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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Mad Dog
- Thread starter Abadir
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 30, 1999
- Messages
- 4,229
Excellent knives, excellent warranty, and Mr and Mrs MD are excellent to deal with.
Tjena, Abadir! Hur är läget?
I have a MadDog ATAK II, and I am very happy with it. Comfortable handle, very good balance (you can use it for light chopping, but it can still behave like a fighter, even though it is a little heavy). I am no steel expert, so I can't elaborate much on that, other than that it cut's like hell. I haven't worn off much of the hard crome yet, so I can't tell you how the O1 will do with regards to rust and pitting etc after abuse. Decent sheath, too.
MadDogs seem to be a sensitive subject on this board, but you'll probably find more nuanced opinions here than on the MD "fan club" boards. Search and read all you can find.
Are there MD dealers in Sweden? We have one in Norway, but he had never imported a single knife, only the MD gun holsters. Besides, it would have been _very_ expensive after adding toll and VAT taxes. So I bought mine from Arizona Custom Knives, and they treated me very good. Get it shipped at a decreased value to Sweden, and you'll get away with it cheaper.
How are knife prices in Sweden? They are totally crazy in Norway. $320 (2200NOK) for a Camillus Cuda Maxx. $875 (6200NOK) for a small Sebenza.
In the only retail store with a decent selection.
Are Fallkniven any cheaper there than elsewhere? Rather expensive in Norway, so I thought maybe I should get one on my next trip to my brotherland to the east
The Norwegian kroner is at an all time high against USD right now (6.9), so maybe I should buy more knives from the US instead right now. Hm ....
I have a MadDog ATAK II, and I am very happy with it. Comfortable handle, very good balance (you can use it for light chopping, but it can still behave like a fighter, even though it is a little heavy). I am no steel expert, so I can't elaborate much on that, other than that it cut's like hell. I haven't worn off much of the hard crome yet, so I can't tell you how the O1 will do with regards to rust and pitting etc after abuse. Decent sheath, too.
MadDogs seem to be a sensitive subject on this board, but you'll probably find more nuanced opinions here than on the MD "fan club" boards. Search and read all you can find.
Are there MD dealers in Sweden? We have one in Norway, but he had never imported a single knife, only the MD gun holsters. Besides, it would have been _very_ expensive after adding toll and VAT taxes. So I bought mine from Arizona Custom Knives, and they treated me very good. Get it shipped at a decreased value to Sweden, and you'll get away with it cheaper.
How are knife prices in Sweden? They are totally crazy in Norway. $320 (2200NOK) for a Camillus Cuda Maxx. $875 (6200NOK) for a small Sebenza.
In the only retail store with a decent selection.Are Fallkniven any cheaper there than elsewhere? Rather expensive in Norway, so I thought maybe I should get one on my next trip to my brotherland to the east
The Norwegian kroner is at an all time high against USD right now (6.9), so maybe I should buy more knives from the US instead right now. Hm ....
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2002
- Messages
- 45
Hej AB! Kul att se en annan nordman här!
I have read many posts on the MD fan club over at Tactical Forums but there aren`t that many negative views over there. I wanted to here some more impartial views.
The knifeprices in sweden are very high but probably not as high as in Norway. For example the Cold Steel Recon Scout costs About 320 usd, an SOG Trident about 400.
But since Fällkniven started to be a major producer its getting harder and harder to find anything else. Fällknives prices are ok in sweden, an A1 costs about 180-200 usd.
No MD dealers in sweden!
You should check out the Strider dealer in Norway( www.kniven.as ), I think their prices are very resonable. I almost bought an MT-G10 for about 430 usd.
I have read many posts on the MD fan club over at Tactical Forums but there aren`t that many negative views over there. I wanted to here some more impartial views.
The knifeprices in sweden are very high but probably not as high as in Norway. For example the Cold Steel Recon Scout costs About 320 usd, an SOG Trident about 400.
But since Fällkniven started to be a major producer its getting harder and harder to find anything else. Fällknives prices are ok in sweden, an A1 costs about 180-200 usd.
No MD dealers in sweden!
You should check out the Strider dealer in Norway( www.kniven.as ), I think their prices are very resonable. I almost bought an MT-G10 for about 430 usd.
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
Abadir :
Good ergonomics for the handle, though somewhat hand shape specific, towards the slick side security wise, has very impressive secondary features such as fire and shock resistance, very high abrasion and puncture resistance. Good blade profile for cutting ability. NIB sharpness is good. Only real drawback is that the steel is on the fragile side, even more so than stainless steel for the blade body. Very nice Kydex sheath work in regards to blade fit and overall finish and functionality. Warrenty under heavy use is nonexistant. Price is high considering the market.
PS
"!!!!YOU SHOULD GET BUSSE INSTEAD !!!!!"
