Darrel Ralph illusion release queries

G

greg c

Joined
Oct 9, 1998
Messages
490
Hi guys,

For those of you who are lucky enough to own or have played with Darrel's illusion release folders, could you throw out some opinions? Specifically, how easy is it to release, how likely is an unintentional discharge, reliability thoughts? Thanks!

-G
 
The release so far has held up. I've been carrying a DA medium Apogee on a daily basis for several months now and it's held up great so far. I had some difficulties with the lock bar galling (sticking) after it was fired in auto mode but a few weeks after it broke in nicely. As to accidental firings, it's virtually impossible with Darrel's design. Since you push the "screw" forward to fire, there is no way you can bump the knife in the pocket to make it go off. Add to that, the release doesn't protrude much above the surface of the handle. Reliability - so far mine is holding up very nicely. No signs of blade play in any direction as many times as I have fired it automatically. There is something you should be aware of - the leaf spring is carbon steel so it's best to wipe it a bit with Tuf-Cloth to protect it from rust and staining. Speaking of the spring, Darrel goes the extra mile by filewoking the spring a bit, a nice touch of class.

Overall, I really like the Illusion. It pops open with authority and it's so smooth it's a pleasure to open it manually as well
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AKTI Member # A000005
NC Knife Knuts Member
Living life "on the edge"
 
My only thought on the Illusions is that I am absolutely green with envy for all those that can swing the price of admission
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! I own one Ralph and it is definitely not enough. Maybe someday.
 
Been using mine steadily for about a month and a half and playing with it way too much. My experience has been the same as Dexter's.
The knife has broken in very well.

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" I am continually reminded of the rewards of dealing with custom knife makers and the custom knife community." Jeff J.
 
Whoa, OK. For a minute I thought you were calling my bud Darrell an elusive queerie
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Dave (Phil.4:13)
I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me
 
For al interested I am testing a new ss for the backspine. The problem is that some HC ss builds stress after a while and breaks.
I have several types that I am trying .
:]


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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
 
It was suggested that since "the leaf spring is carbon steel so it's best to wipe it a bit with Tuf-Cloth to protect it from rust and staining." I have an Illusion on the way to my door and have to wonder how to do this without dismantling the knife - I have visions of springs flying all over the place and warrantees violated. Is there a way to use the tuf cloth on the springs without making my nightmare a reality (or is it all just an Illusion?)
 
Access to the front and back of the leaf spring is no problem. I use a oil dispenser
(pick your favorite lubricant) with a needle like delivery spout to lay a little oil down each side of the spring and work the action a few times and that seems to work.

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" The real art of living is too keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post.
In memory of James Mattis
 
Gus
I have Millenum #2 and while I don't carry it every day I have not had a problem with the back spring rusting. I also did not have a problem with the spring "galling". Just lucky I guess.

Greg C. just saw this comming BTTT as I was on vacation most of last month and at a confrence the rest. I did not have any problems with AD's. Every time I want the action to fire it has. Cold fingers might cause a litle fumbling because of the small size of the button, but this is also a safety feature.

Dexter is right, it's really smooth to open.
Buttom line? I like mine.



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Dwight

It's a fine line between "a hobby" and "mental illness".
 
S&H - Gus is correct, all you need to do is lube the front and back of the spring. More so the back (the part that is exposed on the handle spine) since this is where your hand will contact it and you have the oil on your skin, sweat, etc. I have heard of only one instance of a spring on an Illusion rusting out (Will Fennell's knife, the guy sweats acid
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) but for the most part I have kept mine oiled up and wipe it down with Tuf-Cloth every so oftn. That should do the trick.

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AKTI Member # A000005
NC Knife Knuts Member
Living life "on the edge"

In memory of James K. Mattis
 
Well, I don't know about cold fingers out here in Az, but my palms may get a little sweaty holding it!

Hey DDR, are the new stainless springs around yet?
 
Doesn't titanium make for a good spring material?

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Semper Fi

-Bill
 
I've seen full suspension bicycles using titanium tubes that flex for their suspension travel. A pivotless Ibis mountainbike flexes for 5" of travel without failure and without losing its original shape.

So I do believe titanium would be THE ideal material for a spring. Hope it happens in the apogee.
 
Yep Titanium would be a good spring.
The problem is the wear properties are no where good enough for a sear to relase at high pressure .
I have the ss working great now so that will be what I go for for the time being.
In the furute If I can figure a system that will allow the titanium wear properties I will use it.



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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
NEW WEB SITE TAKE A LOOK!!!!!!!!!
New projects and pics to look at !!!!
 
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