HTM Knives QC Still Bad?

I've held an HTM Maxx at a local gun show, and I honestly thought it was a fake at first..but after reading all this I guess it's just typical of their quality, or lack there of..
 
So far it's a little disappointing that a maker with such cool (imo) designs produces such a poor quality product. Too bad they didn't do collaborations with better companies (ZT, Spyderco, etc).
 
oXObsidianXo said:
Ok, so by the sounds of it I really don't want to even think about getting an HTM. If there is anyone who has had a good experience with Darryl Ralph their input would be appreciated.
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I'm not trying to insult you, but why after doing this research would you even entertain spending $50 much less $500 on a company with a horrible history. It's one thing if you did not know about them, but you clearly do.

This reminds me of a post I read today on IG where a guy called out a notoriously bad maker who has claimed 10 times to have changed his ways and do better business only to threat his customers the same way. Now the poster says he understands why everyone said what they did about the maker. I feel zero pity for the poster.

I think there has been more than enough bad post on HTM by now that anyone buying one should know better.
 
I have an HTM Gunhammer. Must be an early one, because it's built really well. I took it apart, and it's an intricate knife, with an innovative assist mechanism. It's too bad that the company was so screwed up.
 
Pittknife said:
I'm not trying to insult you, but why after doing this research would you even entertain spending $50 much less $500 on a company with a horrible history. It's one thing if you did not know about them, but you clearly do.

This reminds me of a post I read today on IG where a guy called out a notoriously bad maker who has claimed 10 times to have changed his ways and do better business only to threat his customers the same way. Now the poster says he understands why everyone said what they did about the maker. I feel zero pity for the poster.

I think there has been more than enough bad post on HTM by now that anyone buying one should know better.
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The main reason I was looking for new info was because I liked their designs. Remember back when KAI/ZT had a horrible run of ELMAX and everyone avoided them because of that? I figured maybe they had turned things around. Also, I have seen a lot of Charlie Mikes posts where he had good things to say about Darrel Ralph's knives. And visiting the HTM forum some others had some good to say too.

That's all really, I was just interested in expanding my collection.
 
oXObsidianXo said:
The main reason I was looking for new info was because I liked their designs. Remember back when KAI/ZT had a horrible run of ELMAX and everyone avoided them because of that? I figured maybe they had turned things around. Also, I have seen a lot of Charlie Mikes posts where he had good things to say about Darrel Ralph's knives. And visiting the HTM forum some others had some good to say too.

That's all really, I was just interested in expanding my collection.
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A few people complaining and echoing a steel issue that may or may not have been 100% accurate is vastly different than about 3+ years of EVERYONE stating HTM is pure junk. CM's DDRs are full customs that were probably well over $1000 a piece (iirc he said one was $1500). I've never handled them so I can't speak to the quality but you can do much much better in the $1000-1500 custom price range in my opinion.
 
I'm surprised Charlie Mike hasn't hopped in yet. Although, he only has DDR Customs and probably could care less about HTM.

I really wish DDR and Warren Thomas didn't work with such shady companies. They could have done awesome collabs with ZT or Benchmade.
 
DAVE_M said:
I'm surprised Charlie Mike hasn't hopped in yet. Although, he only has DDR Customs and probably could care less about HTM.

I really wish DDR and Warren Thomas didn't work with such shady companies. They could have done awesome collabs with ZT or Benchmade.
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The difference is HTM was supposedly DDR's production company, like Strider, Hinderer, Microtech etc. Its his own shady company. Warren Thomas just got wrapped up with shitty people.
 
Scurvy092 said:
The difference is HTM was supposedly DDR's production company, like Strider, Hinderer, Microtech etc. Its his own shady company. Warren Thomas just got wrapped up with shitty people.
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Thanks for the clarification!
 
I have been looking at their knives on and off... Luckily I didn't pull the trigger.
 
Just say no to HTM. I had one and was incredibly lucky.

DDR custom knives are an entirely different animal. I have EDC'd every DDR I have owned, ranging from $2200-$1300. I have a 4" Maxx and Dominator on order. I will always be a customer because he will build a knife exactly how I want, provided it starts as one of his established models.

[video=youtube;siW7bPpQNwc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siW7bPpQNwc[/video]

 
Thanks for that info CM, I was hoping you would give your 0.02. I take it you have had a very good experience with DDR customs then.
 
oXObsidianXo said:
Thanks for that info CM, I was hoping you would give your 0.02. I take it you have had a very good experience with DDR customs then.
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Extemely.

Buy quality and only cry once.
 
dano said:
I have an HTM Gunhammer. Must be an early one, because it's built really well.
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Me too. In fact, I've got a couple of them. I bought both of them directly from Darrell. They're the hardest firing AO's I've ever handled. And as you said, they're really well made.
 
bld522 said:
Me too. In fact, I've got a couple of them. I bought both of them directly from Darrell. They're the hardest firing AO's I've ever handled. And as you said, they're really well made.
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I ordered mine directly from Briar Industries as well.
 
Without having inside into those companies and their acting people it is kind of difficult to judge and reading that some people state information they have "heard" from third parties it may not be a fair treatment of Darrel Ralph. Just my 2 cents.

Other knifemakers did collobarations with well reputed companies like ZT, Spyderco, Benchmade and others. Some have established their own midtech range below their customs, which to me is also a kind of "foggy" business, not being sure how much personal work of the knifemaker went into those midtechs. Darrel Raph decided upon a different strategy and I would assume that locking back today he may regard this decision as a mistake. But it is always easy to judge this from the comfortable outside position.

I have 2 customs from Darrel Ralph and both are fantastic in terms of fit & finish. One I bought directly from him and the contact was very pleasant, friendly and appreciating. So nothing to complain at all. I always stayed away from those HTM knives.

Stefan











 
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