field, and the Rockeye reflects that design philosophy.
What makes Les George's design language recognizable?
George's knives have a distinct tactical aesthetic—functional geometry, purposeful lines, and zero embellishment for its own sake. The Rockeye features his signature elements: pronounced jimping on the spine, the George Cross logo, ergonomic contouring that prioritizes grip security, and drop point blade geometry that balances utility with strength. His designs don't follow trends—they reflect decades of experience with tools that need to work in adverse conditions.