Best Fit/Finish - Darrel Ralph or Chris Reeve?

This really is a "moot" point (I really love that word 'moot') because both DDR and CRK stand behind their work so well that if you had a problem with either of their knives they would make it well. What more could you ask? I know Darrel well enough to know that he's constantly trying to raise the standards that he has for his knives, and there's no doubt it my mind that Chris does the same. Both have the goal of giving their customers the best knife for the money they can and both do that.

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Will Work 4 Knives
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Most of my knives are a breeze to clean
Just take wd40 with the nozzle on and spray them out. Then a little blow out from the air hose . Then reoil the pivot with my secret hi tech oil (Owen Knows this stuff)
or any good oil.
If you want to take it apart ... Just remember how it goes back together.


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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
MADD MAXX !

[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 06-29-2001).]
 
Sorry, I do not own a Mini Maxx, so can't compare one to my Sebenza.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Darrel Ralph:
The bevels are taken to 400 grit finish, then ceramic peened. This closes the pours on the steel and makes for a very scratch and stain resistant surface.</font>
Click to expand...

I'll vouch for that. My EDC sees alot of heavy use, and the blade finish is more wear and scratch resistant than any I've ever seen. Some of my knives with BT and satin finishes look like they've been through a meat grinder after a couple of weeks of hard use. Been using the EDC for over three months as a work knife, and there are four small scratches on one side of the blade. I've intentionally tried scratching it during use to see how it would hold up. A few days ago, I made four or five cuts about 2ft. in length through triple-layered cardboard that is nearly 3/4" thick, and packed with grit. No scratches. It was a real testament to the EDC's cutting ability, also, as I made each 2ft. cut with one hand (gotta love the recurve). My small Sebenza required two hands+my body weight to get through about 8".
I did manage to mar the finish a little-with a green Scotchbrite pad. It's barely noticeable.
The Seb's stonewash finish is much better than that of the other knives I've used, but Darrel's ceramic peen is better still.

I maintain my EDC and Apogee just as Darrel described above.
edit: Forgot to mention that I also use a scrub brush with Ajax on it when it's really filthy, and has a lot of adhesive and goop stuck to it, and grit around the screws, and sometimes scotchbrite the clip when it gets alot of scratches on it. With the exception of the few little scratches, the barely visible spot from the Scotchbrite pad on the blade, and my own special feature- the custom-rounded tip a la Sharpmaker
rolleyes.gif
, it looks just like it did when new.

James, these were my first custom knives, and the most expensive knives I own. I was nervous about spending so much, and then being disappointed. I had nothing to worry about. Money well spent, and most of my other folders have been sold. The small Sebenza will probably be the next to go, because, recently, I have stopped carrying it, too.
I don't think you'll be disappointed
smile.gif





[This message has been edited by OwenM (edited 06-29-2001).]
 
....... The thing about Darrels knives is you get a little bit of Darrel in each one of them! And this is a GOOD thing!.......

I found a little piece of thumb tip in my Mad Max!:D

Seriously, I own one of Darrel's and two Chris Reeves and I will say that the fit and finish of both are superb. I marvel at the precision of the CRK pieces but they aren't as interesting as Darrel's work aesthetically. I think CRK needs to diversify a bit with their designs. And I love the blade finish on the Max!

Oh man! All this talk is tempting me to buy another DR!
 
Originally posted by fountainman
....... The thing about Darrels knives is you get a little bit of Darrel in each one of them! And this is a GOOD thing!.......

I found a little piece of thumb tip in my Mad Max!:D
Click to expand...

LOL. :D

Confucious say butcher who back into meat grinder get a little behind in his orders :eek: :rolleyes: :)

There are little variations in the same blade shapes that Darrel uses. I've got two EDC's with his Fighter style blade, and they both look a little different even though they basically are the same shapes. Dammit, he's a custom maker not a production knife company ;) It's good that there is a slight difference, kind of makes your knife unique in a way.
 
BTTT, trying to reset the email notification mode to stop emailing me everytime someone posts on this thread.
 
Hey Darrell
Kick a....s finish Nice.
long time no mail no time ether keep up the good work.

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Good thing my knives are sharper then my spelling.
Despite today there will be a Tomorrow
...<B>Dan</B>..
.<B><I><A HREF="http://www.kynd.com/~graydg/kniveslist4.html">Gray Knives</A></I></B>
 
I have not yet , and I emphasize YET, owned one of Darrel's knives, but in my opinion there is nobody that produces as many unique designs as he does. The man is a genius .

On the knives I have seen, his fit and finish are flawless.

I am strongly considering contacting Mr. Ralph and seeing if he will make me an Apogee in 52100. I think that just might be my dream EDC.
 
:eek: Wow how do I answer that question??? If I say Darrel, Chris comes hunting me down, and if I say Chris, then I've hurt Darrel's feelings :( So I will have to say both Darrel and Chris' knives have superb fit and finish, no way to compare the 2, won't even try.
 
Folks, tho I don't practice any religion now, was raised in fundamental Christian family. So, read a lot of the Bible, and memorized many verses. Have forgotten many, but still remember a couple, especially those I've disagreed with. Someone, I believe Christ said, "A soft answer turneth away wrath." I'm a very vengeful person, and I'm not content to wait for eternity for justice to happen. Much prefer trying to handle it myself.

But, Darrel's post here is the greatest example of that saying I've ever seen. Guess maybe the only one.

Darrel, you've had a great deal of my respect for your design genius, and for your many talents that enable you to sole author each of your knives. But now, you've gained a lot of respect from me for the fantastic manner you responded to a post which could have been expected to raise flames. My hat's off to you! Maybe I can try that sometime.
 
Amen Bugs :D,

Met the man 6 or seven years ago at a small show Les and Bob put on in Atlanta and hit it off from the start, knives aside DDR is a pretty special person.
 
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