Buck Mantis vs. Camillus Cuda EDC?

J

JSR

Joined
Apr 4, 2006
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338
Both are similar in size (Mantis at 3.88" vs. Cuda EDC at 3.81"), similar blade length (2.75" vs. 2.95"), price (low to mid 20s), and design (frame lock with SS handles). I've only ever handled the Buck Mantis and recently handled it again (and accidentically took a chunk off my finger). If anyone's owned, handled, or used both, what are your thoughts on the advantages of each one? I like the blade design of the Cuda better (slight recurve, I like recurves), but this won't be for me, so perhaps a standard drop-point-like blade is better (easier to sharpen for those who don't want to spend the time). How's Buck's 420HC, which I've read is quite good at edge retention and such despite it's elemental makeup due to the grind Buck uses, compared to Camillus' AUS-8? Any insight, reviews, and additional info on either one is appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I have a Buck Mantis that I got for 15 dollars from a local sporting goods store. The lock-up is extremely solid, edge retention is quite good, pocket clip is tight, and the knife as a whole is very thin. I really like mine.


I have never held a Cuda though.
 
I had both, and I said: the CUDA EDC is overall somewhat better. :thumbup:

I like more the edge geometry and the bladeform better on the Mantis - but the lock, the handle form and the overall quality way better on the ECD IMO. :thumbup:
(If you had larger hands, the EDC's handle will be a little small for you. :jerkit: )
 
Golbat said:
(If you had larger hands, the EDC's handle will be a little small for you. :jerkit: )
Click to expand...
You can say that again. Coupled with the relatively slick stainless, it makes for taking a bit of getting used to, getting that blade opened and closed one-handed. I nicked myself but good a half-dozen times getting the hang of it. It's my favourite folder, by far, but I sure had to work at it.

(I don't know what the point of you adding the :jerkit: is. The knife was designed the way it was, whith the handle the size it is. Nothing jerk-off about it that I can see.)
 
I don't have any experience with Mantis, but I do own Camillus.

I think Camillus has better design. It packs great chunk of blade for folder of it's size (don't worry about the recurve, it is not so significant (unlike e.g. Kershaw/Spyderco Spyker, Kerhsaw Bump etc. :)) to bother anyone), also stonewashed blade is great (not many knives utilize stonewashed finish). Build quality is fine (although due to nylon washers there is a slight bladeplay (when you hold the lockbar unlocked in opened position).
Definitely worth it's price.

(I suppose you know it - Camillus is made in Taiwan (don't know about Buck, probably the same or China; you can also check Spyderco Byrd knives (made in China also, but very good))

Here are some pics:

cuda_edc.jpg


CUDA_size.jpg


IMG_4336.jpg



I don't find it uncomfortable. (well no folder of same size is really comfortable - for that you need to get something like Spyderco Military :D)

EDCeeker - don't worry stiff opening is because of (quite big) ball detent - when it will abrade a bit it becomes easier to open :)
 
You may also want to take a look at the Buck Pilot, I believe it is a bigger version of the Mantis. I've been carry one for the past few weeks and it seems like it's a pretty good value. If you live near a Bass Pro, they currently have them on sale for $14.99.
 
Wow, that's a good price for a Pilot!, but I like the smaller size of the Mantis (which is roughly the same as a Cuda EDC) and there's no Bass Pros near me. Plus, the knife is for someone else, who prefers a medium-sized knife similar to the Mantis and Cuda EDC. I just spoke to my knife guy (savson, most of my purchases are made there) and he's out of both Mantis and Cuda EDCs...oh well. But I got a killer price on a Kershaw Storm PE...sweeeet! Wish he had more than one Storm PE as I would've gotten one for myself for the price too. He does have the CE and Tanto CE Storms still and some StormIIs if anyone's interested. Maybe I'll play with it a bit before giving the Storm as a gift...hmm, is that a bad thing to do?...hehe.
 
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