(actually the Swamp Rat line would be a better direct replacement as it also has a full enclosed synthetic handle and a similar steel with a much better heat treatment, plus the military tip, much stronger/durable blade, better warrenty etc. )
-Cliff
Good ergonomics for the handle, though somewhat hand shape specific, towards the slick side security wise, has very impressive secondary features such as fire and shock resistance, very high abrasion and puncture resistance. Good blade profile for cutting ability. NIB sharpness is good. Only real drawback is that the steel is on the fragile side, even more so than stainless steel for the blade body. Very nice Kydex sheath work in regards to blade fit and overall finish and functionality. Warrenty under heavy use is nonexistant. Price is high considering the market.
PS
"!!!!YOU SHOULD GET BUSSE INSTEAD !!!!!"
(actually the Swamp Rat line would be a better direct replacement as it also has a full enclosed synthetic handle and a similar steel with a much better heat treatment, plus the military tip, much stronger/durable blade, better warrenty etc. )
-Cliff
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2000
- Messages
- 740
I've owned five Mad Dog's so I'll venture an opinion.
Pros - excellent handle ergonomics, excellent balance as a fighter, top notch kydex sheathes. Cons - relatively high cost for what you get, edges perhaps too brittle at 60+ RC.
My bottom line - nice enough knives that are surrounded by too much "super-knife" hype. You pay a premium for the hype.
Pros - excellent handle ergonomics, excellent balance as a fighter, top notch kydex sheathes. Cons - relatively high cost for what you get, edges perhaps too brittle at 60+ RC.
My bottom line - nice enough knives that are surrounded by too much "super-knife" hype. You pay a premium for the hype.
- Joined
- Oct 16, 1998
- Messages
- 2,395
The thing that draws me to Mad Dog knives is the excellent ergonomic design, and overall durable construction. I have to admit that the steel and heat treatment are somewhat of a question mark for me, but generally, you get a blade that takes a great edge, holds it well, and is very durable. There are knives that are tempered better for use as pry bars or chisels, but I think Mad Dogs are cooked pretty well for edge holding and overall durability.
Price is about right for a hand made knife that is in high demand. Mad Dogs are cheaper than Brends, except for the custom fighters, I suppose. I have never been one to pay much attention to hype, one way or the other. I know what a steel knife blade can and should do, and Mad Dogs are fine with me.
Price is about right for a hand made knife that is in high demand. Mad Dogs are cheaper than Brends, except for the custom fighters, I suppose. I have never been one to pay much attention to hype, one way or the other. I know what a steel knife blade can and should do, and Mad Dogs are fine with me.
- Joined
- May 17, 2002
- Messages
- 5,757
As stated above, great ergonimcs, not so great steel at high prices.
What I wanted to add to this is that you shouldn't miss doing a search on Mad Dog knives. There are a lot of interesting older threads about this topic.
What I wanted to add to this is that you shouldn't miss doing a search on Mad Dog knives. There are a lot of interesting older threads about this topic.
I have ownd a few and what I like about them is the simplicity of the designs. A no-frills blade and bonded handle. The Hard Chrome finish is durable and the handle shaping is great. I particularly like the smaller models such as the Pack Rat as a daily carry small fixed blade. Mad Dog kydex sheaths are very well done. The larer knives, such as the ATAK vary from ultility to fighter designs.
Like most purchases, you should try handling one in your your hands, but they a somewhat rare to comeby. As far as price, for a handmade knife, the price is right. They are no more or less expensive than other handmades out there.
Like most purchases, you should try handling one in your your hands, but they a somewhat rare to comeby. As far as price, for a handmade knife, the price is right. They are no more or less expensive than other handmades out there.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 1998
- Messages
- 498
I own a thin-grip pack rat. The thing I like best about Mad Dog knives are that they are simple and cleanly designed. I don't think that they come with the best edge, but I have put some amazingly sharp edges on it with my edgepro apex. Previously I owned a 1/4 thick Pygmy Atak, which I sold in order to get a lighter model for backpacking. Currently this is the only fixed blade knife brand that I have bought for myself. I may try swamp rat knives next, but Mad Dogs just have that certain something I like, I guess you could best describe it as a personal appreciation of the design. The reasons I haven't tried a swamp rat are that I don't need a 1/4" thick blade, and I like my knives pointier than they currently offer.
Great knives. Great people. If you want a truly hand made fixed blade, the Dog's just might be for you. He makes each knife 100% by hand. I have been there, many times, and seen Kevin in action. He uses no fixtures or NC mills and produces the most beautiful grind lines you have ever seen.
There is a bit of controversy around both the knives and the man but formulate your OWN opinion. Resale is pretty easy if you find you don't like the knife.
A quick word on the "weak blade" issue, I have used many Mad Dog's and flat abused the sh!t out of some of them. As a matter of fact, I put the very TUSK that Cliff broke (the first one) through some pretty rigorous testing before he got his hands on it. To sum it up, I certainly never found it to be brittle or prone to damage.
Good luck in your quest.
