DDR Madd Maxx vs. Camillus Maxx

[cutter17]

I just saw an original DDR Madd Maxx bowie for sale at a knife site and got to wondering how these compare to the Camillus brand. I'm assuming the same D2 blade steel, but are the titanium handles thicker than what the Camillus models were? How 'bout blade thickness? Any help appreciated as I may go for this one.:thumbup:

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I've got a DDR Madd Maxx dagger and a Camillus CUDA Maxx bowie. Both knives have 1/8" blade and titanium scales. The DDR has a slightly better action, but the Camillus is as close to it as any production could be.

This is one of those cases where the production could save you a lot of money for no practical loss of performance. On the other hand, my DDR is the plain style that the Camillus echoed. If the DDR you're looking at is more flamboyant, as his knives can be, you might like to buy it for that.

 

[Whoever Wherever]

The DDR is a maker created knife with resale value that will stay strong. Nuf said.

 

[T.K.C.]

I would take a CUSTOM over ANY production model. The DDR is a custom knife. 'Nuf said.

 

[SIFU1A]

like essav said the cammilus maxx was a darned close copy of the ralph maxx in every way, i have 2 raplhs and have had 4 or 5 cammilus maxx's and the dimensions are really really close if not exact between std models of the ralph and the cammilus's.

of course the F&F is better on the ralph, and though the value of the cammilus has gone up since they went bust a ralph is worth more $$ and will always be worth more, he didnt make many maxx's and hasnt for several yrs now, the std maxx like the camillus is designed after anyway.

i have had a few custom folders in my time and darrels F&F is 2nd to none.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

If you have the money, get the custom. If it is wearing on you this badly, get the collaboration production model. Example, I love the M16 mid range design from CRKT. I can't afford Kit Carsons model, just yet. I've owned the M18, all of the M16's, all of the M21's, and have decided to just get the Carson custom.

 

[SIFU1A]

i did the same thing with the CRKT kasper folder, got several of them, then decided i had to have a crawford and now have 3 of those lol,

 

[Dirk]

Camillus actually ended up making two different Maxxes, as far as the original bowie blade goes. The first run had the same thickness Ti that Darrel uses that being .150 the next run from Camillus is the .125 thickness. The difference really comes down to comfort in the hand. While the thickness can and does impact overall strength, it is doubtful anyone could truly approach the limits of the knife in realistic use.

The blade thickness is the same. As mentioned fit and finish on the DDR is unquestionable better. Camillus just used a standard tumble finish on the blade and a basic anodzing job on the handle. Darrel used a multitude of different finishes on the blade a had some variations on the handles. The other less noticeble differnce is that Darrel was always improving and evolving the Maxx,while Camillus kept the same formula.

You can't really go wrong with either, but I would get the DDR over the Camillus.

 

[cutter17]

Thanks for the information guys! I'm going with the custom Maxx and hope to have it here next week. Dirk, that is what I thought I had read during a search. Thanks for measurement info as I couldn't quite remember where I had read it from and if I had actually read it about the Maxx. I am going to be on the lookout for a Camillus Maxx to go along with the DDR Maxx. Anyone have any ideas on that? Thanks again!

 

[cutter17]

Got the custom Maxx today and it is an AWESOME knife! It has thick titanium handles, a sleek and sexy blade and it is in my pocket. It rides good due to the deep carry clip it came with. The finish is a couple different ones. The handle edges ( all the way around), back spacer, and top edge of the blade have a pebbley texture, while the flats of the blade are like a scotchbrite finish and the rest of the blade is a fine ceramic finish. The handles are satin finished and silver, with no anodizing. The action on it is as smooth as can be. It doesn't take but a little start and the blade swings out and goes CRACK into lockup. I was thinking about sending it to Darrell, after the Bladeshow, and having him fix it for tip up carry, and maybe get the handles anodized. Just something I'll to think about. I'm going to start my search for a Camillus model and hope to get one to go along with my custom.:thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[SIFU1A]

if ya get it modded for tip up ya can wave it open with the horns on the blade just like an emerson FWIW..

 

[cutter17]

Good point SIFU1A. I had read something to that effect on the search I did. Regardless of that, I just like point up better than point down in most cases. I wish more knives came with both options.