Negatives on CUDA MAXX???

Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
15
I have read all kinds of posts praising the glory of the CUDA MAXX 5.5, but am wondering, do any of you have negatives? If so what?
 
The only downside I have encountered so far is that the Maxx engenders a terrible jealousy in those who do not already have one of their own. :D

--Bob Q
 
I have yet to really find a negative with my Maxx. I was worried at first that my thumb would never get used to unlocking the beasty. It locks up TIGHT. This is by intention, not because of problems. It takes some getting used to, but once I did and once the knife broke in a little it has been no problem. Other than that, the only thing is that once you get it all of your other folders will seem like baby carry pieces! It seems small in the pocket, but large when you whip it out.
 
the anodising on the handles looks great when ya windex it, but ya have to windex it every week or so, its not permanent, ALMOST wish it had either bead blast handles, or G10 over the ti.......

the blade will rust easier than normal in my experience, my maxx will rust faster than any other knife i have, because of the uncoated D2 i presume? of course, i'm talking a speck (or 4 to be exact) on the upper part of the blade, 4 specks about this big . if ya oil the blade ya will be fine, i carried mine while biking, got it all sweaty, and it had the rust on it the next morning. i have carried alot of my knives biking, and have never had this happen before though, sometimes dont wash/oil them up for a week or so w/no probs........the D2 uncoated i guess??

wish the pocket clip was more like the custom version, ie the clip on my mini maddmaxx

other than that it rocks, lighter than a sifu/MUCH better lock/thinner/shorter OAL/same blade length, a great knife for the $$, if ya want a mega folder this is the one, unless ya wanna go custom and pay $600 or so......

buy one, ya wont regret it

sifu
 
thanks for your input.... I have a feeling I will be adding one to my collection as soon as I get back stateside ( and convince the wife). Sifu... not to offend but are you an actual sifu?
 
The biggest strength to the frame lock format is that when you hold the knife, your grip reinforces the lock. Tip-down clips, unless deliberately designed otherwise, interfere with this. I still can't understand how some people, especially knifemakers, don't get this yet.

A tip-up clip would also facilitate a waved opening due to the top guard, but that's a minor point and added bonus, since constructing it that way deliberately would be infringing on a patent.
 
I read that there is a delay in shipments of the CUDA MAXX due to "rejections" in the handle, at maufacturing level. This is a good sign that Camillus Cutlery is inspecting their product so well, before shipment. Anyone know details of this situation?
 
Tip up carry for the Maxx????? Nah, I don't think so.
It's way to big for that . Besides, I like the clip UNDER
my thumb not poking it from the rear.
 
well of course i'm a teacher, of what i wont say lol

i dont know about waving this big sucker, though w/tip up it would work i bet

imho it wouldnt open in the pocket very easily, so would be fine i would think..

it is a nice knife imho

sifu
 
Well, thanks to all of you and your great reviews of the Maxx, I just bought one. Placed my order with Roger at Bayou LaFourche. I should have it in about 2 weeks.
 
Medusaoblongata and Sifu1, I have carried my MAXX a bit around Northern Virginia, but most definitely NOT in Washington, DC, and I cannot imagine carrying a knife of this size in a "tip-up" mode. The only way that it would be safe would be to tighten the pivot screw to the point where it would become nearly impossible to open when you need it. Hell, it's hard enough to open already.

The thumb stud is placed so near to the pivot as to give absolutely no leverage. It is worse than useless where it is. I use the "ears" on mine to start it opening and then "flick" it the rest of the way. I am none too happy about this, as it has to stress the various components of the knife, the blade-stop pin especially, more than they should be stressed. It also attracts unwanted attention to the knife on the part of the hoplophobes. That, and the fact that even Windex will not get the scales on mine to have a clean finish. They look a blotchy grey, no matter what I do. These are my two gripes about my MAXX.
 
Guys,
I'm gonna take a "stab" at a few of the questions brought up about the CUDA MAXX....

