Camillus CUDA EDC

[JNieporte]

"Why do you review knives that are discontinued? The Buck Odyssey, the Schrade Switch-It, and now the Camillus CUDA EDC? What's up?" Well, while it's true that these knives aren't being made any more, but they're still readily available and still very good.

I found this knife at the local knife shop for $40. It's US-made, and has a blade steel of 154CM. It's a great size for EDC (hence the name) and has just about everything you could ask for in a quality blade. The entire knife is 3 ounces in weight. And now, the details...

Handle Details: The CUDA is 3-7/8" closed and 5/26" thick, not counting the pocket clip. The handles are skeletonized, and made of 420HC stainless steel. There's a nicely-positioned groove for your palm, and the spine has thumb ridges near the blade pivot. A lanyard slot is provided. The entire knife is held together by three Torx bits - two T-6 on each side (one is holding the blade stop) and one T-8 on the left side to hold the blade pivot pin. there are NO sharp spots on the handle at all. It's actually one of the most comfortable knives I've held. The back of the handle is open so you can blow out debris, and it locks very positively with a frame lock. The lock engages the blade for over half its (the blade's) length, and there is no blade play in either the open or closed position.
The pocket clip is mounted for right-hand tip-down carry, and it's held in position with three Torx (T-6) screws. It also has the same skeletonixing as the handle. The pocket clip engages a full 2" of your pocket, and exposes only 1/2" of the handle when clipped inside a pocket.

Blade Details: The CUDA has a blade made of 154CM, and it's 3-1/8" long. It has a flat-ground blade (not hollow ground as I previously thought) that came relatively dull. It was made shaving sharp with a little patience and a few cuss words. Truth betold, it only took about 10 minutes, but it seemed longer. The blade has dual thumb studs, and the studs can be removed with a Torx (T-6) bit through the right side. The left side of the blade has "CUDA USA" above "EVERY DAY CARRY" above "D RALPH DESIGN" all lasered on. The entire right side of the blade is blank. The blade has a recurve to it, and an effective point should you want to pierce with it. Inside, each side of the blade has a white nylon bushing. The blade opens smoothly, but it takes a bit of effort to get the blade out of the detent. Once it gets going, it's smooth. This is a nice blade shape and length, and is very nice for an EDC knife.

If you can find the CUDA EDC (there were some Taiwan-made ones with AUS-8 steel) pick one up. You won't be disappointed.

PHOTOS ADDED:

Top view, showing the open back...

Showing the liner lock...

 

[orthogonal1]

The DDR designed "EDC" is a good EDC IMO, too.

I still have a Talonite version, but gave a couple away to friends who still carry them. Only improvement that I could see was to use phospher bronze washers, a mod I recommend but isn't needed.

 

[JTC]

Thanks for the review! I really like reviews on knives that are no longer made. Even if they aren't readily available it is interesting to read about any kind of knife current or not. Maybe it's just a chance to get a better look at the one that got away. Thanks again!

 

[senoBDEC]

I should add that, having owned and sold one, I really liked it, but IMO, the handle was just a bit too small and uncomfortable for me (I have size 8 hands, with generous palm to finger ratio). That said, for mid-small sized hands, it should be a perfect fit. The lockup was good, the action was decent, and overall, a solid purchase (I got mine used for about 20 bucks).

In this role, I have finally gone from my trusty Delica 3 to the Kershaw Skyline, slim, lightweight, and cuts well.
Other alternatives are the Benchmade Monochrome (for those who prefer heavier, steel framelocks) and the Kershaw Leek D2.(framelock)

 

[huugh]

Here are some pics of AUS-8 version (made in Taiwan). (note this version has inbus head screws instead of Torx)

 

[Keencutter]

I have one I got from A.G. Russell in 2002 that came with a D2 blade. I really like it but I do wish it was just a little bigger. I would post a picture of it but I am trying to get over Hurricane Ike and things are not exactly where they usually are.

 

[EDCeeker]

I have one of the CUDA EDCs in 154CM. From an aesthetics perspective it is my favourite folder, by far. Even with my large hands I've found it easy to handle and secure in my grip. It is a bit stiff to open if it hasn't been used in a while. Mine was shaving sharp out of the box.

 

[neki2]

Only gripe about mine is the thumb stud is set too far foward. Needs to be moved 1/4" back towards the pivot screw. Its a big stud horribly in the way of the edge during cutting.