Is the Cuda Maxx 5.5 the absolute best carry knife out there?

PsychoSword

PsychoSword

Joined
Jul 2, 2002
Messages
349
I sold my Camillus Cuda Maxx 5.5" a couple years ago because of something I thought I had to have at the time. About a year ago I purchased a black bladed, serrated Camillus Heat and I'm happy with it for the price I paid. However it's not as good of a carry knife as my Maxx was as in it's not as flat in the back pocket and has an almost 2" shorter blade. I don't know whether the D2 steel on the Cuda Maxx is better than the AUS8 steel on the Heat, but I would venture to guess so. The only gripe I had with my Cuda Maxx was that it was not as sharp as I would have liked. It was definately not as sharp as my Camillus Heat is.

So to stop boring you with details, I've been looking at purchasing a Camillus Cuda Maxx 5.5" again for back pocket carry and was wondering if there's anything else similiar or better (is that possible?) out there that I should also consider? I've heard of the 7.0, too big for back jeans pocket carry though. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

(I'll still probably carry my Heat at work, because if I whipped out the Cuda Maxx to cut a box open it might raise an eyebrow.) :D
 
It will be very difficult to help you as there is no way to know what the "best" is without a little more description about what you want.

A large assisted opener? That's what you're interested in?
 
A little more info. would be helpful. The only answer I can give right now would be, the CUDA Maxx is arguably the best mega folder right now. So, if you are looking for a very large folder to carry, then you will be doing all right with a CUDA Maxx.
 
Dirk said:
A little more info. would be helpful. The only answer I can give right now would be, the CUDA Maxx is arguably the best mega folder right now. So, if you are looking for a very large folder to carry, then you will be doing all right with a CUDA Maxx.
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Thanks Dirk, that's basically the answer I was looking for. I am interested in other people's recommendations for large carry folders though. I'm also interested on people's takes on D2 steel vs. AUS8 steel. It doesn't have to be assisted opening. I'm not real picky on the blade type either, just looking for suggestions. The Cuda Maxx I had was the spearpoint model.

Seems I picked the wrong day to ask this question, with the database errors and all...
 
If you go with the bowie blade, it has a tumbled finish which helps with reducing the likelyhood of rust on D2. I personally prefer D2 over AUS8. It takes a wicked edge, that will last and it is a tough steel. I have carried a D2 Maxx through some very hot and steamy summer days. I have had sweat on it all day and never had a spot of rust. All I did was just run it under water at the end of the day and towel dry it. AUS8 is OK. I have no problem with it. It will take a good edge and hold itfairly well. It isn't difficult to resharpen.
 
I saw somebody selling a black handled Cuda Maxx awhile back. It was a custom run I think and looked really cool, does anybody remember who made these and if they're still available?
 
Personally I think the Salt1/Delica/Calypso Jr. knives from Spyderco are the most condusive EDC knives made. They cover all the bases really. They just ride so well and are light weight, made in many different blade steels and handle materials as well as colors to please a multitude of people with different size opening holes to do the same, and pretty much function and work as well as a bigger knife. Plus they are inexpensive enough that anyone can afford them. What more could one ask for for between $40 and $50 investment?

When it comes to large and extra large folders I'd suggest the Para Mil or the Manix or Chinook over the Cuda Maxx personally.
 
i agree w/ STR

i own a Maxx and a Manix.....i think the Manix is plenty big.......actually its massive! the edge goes to Maxx for SD but for a large EDC i like the Manix.

i also carry a spyderco calypso jr........best knife in the world for under $35 :)
 
STR said:
Personally I think the Salt1/Delica/Calypso Jr. knives from Spyderco are the most condusive EDC knives made. They cover all the bases really. They just ride so well and are light weight, made in many different blade steels and handle materials as well as colors to please a multitude of people with different size opening holes to do the same, and pretty much function and work as well as a bigger knife. Plus they are inexpensive enough that anyone can afford them. What more could one ask for for between $40 and $50 investment?

When it comes to large and extra large folders I'd suggest the Para Mil or the Manix or Chinook over the Cuda Maxx personally.
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Thank you! I'm gonna go biking, but when I get home I'll check those out and tell you what I think. Wish I still had my Maxx! :( :cool:
 
STR said:
When it comes to large and extra large folders I'd suggest the Para Mil or the Manix or Chinook over the Cuda Maxx personally.
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Ok, just got done checking those out. Looks like they're all Spyderco's with at least an inch shorter blade than the Maxx and thicker in the handle. Spyderco's seem like nice enough knives, but everytime I look at one at a gunshow or wherever, I just don't get what the fuss is all about. Just my take on them. I'm really only interested in folders that have at least a 5" blade on them like a Maxx. I'm just kind of interested in different designs, whatever else is out there, if anything. Thanks for the suggestions so far!
 
nonbox said:
I wish Camillus made a titanium handle color Mad Maxx.
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I had never heard of the Mad Maxx. From what I Googled, apparently it's just a non-production (prototype) or forerunner version of the Cuda Maxx, otherwise I see no difference. Do you mean you would rather see the handle the gray color of titanium? The handle on the Maxx knives is titanium..
 
the cuda maxx is designed by darrel ralph and is modeled after his madd maxx series of custom knives, imho it is one of the more accurate renditions around, i have 2 cuda maxx's (bowie and stilleto)and 2 madd maxx's (4" talonite blade CF handle and std 5.5") and they are pretty similar, of course the custom version has better F&F (imho darrels F&F are up there with the best my 4" maxx is as nice as anything i've seen) but the cuda maxx is a close copy.

i dont know if its the best edc around, but they are certainly ok, carry well despite the size, i am not crazy about tip down knives though ,i have trained/etc mostly with tip up so i usually stick with them. but the maxx series is not bad imho.
 
PsychoSword said:
Thanks, I think that's where I saw them originally. I will have to check that out! What is "BLADE"? Is that some sort of knife show?
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The BLADE Magazine show which is in Atlanta this coming weekend. All of the players in cutlery will be there. I am sorry that I will not.
 
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