Darrel Ralph comparison to Chris Reeve

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Xeno

Joined
Apr 5, 2005
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I have been in the market for a custom. I looked at a few makers so far. Many of them a bit too pretty or too much art knife to use as a daily carry weapon/tool. I am posting this in this forum because Chris Reeve Sebenza's are the only knives that I would up until this point recommend to anyone who wants a well engineered blade. I own two myself. However I know that these are not the only great blades available. Ralph also appears to care about the function of the knife and also designs rugged frame lock blades. What would any of you think about a blade like this for a daily carry?

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" Many of them a bit too pretty or too much art knife to use as a daily carry weapon/tool ... What would any of you think about a blade like this for a daily carry? "

Hmmm ... Either I've gone well off the boil with my knife opinion or this one fits into both catagories :rolleyes: (that's a compliment :p )

In this respect you've already turned the knife down yourself :D

Mark.
 
double edged knives don't make sense to me for EDC. Unless your EDC is sticking it in someone.

That being said I have heard many good things about DR's knives. But their aesthetic doesn't appeal to me.
 
DaveH said:
Unless your EDC is sticking it in someone.
Click to expand...

That got my first real laugh of the day, Dave ... Cheers, sir. But, in all seriousness I agree that they have practical limitations, especially on a decorative damascus knife. To the point of being useless for EDC.

Mark :)
 
Thanks for all your input. I have never owned a dagger style blade before.
Can you recommend a great custom maker that offers a clip point and frame lock that matches the Sebenza or better?
 
Once I break the 1,000 dollar barrier for a knife, I no longer consider it a knife, it becomes art. If I spend more than 500.00, that is a knife I won't carry, it becomes and investment. Keep it under 500.00 and it gets used most of the time.
 
If you must get a custom over a CRK I would stay with DDR's knives, but see if you can get a DDR EDC. Those are very nice. At $425.00 it is a great custom alternative to the Sebenza.
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You can go S30V or Damascus if you get the itch. That and it's a frame lock. I have owned a few DDR's in the last couple of years. (I still have one). His attention to detail and care for his end users are second to none. He is like the Chris Reeve of the custom industry. I remember I called him to inquire about a knife he is making for me now, and we chatted for about an hour about all sorts of aspects of the knife. He wanted to make sure he got it right. That is customer service.
 
DDR makes some nice stuff. I actually have a few of his and one coming from him shortly. I like the dagger you posted BTW and I would at least use it for my "desk knife" and extreme mail duty :p I believe DDR's stuff would hold up under use really well actually. DDR is actually a clever little guy and some of the things he is doing are really amazing... not that Chris is a slouch either.
 
DDR's mostly discontinued model, the EDC, is a fair comp for the Sebenza. The one pictured above with the damascus blade is not $425, unless Darrel is quoting me higher prices than he charges other people :(

I haven't seen a medium EDC with Ti handles and a D2 blade for less than $550 from a dealer, though they can be gotten for less. Tall Paul had one in the past for a decent price.
 
Geode said:
DDR's mostly discontinued model, the EDC, is a fair comp for the Sebenza. The one pictured above with the damascus blade is not $425, unless Darrel is quoting me higher prices than he charges other people :(

I haven't seen a medium EDC with Ti handles and a D2 blade for less than $550 from a dealer, though they can be gotten for less. Tall Paul had one in the past for a decent price.
Click to expand...
His web site directly quotes $425.00. Damascus is an add on. Here is the description directly from his site.

"The EDC was designed for the every day user who wants a great knife for function with the addition of style.
The EDC comes in 3 blade lengths: 3 inch 3.5 inch. This allows the knife enthusiast to have their choice of the size they feel comfortable and safe with.

The EDC comes in two handle styles. We offer the titanium frame lock and the locking liner style. The titanium frame lock is a sturdy knife. This incorporates our IBL (integral blade lock) feature. This lock is cut into the side plate of the knife. This makes the lock super strong and reliable.
Blade Length: 3, 3.5
Overall Length: 3"=3.6 , 3.5 "=8.1
Closed Length: 3"=3.86, 3.5"=4.6
Blade Steels: D2, CPMS30V,Talonite, Damascus
Blade Type1: Dominator (drop point)
Blade Type2: Fighter (upswept tip)
Handle Material 1: Titanium
(More Options Below)

Base Price: 425.00
For Price Quotes:
Click Here"
 
I believe you, buddy. Darryl quoted me in the low $600s for the one in your picture, IIRC.
 
