My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u
Just got mine today! My first malibu. Literally one of the best actions I've handled. Love the sounds of it and it looks so much better in person. It was crazy how fast these went! But totally worth it.
I came across this knife on accident. I had no idea it was just the right day, at just the right time, at just the right website to buy one of the, I think 5 they had. Was just looking around radomly for nothing in particular and was like "oh wow a malibu thats not sold out. Lemme get that." Lol and that's all of my luck for the year
Got mine on Friday and I've been digging the texture, I had a set of skiffs in 3/16 on my work bench for something else that I put in the other night and wowza. It was not sluggish or gritty by any means but oh boy does she feel special now, it feels even more solid and polished-washer-smooth. I think it is expensive, but I wanted to try one and the texture put me over. If I didn't get one now chances of getting one at all let alone cheaper probably weren't going to get any better.
My benchmark for premium knife value is the 0562ti at $280-$300. I know that Ti > aluminum, but 20cv is equal & that fidgety goodness makes up the difference. I don't think $260 is unreasonable at all for that level of quality, especially from a lower-volume maker. My only complaint with ProTech is that ~90% if their offerings are black and I don't care for black. Blue or green & I'd buy this all day. Still an amazing company with family style customer service and a wonderful presence in the enthusiast community. ProTech is one of my top 5 favorite brands!
I got one! I’m really happy about the large blade small handle. My others knives with that size blade are much bulkier. Wish they would make an XL version.
I just ordered one of these in magnacut, surprised I was able to find one. Especially since this video is about a year old..... I would love to happen to stumble across the operator version as I did the regular version
Did you decide which knife to get? Kizer is great, but I'd go for the Protech. 100% US-made. I've got the Malibu and it's the best US-made flipper/folder in my collection. Action and build quality is impeccable. If a US-made knife isn't that important to you, then Kizer would be better since many of their knives are much cheaper than Protech's stuff. Or alternatively, just be the ultimate collector and get both at some point. Lol
Was lucky to be able grab one. The price stung a little bit. I think a $200 price would make a bit more sense. But this knife ticks most of my boxes in both action and aesthetics and I'm ultimately glad I bought it.
I hope that they release just the texture scales for separate purchase so I don’t have to try to buy a second knife. It was hard enough getting the first Malibu
I love my southern grind knives. I'm pretty sure they are American made. And all are made well. My spider monkey in copper is the best production knive I ever owned. Or even held. They do s35vn better than any
My blue Malibu from a year or so ago had a horribly uneven edge grind, which was disappointing. Picked this one up and it arrived perfect. Has a bunch of lock stock though, which the blue one never had. Overall was much more impressed with this one (all things considered, including value for the price) than my first Malibu.
Got a malibu some months back and the lock stick was really bad. Contacted Protech and they said it might get better with use but would always have some stick. Returned it. Seems it's an issue with this model. I have a Mordax that has zero stick and no play. I think $280 for this textured one is priced high.
@@abc456f Good to know this is my first Malibu. I'll give it some time I can always flip it if I need to. I only paid $234 so far I'm happy. I was expecting it to be feel about 15% bigger.
@@fictionaldave Yeah, the size of it was smaller than I was expecting too. Even if it had no stick, I still prefer the Mordax's size. If you're happy with it, that's all that matters. It's certainly a really popular knife.
The coating on the clip is a bit soft. (Mine has already gotten scratched but, I like honest wear on my knives.) I did need to polish the underside of the clip as well as the "landing area" on the scales to make it easier to get in and out of my pocket. It is indeed well made and I am quite happy with the build quality and its functionality.
I'm holding the blue Malibu and it doesn't feel like it would go anywhere in my hand, for people trying to decide you should definitely go to a knife show like I did feel them both and decide
Hey MC, thanks for the great review! I’ve been collecting for a while, but sometimes I’m still unsure about terms used in reviews. For instance, I don’t really know what pivot lash is lol. Would you consider doing a video going over some of the more common issues to look for with knives (e.g. double clutch, lock stick, blade play, etc) Thanks again for all the great videos! 👊
Pivot lash is when the hole in the blade is too large and not perfectly fit to the pivot barrel. So if you pull up and down on the blade when it’s at 90 degrees to the handle and there is play, that’s pivot lash.
