Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot Review

Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boots after 150+ miles in the south Texas brush (and mud)

NOTE: Click on any of the photos in this article for a larger view

For several years, I've used various sneakers (Tennis shoes) and recently hiking sandals for my outdoor forays. As a wildlife photographer, hiker, kayaker, shade-tree herpetologist, etc. I tend to hike many many miles through some very unforgiving areas.  I decided last year that I needed something with a little more ankle support. Well, my favorite hiking sandles have always been Keen with their "Keen Protect" (toe guards) so I finally decided to try a pair of their hiking boots. After a usual long exhaustive internet reasearch I decided to try a pair of the Keen Targhee II mid hikers. I'll make this review short and to the point as much as I can.

COMFORT: 

Out of the box, the Targhee 's were very comfortable with very little break in time required. The cushioning around the top is well done as is the nice removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed. These boot slip on and off with ease and Keen even put a nice little heel loop on the back for aiding in putting them on and off.

The laces were sufficiently long and thanks to their webbing tied in with their laces, were very snug. One of the Webbing straps goes completely around the back of the boot which gives a little bit of extra "snuggness"; nice touch. 

As soon as I got these boots, I took them for a 6 mile hike at a nearby nature park. I had no issues with blisters or hot spots and was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they were. My longest hike with these boots thus far was at Choke Canyon lake (Texas) on a wildlife photography hike. I walked 20+ miles through mud, swampy areas, waterways, over desert terrain and rocks, all while carrying 35 pounds of Camera gear. The result? Very comfortable with no blisters. they did get pretty wet but that's another section.

The S3 shock protection (as Keen calls it) seems to work pretty well. These boots seem to cradle the foot and provide nice ankle support.The day I hiked the 20+ miles, it was approximately 98 degrees (f) and these boots breathed very well and felt good in the heat.

TRACTION: 

Traction on dry rocky areas was very good. As you can see from the photos, Keen's own bi-directional lug design is very aggressive and it works well. The carbon outsole lugs are a substantial 4mm and are very firm providing a nice bite into most terrain and obstacles. The firmness however left a little to be desired on wet rocks; nothing bad mind you just not as grippy as I would have liked. On gravel, dirt or even mud, the bi-directional lug design worked great; no complaints.

Targhee II lug design (with mud)

 One thing I really like about the lug design of the Targhee's is that they are easy to clean the mud off. The space between them is sufficient enough that a strong stream of water usually does the trick cleaning them. Most lug patterns do not work well in this regard but these are pretty easy to clean. Below you can compare the lug pattern of the Targhee's and my newer Merrell Chameleon4 Mid Ventilator Gor-Tex (review coming soon).

Lug Pattern of the Keen Targhee's (bottom) and the Merrell Chameleon4 's (top)

LACES:

One issue I've had with some hiking boots I've bought in the past was that they either had cheap laces or the laces were too short. I'm happy to report that Keen doesn't skimp in this department. The laces were sufficiently long and have lasted through some rough times. One aspect that I kinda like on the lacing system of these boots is the last lacing loop or notch (seen below). It is basically a plastic (very tough) cinch that due to the lumpy nature of the laces catches and holds the laces in place. They work very well; in fact the few times that my shoe has come untied, the cinch loop kept the laces in place and the boot snug; great idea.  

The one aspect I would probably change about the Targhee's is that  if you do not run the laces through the provided tongue loop, the laces will ride up over the tongue. Maybe a bit longer tongue would remedy this.  

WATER?:

While the Targhee's do not have Gore-Tex, they do have Keen's version that they call Keen Dry. When I first got the Targhee's their water proof membrane seemed to work very well. After several miles of hiking however, the left boot started to leak a little bit around the toe area, then later, the leaking got worse. I will give Keen a pass on this issue however since where I live in south Texas, EVERYTHING has thorns and a thorn might have inadvertently penetrated caused the leak. When the Targhee's get soaking wet, they do take some time to dry out. 

KEEN PROTECT:

Basically Keen Protect means toe guards, an ingenious albeit simple idea made by Keen to protect toes. I think they first come up with this idea for their sandals / Huarache's (Spanish for Sandal) and it is what first convinced me to buy a pair of Keen sandals many years ago. Living in the desert southwest is hell on open toes. Keen has somewhat made their toe guards their calling card or trademark kinda like Spyderco uses their hole in their knife. Keen has included their Keen Protect toe guard on their hiking boots and on the Taghee's has saved my toes many a time. I was even bitten on the toe guard by a 3 foot Mottled Rock Rattlesnake (C. lepidus lepidus) with no penetration; thank goodness! So I guess that the Keen Protect takes on a whole new meaning in that regard.

