Protech Malibu

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
5,094

This is my first non-budget button lock flipper. It definitely feels more solid, but Civivi, Kizer, CJRB, don’t feel bad at all compared to this knife. Of course CPM20CV is much higher end blade steel, but my Chinese flippers have fabulous blade grinds. Bottom line is that the Protech is great, but don’t feel bad about rocking a budget flipper.
 
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Do you mean specifically button-locks flippers? I have heard bad things about the durability of some Chinese button locks though, & I had one Civivi go bad on me. Not sure of the cause. Haven't heard that about the Malibu; I haven't used mine much myself though since it's a bit small for me, but it definitely feels like a step up in quality.
 
I wanted to love the Malibu, but the pocket clip digs into my hand. I tried to get over it as it is a great flipper action wise. But alas, after carrying maybe 3 or 4 times and never cutting anything, it has been in its box for over a month. One of these days I'll get around to selling it.
 
fishface5 said:
Do you mean specifically button-locks flippers? I have heard bad things about the durability of some Chinese button locks though, & I had one Civivi go bad on me. Not sure of the cause. Haven't heard that about the Malibu; I haven't used mine much myself though since it's a bit small for me, but it definitely feels like a step up in quality.
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Yes I meant button lock flippers. That’s what I get for making a short while watching the Boston vs Miami NBA playoffs.
 
I thought I’d love the Malibu after hearing all the hype, but for me it’s just “ok”. The action is fine but not great, the button lock is a little sticky, the ergos could be better and it’s really not very slicey The blade stock is thicker than it needs to be but I suspect if the blade were lighter, it wouldn’t flip as well.
 
fishface5 said:
Do you mean specifically button-locks flippers? I have heard bad things about the durability of some Chinese button locks though, & I had one Civivi go bad on me. Not sure of the cause. Haven't heard that about the Malibu; I haven't used mine much myself though since it's a bit small for me, but it definitely feels like a step up in quality.
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Yes I meant button lock flippers. That’s what I get for making a short while watching the Boston vs Miami NBA playoffs
SwissHeritageCo said:
I'm a sub $100 flipper guy myself.
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Rationally, I know my budget flippers are all well built with excellent blade geometry. It is interesting to see how well they stack up against a more expensive American made knife.
 
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I've been clipping William Henry knives and other one hand openers to my RFP for decades. I don't know exactly when I decided I needed to try out a flipper or two, or three, or four..... It's a forum thing.

I got two Boker Plus LRFs in rapid succession, loved them both. Not a huge fan of liner locks though. The WHs I carry have been button locks since WH started making button locks. Decided I have to try a button lock flipper, so I got a Boker Plus Burnley Kwaiken button lock flipper. Love it! S35-VN and titanium, great action, sharp as a razor. What's not to love?

Then I started obsessing over the Pro-Tech Malibu. Figured I was safe from buying one too soon, as the newer model with textured handles and Magnacut were not to be found by me. Then.....along comes a guy selling one on the exchange, for a bit lower price, I waffled. Then the price got lower and that was it.

I've been carrying it and using it everyday since. Not a flashy knife, not as pretty as a stag slip joint, but son of a gun I love this thing! It's sturdy enough for what I might reasonably run into on my daily adventures. Besides, I've almost always got a fixed blade on me, and any work that needs doing past that can be done with any number of beater fixed knives I have laying around.

To me the action is superb, the lock more then adequate for how I use a folding knife, the size and weight are where I can carry it without noticing it is there.

Bottom line, I'm a big Malibu Flipper Fan!
 
Peregrin said:
I've been clipping William Henry knives and other one hand openers to my RFP for decades. I don't know exactly when I decided I needed to try out a flipper or two, or three, or four..... It's a forum thing.

I got two Boker Plus LRFs in rapid succession, loved them both. Not a huge fan of liner locks though. The WHs I carry have been button locks since WH started making button locks. Decided I have to try a button lock flipper, so I got a Boker Plus Burnley Kwaiken button lock flipper. Love it! S35-VN and titanium, great action, sharp as a razor. What's not to love?

Then I started obsessing over the Pro-Tech Malibu. Figured I was safe from buying one too soon, as the newer model with textured handles and Magnacut were not to be found by me. Then.....along comes a guy selling one on the exchange, for a bit lower price, I waffled. Then the price got lower and that was it.

I've been carrying it and using it everyday since. Not a flashy knife, not as pretty as a stag slip joint, but son of a gun I love this thing! It's sturdy enough for what I might reasonably run into on my daily adventures. Besides, I've almost always got a fixed blade on me, and any work that needs doing past that can be done with any number of beater fixed knives I have laying around.

To me the action is superb, the lock more then adequate for how I use a folding knife, the size and weight are where I can carry it without noticing it is there.

Bottom line, I'm a big Malibu Flipper Fan!
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Hallelujah Yes! It’s just so “modest” and purposeful in its execution. Grip is robust, build is rock solid and stout. Action is slick and very fidget friendly. That Magna-cut blade is a slicing dream. Once again, cardboard boxes fear me when I carry the Malibu.
 
My short experience with the Malibu wasn’t negative, it just wasn’t my kinda knife. I tend to be less then gentle to my folders and the Malibu just didn’ seem like it would last very long in my world.
It was my first knife on bearings and I was amazed at how fast it opened. Im not a ” fidget” guy but if I was it could have become addictive! I hated the deep carry clip but loved how small it carried.
I guess in the end it was just that after years of Umnumzaan, XM-18, Eklipse and Inkosi it just seemed like a toy and not the tools I like. I wont rule out owning another someday just not right now.
 
I thoroughly enjoyed owning the Protech Malibu for about a month. It proved to be a reliable tool, effortlessly assisting me with all my tasks. However, I couldn't help but feel that it lacked a certain aesthetic charm and uniqueness in both its appearance and functionality. Perhaps opting for a more premium version or the operator model could have added that special touch. I temporarily disregarded button locks during this period. While the Protech Malibu was undeniably great, it fell short of being extraordinary. Comparing it to my previous knife, the Spyderco Smock, I found the Malibu to be superior in terms of both usability and aesthetics. However, it felt on par with Civivi's button locks, and my preference for the Malibu stemmed mainly from its Made in USA origin.


Recently, I delved into Medford Knives with the American Service Knife Jefferson, which provided me with an incredibly positive experience. This led me to explore more knives from their lineup, but the issue I encountered was their steep pricing. The Smooth Criminal, a button lock flipper manufactured by Medford, is priced between $300 and $400. Although this is still quite expensive, I expected it to match the quality offered by other makers within this price range, such as Chris Reeve Knives and Hinderer.


What sets the Smooth Criminal apart from its counterparts is the hand-ground blade, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans rather than relying solely on machines. Medford also dedicates more time to the production of each knife compared to other manufacturers, resulting in a higher level of craftsmanship. While some other makers may incorporate a similar human touch in their knives, I am unable to recall any specific examples. You can gain a similar understanding by visiting the knifemakers' sales pages.


The experience of flipping and disengaging the Smooth Criminal is truly remarkable. The blade exudes power and precision, locking up flawlessly without any play whatsoever. Even after extended use, the blade remains solid—a testament to its impressive construction. Additionally, the razor-sharp edge straight out of the box and the impeccable hollow grind of the blade further enhance its appeal. While I had heard some negative experiences from others, I approached the purchase cautiously. However, after owning the Smooth Criminal for a while now, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations and proved to be a very satisfying knife.

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