I was expecting to be more excited for $280. But this is the first pro-tech I have handled, so I wasn't sure what I was getting exactly. The handle is so plain and does not fill the hand. Centering was on, but the blade grind was uneven. I returned it right away...would rather put a couple hundred into something else like a Hinderer or dare I say a Medford.
The value/price argument is always going to be subjective to the buyer. After getting new scales I’m walking around with over $250 in a Taiwan made blade with Aus10 as my work carry (I’m sure you can guess which 😄). For me, this is totally worth it. For the naysayers, the limited drops means you probably won’t even have the opportunity to feel like you overpaid!
Got one in blue reverse tanto back in November 2020 and it's been my favorite. Tried to get the textured version but sold out by the time I added to cart.
I love mine! I got it from a different site actually the day before they dropped at blade hq. But I think it is worth it. Is It a little steep? Yes, but even other companies that I own that are still great I quality would be the WE knifes I own and they are still around or just over the 200 dollar mark. I think I will also pick up the black version. Now I will say the only complaint I have is the grind was all over the place. I did re profile mine to be a 20 degree edg and it made a huge difference!
i had to grind off the checkering on a buck lightweight. bad idea, it hurt my fingers and thumb , the non shield side doesn't bother me but i thumb open my buck so that hard sharp shit had to go
I'm 58 years old and have never owned a folding knife! I know absolutely nothing about them! But I've watched alot of your videos so I'm learning fast! Thinking about my first purchase! Any recommendations?
How snappy/clicky would you say the locking action is? Compared day to the civivi cogent (not to compare this to the cogent but I simply have one). I find that the cogent kinda unsatisfyingly “thuds” into place compared to snappy click of say a non button lock elementum or para 3. Is that just how button locks are?
I have the original smooth black / stonewash 20CV on the flipper, I think it was barely under $200 at the time. Snagged the blacked out S45VN BHQ exclusive, $245. Just got this version two days ago, $260...... Still cheaper and I like the Malibu so much more than the Smooth Criminal 🤷♂️ no offense, Medford
Don't feel bad. I was on BHQ. At the moment the drop was supposed to happen I refreshed my page and it had already changed from Coming Soon to Sold Out. Tonight I found a site with inventory but it's at a higher price.
Should I? The ONLY place I found it in stock has a $30 mark-up on it, and that same place has a ProTech TR-3 MC-1 for sale for the exact same price, and I’ve been just about desperate for that knife…
Hey MC, great review as always and an absolutely great looking knife. On the note of knives that are "made in the USA" are the PM2 and PM3 an example of this or is it for realizes made in the US? Just something I had been thinking about ever since I started looking into protechs.
This is how all the smooth Protech scales should be. Especially considering how quickly these sell out. The smooth scales are aesthetically pleasing and durable, but not nearly as grippy or functional in that regard.
I have two reverse tanto Malibus, one a Bladeshow 2021 all black one with an abalone button, and one with the bronze aluminum handle and a mosaic button. The action is terrific, and at least in my case, there was no lockstick in either, but the blades are prettty thick behind the edge and didn't come particularly sharp. I haven't touched the Bladeshow one, but I put the aluminum bronze one on the old Wicked Edge and took the edge down to around 17 dps. It's a much better slicer now. I have to say that in that,. I've been a bit disappointed with my Protech knives. In comparison with say, all three of my F5.5 made by Reate, which have a thicker bladestock (and to be fair, is also a takker blade) were paper slicing machines out of the box. I wish that Protech would grind the reverse tantos at least a bit thinner behind the edge.
Same here, my PT QCQ tanto edge is so steep that my guided system doesn't work and the edge was just barely kind of sharp..ish, and I don't trust myself with freehand, so i may send it out to get a proper reprofile. Disappointing to say the least for that kind of money.
