Protech Malibu vs Benchmade 940-1

Another vote for the Malibu. In fact, I'm thinking of picking up a 2nd one.

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Thecook5 said:
As far as feel in hand, durability, and possible hot spots?

I know having it in hand to test would be ideal. I just don't know anyone who has one
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It feels great in the hand and like all Pro-Tech construction, it is very solid and well made. They also make a textured version.
 
Smithhammer said:
It feels great in the hand and like all Pro-Tech construction, it is very solid and well made. They also make a textured version.
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Oh yeah! I saw the textured one and it looked pretty sweet. If I went with the Malibu I was going to get the operator or the textured one
 
I really like my Malibu. I've got the magnacut wharnie one with the texture on the handle. It was disappointingly dull out of the box, but it didn't take long to put a good edge on it and now it sits among my top 5 knives. I carry it every day along with my TRM Neutron 2. The texture definitely makes the handle feel better, imo. I don't own a 940, so I can't compare them well for you. I like the design well enough, I've just never pulled the trigger on getting one. Though the mini in carbon fiber and s90v is real tempting.
 
Armithius said:
I really like my Malibu. I've got the magnacut wharnie one with the texture on the handle. It was disappointingly dull out of the box, but it didn't take long to put a good edge on it and now it sits among my top 5 knives. I carry it every day along with my TRM Neutron 2. The texture definitely makes the handle feel better, imo. I don't own a 940, so I can't compare them well for you. I like the design well enough, I've just never pulled the trigger on getting one. Though the mini in carbon fiber and s90v is real tempting.
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The texture is very tempting! I love reverse tanto, but the wharnie would be something new. It also seems light at the tip end
 
Malibu,

Another thing to consider is, with the 940-1, overtime, the omega spring will give up and you’ll have to service it whereas the malibu spring will live forever.
 
To be fair it is an easy job to replace omega springs, and if you get heavier duty aftermarket replacements they should last decades. Anyway here is a pic of a Malibu and a modded 940 together. BTE for both is around .026", Malibu blade is .125" thick and 949 is .115". The 940 is my second favorite EDC, the modded bugout in M4 is my first. I love the action and blade shape of the Malibu but the handle isn't great for me (and it makes noise when you rub it) YMMVIMG_20230725_103915.jpg
 
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Classic "either/or" thread with no wrong answer.. both are good knives. Get the one you think you'll like best; you're probably going to like it.. Who are you kidding though, you're gonna end up with the other anyways, right?

Also.. Malibu 100/100 times.
 
Kmikaz3 said:
Malibu,

Another thing to consider is, with the 940-1, overtime, the omega spring will give up and you’ll have to service it whereas the malibu spring will live forever.
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fishface5 said:
To be fair it is an easy job to replace omega springs, and if you get heavier duty aftermarket replacements they should last decades. Anyway here is a pic of a Malibu and a modded 940 together. BTE for both is around .026", Malibu blade is .125" thick and 949 is .115". The 940 is my second favorite EDC, the modded bugout in M4 is my first. I love the action and blade shape of the Malibu but the handle isn't great for me (and it makes noise when you rub it) YMMVView attachment 2263928
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That bug out looks awesome!

And yeah the handle length on the 940 seems like 1/2 an inch bigger. I would say I have medium sized hands so I don't think the Malibu would be too small.

Damn.. now I want both
 
This thread reminds me that I need a 940 for the collection at some point. Not a fan of the Malibu. Well, I shouldn't say that, rather that there's nothing that really grabs me about it, whereas the BM 940 is a classic.

To answer the question of the thread, I'd say you should get and carry/use both for awhile and then make your decision. Easiest way to really compare/contrast two knives that you are interested in to file a role!
 
Kmikaz3 said:
Another thing to consider is, with the 940-1, overtime, the omega spring will give up and you’ll have to service it whereas the malibu spring will live forever.
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Is that a certainty though? My 940 is still intact after nearly 25 years (about 7 years of regular use, followed by sporadic use). Of course, that’s anecdotal.
 
Jesse B. said:
Is that a certainty though? My 940 is still intact after nearly 25 years (about 7 years of regular use, followed by sporadic use). Of course, that’s anecdotal.
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Im not saying it’s guaranteed but mine broke once after owning it for 4 years but i used to fidget with it alot. YMMV

Edit:
overtime, the omega spring will give up
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I should have say “might” instead of “will”, sorry
 
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I recently got a Malibu (blue, magnacut wharnie with textured handle) and I really like it. If you’re worried about it being too small, my next recommendation would be a PM2. I think the compression lock is equally pleasant to use as the button lock.

Full disclosure, I prefer flipper or spydie hole to thumb studs and don’t love bar locks.
 
Jesse B. said:
Is that a certainty though? My 940 is still intact after nearly 25 years (about 7 years of regular use, followed by sporadic use). Of course, that’s anecdotal.
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mak1277 said:
I recently got a Malibu (blue, magnacut wharnie with textured handle) and I really like it. If you’re worried about it being too small, my next recommendation would be a PM2. I think the compression lock is equally pleasant to use as the button lock.

Full disclosure, I prefer flipper or spydie hole to thumb studs and don’t love bar locks.
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