January 17th, 2024

7minute read

In todays article, Scott Wagner reviews the Pro-Tech Runt 5 knife.

As with all weapons, you should know your local laws before carrying it.

Seek out qualified counsel to assist you with any questions regarding the laws in your jurisdiction.

This photo shows the author’s Pro-Tech knife with the steel blade opened next to his EDC Streamlight flashlight. The Pro-Tech Runt 5 Wharncliffe allows for precise cutting with its blade shape and high-quality blade steel. According to the company, the knife is California legal, but we recommend you check your local laws yourself to avoid state or federal crimes.

The Pro-Tech Runt 5 is a high-quality knife made in the USA. Perfect for EDC, the knives have a pocket clip with a textured aluminum handles that are comfortable in the hand.

There is no doubt in my mind that a automatic one-hand opening pocketknife is the handiest utility tool around.

And sometimes, full autos are easier to use than their semi-automatic kin.

Whats the difference between the two types?

In this photo, the author shows the overall length of the knife with an open blade. The sharp knife lies on a pine log in the forrest. The knife’s texture is plainly visible making for an interesting take on their classic Runt knife design. The author found the knife was an excellent performer in testing. If customer reviews are to be believed, a lot of people like it. Similar to the classic Runt model, the sub-two-inch blade is the perfect size at 1.96-inch.

One of the features of this knife is the 1.96″ blade. At less than 2″, the blade avoids some of the most stringent laws targeting the lawful carry and use of knives. Check your local laws before carrying in public.

The one other area that is different is that of legal status.

There is no manual action of a finger moving the blade first before the spring takes over.

Be sure to check the laws in your locality.

In this photo, the author demonstrates the size of the Runt 5. The black-anodized aluminum handle can be had with aluminum scales that are not too thick making it easy to maneuver while still keeping it secure when locked open. The matte finish, most people agree, won’t accidentally rub off. It’s easy to clean and it’s also a better user experience than polymer handles found on some cheaper knives.

The author holds the opened knife in his hand to show the relative size of it. The handle is small, but comfortable, to use.

I ran across their booth while attending the NRA Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Pro-Tech caught my attention due to their numerous display cases located along one of the convention halls walls.

The knives were gorgeous and of high quality, with very reasonable price points.

In this image, the author is skinning a sapling with the Runt 5 automatic knife. In his niche market, there are a lot of knives from companies like Benchmade, CRKT and Spyderco. Nevertheless, this automatic knife textured black model uses the latest magnacut steel as the newest take on their classic knife. The pocket-friendly auto comes with a CPM-20CV blade that’s especially strong along the spine. Welcome to the blade club.

Testing the knife in a variety of ways demonstrated that it performed well in the author’s hands. From skinning a sapling to tasks like opening boxes, it proved exceptional.

According to Matt, Pro-Tech is a family-owned company that has been building knives since 1999.

The end result is a custom knife built at production speed and pricing.

When I popped it open, I immediately noticed the powerful level of torque that snapped the blade open.

In this photo, the author is showing how to handle the Runt 5 knife. Note his thumb on the spine of the blade where one would expect jimping. This allows you to put force behind the cutting motion. Combines with the Wharnecliffe design, this provides exceptional cutting power at the tip.

Even though the knife is small, it’s still easy to handle. While it is not intended to be a fighting knife, it can be used for self-defense if needed.

I was hooked and made arrangements to get a sample for testing.

While the first part is true, the second point could not be further from the truth.

My test sample has the now-discontinued Reverse Tanto blade that I saw at NRA.

This image shows the knife with a Springfield Armory xd-m pistol, a 9mm handgun. The anodizing process on the Pro-Tech Runt 5 adds color to the aluminum handle through an electrochemical method that also enhances corrosion resistance. This results in a durable and vibrant finish that can come in various colors while maintaining the lightweight nature of the knife.

Although the XD-M Elite Compact is small, it dwarfs the Pro-Tec Runt 5 knife. With its pocket clip, the knife is easy to carry while the auto-opening feature improves its efficiency.

The more rounded profile Wharncliffe blade is currently the only blade profile available.

MagnaCut is designed to deliver great balance in toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

It was definitely a perfect choice for the Runt 5 series of knives.

Pro-Tech Knives Runt 5, R5305

The Runt 5 has only one operating control the slightly recessed push-button switch on the left side handle.

A lanyard can be attached if desired through a discreet hole located in the end of the grip.

The top of the grip where the thumb rests while engaged in cutting operation also is checkered.

Pro-Tech Knives Runt 5, R5301

Big Enough Knife to Do the Job?

The answer is yes, it absolutely is!

Its automatic opening capability adds to its ability as a utility tool.

Facebook Share

However, the left-behind knives still get taken out for exercise periods.

They are like guns you cant have too many.

Actually, using it rounds out the experience.

Twitter Share

There is a smooth handle model that retails at $200.

Considering the force that the blade opens with, I recommend ordering the Model R5305 with checkered grips.

Go to forum thread

Pro-Tech KnivesRunt 5, R5305

Pro-Tech KnivesRunt 5, R5301

Pinterest Share

Article image

Article image