[PX15]

Anyone have any personal experience with the Protech Ciabatta ao knife? If so, I'd appreciate if you'd share your opinion of this knife.

Thanks!

Jesse

P.S. Sorry for mispelling "Protech" in the thread title... I'm old, what can I say?

[glistam]

ProTech makes bread? or carpet slippers?

In all seriousness though, it looks like a nice piece. Very clever design: the blade becomes the button itself. I might consider this just because I am a sucker for clever mechanisms.

[PX15]

glistam:

Well, apparently they make both... :D

Of course for the purpose of my question, lets stick to the "Italian slipper" version...

I've ordered one of these just "cause"... I'm kinda like you in that unique design is interesting to me, and the Ciabatta should make a nice companion for my HK P7 pistol, which is also a bit unique.

Just thought I'd throw out the question in hopes someone on the forum might have some actual experience with the Ciabatta, and would be willing to share that experience with us.

Recently my carry knife has been the Kershaw Leek 1660G10, and it's an almost perfect ao knife for daily carry.. Light, amazingly sharp, extremely quick opening, and the non-slip G10 handle offers for a very good grip..

I don't expect the Ciabatta to be any better than the Leek, but something about it just was attractive to me, so guess I'll know how good it is, IF it is, when it shows up.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_1481.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_1485.jpg

[Fred Fuller]

Fixed it for you- I think...

http://www.protechknives.com/knives/switchblades/ciabatta-blackie-collins-knives.asp

lpl

[PX15]

Lee,

And "blessings be upon you my son"...... :D

Thanks!

Jesse

[Beelzy]

The Ciabatta is a very interesting knife to play with.

Have fun, and keep Band-Aid handy.

[PX15]

Beelzy,

Not trying to be a smart butt here, but I don't want any knife to "play with"..

I am a senior citizen, almost 67 years old. I have been legally carrying a concealed weapon since 1966... Up to this point (knocking on wood here) I have never had to as much as "display" a weapon, much less actually use it.

Having said that, I still carry a firearm daily. Generally my LWS380 because it is so easy to conceal and offers what most consider a "minimum" round for self defense... Or what others consider a "worthless" round for self defense, even tho you never hear of anyone volunteering to be shot with ANY caliber round..

My interest in also carrying a knife is recent, as since switchblades are illegal, and my hand dexterity simply is about worthless for opening a folded knife blade in the conventional manner.

But recently I discovered that assisted opening knives are (at present) not "illegal", as the manufacturers used the "button to operate" language in the original legislation to offer a knife that can be opened with one finger, and is not illegal.

So, I bought a couple of Kershaw Leeks, and I really, really like the 1660G10. Using the pocket clip where just the bare top (or bottom) of the knife is visible takes the "SpeedSafe" opening Leeks NOT concealed, and NOT illegal, so anyone who wishes to have a knife on their person for whatever reason can do so.

I have no intentions of ever shooting, much less cutting anyone... But Murphy and his law are alive and well in today's America, and innocents are confronted every day by folks who just consider them prey, or in the case of old farts such as my wife and myself, "sheeple'.... :barf:

So, I chose to arm myself with a firearm, and now that I know I can also arm myself with an edged weapon, legally, and comfortably, that's where my interest in having an "ao" knife comes in.

The blade of whatever knife I happen to be carrying in my pocket will never be used for ANYTHING other than my self defense, should that ever be necessary.

My Kershaw Leeks came EXTREMELY sharp.. I open them, I close them. I watch the blade when I close them, and "so far" I have yet to sustain a cut, not that I might not do that very thing the next time I open the knife..

But I don't "PLAY" with them..

I do practice pulling the knife out of my pocket, and opening it with one finger, and then grasping the knife in what I consider the best defensive manner... That's it...

Now, I'm not trying to offend you, and if you ARE offended by the tone of my post then it's unintentional, and I apologize.

IF the Ciabatta, and it's unique opening system winds up being something I'm uncomfortable with I'll just sell the sucker, or just put it away for my heirs.. I think any knife has a long way to go to trump my Kershaw 1660G10, but then perhaps this unique ProTech Ciabatta does have something to offer?

I won't know unless I try one, and after I try one I'll come back and let you know what my impression of the Ciabatta is..

