Let me be the first to review the MaxxQ 1A. English is not my main language so it's normal if there are little mistakes, mostly in verbs. This is also my first review.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a MaxxQ 1A. I bought it new from a member of BladeForums that just liked his Gunhammer better. What a coincidence, I can’t afford a Gunhammer (yet). The knife was originally bought directly from M. Ralph and he confirmed me it was a semi custom. Only 25 like this one were made. After carrying a Camillus Heat for 2 years, I just had to get the new Darrel Ralph designed knife. The Heat is also the closest thing I have to compare. First here are the specs of the 1A:
Blade Length: 3.5/8"
Cutting Edge: 3 1/4"
Overall Length: 8"
Closed Length: 4 1/2"
Blade Steel: Crucible CPM S30V ~ Flat Ground ~ Hand Rubbed
Handle Material: 3D Machined G-10 - Contoured
Weight: 4.1 ounces / 114 grams
The liner is titanium and is .07 thick.
The MaxxQ is 0.2 ounces heavier than the heat, but I barely noticed it. Here’s a picture of
the MaxxQ with a Camillus Heat and an Ontario RAT-3 to give you an idea of the size:
It is my first folder over 100$, first knife with G-10 scales and first knife in S30V. I would have like to compare it with a Benchmade like the 710 or the 930 but it wasn’t possible.
First, the scales: contoured and textured G-10. Machining was well done. Feels good in the hand and the shape is quite comfortable in many grips. Ergo hand fit is a success. There is no lanyard hole but a hidden lanyard post, so hidden I almost forgot it when I first wrote these lines. I don’t use lanyards with my folders anyway but for those who do, it’s possible.
The opening is smooth. It is almost as easy to flick the MaxxQ open as to open the Camillus with Robo-Action assisted opening. The thumbstud is far enough for regular one hand opening, but if you do so the flipper will catch your skin in an unpleasant way. I guess it’s the same with all the knives with a flipper; you have to use both the thumbstud and the flipper. Once opened, the lock is engaged without any problem and looks solid. The liner lock is the toughest I ever tried. It is hard to disengage and it doesn’t feel good on the thumb. I guess it will get smoother with time and that my thumb will get used to it.
Now the pocket clip. Honestly I prefer the one on the Heat because it allows the knife to be deeper in my pocket. Some people might prefer it as it is, but I guess it’s a matter of personal taste. On the good side, the clip is way smaller on the MaxxQ. You can also see on this picture that the knife is a little bulkier in the pocket than the Heat, but not enough to be uncomfortable.
Let’s get to the blade. What a nice shape. I think M. Ralph calls it “Modified Recurve Tanto blade in a RADIAN design.” It’s basically the same as the Gunhammer, and I really like it even if I know it will be a PITA to sharpen it, I should get a sharpmaker… Speaking of sharp, I’ve seen sharper knives. It sure is sharp enough for my daily tasks, but it’s not shaving sharp, but as I got the knife second hand and it was bought before the release date, I’m sure the knives sent to dealers will be sharper. The machining on the blade is flawless, good looking and there is a good grip on the thumb ramp.
The blade appears thicker on the MaxxQ; it could explain why it’s a little bit heavier.
I have not used the knife a lot yet, but the few things I had to cut did not resist long.
Overall I really like the knife and I have no doubt it will become my main EDC folder in the months to come. I’m looking forward to cut more things with it, tougher things. The comments I have when I show it to my friends usually start by “wow” and I agree. This is a great knife and I’m glad I was able to snag one before all of you guys
It is honestly the best folder I have got since my Camillus Heat.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a MaxxQ 1A. I bought it new from a member of BladeForums that just liked his Gunhammer better. What a coincidence, I can’t afford a Gunhammer (yet). The knife was originally bought directly from M. Ralph and he confirmed me it was a semi custom. Only 25 like this one were made. After carrying a Camillus Heat for 2 years, I just had to get the new Darrel Ralph designed knife. The Heat is also the closest thing I have to compare. First here are the specs of the 1A:
Blade Length: 3.5/8"
Cutting Edge: 3 1/4"
Overall Length: 8"
Closed Length: 4 1/2"
Blade Steel: Crucible CPM S30V ~ Flat Ground ~ Hand Rubbed
Handle Material: 3D Machined G-10 - Contoured
Weight: 4.1 ounces / 114 grams
The liner is titanium and is .07 thick.
The MaxxQ is 0.2 ounces heavier than the heat, but I barely noticed it. Here’s a picture of
the MaxxQ with a Camillus Heat and an Ontario RAT-3 to give you an idea of the size:
It is my first folder over 100$, first knife with G-10 scales and first knife in S30V. I would have like to compare it with a Benchmade like the 710 or the 930 but it wasn’t possible.
First, the scales: contoured and textured G-10. Machining was well done. Feels good in the hand and the shape is quite comfortable in many grips. Ergo hand fit is a success. There is no lanyard hole but a hidden lanyard post, so hidden I almost forgot it when I first wrote these lines. I don’t use lanyards with my folders anyway but for those who do, it’s possible.
The opening is smooth. It is almost as easy to flick the MaxxQ open as to open the Camillus with Robo-Action assisted opening. The thumbstud is far enough for regular one hand opening, but if you do so the flipper will catch your skin in an unpleasant way. I guess it’s the same with all the knives with a flipper; you have to use both the thumbstud and the flipper. Once opened, the lock is engaged without any problem and looks solid. The liner lock is the toughest I ever tried. It is hard to disengage and it doesn’t feel good on the thumb. I guess it will get smoother with time and that my thumb will get used to it.
Now the pocket clip. Honestly I prefer the one on the Heat because it allows the knife to be deeper in my pocket. Some people might prefer it as it is, but I guess it’s a matter of personal taste. On the good side, the clip is way smaller on the MaxxQ. You can also see on this picture that the knife is a little bulkier in the pocket than the Heat, but not enough to be uncomfortable.
Let’s get to the blade. What a nice shape. I think M. Ralph calls it “Modified Recurve Tanto blade in a RADIAN design.” It’s basically the same as the Gunhammer, and I really like it even if I know it will be a PITA to sharpen it, I should get a sharpmaker… Speaking of sharp, I’ve seen sharper knives. It sure is sharp enough for my daily tasks, but it’s not shaving sharp, but as I got the knife second hand and it was bought before the release date, I’m sure the knives sent to dealers will be sharper. The machining on the blade is flawless, good looking and there is a good grip on the thumb ramp.
The blade appears thicker on the MaxxQ; it could explain why it’s a little bit heavier.
I have not used the knife a lot yet, but the few things I had to cut did not resist long.
Overall I really like the knife and I have no doubt it will become my main EDC folder in the months to come. I’m looking forward to cut more things with it, tougher things. The comments I have when I show it to my friends usually start by “wow” and I agree. This is a great knife and I’m glad I was able to snag one before all of you guys
It is honestly the best folder I have got since my Camillus Heat.
