Apogee (D. Ralph design) by Outdoor Edge

David Bloch

David Bloch

Joined
Feb 22, 1999
Messages
465
To Apogee Fans:

There is no need to keep it a secret any longer. Yes, we are 95% certain the Apogee, designed by Darrel Ralph will be the next new knife added to our Custom Designer Series. We are now in the product development stage. Production pieces should become available in the Spring of 2000. This is a little ways away so exact details on the Apogee are not yet available.

Our current plan is to produce 4" and 3.1" blade models with CNC machined G-10 and possibly carbon fiber handles. At this time we plan to use a liner lock.

Since we are now in the product development stage, any and all comments as to blade-handle material or lock mechanisms are welcome.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.


David Bloch,
President

 
ATS-34 or BG-42 - both are good.
G-10/carbon fiber - either one.
Liner lock would be fine.
Axis style lock would be better.

I really like the lines of the Apogee. Darrel did a great job designing this knife. I'm excited to hear about a production version!

TTFN,
Tony
 
What is the target price range? If you are using Carbon Fiber, that pushes the price up enough to warrant a top of the line steel. ATS-34 or 440v would be minimum for blade steel, and will you be using Ti for the leaf (or liner) lock and integral side plates as on the CF Apogees offered now? Or are you going in the single stainless steel liner direction? I guess price would be a factor here as well.

------------------
James
 
To St. James:

The target price range for the Apogee will be $80-100 MSRP. Other than that all options regarding materials and construction are open for consideration. Since we are now in the product development stage, rather than reply at this time that we plan to use Ti or stainless liners, single or double, please keep your comments and suggestions coming as we will look into all possible options before we finalize the construction and materials.

One thing I do promise is the production Apogee will be a quality reproduction of Darrel's handmade knife that offers a good bang for the buck.

Thank you for your attention and wishing the best.

Sincerely,
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.
 
David,

I would suggest Carbon Fiber scales. Talk to Paul as I am sure he can do it. The Apogee would look like a "grey turd", to quote someone I know
smile.gif
, if it is not done with something cool like Carbon Fiber. I am sure after you cost out the CNC work on the lines Darrel has as opposed to the CF it should be about the same.

------------------
Best Regards,
Mike Turber
BladeForums Site Owner and Administrator
Do it! Do it right! Do it right NOW!
www.wowinc.com

 
David,
It seems to me that you guys already have the budget minded buyer covered with a Darrel Ralph model... Why not make a top of the line model with premium blade steel such as Darrel prefers in his customs. 440V, 420V, or at least BG42 would entice me towards purchasing one of theese knves alot more than the lesser steels. Especially since it is so hard to find a factory using the premium steels. This would also give the knife more of a true Darrel Ralph custom flavor.
I for one wouldn't mind the price increase and I think you guys should have a flagship type model which it seems to me that you lack currently. Just my .02!


------------------
Long live Bladeforums!

Al


 
To Apogee Fans:

Since we are now in the product development stage, all options regarding materials, construction and lock mechanism are open for consideration. We also want to give the people what they want. Therefore your input and comments are most valued and appreciated at this stage of the Apogee project. We have received several requests for a titanium frame lock. Darrel also offers the Apogee with carbon fiber scales and double liners (Another option for the production version).

One thing that is certain is the Apogee is one of the best tactical/utility designs I have seen in a long time. For a flat handle knife the grip ergonomics and comfort are second to none.

While Outdoor Edge is new to the tactical folder market, we have eleven years experience in producing quality, high performance cutting tools backed by a solid warranty and prompt customer service. In regards to this I guaranty the production Apogee will be a quality reproduction of Darrel's hand made knife that offers a good value.

Thank you for your attention and keep your input coming.



------------------
Sincerely,
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.

David Bloch,
President
 
420V, 440V or BG42 Please!

Flat ground and have the edge ground thin enough for a cutting tool, some have the edge ground too thick, like they intended it to be a cold chisel. So please make it thin enough that it will slice well.

I had a chance to see Dexter's and it was very nice! Good Job Darrel!