Wow, he does make some nice knives that from all appearances look like tanks. How well does him Damascus hold up to average chores? Do any of you know if he uses Damasteel or Stainless Damascus? Here is the one that caught my attention. Thanks for the suggestion...I'm going to email the maker tomorrow for some questions.

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Here is an idea for a custom knife which is definitely a user. Tom Anderson makes them and they're called the Mohawk Warrior. Mines is overlaid with Giraffe bone but you can order them plain. They are all Titanium handled frame-lock with a 4" long blade that is 5/32” thick. The blade can be ordered with selectively etched S30V (like the one pictured) which is different from the plain finish and retains all the benefits of this good steel. The prices are around the same as a unique finish Sebenza, too. Well worth a look - this is a very strong user and exceptionally well made.

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Mark :)
 
Well I have to admit that I like that blade of yours. I am going to check it out tonight. I found out that the lochsa folder will take two years to get one if I order it now. He supplys tools to remove the blade for cleaning, but doesn't offer any inlay options.
 
I traded into a DDR 3" EDC and it pretty much replaced the small Sebenza I'd been carrying. It is a very strong knife and holds a great edge.
 
I want one of his new AXD's!! Dang, that is one sweeeeeeeeeet knife!! He makes some really amazing knives!! WOW!! Color me totally impressed!! Darrell Ralph is NOW on my MUST have list!!!!
 
Darrel has a widening range of models available at various prices. This includes his mid tech stuff through Combat Elite. I have had several of his more artisitic knives. He was very adamant about me carrying and using the high end stuff. He said he would take care of fixing it up if it needed. He likes for his knives to be used. His dagger blades cut very well indeed. While some people don't like a dagger blade in the utility role for various reasons, Darrel's will perform. Give him a call, he is an easy guy to work with.
 
There are some very good framelocks that compare nicely to the Sebenza and for not much more money, though I will say, the Sebenza is still one of the best made knives at any price, production or custom.

Rick Hinderer makes an excellent knife in the $450-$550 range, as does Scott Cook, though as you said, his wait time is long, however, if you keep a close eye on the forums, you can probably find one for sale in the $600 range.

For $650-$1,000, a Tom Mayo TnT is an excellent framelock and I find them very aesthetically appealing in a form follows function sort of way.

Mike Obenauf makes a very good framelock for around $450 if you can find one for sale. (Neil at True North Knives gets a lot of Obenaufs and would be the guy to go to)

If you want something with a very rugged look and feel, the Strider framelocks are very good knives and can withstand almost anything.

To answer your question, Scott Cook, far as I know, uses stainless damascus from Thomas and Norris, either will perform very nicely and not rust too easily.

Any of the knives I listed will be comparable to a Sebenza in F&F, some may be even better, and offer you a different look if the Sebenza is too plain for you.
 
Hey, guys. Thanks for the kind words about my work.



I don’t offer my EDC™ as part of my regular line anymore. I have to keep my designs as fresh and up-to-date as possible. But people still love my old EDC™, so I make a special serial-numbered limited edition each year. Last year it was called the EDC 2004™. I have a photo of it in the archives on my site.



If it’s everyday carry you want, I make folders in 3, 4, 5.5 and 7-inch blade lengths. I make them with manual, assisted-opening and full automatic actions. Look around my site or drop me an e-mail if you have questions about my work. I’ve designed more than 90 tactical knives that have been put into production by manufacturers around the world. I’m also a knife designer for Camillus Cutlery. Tactical folders for EDC are my favorite design.



The knife in the photo at the top of this post is a full Damascus version of my MADD MAXX II™ 3-inch folder. It was a special piece from the MY MUSE™ page on my website. It isn’t something I made for anyone in particular. I just made it because I wanted to. I was working out my new Hyperstep™ file-work on it. I found some rare antique tortoise shell on an antique shaving kit for the inlay.



That knife was built to be carried. If the owner carries that knife and it gets damaged, somehow, I’ll refinish it for him. I offer this service with all my custom work.



That particular piece was full Damascus. I make other versions with a more basic tactical look. On my website, sometimes we might put too much emphasis on the flashiest things. Mainly, I use S30V® blades for everyday carry.



On another note, the dagger blade is a very popular custom order. It’s not a double-edged knife, though. The top edge is false, but I keep it very thin to look double-edged. All my MADD MAXX II™ knives are offered with bowie, spear point or dagger blades. The AXD™ also has a tanto blade option.



I can make any blade style you want as an EDC or full dress knife. If you want Damascus blades, I use Mike Norris Stainless Damascus with D2 mixed in added so it will really cut and hold a long-lasting edge.



I’m glad you guys like my knives. Feel free to e-mail or call about knives anytime.
In my site go to the folders and autos section.



 
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