Keen Protect Toe Guards / Rattlesnake Protection (Don't try it)

WARRANTY / CUSTOMER SERVICE:

I am happy to report that after owning  four pair of Keen sandals and now these boots, I have had no need of customer service and cannot report on this aspect personally. I have read good things however.

SPECS:

- 4mm multi-directional lugs
- Dual density compression molded EVA midsole
- KEEN.DRY ™ waterproof breathable membrane
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Patented toe protection
- Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
- S3 Heel support structure
- Torsion stability ESS shank
- Waterproof nubuck leather upper

CONCLUSION:

I really like these boots and there is still lots of life left in them. They breath fairly well in the hellish S. Texas heat and were initially waterproof (a thorn may have ended that). The Targhee's are VERY comfortable out of the box and caused no blisters and required little to no break in time.  The traction is excellent in most conditions except on wet rocks. The lugs are easy to clean after a day in the mud with nothing more than a stream of water. The toe guard AKA Keen protect provides much needed protection from thorns and sharp rocks (and in my case rattlesnakes).  If I had to come up with a negative (and that would be pushing it) it would be how the laces ride up over the tongue unless you run them through the provided tongue loop. That's just a minor pet peeve and should not detract from the fact that these are VERY NICE hiking boots, one's that I highly recommend.I like them so much, I'll be getting a second pair.

Protech TR-2 Automatic knife review

Protech TR-2 Automatic Knife (shown in green with US Border Patrol Seal)

NOTE: Click on any of the photos for a larger version 

DISCLAIMER: Automatic knives are illegal in many states. Know your laws before purchasing one or carrying one.

Being a knife collector, I have to have a few Auto's. Over the years, I've pretty much owned just about one from all major makers including Benchmade , Microtech , Spyderco and (as you can see) Protech . A few years ago, I saw one of my co -workers carrying a Protech auto with a Border Patrol seal on it and I knew I "needed" to get one for my collection. Forward to 2004 and I bought my first Protech by selling one of my Microtech Socoms for funding. To get the Border Patrol Seal on the knife, I had to call Dave Wattenberg directly at Protech. I have since dealt with Dave on many other occasions and can say without hesitation, he's a stand up guy who takes care of not only his customers but those of us in law enforcement and the military as well. On this occasion, I called him, told him what I wanted and he took care of it and produced the customized TR-2 you see in the photo above in short order. 

Being an automatic knife, I know many folks will not (due to their local laws) be able to purchase one. If however you can and are in the market, I'll try and touch on a few things. While I titled the knife review the Protech TR-2, this iteration is technically called the TR-2.3. The TR stands for Tactical Response, the "2" indicates a spear point blade and the various points (.3) in this case indicates the blade and handle color/coating. So I guess if you wanted to get down to brass tacks, this review is actually on the TR-2.3 but for the purpose of covering a wider range and since they are all made the same, give colors and maybe blade serrations, we'll just call this a TR-2 review :).

SIZE:

The size of the TR-2 is a very sheeple friendly (as sheeple friendly as an auto can be) 7.6 inches open. The blade itself is a very manageable and VERY sharp 3 inches. The green aluminum handles are 4.5 inches in length. Over all, it's just a good sized knife that fills the hand nicely for every day tasks. As you can see below, it is compatible in size to the Spyderco Gayle Bradley but much lighter at a diminutive 3.3 ounces.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley and the Protech TR-2 Automatic knife

BLADE:

The 3 7/8" blade is made from 154CM, a common steel in mid to upper priced knives. It wasn't too long ago when 154CM was considered by many to be the "super steel". It's properties are very similar to 440 C in that it holds an edge very well, is fairly corrosion resistant and holds up to fairly heavy cutting (albeit not as good as higher carbon steels). 154CM has seen use in many higher end production and custom knives. Most all of my older Benchmades and many of the newer ones use 154CM. 154CM varies in quality from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on the heat treatment. Benchmade seems to have perfected the process as the knives I have used from them with this steel have performed very well. The same can be said for Protech as I currently own 5 different knives and my one "user" has been used and abused and  Protech's 154CM has held up very well . 154CM is pretty corrosion resistant and none of my Protech's have had any issue with rust or corrosion. The extra coating they use on the blades protects the blade during use from abrasion and rust. All together, the blade on this knife is tough and should last many years under normal use. 

