Protech Malibu vs Benchmade 940-1

T

Thecook5

Joined
Jul 24, 2023
Messages
26
Hello everyone,

I'm new to blade forums and wanted some opinions on if I should get the protech malibu-operator. Or if I should get the Benchmade Osborne 940-1.

They both seem like awesome knives just need some help!
 
The 940 is a tried and true tested great knife but I'm with Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar when you get a Malibu in your hands it's just smoother and the action is quicker.

It really just comes down to what style you like because it's not apples and oranges but they're definitely quite different. The 940 has a slimmer frame but is longer overall.

Big thing I would say is what will you be using it for? It's kind of hard to just say one over the other.
 
Flipper, bearings, drop shut, button lock. The Benchmade axis is close on several of those but not quite where the Protech is. At least for playing around with, which I imagine will be this knife's primary duty.

The 940 is a great knife and ultimately you should give it a try, but I would recommend the Malibu first.
 
I’m going to go ahead and say get both before someone else does… But seriously, have you handled both? Do you prefer either of the action styles over the other? I have a 940-1 and a couple of Malibus. I personally like the feel of the 940 maybe a little better but not enough to be a deal breaker. I think the 940-1 is lighter and is also a little slimmer so it is slightly easier/better to carry in my opinion.
 
I 2nd the Malibu..

But having said that mine came with genuinely pretty bad lock stick (button stick?) that despite grease, KPL, and lots of use, never got any better in around 4 months of use. Probably a one off, but a point none the less.

Ended up selling it. Not bc of the lock stick, just with use found the handle a little too small for me. Still an awesome knife, and I do still prefer it to the 940..
 
I like the flipper and button lock of my malibu but the 940 handle is longer and more comfortable for me.
 
I own multiples of both and have some observations.

The Malibu has great action with the flipper and button lock, but it has very thick blade stock and is fat behind the edge. It’s not the best at doing basic knife tasks like fine cutting.

The standard aluminum handles don’t feel very premium. I can understand the love it gets due to the action, but great action can be found in a $50 knife these days. To upgrade the handles to titanium really prices the knife out of a reasonable range…and it’s still not a great slicer.

Protech is a great company with great folks.

The Benchmade 940 family are tried and true. Between the various iterations of the 940, 943 and 945 it covers all the bases. The Axis lock is no slouch if you’re want action, and almost any blade iteration of the 94X is better at knife-like-tasks.

Benchmade probably wins customer service by a small margin, but loses on out of box quality control.

You can’t go wrong with either one. The Malibu is a bit more of a fidget toy and the Benchmade more of a cutting tool.

Enjoy!
 
RoyalHolic said:
The 940 is a tried and true tested great knife but I'm with Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar when you get a Malibu in your hands it's just smoother and the action is quicker.

It really just comes down to what style you like because it's not apples and oranges but they're definitely quite different. The 940 has a slimmer frame but is longer overall.

Big thing I would say is what will you be using it for? It's kind of hard to just say one over the other.
Click to expand...
Overall I would say I'd just like a great edc !!
 
Thecook5 said:
Overall I would say I'd just like a great edc !!
Click to expand...
Nebuchadnezzar said:
Flipper, bearings, drop shut, button lock. The Benchmade axis is close on several of those but not quite where the Protech is. At least for playing around with, which I imagine will be this knife's primary duty.

The 940 is a great knife and ultimately you should give it a try, but I would recommend the Malibu first.
Click to expand...
That's a great point I really love bearings, and a great drop shut action!

Do you know if the flipper tab has jimping on the Malibu?
 
Corton93 said:
I 2nd the Malibu..

But having said that mine came with genuinely pretty bad lock stick (button stick?) that despite grease, KPL, and lots of use, never got any better in around 4 months of use. Probably a one off, but a point none the less.

Ended up selling it. Not bc of the lock stick, just with use found the handle a little too small for me. Still an awesome knife, and I do still prefer it to the 940..
Click to expand...
 
That's a good point!

I haven't handled the Malibu, but I have the 940-1.

How bad of button stick did it have?
 
Hackenslash said:
I own multiples of both and have some observations.

The Malibu has great action with the flipper and button lock, but it has very thick blade stock and is fat behind the edge. It’s not the best at doing basic knife tasks like fine cutting.

The standard aluminum handles don’t feel very premium. I can understand the love it gets due to the action, but great action can be found in a $50 knife these days. To upgrade the handles to titanium really prices the knife out of a reasonable range…and it’s still not a great slicer.

Protech is a great company with great folks.

The Benchmade 940 family are tried and true. Between the various iterations of the 940, 943 and 945 it covers all the bases. The Axis lock is no slouch if you’re want action, and almost any blade iteration of the 94X is better at knife-like-tasks.

Benchmade probably wins customer service by a small margin, but loses on out of box quality control.

You can’t go wrong with either one. The Malibu is a bit more of a fidget toy and the Benchmade more of a cutting tool.

Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Thank you! This gives me a lot to think about
 
I've got no experience with Benchmade, but my Malibu hasn't left my pocket since I got it. If you need something more substantial then that, maybe a fixed blade would be a good choice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top