Question about Darrel Ralph's "Maxx" knives ?

nowhere fast · Aug 7, 2001

I love the Maxx series he's done, large or mini. Right now Knifeart has a couple of the mini's for sale, I especially love the dagger blade model, anyway, my question is about the flipper style opening.
Is this a spring assisted thing as in the Onion "Boa" or does it just open fully from a push on the flipper part of the blade ?
I have'nt actually handled one so I'm not even sure if it opens like that but I thought it did.
I know quite a few of you have one, how is the opening ? Will a light touch do it, or do you have to push pretty hard ??
Looks like it rides super low in the pocket which is also nice, it looks like an all around winner, just curious about the opening.
Thank for any information, Donald

Brian_Turner · Aug 7, 2001

The flipper is simply an extension of the guard that protrudes through the frame. It isn't assisted, and although you can muster a "shove" that will carry the blade open, simply pushing on the flipper doesn't open the knife. It does allow you to transfer a lot more force to the opening blade than a stud does. Coupled with a wrist roll, it propels the blade as fast as you want to open it.

I use the flipper on my Lamprey for a more controlled opening, using both the stud and the flipper.

nowhere fast · Aug 8, 2001

Hey Brian- Thanks very much for the information !! Now I get the picture, just a push on the flipper and a little wrist movement and there you go.
It may take some practice, but I think I'm gonna go for one. They're too sweet to pass up.
Thanks, Donald

Danbo · Aug 8, 2001

These sure are some cool, sharp and pointy knives. I dont see how you could go wrong.

See2 · Aug 8, 2001

In a similar vein, I have a Boguszewski Cobra that has a flipper, which isn't spring assisted. With a little bit of force from my finger, the blade opens fully, with a nice, satisfying click. I get misfires sometimes, but all it takes is practice to get it to open regularly.

Gene · Aug 8, 2001

Donald,
You can't go wrong with one. They are the smoothest opening knives I have, (I have both mini and large with a Gibbs bowie blade coming

). They are so smooth, opening is a pleasure. As See2 stated, you can open one fully with the flipper. With just the lightest "flick" of your wrist though, the blade pops open with the most satisfying "click" you've ever heard. Mr. Ralph hit a homerun with these!

PENGUIN · Aug 9, 2001

Talonite Mini:

D-2 Mad Maxx:

Absolutely flawless execution - Darrel is a creative genius & an incredible craftsman - a combination that can't be beat(and he doesn't do holes unless you ask nicely - only ovals!).

Bill

CPR · Aug 9, 2001

You won't go wrong with any of DDR's Maxx knives. I have a small and a large and enjoy them both thoroughly!

Chris

Gene · Aug 9, 2001

Hey, NEAT Bill! I wasn't aware that Darrel made any Talonite Maxes.

NCBlades · Aug 9, 2001

I just got my Gibbs Mad Max in today straight from Darrel. This thing is like a folding sword. In the picture also are two of my EDC's to show the difference in size. This thing is so baaaaad! The blade measures 7".

michael

Darrel Ralph · Aug 9, 2001

Thanks for the kind words!

Gene · Aug 9, 2001

BEAUTIFUL Mike even though I don't care for dagger blades. Darrel, my bowie-bladed Gibbs MM BETTER have a 7 1/4"-7 1/2" long blade! Michael can't have the biggest one ALL the time!

Darrel, you DESERVE the kind praise because YOU are such a GOOD GUY!

Peter Atwood · Aug 10, 2001

Get one. You will never regret it. Absolutely awesome knife! They are much slimmer and lighter than you might expect from the pics, but extremely solid and beefy lockup. I've got one of the proto daggers and it is without a doubt the nicest knife in my collection. ANd Darrel is terrific to deal with!