Some of the more popular Pro-Tech Knives models are the TR-3, TR-4, and Godson. Another is the Malibu. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this model such a fan favorite.
The Blade Profile
The blade profile alone makes the Malibu from Pro-Tech Knives a winner. This model sports either a wharncliffe or a reverse tanto blade, both of which are functionally very similar.
The wharncliffe or “wharnie” configuration preserves a relatively fine point that remains good for piercing, whereas the reverse tanto is a little bit more robust. Both of them, like a sheepsfoot blade, retain a lot of blade stock behind the point which bolsters the overall construction of the blade, making it more resistant to abuse, and making the tip slightly more resistant to breakage.
Both blade profiles, in addition to being remarkably robust, are also very versatile, and remain practical for piercing tasks as well as for slicing and other general chores.
The Blade Steel and Finish
As is the case with many other Pro-Tech Knives, the Malibu is available in a variety of different blade steels, but two of the most common are MagnaCut and 20CV.
The former is one of the best super steels in the industry, and has just the right amount of chromium and carbide-forming elements to uphold an exceptionally high standard for corrosion resistance and edge retention. It’s also a very tough steel.
On the note of toughness, the other common alloy from which Malibu’s blade is made is a very tough tool steel with a high concentration of vanadium which results in excellent edge retention and pretty good toughness. It’s also not bad as corrosion resistance is concerned, it’s just a little bit harder to sharpen.
Both of these alloys offer pretty good resistance to corrosion, but nonetheless some are treated with a DLC, or diamond-like carbon coating. This coating insulates the steel, further boosting its protection against corrosion, and also reduces reflectivity, increasing the discreetness of the knife.
Deployment Mechanism and Lock Mechanism
The Malibu, regardless of blade steel or profile, deploys via a flipper tab that helps form a choil in the handle when the blade is open.
The flipper tab is a great deployment mechanism because it is not only easy to operate with one hand, unlike some other deployment mechanisms, the flipper tab is inherently ambidextrous. There’s also a short learning curve associated with it; most users don’t have any trouble getting used to a flipper tab.
On top of this, since it doubles as partial guard or choil when the blade is deployed, it helps prevent the user’s hand from slipping up and over the blade when in use.
Another great thing about the Malibu is that it is equipped with a button lock. Strong and fidget-friendly, the button lock is also a fan favorite because of its inherent safety; a user does not have to put his or her hands in the path of the blade when closing it.
Where to Get One of These (or Explore Other Pro-Tech Knives)
All told, these are just a few of the many features that make the Malibu such a popular entry in this brand’s catalog, but they are among the most salient ones.
If you want to learn more about this model or are potentially interested in exploring more Pro-Tech Knives, visit River’s Edge Cutlery. They represent this and other leading brands and their customer service is top-notch in the event you have any questions.
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