Protech Malibu

[sixplymaple]

I meant in action, not in terms of the blade.

Gotcha lol. Not disagreeing with you there.

 

[Screebo]

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.

I very much appreciate your thoughts. My take is you are very unbiased and accurate with your observations. Thanks for the heads up on your Medford experience. I’ve been watching…

 

[Slice O Life]

I very much appreciate your thoughts. My take is you are very unbiased and accurate with your observations. Thanks the the heads up on your Medford experience. I’ve been watching…

Not true at all, at this point I'm a fan. Very biased now. Before I thought Medford was bad quality, but once I actually got one and did more homework on them I changed my mind. They do have some funny models, like the Praetorian Ti which has a blade thickness of 0.26" which is just silly. I'm sure it would be a monster though, but that kind of thing is out of my price range. The secondary market does tend to have some great deals pop up on Medfords though.

 

[Screebo]

Not true at all, at this point I'm a fan. Very biased now. Before I thought Medford was bad quality, but once I actually got one and did more homework on them I changed my mind. They do have some funny models, like the Praetorian Ti which has a blade thickness of 0.26" which is just silly. I'm sure it would be a monster though, but that kind of thing is out of my price range. The secondary market does tend to have some great deals pop up on Medfords though.

Copy.

 

[DocJekl]

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!

I have a pair of these in 20CV, one in blue scales and one in black scales, no texture. Is the Magnacut worth buying another as an upgrade? I haven’t been unhappy with the 20CV - I’ve only carried one of them, and the other is a spare that I could sell to fund Magnacut.

 

[DocJekl]

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.

Every time I think I’m ready to buy a Medford smooth criminal I end up buying another Hinderer XM 18

 

[Peregrin]

I have a pair of these in 20CV, one in blue scales and one in black scales, no texture. Is the Magnacut worth buying another as an upgrade? I haven’t been unhappy with the 20CV - I’ve only carried one of them, and the other is a spare that I could sell to fund Magnacut.

When I decided I wanted to get my hands on a Malibu I figured I'd wait until I could get the newer model. I'll only buy one, so I figured I'd get the newest. I have some experience with M390, which is reported to be very similar to 20CV. I've been very happy with it. I'd probably be as happy with the 20CV as with the Magnacut. Not sure whether the textured handles were any consideration. They are nice and grippy though. If your smooth handled Malibu is grippy enough, you likely wouldn't experience much difference with an upgrade.

 

[Screebo]

I like MagnaCut.
View attachment 2201677

 

[Peregrin]

I like MagnaCut.
View attachment 2201677

Great T shirt!
Son of a gun if you don't look like my Uncle Paul!

 

[Silent H]

I just picked up a Kizer Begleiter XL recently. First button lock knife I've ever owned, and I have to say it's probably in my top 5 favourite knives ever.

The Malibu has always interested me, but money seems to elude me whenever I find the knife available.

Honestly, the Begleiter XL barely compares to the Malibu in therms of action. It's a well made knife, but the detent is so light, it almost barely exists. It's like axis lock level of detent. It's great to flick open with your thumb, but the flipper leaves a lot to be desired. If you like the flipper action on the Begleiter, the Malibu, or any of Pro-Tech's flippers, will absolutely blow you away.

 

[mongomondo]

I really want a manual Protech SBR made in the same way as the malibu.

 

[idcalex]

a Malibu is currently the next knife I want

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

Honestly, the Begleiter XL barely compares to the Malibu in therms of action. It's a well made knife, but the detent is so light, it almost barely exists. It's like axis lock level of detent. It's great to flick open with your thumb, but the flipper leaves a lot to be desired. If you like the flipper action on the Begleiter, the Malibu, or any of Pro-Tech's flippers, will absolutely blow you away.

Wow! I just tested my detent and I see what you mean! My Kizer Original XL’s blade practically falls out of the handle on the weakest contact while I really have to work hard to defeat my Malibu’s detent. The solidity of the handle and the quality of the detent puts this knife in an entirely different class from my Chinese button locks.

 

[Slice O Life]

Every time I think I’m ready to buy a Medford smooth criminal I end up buying another Hinderer XM 18

There's nothing wrong with your preference for the Hinderer XM 18, but I understand the sentiments expressed by others regarding the pricing disparity between the Medford Smooth Criminal and the Hinderer XM 18. Some argue that Greg charges around $100 more for a knife made with somewhat lesser materials (such as titanium vs. aluminum in the case of the Smooth Criminal), although the inclusion of G-10 scales on the Hinderer XM 18 might help offset the material cost. Nonetheless, it's important to note that Rick Hinderer is a highly regarded American knife maker, so you can't go wrong with either choice.

Personally, I lean towards the Smooth Criminal due to its beautifully ground blade, smooth button lock action, and overall aesthetics. In my experience, I patiently waited until the perfect Smooth Criminal with a PVD finish became available. Conversely, with the Hinderer XM 18, you have the flexibility to customize various parts to achieve a different look. However, it can be frustrating when the specific parts you desire are frequently out of stock. On the positive side, I appreciate some of the unique features and commemorative tabs offered by Rick, such as the Covid 2020 tab.

Ultimately, both knives have their merits, the Smooth Criminal is quite tempting, especially when considering purchasing it second-hand. It's worth mentioning that I waited until the S45VN variant was released, as I found its performance superior to that of S35VN. While the practical difference in everyday use may be negligible, I find that S45VN holds a toothier and more aggressive edge compared to the polished smoothness of S35VN.

