cuda-1&2

T

TURBO

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
13

has anyone handled one of these knives from camillus?? im going to try and find one to try out,
 
I haven't as yet, but they look interesting, and that button looks like a great new plaything.
 
Turbo,

Gene is right - the knife can be addictive to play with! When I finally saw one up close, it took me a while to put the dang thing down because opening and closing it is fun
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Aside from being a tactical folder with a unique opening mechanism, it is solid. Though I have yet to use one, I believe that it will stand up to hard use with its ATS-34 drop point or tanto blades.
 
I like them -the shape and construction is great. Some folks can get the opening very fast, altho it takes a little getting used to. I kinda feel like the button will be the first thing to break, tho. There's just too much play in the button and, it seems to me, this will eventually fail. Then an aftermarket thumb stud would extend its life.
looks and materials, tho, are great, altho it is heavy at 0.32 lbs compared to an EDI genesis at 0.26. The blade is considerably thicker altho the genesis has thicker liners.
 
We have had them for a few weeks and they are very addictive. I find myself walking around just ficking it. Everything Howard said is true. The button does feel a bit flimsy but I have flicked at least a few hundred times and it has held true. It just wobbles a bit when you slide it along the groove in the handel. No complaints on the rest of the knife and the blade really appears to be a hefty worker.


 
I own one and I think it is a great knife. I have really big hands and because of its size and heft it feels really good. The knurled disc that must be moved is big and does its job well. The blade, after practice, can be deployed as fast as a auto.The only time I can see a failure is if you break your thumb before you get to your Cuda. ABC I got it from you, good knife.
 
I recently handled a cuda(full size) both the tanto and drop point. Very impressive at first glance or better yet in a picture. It's a big knife, too big for my pockets anyway. I liked the aesthetics of the knife, heavy, tough, and the overall innovation of Camillus, however what are you looking for: a conversation piece-deffinately!, a quick opener-I'm more impressed with the economical but obtrusive LevRlock. The big button did bother me a bit, sight unseen I was prepared to order one, but for $120 in person I had to pass. Don't get me wrong the knife is quite ingenious it just didn't live up to my expectations. I'll wait till the price drops under $100 which I'm sure it will, perhaps as at dealer cost it is well worth it!
 
I recently handled a cuda(full size) both the tanto and drop point. Very impressive at first glance or better yet in a picture. It's a big knife, too big for my pockets anyway. I liked the aesthetics of the knife, heavy, tough, and the overall innovation of Camillus, however what are you looking for: a conversation piece-deffinately!, a quick opener-I'm more impressed with the economical but obtrusive LevRlock. The big button did bother me a bit, sight unseen I was prepared to order one, but for $120 in person I had to pass. Don't get me wrong the knife is quite ingenious it just didn't live up to my expectations. I'll wait till the price drops under $100 which I'm sure it will, perhaps as at dealer cost it is well worth it!
 
The CUDA's are awesome!! A freind of mine bought the drop point version and was playing with it in front of me. The blade as fast as greased lightning. It seems really well constructed and quite adapt to heavy duty chores. But, I'd have to agree with Hkorn about it needing a thumb stud.
 
I bought a CUDA from ChrisH and it is about the best investment I've made in long time. It's solid handle, coupled with the impressive and intimidating 4" blade make it perfect for almost any job. It's quick access is awesome, even if you just use it to impress your friends. I often find myself just flicking it open and closed while I'm on my computer downloading. The bead-blasted finish is very unique and has a unique texture to it. I have the pleasure of owning the CUDA 1, but have also seen the CUDA 2 and was deeply impressed. With its chisel ground blade and tanto appearances, its sure to impress any knife fan. Now, about the access button. I asked the exact same questions to myself when I first got it, but have opened it so many times now, that I don't worry about it. If it does eventually break off, I'm sure it won't be for many many years and by that time, I can just buy another. I could probably go on for hours about this unique and functional knife is a beautiful addition to any and all knife collections.
 
For the second time in one month I've handled a Camillus Cuda at a Arkansas Gun & Knife Show. I have a new-found respect for this knife and now it's one of the top three knives I'll buy within the next two months. They are in this order; #1 a ColdSteel large tanto Voyager serrated for it's massive raw cutting and punching ability needed where I work. #2 a lighter and slimmer EDI Genessis bead blasted drop point for dressier wear and #3 the Camillus Cuda 50/50 drop point to be carried for general every day all purpose activities. I am concered about the durability of the button. It has some play to it and like others I'm worried that this would be the first thing to fail or break on the Cuda. A thumb post would be desireable. Hopefully Camillus will consider it soon.

[This message has been edited by RXHeaven (edited 11-09-98).]
 
The CUDA button is a metal injection molded part using 17-4 PH stainless steel heat treated to 45-46 Rockwell C.
The button is undercut along the shaft and engages in a slot in the blade. In our stress testing of the mechanism we have been unable to break a button to date, and it is physically impossible for a button to fall out without completely disassembling the knife. More importantly the CUDA knife is covered by the Camillus lifetime warranty.
If anyone has a question or comment regarding CUDA knives please feel free to email me directly at cutlery@AOL.com.
 
I've finally gotten a chance to handle a CUDA, and I was really impressed with the slick opening. To me, it was like bridging the gap between an auto and a manual. The button allows you to execute a silent opening without having to extend your thumb and is just as equally adept with a gravity opening.

I have two questions I'm curious about the knife though. The one I handled felt like the button was loose and was going to fall off. Anyone ever tested exactly how strong they are? Also, anyone ever tested how strong the linerlock is? It seems kinda thin (come to think of it, most knives now and their linerlock is thin). Otherwise, the linerlock on the one I've handled is really good.
 
First off you've gotta realize that the CUDA is a huge knife! In the size range of the Spyderco Military. It is also heavy too - due to the thick blade and stainless liners, I think. All that aside, it is an awesome piece of work! Although any knife (including the CUDA) can be wrist snapped open this one is like lightning using the slider button.

BTW, I've heard reports of some being stiff at first. The fix to this is to loosen the screws holding the stop pin. Unfortunately they require spline keys.

A. Dale McLean
<A HREF="http://www.nt.net/~admclean/Index.htm" TARGET="_blank" >ADaM Sharps Cutlery - Canadian Knife Dealer</A>
 
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