KnifeKits.com DDR1

ghen · Jan 10, 2002

Hi everyone,

I got my DDR1 from knifekits.com the other day, WOW this is really sweet!

Step one was finding a torx head T-6 & T-8 driver. ($2.50 each at Sears).

The directions were very clear, and the knife went together in about 10 minutes. I took everything apart, got out the Dremel, and polished the blade spine & bolsters. I then cut a thumb access through the liner (this knife is a linerlock), which isn't in the design, but that is the cool thing about these kits, you can make the basic kit, and then do whatever else you want.

The handles were just challenging enough. They took a little bit of time to get right, but with three different grits of sandpaper, they look and feel like silk.

The action is super-smooth, and the blade is just right for everything. For less than $50 & a couple of hours invested I got a great knife, & had a lot of fun.

All in all, pretty cool.

P.S. My kit arrived with "checked by Darrel" on the bag. I called Darrel's shop & asked what percentage of kits he personally checked before they shipped. He said "all of them".(!) Nice to know Darrel Ralph is checking these kits himself to make sure they are right!

GHEN

ravenQ8 · Jan 10, 2002

How did you get a DDR I kit? I checked the website and it says they won't be available until Feb 2002 but that you can pre-order.

knifenerd · Jan 11, 2002

I did it. Dropped an e-mail on them. They're taking reservations for the DDR1 kit. Can't wait for my first knife-making experience. Sounds like a good way to learn something,too.

ghen · Jan 11, 2002

Originally posted by ravenQ8
How did you get a DDR I kit? I checked the website and it says they won't be available until Feb 2002 but that you can pre-order.

I ordered the same day the site went live. I called and was told that the first few ( 7 ) DDR1 kits orders were filled, the rest were back-ordered.

ghen · Jan 11, 2002

Checked my typing. Not less than $50., but almost!I just ordered my DDR2 kit. I'll post pics.

BaliLover · Jan 15, 2002

It looks to me that the DDR1 is the same as the DDR 605 kit that Koval has been selling for a while. Does anyone know what the differences are, if any. The DDRII has a different bolster shape and is smaller, but I can't see any difference with the DDR1.

Tmac · Jan 16, 2002

BaliLover, the DDR1 and the DDR 605 are the same kits, just different part numbers. Here's a thread where Darrel states that... http://pub42.ezboard.com/fcustomknifedirectoryforumfrm41.showMessage?topicID=6.topic

Take care,
Tom

RH · Jan 16, 2002

What is the condition of the blades on these kits? Do they need to be ground, or will the 204 do the finishing touch?

92degrees · Jan 16, 2002

Mine came very sharp.

Darrel Ralph · Jan 16, 2002

Hi Folks
The DDR1 and 11 are my designs. I sell them along with Koval and others.
We have created knifekits.com to further the knife kit market.
We have a new kit up NOW. The EV4N1 . This is a kit that you can make 4 diff knives out of (or more) in one kit.
We have just signed Rob Simonich to a multi knife deal. He has a folder coming out for us soon.
We have added levels to the knife kits also. The higher the level the more experience you gain as a knifemaker.
We are negotiating will several other makers at this time. Only the cream will be choosen.
I have several new and exciting designs that I dont want to talk about until there ready. But you will like them ....

We will also only choose knife designers that do not clash. This will keep our stable small but powerful and focused.

We have great plans for the short term. We have a forum on CKD with lots of interesting ideas and support for building these kits.

We will be offering certain supplies as time goes on also.
Like handle materials, wood , stag, ect in bulk and preshaped handles for the kits in many materials. We have precision folder parts, screws, clips and tools for the knifemaker.

We are bringing out signature kits for the high end knife builder.
They will have high end steels for the blade materials. Robs kit will come out as a signature kit. They will be a limited run of kits available.

We are offering diamond black kits also. They will be on the site shortly.

I can go on and on here. knifekits.com has a newsletter. Sign up . It dont cost a thing. It will keep you informed of the updates we will make over the next year. We will announce our signature kits this way also. First come first serve. The folks on the newsletter list get a 1 week advance notice of a signature kits coming out, and updates on information about new developments.

Look for us to grow over the next years!

See ya in Vegas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!