 

[el gigantor]

Honestly, the Begleiter XL barely compares to the Malibu in therms of action. It's a well made knife, but the detent is so light, it almost barely exists. It's like axis lock level of detent. It's great to flick open with your thumb, but the flipper leaves a lot to be desired. If you like the flipper action on the Begleiter, the Malibu, or any of Pro-Tech's flippers, will absolutely blow you away.

You're right about the detent, and usually things like that bother me but for some reason it doesn't (yet). I haven't carried it much so far though. We shall see.

 

[Screebo]

There's nothing wrong with your preference for the Hinderer XM 18, but I understand the sentiments expressed by others regarding the pricing disparity between the Medford Smooth Criminal and the Hinderer XM 18. Some argue that Greg charges around $100 more for a knife made with somewhat lesser materials (such as titanium vs. aluminum in the case of the Smooth Criminal), although the inclusion of G-10 scales on the Hinderer XM 18 might help offset the material cost. Nonetheless, it's important to note that Rick Hinderer is a highly regarded American knife maker, so you can't go wrong with either choice.

Personally, I lean towards the Smooth Criminal due to its beautifully ground blade, smooth button lock action, and overall aesthetics. In my experience, I patiently waited until the perfect Smooth Criminal with a PVD finish became available. Conversely, with the Hinderer XM 18, you have the flexibility to customize various parts to achieve a different look. However, it can be frustrating when the specific parts you desire are frequently out of stock. On the positive side, I appreciate some of the unique features and commemorative tabs offered by Rick, such as the Covid 2020 tab.

Ultimately, both knives have their merits, the Smooth Criminal is quite tempting, especially when considering purchasing it second-hand. It's worth mentioning that I waited until the S45VN variant was released, as I found its performance superior to that of S35VN. While the practical difference in everyday use may be negligible, I find that S45VN holds a toothier and more aggressive edge compared to the polished smoothness of S35VN.

GEEZE! I really appreciate the thought you put into this reply. Also, great food for thought!

 

[Silent H]

You're right about the detent, and usually things like that bother me but for some reason it doesn't (yet). I haven't carried it much so far though. We shall see.

I really don't mind it either, it still works decently well as a flipper, it's just not the crazy good action of the Malibu. I do end up treating it more like an axis lock and using the thumbstud or just flicking it out instead of using the flipper.

 

[DocJekl]

Every time I think I’m ready to buy a Medford smooth criminal I end up buying another Hinderer XM 18

There's nothing wrong with your preference for the Hinderer XM 18, but I understand the sentiments expressed by others regarding the pricing disparity between the Medford Smooth Criminal and the Hinderer XM 18. Some argue that Greg charges around $100 more for a knife made with somewhat lesser materials (such as titanium vs. aluminum in the case of the Smooth Criminal), although the inclusion of G-10 scales on the Hinderer XM 18 might help offset the material cost. Nonetheless, it's important to note that Rick Hinderer is a highly regarded American knife maker, so you can't go wrong with either choice.

Personally, I lean towards the Smooth Criminal due to its beautifully ground blade, smooth button lock action, and overall aesthetics. In my experience, I patiently waited until the perfect Smooth Criminal with a PVD finish became available. Conversely, with the Hinderer XM 18, you have the flexibility to customize various parts to achieve a different look. However, it can be frustrating when the specific parts you desire are frequently out of stock. On the positive side, I appreciate some of the unique features and commemorative tabs offered by Rick, such as the Covid 2020 tab.

Ultimately, both knives have their merits, the Smooth Criminal is quite tempting, especially when considering purchasing it second-hand. It's worth mentioning that I waited until the S45VN variant was released, as I found its performance superior to that of S35VN. While the practical difference in everyday use may be negligible, I find that S45VN holds a toothier and more aggressive edge compared to the polished smoothness of S35VN.

When I posted yesterday evening that I somehow keep buying Hinderer XM-18 with my Medford Smooth Criminal Money, I think I forgot to mention that I had just bought another 3" XM-18 with M390 slicer blade that very morning.

It was used but very nice for the same price as a new 3.25" Smooth Criminal, and I just thought that the smaller 3" XM-18 would easier to carry. Plus I already have a spare woking finish LynchNW deep carry clip for it, and a nice blue anodized Titanium scale for it as well. BUT ONE OF THESE DAYS I'LL TRY OUT THE SMOOTH CRIMINAL, and a Curtiss F3 flipper.

 

[Hyesouljah]

The Pro-Tech Malibu is a great-sized EDC knife with a fidget-friendly button lock. A little lock stick on a button lock is normal, per my conversation with Dave of Pro-Tech Knives. With my bronze Malibu, I like that small amount of stick and the excellent harmonic click it makes throughout the knife when disengaging the lock.

I enjoy my Bronze Prototype a lot, and I love the hidden lanyard cutout for the Scott Cook Lochsa style leather lanyards

Bronze and leather go together

 

[BTTLBRN]

The Malibu is a really nice knife, I have skiff bearings in mine and it did improve the action. I think the Malibu would be just about perfect if it was a bit thinner BTE and if the knife was just a bit bigger - it is a little small in my hands. The Mordax fits me much better, again it could benefit from a thinner grind however.