First, there are a few reasons that we did not/will not make the CUDA MAXX set up for tip up carry. First and foremost is safety! We feel[and so does DDR] that it is simply not safe to carry any frame lock or liner locking knife in the tip up carry mode. If the blade becomes dislodged from the ball detent while the blade is in your pocket, when you stick you hand in your pants to get your car keys, you are gonna get cut, and with the MAXX, it could be really bad. Personally, I have been "bitten" 3 times by folders in my pocket, 1 frame lock and 2 liner locks, and all of them were tip up carry. All three were EXPENSIVE custom or semi custom knives from very reputable makers. I know that if you carry the knife at the back seam of your pocket, it shouldn't be able to come open, but you can't count of users always doing this. Once again, for safety reasons alone, we will not set up the MAXX for tip up carry.

The second reason we wouldn't go tip up with the MAXX, is that it could be an infringement on Ernie Emerson's Wave. Actually, we never researched it, because we already knew that we wouldn't do it for safety reasons, but we respect others patents. No need to trample on anothers work.

The third reason we wouldn't set up the knife for tip up carry....can you imagine getting those guards out of the bottom of your pocket?

:rolleyes:

Next, the clip on the CUDA MAXX is designed to allow the fingers to bear against the locking portion o the frame when grasping the opened knife. DDR took care of that!

Lastly, for FullerH, the "thumbstuds" are not really thumbstuds, they are "blade-stops". The knife is intended to be opened with the guard as a flipper. If you want to open the knife in a "low key manner", you can start the blade open with the flipper,a nd finish opening with the blade-stops. The knife IS designed to take constant "flips" via the guards. That is why it has beefy blade-stops instead of a stop pin.

OK folks, I hope that covers some of the questions/issues. If I missed anything, please let me know. Thanks for being customer!
 
Since you put it that way, I guess I got no excuse not to order one now.

Still didn't address the splotchy gray handle or the rusty blade tho. ;) :D ;)
 
Will Fennell: I do have one question, as I am now anxiously awaiting the Maxx I ordered last night. Most people are refering to Windex as a treatment for the anodized handles. This will be the first folder I have purchased with anodized titainium handles.

What is the proper treatment for this type of handle? I cannot believe that Windex offers any sort of protection from scratches etc.
 
Jay, ARE YOU IN FOR A TREAT!!! I've had my Maxx for about two
weeks now and I forgot all about that 6" Voyager I was gona buy.

Enjoy it when you get it, mate. It's an absolute Dandy...........
 
Will,

Thanks for the info on the blade stops. I was too stupid to figure out that they weren't ergonomically impossible thumbstuds.

I must be lucky. My Maxx came with a beautiful blue anodizing treatment. Deep royal blue in the center of the scales gradually turning to blue gray near the edges.

This knife carries like a much smaller knife. I never know it's clipped inside my waist band until I reach for it.

Some have note that this is a $ 600 custom for one third the price. It's not quite as well finished as one of Darrel's handmade knives but functionally it is equal to one.

Thanks Darrell and Camillus for bringing a Maxx to the masses.

Now how about a larger EDC?
 
don't quote me on this BUT
can't figure out the rage for these ?
they remind me of a fantasy knife .
maybe i just got spoiled somehow
but i am still saving my money for that TNT
are the really that nice ?
DO YOU HEAR ME MISTER MAYO





:p :p :eek: :rolleyes: :confused:
 
MOC: You bring up an interesting point about the "fantasy knife" appearance.

However, I can easily tell what brought me to order the Maxx. I have been looking at the CS Ti-Lite, but did not want to pay that much ($120.00) for AUS8 steel (even though it does have a very slick looking titanium handle).

Then along comes the Maxx: Bigger than the Ti-Lite, D2 steel,with the titanium handles, and a top notch locking system. All for $150.00 (only $30 more than the CS). The fact that it is titanium seems worthwhile since the handle is so big, the weight savings might be noticeable. Otherwise I am not sure of the benifits to a titanium handle. The coloring of the handle does look, in the pictures, a bit flashy or perhaps "fantasy" in appearance. However, it is refreshing to see something different than another black handled folder. Nothing about the shape of the handle or blade seems "fantasy" to me.

Better materials, larger size, unique handle / color treatment, superior lock, great bowie blade shape: all for a competitive price. Plus it is based on a custom knife design. I think that is what all of the interest is about.
 
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