@@patricksmatrick6193 Practice with a few cheap-knives, and you can get the hang of reprofiling using a Wicked Edge or KME. A sharpie is your friend. You'll need it to figure our the correct placement and angle of the blade to get a consistent edge. I stupidly started with a Benchmade Anthem, and though it's great now, it probably paid for it with 2-3 full reprofilings (I practiced on a ton of knives in the interim). Its disappointing on a knife and company that is otherwise stellar. Protech should probably send someone to Spyderco to learn how to get a good edge.
If I hadn't already has a Malibu, I would have jumped on it. I saw the drop in real time so I am sure I would have got one. I didn't. I am happy with the one I have. And paying another $260 for the experience of the texture? Yeah, no.
Even though under the clip is smoothed out, the texture on each side of that area is probably going to be a pocket shredder...Also overpriced by at least $40. Yeah, yeah, I know, it costs more to texture the aluminum but $260? I'll pass.
I wanted the all black until I saw the price and I bailed. I have an original run blue handle Tanto that will have to be my only one I guess. I’m not doing $280.
@@metal_complex nope. Inflation index was 4.7% in the US last year. This radical price increase is simply capitalizing on a very popular model. If they can get it, great….good for them, but they lost me and my Malibu is one of my favorite knives. They do the same thing with their “operator” series. They are quite cool but absolutely not worth the premium they ask for….in my opinion. As long as they continue to sell out it means they are priced “correctly” so my opinion means very little unless too many others start to share it.
@@jagpilotohio 2 thinks to here. 1 - I also like using Google to pretend I'm smart. 2 - if you think your opinion doesn't matter and you're not interested anyway, just don't buy it. Simple stuff bro. A super smart guy like you should have no problem with this.
Oui loik that knoif! At $230 that is. Geez Protech. Give it a blade of 154CM and a sub $230 price tag so i can have one! Im not paying $260! Not gonna dooit!
My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex
Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex
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Just got mine today! My first malibu. Literally one of the best actions I've handled. Love the sounds of it and it looks so much better in person. It was crazy how fast these went! But totally worth it.
Me too!! I had to go across the CONUS to find one online. But super happy.
Yeah it's a 10. Absolutely my favorite folder to date. Was able to sell my Sebenza finally and not feel bad about it haha.
I thought about getting a malibu but the full aluminum handles worry me about small scuffs standing out
I just found one I think I’m gonna commit today
That’s a beautiful unicorn of a knife. You hear about them, see pics of them but never can find them. Thanks for sharing MC!
I came across this knife on accident. I had no idea it was just the right day, at just the right time, at just the right website to buy one of the, I think 5 they had. Was just looking around radomly for nothing in particular and was like "oh wow a malibu thats not sold out. Lemme get that." Lol and that's all of my luck for the year
Lol nice man that's super lucky, that's like going fishing and finding a gold nugget in the river!
Got mine on Friday and I've been digging the texture, I had a set of skiffs in 3/16 on my work bench for something else that I put in the other night and wowza. It was not sluggish or gritty by any means but oh boy does she feel special now, it feels even more solid and polished-washer-smooth. I think it is expensive, but I wanted to try one and the texture put me over. If I didn't get one now chances of getting one at all let alone cheaper probably weren't going to get any better.
My benchmark for premium knife value is the 0562ti at $280-$300. I know that Ti > aluminum, but 20cv is equal & that fidgety goodness makes up the difference. I don't think $260 is unreasonable at all for that level of quality, especially from a lower-volume maker. My only complaint with ProTech is that ~90% if their offerings are black and I don't care for black. Blue or green & I'd buy this all day. Still an amazing company with family style customer service and a wonderful presence in the enthusiast community. ProTech is one of my top 5 favorite brands!
I just got mine in the mail this past Saturday. It’s the best adult fidget spinner I own. 😏
My first ProTech.
These crazy ass price increases make me appreciate my last year and 2019 knives a lot more.
I pre ordered mine, from knife center, I can't wait to receive it... 😁😁
I got one! I’m really happy about the large blade small handle. My others knives with that size blade are much bulkier.
