Design Redux (or the undaunted Dauntless)

Otto Carpenter

Otto Carpenter

Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
416
The TAD Dauntless captured the imagination of many high-end designers who have reinterpreted it while staying mostly true to the original design (if TAD was indeed the original). I haven't come across another instance of this. I know there are many fixed blades and slip joints that carry traditional designs forward, but I'm unaware of any modern folder more interpreted than the Dauntless.

My three questions are: Can you think of any other modern folder design that has received this much interpretation? What is it about the design of the Dauntless that draws so many designers to take a whack at it? Lastly, does the original designer (Patrick Ma?) receive royalties or some type of remuneration for his intellectual property?
 
I'd be interested in knowing the story of the Dauntless, if anyone knows it.

I own one, the recently-released version with the Hawk lock and their new cammed detent. I was telling BilboBaggins BilboBaggins that I think it might be the perfect edc for me.
 
Since its release, I've always loved the design of the TAD Dauntless and I would love to know more about its history. I have numerous TAD products from their clothing line and a backpack of theirs. Truly quality products HOWEVER, I'll be damned if I drop that amount of coin for what you get with their knives. When I really look at them and hone in on the details, it's just disappointment. It's an example of the least amount of effort for the most amount of money. For $300+ I just expect more. No steel lockbar insert. No lock bar stabilizer. No reversible pocket clip (I'm a lefty and this is a big deal to me). S35VN is great but, for the money there are better options out there. And you get less than 3" of cutting edge.

Such a let down. I love the look. That design is just awesome. Love the blade shape and handle to blade ration. Great proportions. But... for what you get, I feel like it should be $50-$75 dollars cheaper. Or maybe I'm just cheap... I dunno, doesn't matter. These are just my opinions.
 
SpySmasher said:
I'd be interested in knowing the story of the Dauntless, if anyone knows it.

I own one, the recently-released version with the Hawk lock and their new cammed detent. I was telling BilboBaggins BilboBaggins that I think it might be the perfect edc for me.
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Saw that one. It's a compelling functional design - great looking and perfect size for easy carry. Enjoy.
 
WadeWilson said:
For $300+ I just expect more. No steel lockbar insert. No lock bar stabilizer. No reversible pocket clip (I'm a lefty and this is a big deal to me). S35VN is great but, for the money there are better options out there. And you get less than 3" of cutting edge.

Such a let down. I love the look. That design is just awesome. Love the blade shape and handle to blade ration. Great proportions. But... for what you get, I feel like it should be $50-$75 dollars cheaper. Or maybe I'm just cheap... I dunno, doesn't matter. These are just my opinions.
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Hey, opinions make the world go 'round. They matter.
 
I have no knowledge regarding the history of the dauntless. Like SpySmasher SpySmasher I picked up the Hawk version which I absolutely love. I think part of the appeal of the Dauntless (at least to me) is it's symmetry. Just beautiful. I assume, although I haven't run into any of them on here, that there are people who only collect the million different versions out there. I'd love to see somebody post a dauntless collection shot!!!
 
BilboBaggins said:
I have no knowledge regarding the history of the dauntless. Like SpySmasher SpySmasher I picked up the Hawk version which I absolutely love. I think part of the appeal of the Dauntless (at least to me) is it's symmetry. Just beautiful. I assume, although I haven't run into any of them on here, that there are people who only collect the million different versions out there. I'd love to see somebody post a dauntless collection shot!!!
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Agree with your observation of the beautiful symmetry (and balance) of the Dauntless. The blade's forward finger choil mirrors the scale's contour. It has a timeless, militaristic aesthetic.
 
I don't know if it predates them it but it definitely reminds me of a mashup of the gerber applegate folder, Sibert ala Mini Pocket Rocket and Felhoelter styles.
 
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