Any thoughts on the camillus yellow jackets?

[JulianHayes]

I saw a Camillus CUDA and Yellow Jacket Muskrat at WalMart the other day for pretty cheap and was wondering if they are any good. I know, they are not like the old Camillus, but I have never owned any Camillus blades, and these are in stock, and under 30 bucks... I have heard the CUDA has some poor quality issues, and I don't think it can carry tip up, so that is probably out, but that Yellow Jacket Muskrat. I always carry a slipjoing and a one hander, and I don't have a muskrat pattern.. SO, anyone have one? are they junk, OK, or surprisingly good? can they stand up to some whittling? I'll probably impulse buy something, but they also have some gerbers I don't have, and I trust Gerber OK for the money. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks all!

 

[jnichols2]

I bought a Camillus Cuda for $ 64.95 and it was the worst value I ever had.

The push button for opening is very stiff, and it's really hard to open. It came very dull, and I had to sharpen it before using.
The quality is below that of a much cheaper knife.

I normally don't complain very easily, but don't buy a Camillus.
Gerbers are much better, but a Spyderco will put a smile on your face.

 

[akula83]

I checked out the Yellow Jacket, blade play and chipped edges on two of them. Total POS. I think the cheap wooden boxes they come with are better constructed.

 

[JulianHayes]

Thanks guys. You just saved me money and frustration. I'll keep playing with the para 2 I bought a few weeks ago, love that knife! Too bad though, I heard some of the old Camillus knives were pretty nice... always wanted one of those big Madd Maxx Darrell Ralph blades without going midtech.. No Camillus for me! I'll stick to spydies..