Wish they would make an XL version.
Just got one of these in Magnacut. I’m a protech guy now.
I just ordered one of these in magnacut, surprised I was able to find one. Especially since this video is about a year old..... I would love to happen to stumble across the operator version as I did the regular version
Just got the black dragon scales 320$
Worth every penny 😊
I got the same one a few days ago, love it!
Got mine yesterday. I think they sold out in under 5 minutes. My new favorite edc.
Hello! I'm stuck between protech malibu and kizer cormarant, which pocketknife should I choose, please help and tell me the reason. thanks
Did you decide which knife to get?
Kizer is great, but I'd go for the Protech. 100% US-made. I've got the Malibu and it's the best US-made flipper/folder in my collection.
Action and build quality is impeccable. If a US-made knife isn't that important to you, then Kizer would be better since many of their knives are much cheaper than Protech's stuff.
Or alternatively, just be the ultimate collector and get both at some point. Lol
Malibu w/coconut! 👍
Was lucky to be able grab one. The price stung a little bit. I think a $200 price would make a bit more sense. But this knife ticks most of my boxes in both action and aesthetics and I'm ultimately glad I bought it.
Got mine a few days ago. It’s awesome!🔥
$260 i want TI handles not aluminum, my only protech the black aluminum was scuffed and scratched up within a week
I hope that they release just the texture scales for separate purchase so I don’t have to try to buy a second knife. It was hard enough getting the first Malibu
I love my southern grind knives. I'm pretty sure they are American made. And all are made well. My spider monkey in copper is the best production knive I ever owned. Or even held. They do s35vn better than any
My blue Malibu from a year or so ago had a horribly uneven edge grind, which was disappointing. Picked this one up and it arrived perfect. Has a bunch of lock stock though, which the blue one never had. Overall was much more impressed with this one (all things considered, including value for the price) than my first Malibu.
I need this! To match my Runt.
I got mine over the weekend as well. I love it the button is definitely sticky when the blade is deployed. I'm hoping it will break in.
Got a malibu some months back and the lock stick was really bad. Contacted Protech and they said it might get better with use but would always have some stick. Returned it. Seems it's an issue with this model. I have a Mordax that has zero stick and no play. I think $280 for this textured one is priced high.
@@abc456f Good to know this is my first Malibu. I'll give it some time I can always flip it if I need to. I only paid $234 so far I'm happy. I was expecting it to be feel about 15% bigger.
@@fictionaldave Yeah, the size of it was smaller than I was expecting too. Even if it had no stick, I still prefer the Mordax's size. If you're happy with it, that's all that matters. It's certainly a really popular knife.
I've owned a few pro techs and they are nice.
Just scored a warncliff blue in Magnacut for $260 on Bladehq.
The coating on the clip is a bit soft. (Mine has already gotten scratched but, I like honest wear on my knives.) I did need to polish the underside of the clip as well as the "landing area" on the scales to make it easier to get in and out of my pocket. It is indeed well made and I am quite happy with the build quality and its functionality.
I'm holding the blue Malibu and it doesn't feel like it would go anywhere in my hand, for people trying to decide you should definitely go to a knife show like I did feel them both and decide
I have envy. You right handers get all the good stuff.🤨
Hey MC, thanks for the great review! I’ve been collecting for a while, but sometimes I’m still unsure about terms used in reviews. For instance, I don’t really know what pivot lash is lol. Would you consider doing a video going over some of the more common issues to look for with knives (e.g. double clutch, lock stick, blade play, etc) Thanks again for all the great videos! 👊
Pivot lash is when the hole in the blade is too large and not perfectly fit to the pivot barrel. So if you pull up and down on the blade when it’s at 90 degrees to the handle and there is play, that’s pivot lash.
@@jdisdetermined Thanks so much! That makes a lot of sense, I appreciate the help 👊
I was expecting to be more excited for $280. But this is the first pro-tech I have handled, so I wasn't sure what I was getting exactly. The handle is so plain and does not fill the hand. Centering was on, but the blade grind was uneven. I returned it right away...would rather put a couple hundred into something else like a Hinderer or dare I say a Medford.
