Any feedback on the talonite Cuda Maxx?

[Glenn Jones]

I love my Cuda Maxx. Even though it has a 5.5 inch blade it carries easily. In fact, it's length when closed is not all that much bigger than my Spyderco Military (which is a classic folder in its own right). The only two things that I would like different in my Cuda Maxx are a more stainless steel in the blade and a little less weight overall (well, actually I lie - I would like a Darrel Ralph custom Cuda Maxx but that is out of my price range). I don't think the weight problem can be solved in a knife this size. However, Camillus do put out a talonite blade. Talonite in general has received mixed reviews. I can't work out whether it would be alright in this type of blade. I have not seen a review of a talonite Cuda Maxx. Does anyone out there have a talonite Cuda Maxx and can provide feedback on how it is performing? The talonite is a rustproof as you can get, but how durable a blade is it?

 

[ErikD]

Don't have a Camillus Talonite MAXX, but do have some experience with Talonite I can share with you.

It seems to be pretty durable, as long as you are not trying to chop down trees or something. I have used my Talonite TNT to cut down large 6' tall cana lillies without problems. This was working in dirt and grit, plus the woody stalks of the plants. The knife held up real well, just needing a few strokes on a fine ceramic stone to bring it back to shaving sharp. The results are similiar when cutting large amounts of cardboard.

Basically what I have found is that it is possible to give Talonite a very sharp shaving edge. After a very small amount of use this edge will go down to a very good working edge, still able to shave hairs if really pushed to. It will hold this working edge for a real long time while working, and honestly I really can't tell much difference between them for general utility work. Then when all the work is done it only takes a few strokes on a fine ceramic stone to bring the edge back to original sharpness.

I have never had any problems with D2 rusting though, and for most things would prefer D2. Talonite is great in a knife to be used in extreme conditions though. Currently my EDC is the TNT, but I am planning on replacing it or rotating it with a DDR EDC with a D2 blade.

 

[ARtsig1]

I'm on the opposite end of the scale Glenn. I would like to see thicker titanium scales and a little more overall weight. To me this needs a blade, S30V would be a nice option, at least .150" thick with scales to match.

 

[Glenn Jones]

I live in a humid climate for part of each year (right on the Tropic of Capricorn - wet/dry seasons) and I wish they offered the Cuda Maxx in S30V. That would be my preferred option, but only D2 and talonite are presently offered . I suppose my concerns for talonite are not only with the blade edge but with the pivot area and the blade stops (look like thumb stubs on the Cuda Maxx). This is a big blade for a folder and is made to be flicked open. Some manufacturers state that their warranty is void if a folder is flicked open but the Cuda Maxx is made to be opened that way. Can talonite stand those stresses as well as the D2 does?

 

[ErikD]

My guess would be that it would survive just fine. The only problems that I understand Talonite to have with shocks are on the edge, causing chipping. I would also tend to trust in Darrel Ralph's design and materials, especially since he makes a custom version with Talonite blade too. Should be fine.

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

My guess would be that it would survive just fine. The only problems that I understand Talonite to have with shocks are on the edge, causing chipping. I would also tend to trust in Darrel Ralph's design and materials, especially since he makes a custom version with Talonite blade too. Should be fine.

If you were to look at a "chipped" Talonite blade under a microscope you would find the "chip" is actually the edge rolling over. I have never been able to get Talonite to chip.

I agree it would hold up to being flicked open. Thank you for sharing your experiences.