For me ANY knife is just absolutely a last ditch, holy crap, desparate weapon. I hope to never need such a thing, but if such a situation comes about I'd rather have a b/u to my pistol and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Sorry for rambling... I think it's partially caused by advancing senility.. :uhoh:

Best Wishes,

Jesse

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_1362.jpg

[Gordon]

Old dude(PX15). while 4 years your junior our packing time frames are similar.Actually beat you a couple years when I carried a .25 Beretta around Macon when I went to Mercer.Good luck to us!

[Beelzy]

My Bad.....(whippersnapper for Ooops)

My experience: It sucked, was a PITA to work it, deemed it dangerous and quit
selling them. If you have a hand dexterity issue, the Ciabatta is NOT for you!

Wasn't kidding about the Band-Aids either.

You need to go with a fixed blade.......trust me I sell knive to folks like you me and
even our Boys over in the SandBox.

(PS. What!??! you don't play with your knife?? Chicks dig scars dude, now how else are
you going to "get" them if you don't cut yourself by accident once in a while.LOL)

[hso]

PX15,

Rein back a minute. He's telling you the Ciabatta is not suitable as an SD knife because the manual of arms is too complicated. It's a fun knife to play with (and even more fun to play with your buddies watching them try to open it), but I wouldn't carry it for SD.

ProTech makes excellent knives. Blackie Collins designs excellent knives. He also loves designing interesting mechanisms. This is one type I'm familiar with and I classify it as a mystery/puzzle lock because you have to have the knife oriented in a specific way to be even able to open it or close it. It's clever if you're fond of puzzle openers, but frustrating if you're not. Blackie may have shown it to me (I can't remember), but I've played with this type of opening mechanism before and while clever I wouldn't bet my butt on it when time was of the essence.

Enjoy it, but don't mistake it for anything other than a toy if you're looking for an SD knife.

[PX15]

Gordon:

Thanks.. Actually my first new pistol was a 25cal. too.. (Galesi). I wanted to buy a sweet used nickle Colt Cobra I saw in a small hardware store in Dublin, but it was $65.00. :(

I did manage to scrape up $35.00 for a new Galesi, and it was a "cute" little bugger, but never met a full mag it liked to fire without hanging up or something.. I still have the sucker, replaced all the springs and gave it a good cleaning (internal) last year and it STILL isn't reliable. But, sentimentality overwhelms me some times so I keep it around.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

P.S. The Cobra's and Detective Special showed up later...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_5032.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_5833.jpg

[PX15]

Beelzy & hso:

The comments you are giving me NOW are precisely the type information I was asking for..

I have NO experience with the Ciabatta, but I was intrigued by the unique manner in which it is opened, and it seemed just from checking our ProTech knives they make pretty good stuff.

So, apparently made of pretty good stuff, add unique (and legal) opening technology and I "thought" I'd like to check one out for myself.

I do not doubt either of you gentleman's comments are absolutely true.. Those comments are what I was seeking, and I thank you for sharing them with me.

If you have the interest after I get and have time to check out the Ciabatta I'll come back and let you guys know my opinion.. Then perhaps you'll shortly thereafter see a "lightly used" Ciabatta for sale in that section.. :o

I have ordered a Ciabatta, but it's not to late to cancel the order, as at present the knife is backordered... But I think I'll just buy one anyway to see what it's all about. IF (and it probably will) my experiences are the same as yours then I'll just put it away and consider the small amount of money spent as educational expenses.

As for carrying a fixed blade knife? I just can't do that with reasonable concealment and be legal at the same time. I have found the Kershaw Leek fits my needs perfectly, and if I don't find a better choice, I'll just keep carrying it daily..

The chances of my EVER needing to defend myself with a knife are absolutely remote, but it's just like extra insurance to me. The Leek is light, and clips into my pocket and disappears.. So I feel comfortable with a good folding ao knife, but like most men I'm always looking for the next best "mouse trap"..

I was sorta hoping the Ciabatta might be a "next best thing" in the ao market, but from what you gentleman have said I would be very surprised if I do more than open it a time or two, scare the crap out of myself, then stash it away with all the guns I don't use any more.

As for "reining back"...

