Protech Malibu

[Mako109]

Update: I bought a second blue ti damascus reverse tanto Malibu and returned the original. Also, Protech support contacted me.

First of all, the action still feels a bit mushier on the new reverse tanto. I'm totally convinced now the action will just always feel different from the wharncliffe due to blade shape and weight. It's still a top tier action FYI.

Next, the detent this time on the reverse tanto is much better. I cannot fail a flip no matter how hard I try. It's still not an ultra strong detent that makes the blade fly open, but it's right there in the middle. Not bad.

Finally the fit and finish this time is absolutely perfect on the reverse tanto. So of the three ~$800 knives I've bought from Protech, two were absolutely perfect, and one with some slight detent / centering issues. Normally I wouldn't bother worrying about these things but since these were $800 I am being picky.

Protech support actually mentioned that there is more variation in detent/action on the damascus blades since the micro layers of the blade are just big enough to alter the detent. You can feel the layers with your fingertips so this makes sense to me. Protech also sent me an essay basically on how heat treatments on the titanium scale, carbidizing, and moving the knife through various extreme weather environments during shipping could cause the knife to go slightly off center even if it's perfectly centered coming out of Protech.

They generously offered to do a full tune-up + centering of the knife free of charge with no shipping costs both ways.

This was my first experience overall with Protech knives and their customer support and I gotta say they've won over a big fan here. Looking forward to seeing more non-auto knives from these folks since I'm stuck in California!

Thanks for the update! That's good information on the reverse tanto. The action on mine is mushy in that I can deliberately fail-to-fire. So maybe I will send it in.

 

[Silent H]

Protech support actually mentioned that there is more variation in detent/action on the damascus blades since the micro layers of the blade are just big enough to alter the detent.

This is really interesting, I never would have considered that a factor, but it does make sense, especially if you can feel the layers. I would guess that the biggest effect is still the wight difference between the wharncliffe and reverse tanto, especially all that extra weight out at the tip of the tanto. I personally think the action and deent on my reverse tanto is top-tier, but you and I could have very different preferences in that aspect, and I have yet to flip a wharncliffe one.

This was my first experience overall with Protech knives and their customer support and I gotta say they've won over a big fan here. Looking forward to seeing more non-auto knives from these folks since I'm stuck in California!

Yup, I can't think of anyone who has better customer service than ProTech. I'd love more manual flippers from them too! And I'm very jealous of both those knives, they are absolutely stunning!

 

[VS_Power]

Alright decided to record the differences if y'all are curious. Sound is pretty important as it's hard to see the difference in action:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/u6Y9WPDMURBwk7yr7

Overall falling back in love with the reverse tanto now that the fit and finish is on point. It's hard for me to even say the mushier action is worse but it's definitely different. I think you'll at least hear that in the video. I actually failed a flip on video and of course I'm having trouble reproducing that off camera now.

The initial plan was to eventually sell one of the two but now I'm gonna try to see if I can convince the wife to keep em both lol.

 

[Silent H]

Wow! You can really see the difference in the action. I would say my Reverse Tanto is very similar to yours, I haven't experienced any failed flips, but that's probably because I put more force on the flipper, like your second example.

Also the sound of the titanium ringing on the wharncliffe one is awesome! I wish the aluminum did that!

 

[yamsi12]

I’ve had the black dlc reverse tanto on a bunch of wishlists from numerous dealers for months. BHQ sent me a text yesterday it was in stock, I immediately put one in my cart and bought it. Went back to check BHQ after I placed the order and it was already out of stock. They must not have gotten many in for it to immediately be OOS. I should have it in my hands Monday, can’t wait!

 

[Dogdrawz]

Mine came in today from PVKvegas, flip a few lots of times & sent it on its way. Why sell so soon? Cuz I got other pieces coming in. It's a great piece & I'll probably end up getting another later on. BladeHQ should be getting some in soon. Good hunting to those who are looking. It's defiantly worth it.

 

[tmartino12]

VS_Power Willing to sell the Reverse Tanto Protech Malibu?