HANDLE / SCALES: 

While I'm not usually a fan of purely metallic handles or scales on a knife, Protech pulls off the full aluminum handles nicely. The handles or scales are made of  T6-6061 aluminum. The added coating or paint adds just enough texture for it not to have any slippery issues. Add to that the fact the Protech adds some nice knurling to both ends of the scales and jimping on both ends, and I think slippage is well controlled. 

POCKET CLIP:

The clip is long enough and flexible enough to clip into and out of the pocket perfectly. It is held in place nicely with three torx head screws. I assume Protech uses some type of holding glue (loctite blue maybe?) to hold the screws in place because I haven't had any issues with the screws loosening on any of my Protechs; nice job Protech. The clip is not too tight, not too loose, very well done. The pocket clip on the Protech TR-2 is a one choice, tip-up carry. Opinions on autos vary when it comes to carry. The main concern or issue with auto's is accidental opening in the pocket. The proponents of tip down carry would argue that tip-up carry in the case of an accidental opening, could potentially damage a hand shoved into a pocket. Proponents of a tip-up carry would argue that very little adjustment is needed in your grip for knife deployment when removed from your pocket is needed. Since most law enforcement officers carry auto knives as a last ditch resort in a life or death situation, I would argue for the tip-up carry. There are other arguments but these are the main ones I've heard. With this model, you only get one choice; tip-up.

FIT AND FINISH:

Right out of the box, all of my Protech's including the TR-2 exude quality. All torx screws have always been tight, blade springs fire like nobody's business and I find zero blade play. These are the reasons, I keep going back to Protech for my automatic knives; quality. The back of the knife is open for easy cleaning. After using and carrying this knife for several months, I can honestly say that in a production automatic knife, Protech matches or exceeds the quality found in my Spyderco and Benchmade autos. 

LOCK UP:

The lock found on most push button automatic knives is the button itself and the Protech is no exception. The button locks into a notch in the rear of the knife blade in the open and closed position. This provides for a nice secure lock up but depending on the tolerances, can cause slight blade play in some "cheaper" brands. I'm happy to report that with my Protech knives, including this TR-2, tolerances are very well controlled and there is zero blade play in any direction. I have put my protech TR-3 which uses the same lock under some serious pressure in use and have never had any issues of lock failure what so ever. The button lock on the TR-2 locks up night and solid. Of course you use to same button to activate/open the knife as you do to unlock it from the open position.

ERGONOMICS:

As I've stated previously, while I'm usually not a fan of all metallic handled knives, I have found the ergo's of this aluminum handled TR-2 to be nicely done. I think that due to the knurling on the sides of the scales and the jimping on top and bottom of the front of the scales and the jimping on the back, Mr. Wattenberg has remedied this potential slipping issues inherent with metallic scales.

AUTOMATIC OPENING:

As I've stated earlier, I have many autos from many different makers and can honestly say, Protech has some of the strongest springs and "snappiest" opening knives I've ever seen; and the TR-2 is no exception. Every time, I show this knife to anyone, I first qualify it with a, "Now, If you're going to open it, hang on tight". Without that statement, I've unfortunately seen my Protech knives inevitably pop out of loose grips and fall to the floor. These things, pop open with authority! When anyone does open it, every one gets the inevitable grin on their face and  I just wait for the, "WOW, this thing is strong!" which happens every time.

One word of caution, like all automatic knives, these knives should be used with caution. Like two of my other autos, there is no safety switch on these. The only safety lies in the fact that the button is recessed into the handle or scale to prevent accidental opening. Accidental opening in the pockets are usually a minor issue and rarely happens. If however you carry an auto without an external safety, I highly recommend you give it it's own pocket without other items such as keys than can inadvertently press the button and can cause accidental blade deployment. I also highly recommend that you get in the habit of NOT plunging your hand into your carry pocket. Checking first has become second nature to me as I've carried them for years. In probably over 13 years of carrying an auto, I've only had one accident where I was bitten and that involved a Benchmade that had an external safety but I chose not to engage it. When I carry an auto knife at work, I usually carry it in a dedicated pocket with no other items in it and even if there is a safety available, I usually do not use it. The reason being is that I carry an auto for one reason; a LAST ditch effort to save my life. In a life or death situation, simplicity is paramount and I don't want to have to fiddle with a little safety switch to save my butt. I also carry other knifes in other pockets but I usually do not use my autos for anything else so they remain sharp. Being a firearms instructor for many years, "duty carry" means being ready for all SHTF scenarios. A law enforcement officer does not go on duty without a round in the chamber and I apply the same theory to my auto knives.

