For self defense, Vaquero Grande or Cuda Max?

J

jhokie

Joined
Sep 21, 2002
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44
These both look like great knives, I'm just wondering what most of you guys think. The Grande obviously looks scarier, so maybe that would be a big deterrent to anyone right there if you were forced to pull it out. However, it seems to me that the Camilus would be a stronger knife because of the frame lock.

So what do you guys think?
 
Vaquero Grande...The serrations and blade-style makes it one heck of a flesh-ripper. I have one, and I SURE know that I wouldn't want to get hit with it...The damn thing could make ones' guts fall out really quick.
 
Does the liner lock on the Vaquero Grande seem sturdy, and how does it fit in your pocket? Is it fairly inconspicuous looking when clipped to the pocket? I woulda kinda be worried that if a police officer ever searched me and found the Vaquero that I may be in a bit of trouble.
 
I had a Vaquero, the Grande's little brother with 5" blade, a few years back. It was a good knife but not a great knife. Mine was the older version without a pocket clip, so it was a little tough to tote around. They've since fixed that though, so it's no longer an issue. The other thing was that I hate their serrations, so I made mine plain-edge. The Maxx, on the other hand, is an awesome knife. I like the more conventional blade shape a lot better than the Vaqueros, and I much prefer Ti handles and the frame lock. It is more expensive though, but not prohibitively so. For self defense, they're really about equal. Both are big and scary, and for straight self defense would probably be equally useful. For day to day tasks, the Maxx is a lot better, and would be my personal choice.
 
I suspect the real decision point between the Vaquero Grande and the Maxx Bowie is style of use. They are both big tough blades designed to be effective fighters.

The Vaquero's design strikes me as being primarily geared toward doing shallow to moderate slashing damage. Like the Spyderco Civilian, it would be almost impossible not to do some damage when swinging this thing. It is going to rip anything it touches and it will tend to keep itself inside the target.

The Maxx's design follows the classic bowie style. It will penetrate well on thrusts. The narrow tip and false edge provide minimal resistance while the guards allow the use of full strength without any risk of slipping onto the blade. There is also enough belly to slash effectively, with a tendency toward shorter but deeper cuts than the Vaquero.

Different types of training lend themselves to different types of blades. I would recommend the Vaquero for anyone who does not have some formal training and for those whose training emphasizes circular motions or attacks against limbs. I would recommend the Maxx for anyone with training in a more linear style, especially fencing variants.

Given my training and experience, I much prefer the Maxx.

And remember, no generalization is always true, including this one. :)

--Bob Q
 
The Maxx is a much better knife from A-Z. However, strictly for self-defense, sometimes that doesn't matter as much. Maxx's lock may be stronger, but the V.G.'s lockback is very strong. Maxx's steel is way better than VG's, but you don't need a hold-an-edge-forever steel strictly for self-defense. I don't feel either has a great grip, but that's just my hands. Ultimately, the zytel handles on the V.G. really will pop a whole lot easier than a well-done titanium framelock, perhaps that's the most important difference for strictly self-defense use.

On the other hand, are you really using this for strictly self-defense? The Maxx's much better materials and construction will last you better for day-in and day-out hard use. On the other hand, if you're looking for it to double as a relatively-cheap beater, you can abuse the hell out of the V.G. without crying -- that I'll say again that regardless of its size, the V.G.'s zytel construction will lead to a bit of slop with harder use.

Joe
 
I collect fixed blades but I do have three folders. Two are from CS.
The Vaquero Grande and a large drop point twistmaster.
The VG is scary and capable.
The twistmaster cuts like the devil.
If price is an issue there is no comparison. VGs sell on ebay for as low as $30.00.
 
For strictly self defense, I gotta agree, that it just depends on your style and personal preference. (No use repeating what Bquinlan has already stated) The Maxx is one helluva thruster, and aint half bad with a tip rip either. The CS has them wicked serrations, and the equally impressive belly. (BTW I do think the serrations are incredibly cheesy looking...kinda like the Ginsu 2Ks we used to see on television at three in the morning, but they DO work well. Usually what I suggest for people not willing to learn knife sharpening.)

But the rest of the time when ya' aint slashin', hackin' perforatin', an' vanquishin' bad guys.....

DEFINITELY the Maxx!!

