MAXX 5.5 versus MAXX STILETTO

[magister]

What's the difference between the CUDA MAXX STILETTO™ and the CUDA MAXX 5.5™?

From the website, the only difference I can see is that the Maxx 5.5 was introduced in 2002, has a polished finish, and costs $200, whereas the Max Stiletto was introduced in 2003, has a satin finish, and costs $250. Are those the only differences?

 

[Dirk]

The cost difference reflects the increased amount of work involved in the stilleto blade. Not just the polishing. There are the fullers that are added, different blade profile and the addition of a swedge. This all needs to be balanced so the blade looks correct. A bowie style blade doesn't require as much attention. Usually, when a step is added to any manufacturing process, there is an increase in price.

 

[magister]

What are the advantages/disadvantages between the Bowie and the Stilleto style blade? Or is it just a preference thing? I'm planning to use one or the other as my daily carry blade. Anyone feel like schooling a newbie?

 

[roshi]

The bowie style clip point blade is more for slicing with stabbing into anything hard risky to the point. Prying with the point will break it. The curved edge is a superb slicer.

The stiletto blade is primarily for stabbing with slicing secondary. Prying with the point won't damage it much. The straighter edge is a less effective slicer.

If your use as an EDC includes self defense, your choice should be based on the style of knife martial arts you are trained in.

If it's an all around use need, your choice should be based on your use and your preference for looks. A very reasonably priced knife but not inexpensive, no use getting it if you don't like it's looks.

I've seen some CUDA Maxx Bowies for sale in these Forums for around $ 100. Even one dealer advertising in the dealer section trying to sell one quick for less.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll be pleased with either Maxx.

 

[magister]

Originally posted by roshi
If your use as an EDC includes self defense, your choice should be based on the style of knife martial arts you are trained in.

I haven't been formally trained in any kind of knife fighting. I've thought about this a bit though, and I think the best for me is slashing. To my mind, stabbing seems like too much of a commitment of my arm, with the potential for the bad guy to grab my arm and prevent me from using the knife. So, I think I would prefer more of a slashing style of attack. Does that make me fit into any particular school of knife martial arts?

And, before I go buy the CUDA MAXX Bowie, anyone have an alternate blade that I should consider? Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[Dirk]

If you do plan on using it as a SD blade, get some type of training and practice! This is a big knife, but don't count on that as an intimidation factor.

As far as different blade type for the CUDA Maxx line, there are just the two. Darrel makes a spearpoint on his customs. The upcoming CUDA Aftermath will have an exagerated bowie or a recurve bowie blade. That's about it for blade options at this time. You will be pleased with the bowie.

 

[Tightwad]

Magister, Whoa, mate. Do you REALLY even need a
knife as large as the Maxx??

I'd suggest that being newby you need to ask about
the carry / use laws where you live. The size of
knife like the Maxx can easily be considered a
weapon which is bound to attract attention you
might not want.

So as a newby I'd suggest you lower your sights
a bit before you bite off more that you can chew.
A smaller knife in the hands of a person with
good physical condition and training is really
much better than a monster knife anyway. Remember,
if you don't train there is a real good chance your
knife will wind up in the opponents hands while he
goes after ......YOU!!

 

[magister]

Originally posted by Tightwad
Magister, Whoa, mate. Do you REALLY even need a
knife as large as the Maxx??

I'd suggest that being newby you need to ask about
the carry / use laws where you live. The size of
knife like the Maxx can easily be considered a
weapon which is bound to attract attention you
might not want.

So as a newby I'd suggest you lower your sights
a bit before you bite off more that you can chew.
A smaller knife in the hands of a person with
good physical condition and training is really
much better than a monster knife anyway. Remember,
if you don't train there is a real good chance your
knife will wind up in the opponents hands while he
goes after ......YOU!!

Well, it's just such a beautiful knife and I feel this intense attraction to it

Yes, it would be legal here in CA. There's no blade size limit on folding knives, and they can be carried concealed with a clip on the pocket.

I was looking at the smaller Cuda EDC, but I see they are not available in D2. If they were in D2, I'd consider getting one as an all-purpose EDC.

 

[Tightwad]

Magister, Ask and ye shall receive!!

Check this out, mate........
http://www.agrussell.com/camillus/ca-cu2202.html

Now you CAN buy the knife you want in D2!!

P.S. It's a much better size than the Maxx anyway.

 

[magister]

Originally posted by Tightwad
Magister, Ask and ye shall receive!!

Check this out, mate........
http://www.agrussell.com/camillus/ca-cu2202.html

Now you CAN buy the knife you want in D2!!

P.S. It's a much better size than the Maxx anyway.

Excellent, thanks for that.

If this is a Camillus product, why don't they show it on their own website?

 

[Tightwad]

Camillus don't show it because A.G. Russell has
the exclusive rights to sell this model.

 

[PartialSerrations]

Does anybody own this folder and how do they like it. Can you share with me your like and dislikes? Is the locking mechanism strong. Is it comfortable to carry? How does it cut? Better than an Emerson Commader? Is it everything it's advertised to be. Thanks for reading my forum!

IF WAR IS HELL, TAKE A BETTER PITCHFORK THAN THE DEVIL

 

[Dirk]

I have a few Madd Maxx's with more on the way. It carries quite well. Very comfortable for a knife this size. It sits low in the pocket and is thin enough that it doesn't really print. The frame lock design and execution as Darrel has set it up for his knives and Camillus have been testest and found to be arguably one of the strongest locks being made. You will hve no problems here. The D2 blades I have received from Camillus are extremely sharp. They will shave ad the edge will last for a good while because of the steel used. Does it cut better than a Commander? I guess that would depend on the cuts you are making. Each blade design and shape will lend itself to performing certain tasks better than the other. The bowie blade is more of a general utility design with a very acute point for excellent penetration. One reason so many people like this blade for SD. The recurve of the Commander makes it a great slicer, especially if you are cutting ahead of the recurve, forcing the material into the curved edge. It has a more obtuse point and won't penetrate as easily.

Overall, you wont' be disappointed with a Maxx! If you are, let me know! I'll take it off your hands!

 

[alwilliam]

I own both types of the cuda maxx and like them both very well the bowie is my edc and carrys very well. The maxx is very thin for its size and this helps out alot in edc.The maxx is also a very quick opening knife and can be opened in a lot of different ways.