I'm an old fart, opinionated, not faint to share those opinions.. In times past I have been quick to take offense at others who disagreed with my, often faulty and incorrect, knowledge of any particular subject, but I've tried, and I'm trying to be more polite in my posts now. That is why I always try to throw out a disclaimer that what I say is JUST my personal opinion, and no offense TO ANYONE is intended by my comments...

I can't ratchet in my inclinations to mouth off on any particular subject at any particular moment, on any particular forum, but I CAN and do try to make it clear that thru my ramblings I mean no ill will to anyone. I don't "know it all", and I'm either seeking information from those more experienced that myself on the subject at hand, or I'm trying to share information that I have learned over 67 years on a subject someone has asked about..

So, just based on your opinions I feel quite sure I'm throwing $150 (more or less) down the drain as I'm sure you both must be more experienced in knives in general, and the Ciabatta in particular than I am. But I'm willing to pay that price to try one of the suckers myself.

Just from what you have said I WILL certainly be extra careful with the Ciabatta because cutting myself is no less painful than being cut by someone, and I'd just as soon pass on either happening..

Again, if I came off offensive with my earlier posts it was unintentional and I apologize again, and I thank you both for sharing your experiences (especially bad experiences) with me.



Best Wishes,

Jesse

[PX15]

Hey,

Here's another thought, and anyone with an opinion is certainly welcome to join in..

It seems to be the majority opinion that cutting one's self with a personal carry knife, sooner or later, is a certainty... Why is that?

The reason I ask is that when I carry my Leek (which is daily) it is snugly clipped on to my pants pocket. When I withdraw it my fingers naturally go to the sides of the G10 handle, with the exception that my "flipper" index finger goes to rest on the top of the flipper.

I have found out, with practice, that the only concern I have for whether or not the Leek opens properly or not is to make sure it is far enough away from the material of the pants leg. (I open my knife by touch, point down, parallel to my leg). Early on unless I was careful there were times the opening blade would brush the pants leg and not fully open. But even then there should be no possibility of cutting yourself as the sharpened portion of the blade does not face the front.

When I close the Leek I do so with both hands, watching what I'm doing.. I notice on several Utube videos it seems folks are determined to CLOSE the ao knives with one finger of the hand holding the opened knife and for the life of me I don't understand the logic of that..

I need a knife that will OPEN with one finger, I could care less how many fingers or if two hands are necessary to close the sucker.

It would seem to me that most accidental cuts would occur when closing the blade with the same index finger used to deploy the flipper and not paying attention while doing it. :eek:

Now, truth be told I'm a "newbie" at this carry knife business... Been carrying a firearm for decades, but only recently have started carrying a knife along for the ride too..

So, any comments, suggestions, or recommendations from those folks with extensive experience in this area would be greatly appreciated.

ONE accidental cut is one too many for this old fart. So if any of you folks can give me advice as to how to avoid THAT first cut I'd be very appreciative.

Thanks!

Jesse

[hso]

How to avoid cutting yourself? Take your time. Don't use the knife distracted. Don't use the knife when fatigued. Kinda like the advice they give for driving. Every time I've cut or stabbed myself it has been because I was fatigued, rushed, distracted or all of the above. Got the scars to prove it. Give the sharp pointy thing the respect it demands or it will bite you.

If you have the interest after I get and have time to check out the Ciabatta I'll come back and let you guys know my opinion

Please do. Real first hand evaluations are very valuable.

I like puzzle mechanisms, this one included, and you may find the ProTech to be just fine under day to day use, but the requirement to orient the knife pivot up and down to get the mechanism to work isn't going to serve for a defensive folder that has to be instantly (or as nearly close to as possible) opened. KISS is the rule for defensive knives.

[PX15]

hso:

I agree that having to "pivot" the Ciabatta up to unlock the blade might be a deal breaker for a knife carried for self defense, and when every micro-second is critical..

I actually think the way the Leek opens pointing down (the way I chose to do it), almost invisible to someone who isn't expecting a knife is perfect... The Leek is also small enough that it can be carried in the palm of the hand, finger on the flipper, and still be pretty much undetectable.

I did not care too much for the slippery stainless steel handle of the Leek 1660CB and that's why I later ordered the 1660G10.. The handle of the G10 is designed to be anti-slippery and it does the job.

Truthfully I do not expect the Ciabatta to replace the Leek G10, but I am curious enough about it to buy one just to satisfy my own inquisitive nature..

