Darrel Ralph Maxx Q Production Model

JPD1998

JPD1998

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Oct 18, 2004
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Does anyone own one of these ? Or handled one?

I can't seem to find anything out on the web. It's a very nice design, but I can't get a sense of size or build quality.

I'd appreciate any information...thanks

Joe

Ralph1.jpg
 
The knife was reviewed in a highly detailed manner in BLADE Magazine a couple of months ago. The knife received high marks for performance, fit, and finish---enough to make me consider buying one.

I haven't heard talk of the production model since, but it looks like a very cool, much more economical version of Darrel Ralph's custom pieces to me. Good luck. :)
 
steelscout30 said:
The knife was reviewed in a highly detailed manner in BLADE Magazine a couple of months ago. The knife received high marks for performance, fit, and finish---enough to make me consider buying one.

I haven't heard talk of the production model since, but it looks like a very cool, much more economical version of Darrel Ralph's custom pieces to me. Good luck. :)
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Thanks for the info, I've always loved Darrel Ralph's designs but as you said this version is definitely more economical than a custom.

I only have two real concerns, the thickness of the liner ( which is supposed to be .07 thick titanium) and if the opposite side of the lock has a titanium frame. Or if it's more like a Strider SnG/ SMF with one side being G10 only.
 
I will go digging through my magazine collection later and see if I can't find something helpful...right now I'm away from home, and detached from my "archives."
 
The Maxx Q Line is still moving along for Darrel. He will be releasing a new model in this line very soon. A large portion if the work is in house. That means it has to be scheduled in with his other work. There are plans in the works to speed the process up and get more MaxxQ knives rolling.

Oh, the new model will be assisted!

As to the concerns about the strength of the current MaxxQ 1A, it is an extremely solid folder. It was never built to be a folding prybar, but it will pretty much take anything you give it. Basically, it you break it, you were using it for something that needed a different tool.

Size wise, it is basically a small GunHammer. Ergonomics are excellent as with the full size GunHammer. It feels very nice in the hand while using it. I felt no hot spots. Pocket carry is very comfortable. It doesn't ride awkwardly in the pocket.

The knife is what you expect from a maker of Darrel's experience.:thumbup:
 
Dirk said:
The Maxx Q Line is still moving along for Darrel. He will be releasing a new model in this line very soon. A large portion if the work is in house. That means it has to be scheduled in with his other work. There are plans in the works to speed the process up and get more MaxxQ knives rolling.

Oh, the new model will be assisted!

As to the concerns about the strength of the current MaxxQ 1A, it is an extremely solid folder. It was never built to be a folding prybar, but it will pretty much take anything you give it. Basically, it you break it, you were using it for something that needed a different tool.

Size wise, it is basically a small GunHammer. Ergonomics are excellent as with the full size GunHammer. It feels very nice in the hand while using it. I felt no hot spots. Pocket carry is very comfortable. It doesn't ride awkwardly in the pocket.

The knife is what you expect from a maker of Darrel's experience.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Dirk,

Thank you for all the great information. I've wanted one of these for quite awhile...
 
Here are some pictures of the new handle designs and in particular, the new and thicker liners and liner lock design.
My shot comparing thickness did not come out well, but the old liner is the larger one. The new liner lock design is the smaller (but thicker) and shinier piece.
It will be a beefier knife and have and improved grip.

DDRJan2009004.jpg

DDRJan2009003.jpg

DDRJan2009005.jpg

DDRJan2009014.jpg

DDRJan2009015.jpg
 
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Congrats on your Proto. DDR makes awesome knives!! He also makes the BEST assisted openers I have EVER handled!
 
I have one, but can't bring myself to use it.

I made a review here on BF, maybe someone with a gold membership could post the link.

The linerlock is a little hard, the clip is positionned in a way the knife doesn't go deep in the pocket, mine wasn't that sharp. But that apart it's a great knife. The flipper is great (mine wasn't an AO), very comfortable knife.

And like all the other DDR designs, they look amazing.

DSC03427.jpg


As I said, pocket carry wasn't very comfortable, but since I'm 130 lbs with a 28 waist size, not a lot of things are.

DSC03433.jpg
 
Thank you everyone for all the great information and the fantastic photos.

Cybrok - thanks for the comparison photo , I have a Heat and I see the size is pretty close.
 
The MaxxQ is definitely better built, with better materials.

If you like your Heat and can afford a MaxxQ, go for it :p
 
I posted a short review in the knife review section a while back. I've carried & used my DDR production Maxx Q (I heard they're a "Mid-Tech" knife, but what do I know?) a little. F&F is excellent & it is comfortable. Mine's not a proto-type, but otherwise like the ones pictured. I measured it at 4.5" closed & the S30V blade's 3.5".

From what I understand, it's a smaller version of the Gunhammer, but not too small. It's a manual flipper, which to me is fine since I'm not big into A/O's or autos.

It's very comfortable & carries well. However, my only issue with it is that I wish it was tip-up carry. I know some here prefer tip-down (Personally, I don't see why it couldn't be set-up for either carry). Since it has a "hidden" lanyard pole, with tip-up you can use that feature.

Anyways, I got it on a trade, so I can't say anything about whether it's worth the price, since I don't really know what they sell for, but it is a nice knife. It's comfortable, light for its size, a useful size, & the blade's a neat shape (Think of it as a pointy Spydie Captain).

FWIW, I dind't find much info about the knife, either. I believe there was an article about it in Blade & either Tactical Knives or Knife Illustrated (Not sure which). Hope this helps.
 
cybrok said:
I have one, but can't bring myself to use it.

I made a review here on BF, maybe someone with a gold membership could post the link.

The linerlock is a little hard, the clip is positionned in a way the knife doesn't go deep in the pocket, mine wasn't that sharp. But that apart it's a great knife. The flipper is great (mine wasn't an AO), very comfortable knife.

And like all the other DDR designs, they look amazing.

DSC03427.jpg


As I said, pocket carry wasn't very comfortable, but since I'm 130 lbs with a 28 waist size, not a lot of things are.

DSC03433.jpg
Click to expand...

When did you get this one? It sounds like a first run. Send it back to Darrel and he can tune the lock to your liking and also sharpen it up for you. The clip position is based on what Darrel has been hearing from his customers and observing in the market over all. I too, am not a big fan of how high it rides. It does allow for easy access which, is the point.
 
Well it seems this might be worth buying.

I really appreciate all the the comments. I found a dealer that has the stone washed version for $199.00. If I get it , I'll post a quick review.
 
I bought mine from mndart :) who got it from M. Ralph.

Not numbered, no case, but I got it at an amazing price.

I have not decided yet what I'll do with it. There is also the fact it's the most expensive knife I ever owned. M. Ralph told me he made 26 exactly like this (when I asked him, maybe some more after). I just don't know if I should use it.

If I decide to keep it, I will probably get a low rider clip.
 
cybrok said:
I bought mine from mndart :) who got it from M. Ralph.

Not numbered, no case, but I got it at an amazing price.

I have not decided yet what I'll do with it. There is also the fact it's the most expensive knife I ever owned. M. Ralph told me he made 26 exactly like this (when I asked him, maybe some more after). I just don't know if I should use it.

If I decide to keep it, I will probably get a low rider clip.
Click to expand...


if you get enjoyment by looking at it ...then it does serve a purpose:) I have quite a few knives that I just keep in my collection.

Btw thanks again for the pics...
 
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