The value/price argument is always going to be subjective to the buyer. After getting new scales I’m walking around with over $250 in a Taiwan made blade with Aus10 as my work carry (I’m sure you can guess which 😄). For me, this is totally worth it. For the naysayers, the limited drops means you probably won’t even have the opportunity to feel like you overpaid!
Demko AD20.5
Got one in blue reverse tanto back in November 2020 and it's been my favorite. Tried to get the textured version but sold out by the time I added to cart.
I love mine! I got it from a different site actually the day before they dropped at blade hq. But I think it is worth it. Is It a little steep? Yes, but even other companies that I own that are still great I quality would be the WE knifes I own and they are still around or just over the 200 dollar mark. I think I will also pick up the black version. Now I will say the only complaint I have is the grind was all over the place. I did re profile mine to be a 20 degree edg and it made a huge difference!
i had to grind off the checkering on a buck lightweight. bad idea, it hurt my fingers and thumb , the non shield side doesn't bother me but i thumb open my buck so that hard sharp shit had to go
I'm 58 years old and have never owned a folding knife! I know absolutely nothing about them! But I've watched alot of your videos so I'm learning fast! Thinking about my first purchase! Any recommendations?
ua-cam.com/video/zVgbD0po0RY/v-deo.html
😁👍
Dont get one,you will become a hopeless knife addict like the rest of us.
Im in, looking for one now.
How snappy/clicky would you say the locking action is? Compared day to the civivi cogent (not to compare this to the cogent but I simply have one). I find that the cogent kinda unsatisfyingly “thuds” into place compared to snappy click of say a non button lock elementum or para 3. Is that just how button locks are?
I have the original smooth black / stonewash 20CV on the flipper, I think it was barely under $200 at the time. Snagged the blacked out S45VN BHQ exclusive, $245. Just got this version two days ago, $260......
Still cheaper and I like the Malibu so much more than the Smooth Criminal 🤷♂️ no offense, Medford
So mad at myself for missing the drop. Love the texturing.
Don't feel bad. I was on BHQ. At the moment the drop was supposed to happen I refreshed my page and it had already changed from Coming Soon to Sold Out. Tonight I found a site with inventory but it's at a higher price.
I like the Malibu, but sold both of mine. I would have kept one if the handles were Titanium.
Should I? The ONLY place I found it in stock has a $30 mark-up on it, and that same place has a ProTech TR-3 MC-1 for sale for the exact same price, and I’ve been just about desperate for that knife…
I just got a godson with red fat carbon but damn if I don’t like this one.
BHQ sold out fast, but I picked one up from Going Gear on Sunday
Did they discontinue these? I was looking for one in any color and there ALL sold out on every knife website! Crazy
They still had a few at gpknives last time I checked a few hours ago, I finally found the one in the wild to order🎉🔥✌🏻
Hey MC, great review as always and an absolutely great looking knife. On the note of knives that are "made in the USA" are the PM2 and PM3 an example of this or is it for realizes made in the US? Just something I had been thinking about ever since I started looking into protechs.
I've got 2 and I also want their handles textured but not for 260. Just my opinion. Thx MC 🤙🍻
You might be able to find a place to texture and recoat your scales
@@templarterry594 that's a good idea 👌
I'll just have to settle for the Civivi Constipator. :P
i really wish i had this version, my malibu is so slippery
slippery when wet
This is how all the smooth Protech scales should be. Especially considering how quickly these sell out. The smooth scales are aesthetically pleasing and durable, but not nearly as grippy or functional in that regard.
You'd be hard pressed to find a better button lock that is mass produced.
Just ordered my first Malibu🎉 with textured scales and they still are going super fast A year after this video aired😅
I want that knife
Really hoping they give this treatment to the forthcoming Mordax.
Thanks
I think doing jimmy carter in a deep sultry voice works for the closeups. I need this in an auto.
