Thinking of Picking Up a Couple of Large Folders

Nathan S

Nathan S

Joined
May 31, 2001
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4,379
This is something I posted on another forum, however without getting much response. Let's see what BFers think

I've never really been a fan of big folders. The biggest I ever carry is a large Sebenza or a Benchmade 710; my feeling has always been that if you want something bigger, you'd be better off with a fixed blade.

Until now, that is. I've had a strange hankering lately for a Camillus Cuda Maxx with stiletto blade. That thing has a 5 1/2" blade, which is a serious handful of knife! I've never handled a Maxx, but they appear to be pretty well made, judging from the positive commentary I've read. I don't know even know what I'd do with a folder that big. Just sort of have it, I guess, which kinda goes against my principles (inasmuch as I consider all my blades to be users).

Item n. 2: I got a chance to handle an Al Mar SERE Attack a couple days ago. Man, that is another hefty folder. The blade isn't as long as that of the Maxx, but it has much more belly. I think the blade length is around 4 1/2", and the overall weight of the knife is around 10 - 11 oz. For whatever reason, I'm now sorely tempted to buy one of these monsters. Here we have another problem: not only is the SERE Attack too big to be practical for EDC carry, it's also apparently something of a collector's item. I wouldn't buy the SERE Attack if I didn't intend to use it, but would it be right to use (and possibly trash) a potentially rare knife?

I'm curious to know your thoughts on these ramblings of mine.
 
If you "possibly trash" a rare Al Mar knife through simple use, it was not the knife that it was cracked up to be. Being unfamiliar with the Al Mar Attack, I feel that I am not qualified to state a direct opinion, although I personally feel that a well made knife is best honored put to good use. The Maxx(bowie blade) however, I can personally vouch for. Use it. I prefer the clip-point to the stilleto, but both were made to be used, and so they should.
 
Sir,
get a cheaper big knife like the Cold Steel Voyager XL and give it a try first. This is a great knife and it will give you a true big knife feel.

This way you dont end up with a few safe queens because you dont like the feel of a big knife. That or you end up selling them for a pretty big loss so you dont tie up funds in knives you are not going to use.

best of luck,
Mike
 
Those Maxx's have dead flat handles. Although the 5.5 inch blade is appealing, the titanium handles are thin and not very comfortable.

So far, I haven't found any production blades in this size with a handle I like.


Even though it would hurt your wallet, consider getting the real thing from Darrel (or a dealer). He is contouring the handles, which really improves the design.
 
I have had the Recat Sifu and still have a Cold Steel X-Large Tanto. Sold the Sifu because I never used or carried it. I still have the Cold Steel although it stays in my knife roll. I just figured that carrying anything that big around was asking for problems form law enforcement. Even if in your area a knife that size isn't illegal, it would seem difficult to justify such a large knife if in fact you used it for self protection. Some will say that if it is legal, don't bother with what people think. However, in the real world, what people think can cost you great deals of money. Priced a laywer lately?

Using a large blade around camp would be great. I never liked using short blades for cooking chores. Just my opinion, YMMV
 
Originally posted by John Watson
Priced a laywer lately?
Click to expand...
He is a lawyer :D

Nathan, get the CUDA Maxx. These things are very individual, but unlike Architect, I find the wide, flat handle to be very comfortable and secure. I use mine in the kitchen. Look at that bowie blade: it can slice & dice, carve a roast, cut bread rolls and bagels at one swipe. The blade itself is relatively thin, and the full flat grind in D2 steel makes it extremely sharp.

The big Voyagers are fun, but the hollow grind is not as strong, and I destroyed the edge of an X2 Voyager using it in the woods. I do have the 5" Voyager clippoint as well, and it's also a great kitchen knife.

On the other question, I think if it's an art knife, with gold inlays and gems inset, fine, put it on display. Otherwise, use it! I've got Sebenzas and Darrel Ralph customs in use. That's what they're for, and they do it very well, whatever it is :D
 
For a cheaper one,
look at Sog Pentagon Elite 2.
Very large folder, if you like dagger styles blades.
It is a very well designed knife.
 
That's what this hobby is about for most of us...am i right?

Go get it, and enjoy it.

Best wishes, Jeff/1911.:p
 
Second the motion on the Lone Wolf Harsey!

S30V steel, canvass micarta well built, and liner lock with LAWKs.

This thing is beefy and begs to be used.

Thomas Zinn
 
Thanks for the suggestions, everybody. The Lone Wolf Harsey looks like a heckuva knife. Maybe I should re-title my thread to "thinking of picking three big folders". ;)

Stuart - Actually, one of the reasons the Maxx appeals to me is that it's sort of a dry run before buying the custom version. The collaboration is reasonably priced, and should give me an idea of what to expect in the custom version.

EB - Which blade style would you recommend, stiletto or drop point?

