D2 in Cuda Maxx

Joined
Feb 26, 2002
Messages
618
I have a Cuda Maxx 5.5 (bowie version) on its way to me from the US. One of its probable main uses will be kitchen duties whilst camping. I have never owned a Camillus knife before, nor one in D2. From what I have read, the quality of the corrosion resistance depends on the D2's heat treatment. Bob Dozier's D2 knives appear to have a very good reputation for corrosion resistance but others not as good.

At home I use a set of laminated carbon steel japanese kitchen knives. I find that provided I clean them with hot water after use and dry them they do not rust and need no other care. Our climate here varies from bone dry sub-tropical/tropical to highly humid sub-tropical/tropical (right on the Tropic of Capricorn).

My question to owners of the Cuda Maxx - will I have to keep this knife blade oiled or will it be fine provided I clean it immediately after use.
 
the climate i live in is pretty dry, but it does get wet here. my D2 bladed knives hold up quite well, better than my carbon steel knives and firearms. u may notice that D2 will 'stain' when cutting certain food products though. i wouldn't worry about having the blade rust quickly, but i would keep a thin layer of protective oil if u r in a very humid area.
 
I have had no problems with Camillus' D2. I have carried mine through very hot and humid summers and got quite a bit of sweat on them. All I did was run water over them and a quick towel dry. No problems. I should think that will be all you would need. As MikJK mentioned, you might see some staining from certain foods, but if you don't let the blade set too long with the juices still on the blade, you shouldn't have too much to worry about there.
 
I have not had any corrosion problems with my cuda maxx while carrying it daily (gym, running, whatever). However I took it on a three day backpacking trip, which resulted in some of what I suppose would be considered light pitting on the spine of the blade near the tip. I'll admit that I used the knife to make a hole in some snow, but I didn't expect any problems so it was frustrating to see the marks. Some sandpaper took care of the problem and since i allready messed up the finish i went ahead and baked some gun kote on, no more corrosion.
 
No corrosion on mine yet. I wipe it off after use, and occasionally use one of those silicon gun cloths to wipe the blade down. You will love your Maxx, I can tell you that!!

Thor
 
Hi Glenn
I have the same knife, while Auckland is not as hot as where you are, it can be very humid. My Maxx developed slight staining on the cuttig edge, have started using a treated gun wipe as suggested by Dr Thor. If it's very humid, proper oil may be required to keep the blade squeaky clean.
great knife though, wish I could afford the 7 inch model.
Phil :p
 
Thanks everyone for all the useful feedback, isn't Bladeforums great!

I'm with you Phil, the 7 inch model looks awesome. I'd also like the talonite 5.5, but then, I can buy three D2's for the same price. I can't wait for mine to arrive. I wish we didn't have the mandatory two week wait for a knife to arrive downunder. Camillus, move to Australia. :grumpy:

By the way Phil, that was a good Rugby League game on Saturday. Can New Zealand do a repeat performance against Australia next week? :)
 
Hi Glenn
The league was excellent, good to see some of our lot performing, the Warriors have been pitiful all season. We'll have the locals inquiring asto the nature of this sport soon, you can explain. Then try cricket!!!!!!! :D
Hope you don't have any problems with customs.
Regards
Phil :)
 
Wow! And double Wow! It has arrived - my first framelock - it's huge - how can such a large blade move out and in so easily - blade perfectly centred - no blade movement at all when locked - I can't imagine how the custom version could be that much better - what a genius of a simple design - Mr. Ralph, take a bow. The only thing I probably would have liked is S30V steel but from what I have read, D2 is a very good steel, just not as corrosion resistant.

To be honest, my first thought when I took it out of its box was "What the hell have I bought this time?" But the longer I play with it the more I like it. I can't even imagine what it's new bigger brother looks like. Mine isn't as sharp as many of my other "POCKET KNIVES", but I can easily fix that. Actually, it does fit in my pocket - amazing. This knife cost just over a $100 brand new on ebay - that's a steel - excuse the pun.

Well, you'll have to excuse me now, I'm going to play. :D
 
It is a strange experience owning this knife. After the initial exuberance I usually get when handling any new knife, I started to think it was too big and heavy (6.5 ounces) for a folder and everyday carry. I started to think this one would end up in the drawer as an occasional show pony.

But I have been carrying it in my pants pocket (baggy style shorts) everyday at home. The more I carry it the more I enjoy it. For me, it's one of those strange knives that grow on you more and more as you use it. It's a good length for the kitchen and other household chores, it opens amazingly quickly and easily and closes nearly as easily. The lock is reportedly as strong as any on the market and it does carry well even if slightly heavier than I prefer. I have other knives I love, but I have never before had this growing admiration that I am experiencing with this knife.

I would love to see one in a stainless steel like S30V for a similar competitive price.
 
Its the overall thinness of the knife that makes it so carryable!!!

The high blade grind and the bowie blade also contributes to the cutting ability.

Overall, I like!!!
 
Superb knife. Congrats to Mr. Ralph for thinking it up, and for Camillus for taking the chance on marketing it.

But I've found that the D2 is a real bear to resharpen. I've spent a lot of time on the Sharpmaker, and it's sharp, but not sharp enough. What could I be doing wrong? Maybe it's time to invest in an EdgePro.

Any thoughts?
 
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