PROTECH MALIBU REVIEW GOOD & BAD

[@johnmackey3164]

Both my Malibu’s are rock solid. Zero play or detent slop. The pivot and body screws are Allen key. The pocket clip and stop pin are T6

[@81Treez]

Thanks for keeping it real and actually pointing out the real flaws in this knife. You have really done the right thing for this community and I’ll continue to support ur content.

[@NeevesKnives]

👊

[@pateralus9]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but the pivot is not, & has never been a T6. I've owned 8 Malibus & none have been T6. *The pivot screw takes a 1/16 inch Allen/hex key.* I talked to Derek from Protech who told me this has always been true since PR1, so this is coming straight from the maker. Now, a T6 bit will actually work in the pivot, with some chance of stripping it, but if you look closely, it's definitely an Allen screw. As soon as I used a 1/16 Allen/hex key, I realized it does fit perfectly. My Newport was the same way, same bit. So if you're using a T6 on your Malibu pivot, please switch to 1/16 hex & I know your experience will improve! Great video man, thanks! 😃

[@NeevesKnives]

It wasn't my knife and I learned about that after I sent it back, I never took it apart, but I should have read more into it rather than what my eyes seen, I'm so used to seeing torque screws

[@ParamountPocket]

Yeah even though the 2 body screws and pivot are alan keys, they should have made them at least one size bigger if not a couple sizes bigger. But for example the actium is so nice to disassemble and back together cuz its all T8. Protech take note

[@NeevesKnives]

Absolutely

[@stevetqp9152]

Thanks for another awesome review! So, I’m torn between this knife and a Benchmade Griptillian or Freek. Not owning either brand yet, can you tell me what the quality difference is between them, and which you’d recommend?

[@jagpilotohio]

Absolutely my favorite EDC. It’s spectacular. I have the blue. I need a specialty version in the future. Another poster mentioned replacing bearings and I can’t even fathom that being worthwhile. Mine is flawless. I do agree it could be thinner blade stock to be a better slicer. And I hate that the pivot is a small hex head. It’s not even a torx.

[@dlife7427]

Weird thing is the Protech Mordax uses all Torxs. I heard Ferrum Forge or Drop.com requested it.

[@NeevesKnives]

Its definitely wierd id still prefer just use all t8 torque

[@dlife7427]

@@NeevesKnives totally agree. Maybe we will see someone make screws for it soon.

[@toddcarr.]

Cool knife get rid of the flipper for a good choil and put some fullers on each side where the stock is wide enough, would be perfect in my eyes, but to each their own. Love the audio in the new vids.

[@NeevesKnives]

Thanks Todd and id also love to see this as a fuller knife the malibu 2.0

[@omens_slays]

Absolutely love the reverse tanto blade

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

Been after a Malibu for a while now. I really want the black out version. Great review 👍

[@johnl.38]

Do you have any suggestions for a similar (maybe cheaper) blade shape and size manual knife? I've been looking for good reverse tantos but I haven't seen many I like. Plus the Malibu's are never in stock...

[@markm8956]

Civivi Brigand

[@tristanmurphy4731]

If you have one, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND adding Skiff Bearings. Makes this knife even more smooth and glassy (and droppy)

[@NeevesKnives]

Wow i cant even imagine it even better than this

[@jagpilotohio]

You must have got a dud. I can’t imagine changing bearings. Mine couldn’t possibly be any smoother. It seems frictionless.

[@randyf.9188]

Hard to beat a Pro Tech 🇺🇲

[@jamesfair9751]

I’ve had a budget knife with a t15 pivot and t10 scale screws !!!

[@aikidolala]

Hello experts...My Malibu has a little side-to-side blade rock or wiggle when the blade is opened. When its closed, its wiggles when i shake the knife. Does anybody know how can i fix it?...maybe Jerad could help with an advise?

[@napalmholiday9708]

The OP probably wont read this since its a year old comment, but for any other people who run into side-to-side play in the open and closed positions, you might be missing the steel washer on one or both sides of the pivot. If you've lost or damaged any small parts, Protech is good about sending replacements (I think they'll charge you a small shipping cost).

[@David_DY]

Love my Malibu...I seen on the protech facebook group Dave said they cranked the pivot down because it was a finger guillotine so l know the action could be even better! Also my Version has absolutely no play up and down or side to side when using the flipper! But if l open with just the button there's a tiny bit of up and down 👊

[@NeevesKnives]

👊🏻

[@AudibleVisibIe]

How/Why would your finger ever be in the way of closing?..

[@David_DY]

@@AudibleVisibIe Shouldn't be! But that's what was said...I guess your pinky or ring finger could possibly get cut if someone wasn't holding the knife correctly... That's my best guess.

[@mickkeim4142]

I’m not sure about pulling the trigger on this one, but got to get me a button lock...maybe not this one, but got to have one.

[@NeevesKnives]

This ones hard to get rt now the Smock is a great one and i have one in the description linked

[@russcagle6965]

Good to hear some negative about it. Everyone LOVES it. Maybe you've got a poor example with the detent lash. T6 and hex don't make much sense. I still want one. Lol. ✌️

[@NeevesKnives]

I know i messed up by not mentioning the hex but either way t8s all the way around would be better

[@russcagle6965]

Wasn't saying that you messed up... It just doesn't make sense to have both. Later!