I have two reverse tanto Malibus, one a Bladeshow 2021 all black one with an abalone button, and one with the bronze aluminum handle and a mosaic button. The action is terrific, and at least in my case, there was no lockstick in either, but the blades are prettty thick behind the edge and didn't come particularly sharp. I haven't touched the Bladeshow one, but I put the aluminum bronze one on the old Wicked Edge and took the edge down to around 17 dps. It's a much better slicer now. I have to say that in that,. I've been a bit disappointed with my Protech knives. In comparison with say, all three of my F5.5 made by Reate, which have a thicker bladestock (and to be fair, is also a takker blade) were paper slicing machines out of the box. I wish that Protech would grind the reverse tantos at least a bit thinner behind the edge.
Same here, my PT QCQ tanto edge is so steep that my guided system doesn't work and the edge was just barely kind of sharp..ish, and I don't trust myself with freehand, so i may send it out to get a proper reprofile.
Disappointing to say the least for that kind of money.
@@patricksmatrick6193 Practice with a few cheap-knives, and you can get the hang of reprofiling using a Wicked Edge or KME. A sharpie is your friend. You'll need it to figure our the correct placement and angle of the blade to get a consistent edge. I stupidly started with a Benchmade Anthem, and though it's great now, it probably paid for it with 2-3 full reprofilings (I practiced on a ton of knives in the interim). Its disappointing on a knife and company that is otherwise stellar. Protech should probably send someone to Spyderco to learn how to get a good edge.
Haven’t watched yet…. Will there be a “this isn’t a review, it’s just an unboxing”? Shot of Redbreast at the ready if I win.
Yum that was guuuud
Dlt 3 days m390
Pro-Tech Malibu continues to taunt me. Sometimes I enjoy the "hunt"though.
THANKS M.C‼️‼️
Stay safe, stay sharp 👍🇺🇸👍🔪
If I hadn't already has a Malibu, I would have jumped on it. I saw the drop in real time so I am sure I would have got one. I didn't. I am happy with the one I have. And paying another $260 for the experience of the texture? Yeah, no.
Unboxing folks not a review.
Hey MC thought I’d say that for you lol 😂
Even though under the clip is smoothed out, the texture on each side of that area is probably going to be a pocket shredder...Also overpriced by at least $40. Yeah, yeah, I know, it costs more to texture the aluminum but $260? I'll pass.
The malibu is one of the best and most disappointing knife I ever owned. Really needs a thinner blade. Why it didn't stick around for me.
👍👍👍
Too expensive for my budget-for that knife.
Am I the only one that thinks Powder Coated aluminum feels like eww? I sold my green 940 the day after I bought it
In less than 3 minutes they sold out ridiculous
Northern Knives has them, other places too.
@@fredeschen3783 really?
@@nahumdeleon8453 that’s where I got one. $260 plus shipping
First comment
I wanted the all black until I saw the price and I bailed. I have an original run blue handle Tanto that will have to be my only one I guess. I’m not doing $280.
Welcome to inflation. Please avoid literally everything.
@@metal_complex nope. Inflation index was 4.7% in the US last year. This radical price increase is simply capitalizing on a very popular model. If they can get it, great….good for them, but they lost me and my Malibu is one of my favorite knives. They do the same thing with their “operator” series. They are quite cool but absolutely not worth the premium they ask for….in my opinion. As long as they continue to sell out it means they are priced “correctly” so my opinion means very little unless too many others start to share it.
@@jagpilotohio 2 thinks to here. 1 - I also like using Google to pretend I'm smart. 2 - if you think your opinion doesn't matter and you're not interested anyway, just don't buy it. Simple stuff bro. A super smart guy like you should have no problem with this.
Oui loik that knoif!
At $230 that is.
Geez Protech. Give it a blade of 154CM and a sub $230 price tag so i can have one! Im not paying $260!
Not gonna dooit!
Hard sell... $40 increase in price for only texturing... a process that doesn't warrant the price increase
Way too much money.If it was under $200 maybe.