First impression of DDR's new AXD

[Dirk]

This is Darrel Ralph's ne knife, the Aftermath eXtreme Duty. Check out his site for pics. I can't say I truly tested the knife. I have only held it and checked out grip and how it transitions and moves.

This was my knife, but it was going on a trip to Las Vegas! Without me! Somehow, that is very wrong. Anyway, the knife is a 3.9" bowie blade, along the lines of the exaggerated bowie found on the current Aftermath. The blade is hand rubbed S30V with a shallow hollow grind. It has a very fine edge, Darrel gave me the exact measurement once and it is small. That means this thing is sharp and will cut. The handle is a frame lock as only Darrel can do. It has the general appearance of a short Aftermath, but it is a combination angles and curves that flow quite well and produce a handle that literally works in any grip you can think of. Darrel has taken design cues from some of his older stuff and updated them for this knife. The lock has gone through some refinements and Darrel told me he is working to the tightest tolerances he ever has with this knife! It had the power assist opener and this thing was smooth as silk! No tight spots, or rough spots, or extra heavy pressure required to get it to function, just a sane amount of finger pressure through the complete pull or flip or push (whatever term you want)of the flipper and the knife opens fast! Zero lateral play for the blade, no hint of movement at all. I almost forgot, Darrel has two handle options, plain Ti frame lock handle or G-10 inlay that provides outstanding grip! It is also removeable, so you can get different colors if you like. The handle has a two tone finish, ceramic peen around the outher edge, and then what would be called the flats, though it is domed, is hand rubbed. Beautiful contrast!

When my knife returns to me from vacation, I will get to play with it some more and then I'll let you know what else I come up with.

I was just so jazzed about it, I had to post something. Check out Darrels site for more specs on it.

 

[francoisdm]

Hi,

I've seen this knife on ddr's site and it looks very good.
How is it that no discussion has followed on this spectacular knife ?
Do you still like yours as much ?

Regards,

François.

 

[Dirk]

The interesting thing is that most of the AXDs seem to have gone to people who don't frequent the forums very much. If at all. Darrel was saying his orders have been coming from outside the normal knife community. That would explain why we haven;t heard much on the forums.

I have seen some post on other sites about the AXD.

As far as my opinion of the knife, it hasn't changed. I haven't actually gotten one as of yet. I have only been playing with the ones on Darrel's shop. Darrel has some other stuff coming up and I need to safe my money for that.

 

[Geode]

Why did your knife go to LV without you? Darrel is pretty proud of the new AXD line and rightly so. It seems like one can trace the heritage of the AXD through the EDC, Apogee, and Krait.

Dirk is right about some AXD buyers probalby being outside the forum communities. Apparently LEO and other tactical folks had a role in helping to develop the AXD for their uses.

Dirk, when your AXD comes home, please tell us more about how it handles, cuts and carries. I am thinking about getting one of these folders.

 

[Dirk]

Well, the AXD I initially had my name on was the only one of that configuration Darrel had available for the SHOT show. I told Darrel if he had a buyer for it out there, then I would just wait. So, I am waiting. Of course, now it is time for the Blade Show. That means I will have to wait some more as I will be going to the Show. Oh well, I know where he lives!