CUDA Maxx versus Mad Maxx

Steven Roos

Steven Roos

Joined
Jun 29, 2002
Messages
4,131
They are nearly identical knives with nearly identical materials, why is the Mad Maxx so much more expensive? Technically, the Mad Maxx is custom, right? Is the fit and finish on the Mad Maxx that much nicer?
 
Personally I was very unimpressed when I first examined the CUDA Maxx. At Bladeshow west the first one I encountered was poop. The lock jammed so bad from me opening it slowly with 2 hands the guy had to pull out another for a floor model.

When the finally got em in at Plaza Cutlery I was amazed. The floor model they had was outstanding, a whole different knife it seemed, action fit and finishe near perfect. I told em I'd buy it and they went in the back and got me one. It didnt even occur to me at first it was not the one I was examining. When I got home to check her out it was another dud knife. I quickly hurried back and they exchanged it for my beloved floor model, good customer service there. The one I have now is great! But I had to find it.

With a custom Maxx I would expect the finish to be what my CUDA is if not better. I will be able to decide the blade material and shape....maybe a talonite Bullnose:cool: I will be able to choose the finish and the handle...nugget-work, file-work. And what else could be better than making a big-arse knife even bigger, why not have a 7" version made for yourself. Custom handmade bad-a** folding sword of eternal awsomeness is worth some good money IMO. Also a work of art.

But you get mucho-value for settling for the homogenated production version...especially if you can snag one with the extra good fit n finish.
 
Originally posted by TheSkinwalkeR
But you get mucho-value for settling for the homogenated production version...especially if you can snag one with the extra good fit n finish.
Click to expand...

Well, I've already gotten a bargain price on the CUDA Maxx...we'll see how I like it when I get it!
 
while the cammilus maxx is pretty well finished/fitted, the DDR version is in another league imho, like comparing apples/oranges. and yes, i have both, the DDR is just soooo much smoother/etc, is it worth the extra $$??


imho yes.

greg
 
In general, people's hands can get used to a lot of folding blade's actions. But when toying with my production models and then go handling my custom folders, man! There is a difference. It's just a question of whether a person notices the difference and has the bucks to afford the custom knife.

People develop a taste for the feel, much like developing a taste for fine wine. In my mind, the custom knives make the bones in the hand feel good and are like a real tool, while my production models start to feel toy-like in comparison.
 
No, it's not just the pivot. I got two CUDA Maxxes the first week the preorders shipped. Both were as close to perfect as any of you have handled. One went right back on the shelf and the other has been in constant and successful use.

Then I lucked into a Madd Maxx dagger, also 5.5". Not only is the pivot great, but the flippers are better finished, and the lock is smoother,too, slipping into place almost surreptitiously. It makes a deeper, shorter sound when locking than the Camillus. It holds easily as tightly, but unlocks with a slight sideways push of the thumb. The custom frame is only cut out inside one slab to facilitate this, since it works so much more easily than the production version.

The handle slabs are marginally grippier, not as slick as the Camillus. There is an aluminum backspacer. Actually, it could be unanodized titanium; I wouldn't know.

The difference between them is noticeable, especially side-by-side. I took both out to compare them here. But both are very close in capability, and actually, the bowie blade shape is more useful, and the way the shape of the clip follows the curve of the handle is beautiful. I wouldn't feel bad if I couldn't justify the cost of the custom, since the Camillus is a great knife.
 
Newer CUDA's user thinner titanium for the handles than the first run. Which, it my opinion was the best of the CUDA Maxx's. The lock up on the CUDA' are intentionally tight. Some will be tigher than others. You're looking at safety. If you have a large blade folder that unlocks with little pressure, you can have a blade close on a finger and do severe damage. The key with this is to determine how tight your knife locks up. If it locks up too tight, either exchange it or let the lock set after some use.

While the CUDA's are good, Darrel's are so much better in the fit and finish area. Plus you are getting the option of steel in your blade. Darrel really likes the modified D-2 he uses, but he also likes S30V, S90V (remamed 420v), Stellite or Talonite, damascus, BG-42. Different blade sizes and shapes. While Darrel really showed Camillus a lot in regards to the CUDA Maxx, you know Darrel would never give away all of his secrets.;) Get a hold of a 5.5" Madd Maxx by Darrel and compare it with the CUDA Maxx. You'll see the difference.

If you want some more detail, send Darrel an e-mail. He will answer any questions or concerns you might have about his design.
 
Does anyone have a custom Madd Maxx with the 7" blade?

I see it as an option on his site.

That would be pretty cool.:cool: :cool: :cool:
 
Custom Madd Maxx has a spearpoint blade which I prefer over the Cuda Maxx bowie blade.

I hope a spearpoint Cuda Maxx will become a reality in the future. Would you knife collectors buy it?
 
The 7.5" Maxx is known as the Gibb's Maxx and was a limited run. However, Darrel will be releasing a 2nd run of the Gibb's sometime early next year. Early is a relative term. I'm hoping by March.
 
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