USES:

Automatic knives are just like any other one handed opening knife, they can be used for anything that their blade shape and size allows. I've used my TR-3 for many things and have EDC'ed it many many times. Th TR-2 reviewed here has a blade shape that lends itself to many tasks from food prep to general cutting tasks. While being an "auto" might make the general public / sheeple beleive it only has one evil purpose, make no mistake, it has as many uses as any other knife of similar dimensions. The auto aspect was unfortunately demonized by movies in the 50's through the 70's and of course politicians took the bait and knife aficionado's suffered. In Texas, Joe Blow can tote around a fully loaded .45 cal. pistol, a deer rifle or even a fully loaded shotgun but not a knife with a spring?!?!? come on Texas. An auto knife is no different than any other and their uses are endless. In any situation where one hand is tied up with another task and you only have one hand to deploy your knife, an auto sure is handy.

In a Law Enforcement Officer's job, having an auto knife at the ready in a readily accessible pocket for a last ditch option to save your butt in a life or death situation sure is a plus. The TR-2 fits this bill nicely.

UPDATE 9-1-13: Texas has repealed the ban on "switchblade knives" See HB862 . The ban on double edged knives and several other items remain. Thank you Rep. Dutton

WARRANTY / CUSTOMER SERVICE:

After I bought my first Protech many years ago, and I let a few co-workers handle it, they immediately wanted to buy some for themselves. In the span of three years, I think we purchased well over 100 knives in various models from TR-1's , TR-2. TR-3's, Godfather's to Godsons, Brend's #1, #2, & #3's and all have been great knives. Dave has earned the reputation of always taking care of everyone. Only once that I know of did one of our marine (boat crew) units have an issue with a spring breaking. He called Dave Wattenberg at Protech and within a week or so, had a good-as-new, re-sharpened knife. Well done Protech!

CONCLUSION: 

If you are in the market for an Automatic knife and can legally own one, you'd be hard pressed to find a better knife company that is pretty much dedicated to autos than Protech. The TR-2 reviewed here is a tough, well made knife by a company that stands behind their product. While this model does not have a safety that you can engage to prevent accidental pocket deployments, they do have models such as the Protech CQC-7 and the TR-4 that do have safeties. Fit and finish on the TR-2 is very well done, all screws came (and have remained) tight, no noticable blade play, the blade came very sharp and it opens like it's mad at someone. If I had to ding anything on this auto it might be the lack of external safety options and I might prefer some scale liners (this one is very grippy for an aluminum handle - think mag light). Protech does offer many scale liner options or customizations if full alluminum scales are not your thing. Other than that, the TR-2 is as good as any auto knife that I own and in most aspects better. If you're in the market for an automatic knife, I highly recommend the TR-2. I do like my Protech Brend #3 better but thats for another review. :)

Ergonomics: 8/10 (Great in the hand, all metal scales might not be as grippy as G-10 in bad situations)
Looks: 9/10
Materials: 8/10
Fit and Finish: 9/10 (for a production auto, very good)
Camp Use: 8/10 (while I don't usually use autos for this, My TR-3 has proven handy in outdoor situations)
Hard/Military/Police Use: 8/10 (Tailor made for last ditch police/military self defense use, but NOT hard use)
EDC Use: 7/10 (Very nice size but know your local laws and don't open around sheeple)
Food Prep: 8/10 (would work very good for food prep)
Skinning/Game Prep: 7/10 (while it would work for skinning, I wouldn't use it for this)
Warranty: 10/10 (Dave Wattenberg takes care of his customers!)
Zombie Usefulness: 8/10 (Not big enough for serious determined Zombies but like the sound of a shotgun racking, an opening auto, gets attention. For Zombie's get the medium to Large Brend)