Blade material: Maxx- D2 VG-AUS 8
Handle material Maxx- Titanium VG-zytel
Lock: Maxx- framelock VG- Backlock
Pivot Maxx- HUGE VG- adequate

For the price difference, I think the Maxx is a better choice. Also, the Maxx is very easy to use for day to day tasks...really! much easier than you'd think for a knife that size. It's easier to use than alot of 3.5 to 4 inch blades I've owned. It's also very easy to maintain the straight bottom edge on the Maxx. It also deploys very quickly with the quick flick guards, and can be made even quicker if ya' reversed the clip for tip up carry. It's also very flat to carry in the pocket, and it IS possible to forget it's there once ya' get used to it. Also, bear in mind that since it's such a fantastic knife at most every day to day task, it basically bonds you more tightly with your knife. (I can't speak for the VG in that scope, but I can say that the Maxx is overall VERY hard to beat) The one area I've found where the Maxx leaves some to be desired is the slick titanium handles, which is a problem quickly rectified with a littlebit of skateboard tape.

I think if it were ME choosing, one thing that would push me to the Maxx is that big ole sturdy framelock. DEFINITELY gives a strong feeling of confidence. Don't even wanna remotely consider either of those blades closing on my forepaws....

Overall, if you're lookin' for nuthin' but personal defense, there's possibly some debate open. But as a day to day tool, I'd say the Maxx would win hands down. Sorry man, but I think it's simply a better tool, and the best bang for buck value in the knife market today.
 
Originally posted by Runs With Scissors
...But as a day to day tool, I'd say the Maxx would win hands down. Sorry man, but I think it's simply a better tool, and the best bang for buck value in the knife market today.
Click to expand...
Don't be sorry...I agree that the Vaquero Grande makes for a pretty piss-poor "utility" knife, BUT as strictly a "defensive/offensive" folder, I STILL think that it's one of the best (if not THE best).

...And the best "bang for the buck"? I think that is the FRN Spyderco Delica/Endura, with that EXCELLENT VG-10 steel...Or maybe even the Al Mar SERE 2000.:).
 
I own both, and i feel much more confident with the Cuda Maxx than the VG. The Cuda is just a superb knife.
 
dont kid yourself...........the first place finisher in a knife fight is only next to last.....practice running!!!! :( :p :(
 
Both. :D

Seriously, of the two folders you mentioned I'd take the CS. Its recurved blade slices like there's no tomorrow.
 
I have both and you can't go wrong with either.I have the older V.G. with no pocket clip.I keep it on my nightstand by my bed.Sort-of a security blanket.Out and about I carry my Maxx.
 
Originally posted by glockman99
...And the best "bang for the buck"? I think that is the FRN Spyderco Delica/Endura, with that EXCELLENT VG-10 steel...Or maybe even the Al Mar SERE 2000.:).
Click to expand...

My Gawd man! You've gone over to the dark side of liner locks??!!:D
Definitely among the best bang for buck fer sure! I've had three of them now, and continually kick myself in the butt for gettin' rid of 'em.
 
I have both. I hardly carry the Vaquero Grande. It's big and bad and yes it comes razor sharp and if you don't use it for every day cutting chores it will stay that way.

The Vaquero has a wider handle that feels better in had but is too wide for an EDC knife. If I was going to get a big cheap knife I would look at a 5 inch voyager, the handle is slimmer.

Now the Max is a totally different knife all together. It is big and not to repeat all the other post it has much better materials. It carries much easier in your pockets. It's slim profile is great for EDC carry. I find the bowie blade shape much more utility friendly. So I use mine for every day cutting chores, something I would never do with my Varquero. It is tip down carry, some like that, I perfer tip up but not that big of deal. Also, it sits lower in your pocket for a much more discret carry.

If you got the cash go with the Maxx. If you don't the Vaquero is a good defensive knife. Some legal advise, since you mentioned it I would check with your state laws AND city or county ordinances to see if it's legal. The best way is to go to a local library or college and research your states penal code. As for local ordinances you should find them at a local city hall.
 
Originally posted by Runs With Scissors
My Gawd man! You've gone over to the dark side of liner locks??!!:D
Definitely among the best bang for buck fer sure! I've had three of them now, and continually kick myself in the butt for gettin' rid of 'em.
Click to expand...
Yup!...I finally found a liner-lock that works for me (being a "lefty")...No-matter how hard I squeeze the handle of my SERE 2000, the blade will not release or loosen; The lock is SOLID. I also like the fact that the liner (lock) on the SERE 2000 is THICK, and not "paper-thin" like with some liner-locks that I've handled. This Al Mar folder was done RIGHT.
 
It looks like I'm gonna go with the CUDA MAXX, since it seems like a much better overall knife, probably more concealable, stronger lock, and also I'm not the greatest fan of lockbacks.
 
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