But you can never say "never" because "different strokes for different folks" and all that stuff.

I have a couple of HK P7's that I dearly love, but do not chose to use for cc most of the time. I find the P2000sk V3 is just better suited for that duty, for me. But I don't care to sell the P7's because they are "unique", of excellent quality and worth keeping around just cause... :)

Perhaps the Ciabatta will wind up be used in the same manner as the P7's.. Never know until I give one a try..

Thanks for your input.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100b9470-1.jpg

[Beelzy]

People cut themselves because of complacency. It just happens, move a little too fast
on the close, cut something that you should not, or simply dropping a knife and insticntively trying to break it's fall. Any number of boneheaded plays can result in a cut.

Knifer's are like Bikers and fall into two categories: Ones that have had accidents and
ones that will.

Stay Sharp!

[Vonderek]

I did not care too much for the slippery stainless steel handle of the Leek 1660CB and that's why I later ordered the 1660G10..
Just a thought but has anyone tried a couple of small strips of skateboard tape on otherwise slippery knife handle/scales? If so, does it stay in place on a knife that is repeatedly taken in and out of a pocket or does it eventually work itself loose?

[hso]

Scateboard tape will eat your pants up so there's too many negatives with it.

[PX15]

Von:

I've come to the conclusion that it's just easier to start out buying a knife with a good anti-slip handle rather than buy one with a slippery handle (as I did with the 1660CB) and be unhappy with it.

After buying the G10, and finding out how fantastic the G10 grip surface is I don't plan to ever buy another knife with a handle such as found on the CB.

The "looks" of the CB wins the beauty contest between the CB and G10, but it's the G10 that goes in my pocket each morning.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

[PX15]

hso & Beelzy,

Well, the Ciabatta came....... :eek:

And, I love it. :D

Glad I do, because I will be the first to admit that it's unique opening system is not for everyone.. In fact the first few times I opened and closed it, AFTER reading the instructions very thoroughly, it was sorta scary..

But I've had it for a couple of days, and I've devoted some time to becoming familiar with it and it's growing on me more and more.

If someone new to the ao knife market (if there IS anyone newer than myself) asked me to recommend either the one finger "SpeedSafe" assisted opening knives of Kershaw or the Pro-Tech Ciabatta I'd say get the Kershaws in a heartbeat.

Kershaw has a reputation for very high quality knives for the money, honest one finger opening with the SpeedSafe models, and one of the best Customer Services in the business..

Pro-Tech, (as I understand it) primarily creates (excellent quality), fully automatic knives, and I believe the Ciabatta is it's first venture into the assisted opening models. Just a glance at the Pro-Tech site at some of Pro-Tech's high end switchblades make your mouth water, but switchblades are a definite legal "no-no" here in the land of the watermelon and diamondback rattlesnake..

So trying to compare the Kershaw knives and the Ciabatta is apples to oranges in my opinion. Just different styles entirely. Both excellent in their own way I believe. I would say most folks would be happier with the "flipper" of the SpeedSafe Kershaws and you'd probably have to be a little "different" to prefer the unusual opening style of the Ciabatta, but Lord knows I've been accused of the particular character defect more than once in my almost 67 years..

I like my Ciabatta enough that I think I'll wind up with another just like it, but with a black blade... Why? Don't have a clue, these suckers just sorta grow on you...

I will say that if a dedicated automatic knife can deploy it's blade any quicker or with more "drama" than a Ciabatta I'd have to see it to believe it. When the blade on this sucker pops out it gives a loud "HELLO" to anyone close enough to you to worry about a knife showing up at the party.

I have several Kershaws, with Santa bringing another (Damascus Shallot), and this one Ciabatta. I like 'em all, but I'd be very surprised if the Ciabatta didn't wind up getting equal, if not more carrying time.

I just like it, in the same way I like my HK P7's... Unique and a bit special..

But not for everyone.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

P.S. I showed it to my "knife guy" buddy, and now he's going to order one.. Turns out he knew Blackie Collins from decades ago when they were both doing Harley motorcycle club, whatever,business together in South Carolina.. He said if Blackie's name is on the handle it's good...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_1546.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_1549.jpg

[hso]

Glad you got it in and gave us a review. Cool mechanism for us mechanism fans.