John Watson - What is and isn't legal to carry here in Italy is a function of time and place: if you have a legitimate reason to have that knife on your person, then you won't have any problems with the law. The obvious example would be that it's OK to carry a hunting knife while hunting, but not, for example, while shopping at the local market. This is a definition that leaves a fair amount of room for interpretation. However, by any measure, the Maxx is probably above and beyond what would be appropriate for EDC. If I buy the Maxx (or any of the other mega folders discussed in this thread), I'll probably use it for camping/hiking purposes.
 
Hi Nathan,

As you may have found already out by yourself, in Italy every single policeman or carabiniere will feel compelled to give you his personal interpretation as to what is legal to carry and when.
Out of the hunting/fishing /hiking situations, where a knife is seen as a necessary tool, a big blade can only get you in troubles.
Double edged symmetrical blades and autos (even though they can be bought without any problem)are a major NO under any circumstance as they would be automatically considered weapons.

Fausto
 
Nathan, I've got a couple of CUDA Maxx bowies, and they are good working knives. I have a custom stiletto Madd Maxx, and it's a beautiful knife, but not nearly as practical a blade shape.
 
Originally posted by fausto nasafiaschi
As you may have found already out by yourself, in Italy every single policeman or carabiniere will feel compelled to give you his personal interpretation as to what is legal to carry and when.
Out of the hunting/fishing /hiking situations, where a knife is seen as a necessary tool, a big blade can only get you in troubles.
Double edged symmetrical blades and autos (even though they can be bought without any problem)are a major NO under any circumstance as they would be automatically considered weapons.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know all about it. There is a frightening level of ignorance among Italian LEOs on the subject. Anyway, I wouldn't plan on carrying the Maxx to the office. Well, OK ... maybe to the office, but not around town, anyway. ;)


Originally posted by Esav BenyaminI've got a couple of CUDA Maxx bowies, and they are good working knives. I have a custom stiletto Madd Maxx, and it's a beautiful knife, but not nearly as practical a blade shape..
Click to expand...

Dunno why, but the stiletto Maxx just attracts me more. What would you say would be the major disadvantages of the stiletto shape as opposed to the clip point version?
 
The bowie has slightly more belly, but the big difference is in the grind. The bowie has a full flat grind, which gives it the edge in slicing. The stiletto has a stronger geometry with its saber grind, but that makes for a more obtuse angle, being ground only from the middle of the blade, not the back. The bowie is cleanly ground, also, while the stiletto has a fuller down the middle and a smaller fuller above it.

On the plus side, the stiletto has only as thick a blade as the bowie, does have a nicely curved cutting edge, is only narrowed at the swedge, not sharpened, and it is a sharp knife. Compared to a lot of others, it's an absolute winner.

Both of them are surprisingly large. There just aren't many folders out there so big, so well made, of such premium materials. There is a quality difference between the custom and the production, but it isn't great.
 
Originally posted by Esav Benyamin
The bowie has slightly more belly, but the big difference is in the grind. The bowie has a full flat grind, which gives it the edge in slicing. The stiletto has a stronger geometry with its saber grind, but that makes for a more obtuse angle, being ground only from the middle of the blade, not the back. The bowie is cleanly ground, also, while the stiletto has a fuller down the middle and a smaller fuller above it. On the plus side, the stiletto has only as thick a blade as the bowie, does have a nicely curved cutting edge, is only narrowed at the swedge, not sharpened, and it is a sharp knife. Compared to a lot of others, it's an absolute winner. Both of them are surprisingly large. There just aren't many folders out there so big, so well made, of such premium materials.
Click to expand...

EB - Thanks for the info. Hmm ... maybe I should get one of each? ;)
 
Guess which one I vote for :D

Originally posted by Architect
Those Maxx's have dead flat handles. Although the 5.5 inch blade is appealing, the titanium handles are thin and not very comfortable.
Click to expand...

I think the thin handles are great. The knife is designed to let you comfortably CARRY this huge blade. It is a folder afterall. Sure it would be more comfortable to use a fixed blade with big round handles, but it would be a lot harder to carry. This thin, light folder clips inside your pocket and you forget its there. So much so that I've found it to be a perfect EDC. Also, I don't think the handles are as uncomfortable as they might look in a picture. The contoured handles fit the hand well and give you good control over the blade.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with either of the Camillus Maxx models. The handles are relatively thin to allow for easy pocket carry, but I have found them to be quite comfortable and secure in actual use. I guess it's all a matter of preference; they work well for me. And they are beautifully made!

I love the way the Stiletto looks, but I found the Bowie to be a more practical EDC. Both blades can handle a wide variety of tasks, but the Stiletto is best as a stabber while the Bowie has a better balance between stabbing and slicing.

--Bob Q
 
Why not get a nice Italian made stilleto in the traditional design. Manual of course. These babys come in some pretty big sizes.
 
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