There is a bit of controversy around both the knives and the man but formulate your OWN opinion. Resale is pretty easy if you find you don't like the knife.
A quick word on the "weak blade" issue, I have used many Mad Dog's and flat abused the sh!t out of some of them. As a matter of fact, I put the very TUSK that Cliff broke (the first one) through some pretty rigorous testing before he got his hands on it. To sum it up, I certainly never found it to be brittle or prone to damage.
Good luck in your quest.
Mad Dog's knives are excellent. No, wait, better than excellent. The ATAK is one of the finest examples of a tactical field knife that I've ever seen, owned, or used. It's not an axe, not a prybar, hammer, screwdriver, etc....It's a knife. A well balanced, tough, supremely capable knife. Sexy, too, and that never hurts. Mad Dog is a very talented craftsman and takes a lot of pride in his work. Highly recommended.
Pete
Pete
- Joined
- May 10, 2001
- Messages
- 328
I have two and I love 'em. Fit and finish is second to none (for a tac knife) very refined. They have to be seen and held to be fully appreciated. Tough as nails -I've hacked apart dead white oak and it's still shaving sharp. His Kydex sheath work is also top notch. BTW, I'm not biased -I've owned/own Striders and there great too, and I'm sure in the near future I'll also have a Busse. Don't belive the hype, try one for yourself and if you don't like it you can sell it, usually in no time at all.
Thanks,
Scott
Thanks,
Scott
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2001
- Messages
- 1,385
So if we had a choice in a carbon steel blade...What would you guys like to see Kevin Use???
How soon they forget.....
Some folks have very strongly negative opinions, and they are perfectly entitled to them. There is more to it than just saying Busse is better. It has nothing to do with Busse at all. It's an old story.
I'm not one who ever had a problem with the Mad Dog. I like the differential temper, the design and the feel of several of the models. They are quick and well balanced, if a bit expensive. The handles are functional, but ugglyy! I've used them but don't own them so i never really pushed them to the point where breakage or chipping might be a problem. That would be my biggest reservation, and IMHO you can't evaluate or comment on a knife without taking that into account.
I particularly like the varieties available where you can choose a number of different serration locations, and the nonmetallic knives, especially the "military" versions were special, and relatively hard to get.
The panther is probably the sweetest looking of the bunch, but the Attaks would be my choice for actual use, except in "taking out sentries"
Some folks have very strongly negative opinions, and they are perfectly entitled to them. There is more to it than just saying Busse is better. It has nothing to do with Busse at all. It's an old story.
I'm not one who ever had a problem with the Mad Dog. I like the differential temper, the design and the feel of several of the models. They are quick and well balanced, if a bit expensive. The handles are functional, but ugglyy!
I've used them but don't own them so i never really pushed them to the point where breakage or chipping might be a problem. That would be my biggest reservation, and IMHO you can't evaluate or comment on a knife without taking that into account.I particularly like the varieties available where you can choose a number of different serration locations, and the nonmetallic knives, especially the "military" versions were special, and relatively hard to get.
The panther is probably the sweetest looking of the bunch, but the Attaks would be my choice for actual use, except in "taking out sentries"
I have heard a lot of people claim the "overpriced" issue but have always wondered exactly what they are comparing it to when they arrive at that conclusion.
For those of you who feel that they are overpriced, What do you feel a completely handmade knife should sell for?
Keep in mind that:
-Regardless of what you think, Starrett precision ground O-1 barstock is fairly expensive. Not Talonite expensive but more than many other premium steels.
-Every single blade is 100% hand-ground by Kevin himself.
-Every single handle is 100% ground by Kevin.
-Every single blade is heat treated by Kevin.
-Each sheath is made by Kevin.
-The knives are sent out to be Hard Chromed which, in the very small quantities that Kevin produces, is expensive per unit.
This business is the sole income for Kevin and his family. Making hand made knives in not a part time hobby. It continues to amaze me that people think that he is simply trying to foist his knives off on the knife community. The bottom line is that he genuinely belives in every single aspect of his knives. There is nothing random about them. If you don't like them, of course that is O.K. but, the slams can get a bit tiresome.
For those of you who feel that they are overpriced, What do you feel a completely handmade knife should sell for?
Keep in mind that:
-Regardless of what you think, Starrett precision ground O-1 barstock is fairly expensive. Not Talonite expensive but more than many other premium steels.
-Every single blade is 100% hand-ground by Kevin himself.
-Every single handle is 100% ground by Kevin.
-Every single blade is heat treated by Kevin.
-Each sheath is made by Kevin.
-The knives are sent out to be Hard Chromed which, in the very small quantities that Kevin produces, is expensive per unit.
This business is the sole income for Kevin and his family. Making hand made knives in not a part time hobby. It continues to amaze me that people think that he is simply trying to foist his knives off on the knife community. The bottom line is that he genuinely belives in every single aspect of his knives. There is nothing random about them. If you don't like them, of course that is O.K. but, the slams can get a bit tiresome.