Rockeye Automatic: The Pro-Tech & Daniel Defense Collab
TFB has covered numerous knife and firearms manufacturer collaborations throughout 2026, and it’s now time for Daniel Defense. The Pro-Tech x Daniel Defense knife brings a full-size automatic built for users who want speed and durability in a single carry knife. The Rockeye features a 3.38-inch DLC-coated MagnaCut drop point blade paired with Pro-Tech's button automatic action, delivering fast deployment with solid lockup. At 8.38 inches overall and 4.64 ounces, the knife balances heft and presence without excess weight.
MagnaCut steel handles the edge retention and toughness demands of hard use. The DLC coating adds corrosion resistance and a no-nonsense aesthetic that works whether you're in the field or carrying daily. The blade geometry (drop point with a fine tip and moderate belly) covers detail work and general slicing without compromise.
The handle is machined from 6061 aluminum with a solid texture, keeping the profile clean while offering confident control during operation. Black Lip Pearl accents the button, and a standard 3-hole clip supports tip-up carry on either side. All hardware stays blasted black, tying the design together with visual restraint.
Pro-Tech builds these in the USA. The button automatic mechanism deploys quickly and is said to lock with authority, then releases cleanly under thumb pressure. That cycle - fast open, solid hold, controlled close - defines the action's purpose: one-handed work when you need it. If you’ve handled automatic knives before, you’ll know.
At $300 MSRP, the Rockeye sits in the premium automatic range where steel quality and manufacturing precision start to matter most.
Rockeye by the numbers:
- Blade Steel: MagnaCut
- Blade Length: 3.38″
- Blade Finish: DLC Black
- Blade Shape: Drop Point
- Handle Material: 6061 Aluminum
- Handle Color: Black
- Handle Length: 5.00″
- Overall Length: 8.38″
- Lock Mechanism: Button Auto
- Button: Black Lip Pearl
- Clip Style: Standard 3-Hole
- Weight: 4.64 oz
- Handedness: Right
- Size Class: Full-Size
- MSRP: $300
Find out more at Scheels.
Are you carrying an automatic knife regularly, or does the button deployment feel unnecessary for your everyday work? Where I live, I’m allowed to own automatics, but not carry them.
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
More by Eric B
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What steel? What Hardness?
Stick with rifles DD. That handgun was a lesson for you.
Ouch on the price. I will stick with my Benchmade that I was issued.
Too many states where even owning an automatic knife is a felony, let alone carrying one. If you live in a stat where it is legal to carry an automatic knife and it talks to you, then go for it. $300 for a magna cut steel automatic with the other the accoutrements isn't a bad price but only if you can use it daily and not own another expensive safe queen. Don't count on automatics becoming legal in your lifetime. First we have to make guns universally legal, then we can move on to other defensive weapons. In my opinion, anything that can be used as a defensive object is legal under the Second Amendment. It isn't limited to firearms. It just say "ams". In my opinion that includes swords, spears, tomahawks, .50 cal BMG, 3.5 rockets and launcher, 155 mm cannons if I can afford them and the ammo to go with them and even the latest jet fighter complete with full set of guided missiles again if I can afford the money. Yeah, if Elon Musk is a citizen of the U.S. and wants to tool around in the latest U.S. stealth fighter complete with a wingman both fully armed, let him go for it. After all, the provision for letters of marque is still in the Constitution and if I am to effectively execute a letter of marque, I need the latest in naval weaponry.