G2

------------------
When a fellow says, "it ain't the money but the principle of the thing,"
it's the money.
F. McKinney Hubbard

www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Cabin/7306/blades.html


 
I agree with Biginboca. You already have a budget Ralph for sale. Why not try to move upmarket?

The big news on the Apogee for me was the frame lock. There are a number of people on the forums who don't buy liner locks anymore, though the general market hasn't quite caught up to us yet so you don't have to factor us in yet. Still, why not keep with one of the Apogee's most distinctive features, instead of just copying its lines?

Beyond that, a non-ATS-34 steel is a must (BG-42, one of the CPMs). Carbon fibre handles might like great.

Joe
 
Frame Lock, Integral Lock, Sebenza Lock, Portion of side folding in lock

I don't care what you call it, but that is what I think you should go for. I have handled the Pinnacle and S-2, and love the lock, love it.

Titanium, make it happen.

------------------
Marion David Poff aka Eye, one can msg me at mdpoff@hotmail.com

Check out my review of the Kasper AFCK by Kevin Gentile and interview of Bob Kasper. And please tell me what you think. http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/00568.html

"I'm just an advertisement for a version of myself." David Byrne


 
To Apogee Fans:

Many thanks for all the feedback.

The general concensis so far seems to be in favor of a Titanium frame lock. Also I agree we should use a premium steel for the Apogee. Your comments for a more upscale Outdoor Edge/Ralph design are well taken.

To Joe T., note that Darrel also produces the Apogee with carbon fiber scales and double Ti liners. This is the Ralph Apogee that I own. If we choose this construction it would also be a true representation of Darrel's handmade design.

Again thanks for all the input and please keep the comments coming. In regards to your input more is always better than less.

Take care and wishing the best as always.


------------------
Sincerely,
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.

David Bloch,
President
 
Well I was looking forward to getting one, but I'm shying away from liner locks also. Oh well.


Blades
 
Darrel -- even if you build a liner with the correct math, how will you counter the perception that it is still a "duck"? Its not only a question of engineering but also of marketing.
 
It really is a question of marketing. At the target MSRP, it will be hard to manufacture the production knife the Apogee has the potential to be. A liner lock is proven and accepted with the BM AFCK and Spyderco Military, and if David and Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp. invest in the knifes infrastructure and materials, the Apogee is a great design, and could compete with them in the marketplace.


------------------
James
 
To St. James:

For now lets ingnore the target MSRP that was mentioned.

We have had so much positive feedback on the Apogee design in general as well as producing this model in a titanium frame lock. We definately have the capability to produce this model and this will be the primary path we plan to take. This does not yet rule out a G-10/Carbon fiber liner-lock version either. As far as the MSRP mentioned, it is too early at this stage of the project to base this number on anything concrete. Bottom line, the production Apogee will be a great knife and a great value.

Again, our goal is to give the people what they want. Thanks for all the input and keep the comments coming.

Wishing the best.


------------------
Sincerely,
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.

David Bloch,
President
 
To Liner Lock Doubters:

For those of you who question the security and reliability of liner locks. Keep your eye out for our new Magna, designed by Kit Carson. Delivery is scheduled for late this summer.

Our nick name for this knife is the "Folding Prybar". With cold forged 6061-T6 aluminum scales and double stainless steel liners, this knife is designed for hard use.

Kit is one of the best liner lock makers in the custom knife arena, and Outdoor Edge is proud to have of the opportunity to produce this design.



------------------
Sincerely,
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.

David Bloch,
President
 
I don't doubt the liner lock's ability. I just prefer something else personally. However, isn't Mr. Ralph's original design a titanium integral lock like the C.R. Sebenza? This seems to me to be the way to go; your sticking with the original design and incorporating what I think to be the strongest form of the liner lock. Just MHO.

------------------
Professor
 
Well it looks like it wont be a duck :]
The integral frame lock is the what the people want. The knife is designed to lock better the more grip pressure you put on it.
Thats a feature not seen on most knives. Its a folding straight knife in effect.
Im sure it would compete with the best of the locks on the market today.
So great steel , great lock, great feel in the hand, slim, and a great look . This is a winner!!!!

Any comments on finish?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top