[@bryanbushby2754]

Thanks great review good to hear some nick pick’s instead of the love everything gush might be a candidate for a primary full flat regrind to say .010 bte

[@NeevesKnives]

That would be amazing

[@jacknemo8021]

Have you guys seen the new CRKT Pilar KIK? I haven't liked the Pilar (or Vox designs tbh) but this new thing....may buy one...

[@NeevesKnives]

Ive seen it, but man my hatred for it might be crossing over even though im sure its amazing

[@ricardovazquez9113]

I need this knife in my possession

[@rong.9130]

I'll bet they went with that blade stock because the blade weight emphasizes the drop-shut quality.

[@NeevesKnives]

Probably

[@ApexFPS]

I disagree on blade size my Malibu bid perfect. Any thinner would be too flimsy

[@NeevesKnives]

Flimsy i wouldnt say that, i mean button lock knives are not made for buttoning, nor for hard use, ive got grinds much much thinner and are far beyond flimsy, theres a reason we use these super steels, because they are tough hard exc.. They can handle being thinned out, its not like stainless razor blade steel, but to each there own, I prefer my knives to cut the best they can sharpen the best they can and last, thicker knives at the edge dont last very long

[@jonrost5574]

No links there, man. Great review!

[@NeevesKnives]

There in there

[@jonrost5574]

@@NeevesKnives awesome. Reloaded and found them.

[@NeevesKnives]

@@jonrost5574 awesome thank you

[@caseytyler8326]

Yeah I had to refresh too to see them

[@johnmackey3164]

I put ceramic bearings in one of my Malibu’s and I can’t tell the difference between the two knives.

[@NeevesKnives]

One of the many 😆 it would probably only matter with skiff bearings or something someone else made a comment saying that

[@chrisriker8186]

I must be missing something - why do we care about T6 vs T8?

[@IsraelIvanCastro]

Anyone's got a link for this knife?? One thats not out of stock please! Thank you.

[@NeevesKnives]

You just have to look around at all the knife dealers, possibly get on an email list so you know when they come in stock because they sell fast

[@IsraelIvanCastro]

@@NeevesKnives thanks a bunch, I will look into that!

[@petervu9773]

nailed it ! great review

[@jamesmaggio7560]

Jared did you sharpen that Malibu freehand?

[@NeevesKnives]

Absolutely

[@jonr1510]

I'll get one when/if they become more readily available. I've been on the email/text list for 7 months at BHQ and haven't heard anything. I'm sure I'd like it but I've kinda lost interest at this point

[@NeevesKnives]

I know what you mean, and im sure your not the only one

[@jagpilotohio]

They sent me an email in early November. I got a blue Tanto form them.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Wow...shiny edge. I could comb my hair in that reflection...if I had any.

[@NeevesKnives]

😆

[@mrfumetsu]

I got a Malibu and was super disappointed. Sticky lock button, action too tight/not free, Magnacut blade can't even cut paper brand new. Not worth the money at all with Kizer/Civivi offering much better value. So much for made in America.

[@caseytyler8326]

Great knife. Hope such hard to get knives. I know they only have like 7 employees but still 😢

[@NeevesKnives]

Hire more people 😆 plenty of them rt now, but yeah i know it sucks

[@Oyeblad]

Does anyone have a issue with button sticking when trying to close the knife?

[@NeevesKnives]

Sticking and not popping out?, try a little drip of oil in the button maybe

[@Oyeblad]

No its nard to press on it when the knife is in open locked position A little bit of lube was applied and still sticking I also have a protach mordax and that button lock is very smooth Thats why i was surprised Watched a lot of your videos Very helpful and educational Thanks for your reply

[@NeevesKnives]

@@Oyeblad it might be the oil causing it, take it apart and dry it off, possibly add a little permanent marker where it locks up

[@jacknemo8021]

Always thought the Kizer Genie was a better knife.

[@tallica4life81]

Links not showing up like the others said

[@NeevesKnives]

There now

[@caseytyler8326]

Refresh

[@tallica4life81]

@@caseytyler8326 I see it now working. I need to purchase a few things. I need the tool pouch, some stropping compound, and new leather strop.

[@tallica4life81]

@@NeevesKnives I need a few things off that list. I need to take a minuet and get it done. I need to stop stacking my knives on top of each other half hazardly in my kitchen upper cabinet. I also need some new stopping stuff.

[@tallica4life81]

I need to get the tool pouch

[@NeevesKnives]

The carhart one its in there

[@edsaban572]

I don’t get the hype. It’s a plain looking knife with cheap materials except the blade.

[@NeevesKnives]

🇺🇸 button lock from a company that's mastered the Button lock I guess

[@edrader]

aluminum handles are a no go for me

[@NeevesKnives]

I prefer titanium myself

[@edrader]

@@NeevesKnives yeah or carbon fiber. big fan of both materials

[@yohannmawash4209]

Malibu very well

[@Quagmire925]

Button locks are m’eh. Falling shut like a guillotine is nowhere near as satisfying as a good quality framelock gliding slowly down to the detent and clicking closed. 👌

[@NeevesKnives]

I completely agree but i still like a good drop shut action as well

[@Quagmire925]

But with a good framelock you have both Jerad. Slap it shut or let it glide. Good luck getting a button lock to glide closed. They are a one trick pony 🤷‍♂️

[@NeevesKnives]

@@Quagmire925 true

[@klapsker714]

You are so wrong. Just learn how to close it properly.