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Protech Malibu Review
- Pros: Top-tier CPM-20CV blade steel with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Thin blade stock and good behind-the-edge thickness for slicing performance. Flawless flipping action with a snappy, precise detent and smooth button lock. Comfortable, contoured handles with a pleasant texture for enhanced grip. Excellent fit and finish throughout, showcasing Protech's attention to detail. Deep carry pocket clip with just the right amount of tension for easy access. Compact size and lightweight design make it a great choice for EDC.
- Cons: Right-hand, tip-up only pocket clip configuration may not be ideal for some users. The current color and blade shape options are limited. Some may prefer a different blade steel or handle material. The price point may be higher than some are willing to spend on an EDC knife.
Greetings, knife enthusiasts! Today, we're going to be doing the much anticipated Protech Malibu review, the Malibu flipper in a reverse tanto blade shape.
Key Takeaways
- The Protech Malibu is a high-quality manual flipper with a CPM-20CV reverse tanto blade and aluminum handles.
- Protech's packaging and presentation have significantly improved, reflecting the knife's premium quality.
- The Malibu's size and proportions are comparable to popular EDC knives like the Bugout, Atom, and Para 2.
- The contoured handles with chamfered edges and a slightly textured finish offer excellent ergonomics and grip.
- The flipping action is incredible, with a perfectly dialed-in detent and a smooth, robust button lock.
- This knife showcases Protech's ability to transfer its automatic knife expertise to manual flippers.
Packaging
I have to say, I really love what Protech has done with its packaging in recent years. The Malibu comes in an attractive box with a magnetic closure and a soft pouch inside. It's a nice presentation that reflects the quality of the knife itself.
Specs
The Protech Malibu specs are impressive:
| Specification | Value |
| Overall Length | 7.50" |
| Blade Length | 3.25" |
| Blade Width | 1.00" |
| Blade Thickness | 0.13" |
| Blade Material | CPM 20CV |
| Blade Style | Reverse Tanto |
| Blade Grind | Flat |
| Finish | Black |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Handle Length | 4.25" |
| Handle Width | 1.13" |
| Handle Thickness | 0.48" |
| Handle Material | Aluminum |
| Weight | 2.99 oz. |
| User | Right Hand |
| Pocket Clip | Tip-Up |
| Knife Type | Manual |
| Opener | Flipper |
| Lock Type | Button Lock |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Materials
This Malibu sports a reverse tanto blade in CPM-20CV stainless steel, which is a big upgrade from the 154CM Protech usually uses. The 20CV offers phenomenal edge retention and corrosion resistance, on par with M390 and CTS-204P.
The blade has a nice stonewashed finish and a hollow grind that's close to a flat grind. I'm really digging the clean, understated lines and the discreet 20CV marking near the pivot. Spine thickness comes in at 0.125", and my calipers show the behind-the-edge thickness at 23 thousandths—not too shabby!
Size Comparisons
For this Protech Malibu review, I’ve stacked it up against some similar knives. Here's how the Malibu stacks up against a few other popular EDC knives:
Benchmade Bugout
The Bugout is a great size comparison for the Malibu. They feel very similar in terms of handle length and overall proportions.
TRM Atom
The Atom has a smidge more blade than the Malibu, but they're pretty close in size. Both are compact, high-quality flippers.
Spyderco Para 2
You can see the Malibu is quite a bit smaller than the PM2 overall. It's a great alternative if you like the PM2 but want something a little slimmer and lighter in the pocket.
Handles & Ergos
I'm loving the look and feel of these contoured aluminum handles. The chamfered edges make it really comfortable to grip. Interestingly, the finish on the Malibu seems slightly more velvety compared to other Protech knives I've handled. It's a subtle difference, but I think it gives the Malibu a bit more traction without being abrasive.
The deep carry pocket clip is fantastic, with just the right amount of ramp to slip over your jeans. It's a thoughtful design that matches the overall aesthetic perfectly.
Action & Lock-Up
Holy cow, the action on this thing! The Malibu absolutely flies out with the lightest switch or push button pressure. Lockup is rock solid, with no blade play at all.
Protech nailed the detent and the button lock calibration. There's no stickiness or mushiness – just buttery smooth flipping action. It's incredible, especially considering this is Protech's first major foray into manual knives.
Guys, I would love to see Protech expand this Malibu lineup with more sizes and blade shapes. The button lock execution is flawless. It's a complete joy to fidget with, and it rivals any automatic Protech I've tried. Major kudos to Protech for delivering such an impressive manual flipper right out of the gate!
Video Review
Conclusions
The Protech Malibu is easily one of my favorites. With its premium CPM-20CV blade steel, fantastic flipping action, and solid button lock, it checks all the boxes for a high-performance EDC knife.
I'm amazed at how well Protech translated their automatic knife expertise into this manual flipper. I really hope this is the start of a new chapter for Protech. Dave Wattenberg, if you're reading, please make more Malibus with different blade shapes, sizes, and handle colors! I'll be first in line to check them out.
To wrap up my Protech Malibu review, I'm extremely impressed with the Malibu. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a top-quality manual flipper that brings some real innovation to the EDC market.
Let me know what you think about the Malibu! Do you prefer this button lock knife or are you more of an auto Protech fan? I'd love to hear your take!
