Mad Dog knives...

veritas

veritas

Gold Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2002
Messages
922
I wanted to get an idea of what people think about Mad Dog Knives, from what you've heard, to who has them and swears by them. From what I hear, they are very well built knives. I was in the market for one and then found the wait to be almost 3 years! Also, the dealers that have a few in stock are asking double what the knives are supposedly selling for new. I own Striders and Busse's to name a few of the well made fixed blades out there and I'm quite happy with both their differences and likeness.

But since I'm a knife nut, I want something else as well and Mad Dog Knives appealed to me, just not at more than what some full on customs go for.

Are they worth the wait & the money as opposed to other fixed blade makers like Strider, Busse, Ferhman, Mercworx, Reeve, Tops...?

Thanks for any feedback.

Vin C
NYC
 
I've been ruined by the politics. There was a time that I really wanted a Mad Dog knife, but after years of reading the Kevin McClung saga, I am no longer the least bit interested. That doesn't mean that Mad Dog knives aren't good knives.

I have never owned one, but the couple I have had the chance to handle were pretty nice. The handles were very comfortable and the balance was excellent. The thing I didn't like was the coating that reminds me of chrome plating on bumpers.

Don't be surprised if you get some heated replies to your thread. Kevin McClung and Mad Dog knives have been the topics of some of the most infamous threads on Bladeforums. You've been here long enough to know that.
 
Like Keith, the hype and politics have put me off owning a Mad Dog.

I’ll stick to Busses and CRKs.
 
very much agree with keith, i cant handle kevin at all, the 1 mad dog i have actually seen didnt do anything for me really, oh its a good knife/etc, but just didnt grab me.

there are lots of custom knifemakers around, the vast majority of which are decent, honest, humble, i would rather deal with them myself.
 
There are lots of custom knifemakers around but I think Kevin McClung is one of the best. Especially when you seek not fancy but very well executed fighter or tactical knife whatever it means. IMHO personality of McClung and quality of Mad Dogs are two different things and it does not put me off. I handled only one of his knives (Voodoo Hound) but I feel like I got MDS (mad dog syndrome). His knives are one of the best IMO. You have to handle one to judge it by yourself. And remember that MD are full custom knives not the production ones.
 
Keith Montgomery said:
I've been ruined by the politics. There was a time that I really wanted a Mad Dog knife, but after years of reading the Kevin McClung saga, I am no longer the least bit interested. That doesn't mean that Mad Dog knives aren't good knives.

I have never owned one, but the couple I have had the chance to handle were pretty nice. The handles were very comfortable and the balance was excellent. The thing I didn't like was the coating that reminds me of chrome plating on bumpers.

Don't be surprised if you get some heated replies to your thread. Kevin McClung and Mad Dog knives have been the topics of some of the most infamous threads on Bladeforums. You've been here long enough to know that.
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Keith, you are right, I just read through 6 pages - ugh!- of Mad Dog related threads and holy crap, now I don't no what to think. For some reason last night, the search button wasn't working. I can't imagine spending 900 dollars on an ATAK right now. Yes...thats what i was quoted! :eek:

Vin C
NYC
 
OilMan said:
I've never held one and I wouldn't buy one after listening to Kevin and his wife . . .
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I agree with OilMan and several people above.

I had the money to buy and was looking for an MD. I read as many posts from Kevin as I could find. The more I read the less interested I became in his knives. He and his wife have unique attitudes. Some people like the mystique and hype. I'm not one of those people. I will spend my money supporting knifemakers whom I respect.
 
I owned five MD's a while ago. They were nice enough knives but many makers offer as good for far less dollars and greater availability. The hype is overboard and I'm not convinced the product is up to the supposed reputation.
 
Im curious about them also.. I'd love to hold one. They look awsome and everyone says they are of amazing quality (even rival companys don't deny that they are well built). However I guess I will never own one because Im not going to sell a kidney and then wait 8 months for it. Besides I'd end up selling it six months later when I needed some quick cash for some other toy.. BUT that being said Im sure you can buy one, have it for a while, and then sell it without losing any money due to the long wait on em. hmmmm :o
 
Actually, I've had my PATAK for the last 6-7 years...it's been an outstanding EDC knife for duty. I cracked the sheath from a nasty fall, and when I contacted Kevin, he was great to talk to and hooked me up first class. I come from a business with a lot of type-A personalities, extreme levels of testosterone and ego’s galore. I try to avoid stupid conflicts, but I wouldn't let that get in the way of what I wanted.

If my PATAK became a casualty of war, I would most certainly call Kevin and order another one. However, I don't think I would pick up another one for the current prices...they're good knives, but there's a lot of great ones available from various makers with great reputations as well. My PATAK fills a specific niche, and it does it well, and the balance is superb.

WorkEDC.jpg


ROCK6
 
verita said:
I can't imagine spending 900 dollars on an ATAK right now. Yes...thats what i was quoted!
Click to expand...

That is likely some rare version, the standard ones are ~$350 from a quick net check based on what dealers are selling the other knives.

-Cliff
 
Cliff,

I wish it were. I E-mailed Tim Tang since he is an authorized dealer on acquiring an ATAK, the standard version. And he E-mailed me back saying $ 900.00 Shipped. When I asked him why it was so much considering on the MDTactical.com website, the price is $ 475.00, he replied, "I sell them at the worldwide price range."

I have NO idea what that meant, but that alone left a bad taste in my mouth.

Vin C
NYC
 
Skip the Hype and BS about Kevin.
He lives here in Prescott, AZ. met and spent about an hour BS'ing with him at (My table) a knife show in Scottsdale. Crossed paths again at a the "Crossroads of the West" gun show. Both times just a regular guy with strong opinions about things.

We get WAY to excited about the crap people on both sides say behind a keyboard.
Face to face "Different Story"
He makes a frikken good knife and has dedicated a great deal of research and field testing to back it up.

Pay the money and make the wait a good investment.
Just my 2cts
 
Please do not let the hype, the alleged hype or the politics surrounding the alleged hype interfere with your selection of cutlery. Just get a Mad Dog and try it for yourself. I strongly recommend an ATAK or Mako for your first Mad Dog, FWIW. If you dive your Mad Dog, get one or more Sentry Systems Marine Tuf Cloths and use them.

I have owned Strider, Busse, etc. and they are all good knives. I still have them, and use them but...

If you buy a Mad Dog you will get a *great* knife. They have handles which are built for your hand, a blade made from O1 steel that has been treated for maximum performance and a sheath which is second to none.

Give them a try, you won't regret it.

Mark
 
Mike,

Don't get me wrong, I really like his knives which is why I'm very interested in getting one. I'm hopefully going into the NYPD police academy in Janurary and wanted to buy one as a congrats to myself for getting in. I was just slightly dishartened by the price I was quoted as to what I understood what they were going for.

Vin C
NYC
 
I have an Arizona Hunter. Great handles, very solidly made knives, great sheath. Good geometry for a thick blade, nice grinds. I had a Panther and miss it.
My suggestion would be to try one. you'll find an ATAK at a reasonable price. And if you don't like it, there is always quick turnaround.
 
Over the years I've owned an ATAK, Rat Thing, Pygmy ATAK, and A Panther. While I think they were over-priced, the Pather w/ 2 sheaths costing $1100.00, it was a very well made knife. As goes for every piece I've owned or handled from Kevin. He is very consistant from one model to another. All politics aside, if you can get one in the $300-400 price range, you can't really go wrong.
 
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