I have been looking at this knife as a possible supplement to my SIFU as "The World's Most Politically Incorrect Knife", but I should like to hear how those of you who have bought them feel about them. I am really quite interested in it as a large utility knife for when I need such a device.
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What do people think of the C.U.D.A. Max 5.5?
- Thread starter FullerH
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2001
- Messages
- 2,726
The CUDA Maxx is actually quite attractive, but don't let the looks mislead you. This is a very tough and practical knife. That massive framelock is the closest thing you're going to find to a medium sized fixed blade that will fit comfortably in your pocket.
A Sifu has been one of my regular EDCs for a long time, but the CUDA Maxx has displaced it, at least for now. You will never regret buying one!
--Bob Q
A Sifu has been one of my regular EDCs for a long time, but the CUDA Maxx has displaced it, at least for now. You will never regret buying one!
--Bob Q
Well, I read your post, Bob, and the comments in the other posts, both here and in the "General Discussion" forum, as well as doing what I should have done in the first place, and gone to the "Reviews" forum. Everybody seems to think highly of them, although they seem somewhat nonplussed by the color changes, and I have decided to order one. I have ordered one through Grand Prairie Knives who are selling them for $140.00 + shipping. Their site is http://www.gpknives.com/ even though they do not have the knife on it, as yet, they have sent out emails to prior customers on it.
Awesome, simply Awesome. Just received mine from Don at Phoenix Blades. The Maxx comes in a nice zippered pouch enclosed in a sturdy purple cardboard box. Thanks for the excellent service, Don.
Blade:
Very sharp edge out-of-the-box. Highly useful design for a multitude of cutting tasks. The finish is uncommon in a good way (its not mirror shiny nor stonewash grainy) which gives the blade a "high-end" personna. Oh, and did I mention it is huge. (If you have any feelings of inadequacy--how you read this is up to you--this knife can boost your ego and/or have the same effect of Viagra on certain body parts).
Guards/Flippers/Horns (Whatever):
Yes, it can flick open without thumb intervention. However, I open the blade by first pressing on the top flipper with my index finger and then thumb open the blade the rest of the way using the thumb stud. I presume it could be waved open but I feel so "adequate" (see above) that I don't seem to have a need to do such "performances."
Handle:
The color of the handle on mine is gorgeous. I'll try the Windex treatment later but its good to go "as is." (I suspect that Don gave me the "pick-of-the-litter"). I have medium/large hands and the design and size of the handle nestles firmly in my palm and fingers. Oh what a feeling!
Balance:
My initial impression is that the knife feels light for its large size. It seems to be slightly heavier toward the handle end which makes the knife maneuver pretty fast (for a large knife). Seems lighter than my Special Edition D-2 Rekat Sifu (the one without finger grooves).
Lock:
The integral lock engages and disengages with authority. No missteps in the design and manufacture here. It's interesting how DDR designed the locking bar on the left side handle such that an exterior cutout to disengage the lock is unnecessary and thus preserves the symmetry of the handle's profile. A nice touch.
Pocket Carry:
The Maxx has a tip down design which makes sense for a knife this large. When reaching for my knife I like to get my thumb (or in this case, index finger) onto the opening mechanism prior to extracting the knife from the pocket. No way can my activating finger reach the horns deep down in the pocket. Remember, this knife is huge. There's no report here on comfort or concealability since I just received it in the mail; however, I suspect that sheath carry is probably the way I'll be carrying this monster in the future. Perhaps GG or Mike Sastre will have something to offer Maxx fans soon. I like nylon pouches afixed horizontally but I'm not sure if this is feasible with the Maxx.
Overall Impressions:
It's big; it's well-designed; it's well-made; it's outrageously under-priced; it's mine! The knife gods are smiling upon us. Kudos to DDR, Will and Camillus. Sure to be the People's Choice for "Production Knife of the Year."
Comment by toothed on the Camillus OVB Fisk Bowie: "I can't believe it's not custom!"
Comment by toothed on the Camillus Madd Maxx: "Ditto!"
Disclaimer/Fine Print:
I do not work for Camillus nor own stocks in their fine company. The opinions here are strictly my own and I am receiving no compensation for my review...Hey wait, maybe I should start buying some Camillus stocks.
Blade:
Very sharp edge out-of-the-box. Highly useful design for a multitude of cutting tasks. The finish is uncommon in a good way (its not mirror shiny nor stonewash grainy) which gives the blade a "high-end" personna. Oh, and did I mention it is huge. (If you have any feelings of inadequacy--how you read this is up to you--this knife can boost your ego and/or have the same effect of Viagra on certain body parts).
Guards/Flippers/Horns (Whatever):
Yes, it can flick open without thumb intervention. However, I open the blade by first pressing on the top flipper with my index finger and then thumb open the blade the rest of the way using the thumb stud. I presume it could be waved open but I feel so "adequate" (see above) that I don't seem to have a need to do such "performances."
Handle:
The color of the handle on mine is gorgeous. I'll try the Windex treatment later but its good to go "as is." (I suspect that Don gave me the "pick-of-the-litter"). I have medium/large hands and the design and size of the handle nestles firmly in my palm and fingers. Oh what a feeling!
Balance:
My initial impression is that the knife feels light for its large size. It seems to be slightly heavier toward the handle end which makes the knife maneuver pretty fast (for a large knife). Seems lighter than my Special Edition D-2 Rekat Sifu (the one without finger grooves).
Lock:
The integral lock engages and disengages with authority. No missteps in the design and manufacture here. It's interesting how DDR designed the locking bar on the left side handle such that an exterior cutout to disengage the lock is unnecessary and thus preserves the symmetry of the handle's profile. A nice touch.
Pocket Carry:
The Maxx has a tip down design which makes sense for a knife this large. When reaching for my knife I like to get my thumb (or in this case, index finger) onto the opening mechanism prior to extracting the knife from the pocket. No way can my activating finger reach the horns deep down in the pocket. Remember, this knife is huge. There's no report here on comfort or concealability since I just received it in the mail; however, I suspect that sheath carry is probably the way I'll be carrying this monster in the future. Perhaps GG or Mike Sastre will have something to offer Maxx fans soon. I like nylon pouches afixed horizontally but I'm not sure if this is feasible with the Maxx.
Overall Impressions:
It's big; it's well-designed; it's well-made; it's outrageously under-priced; it's mine! The knife gods are smiling upon us. Kudos to DDR, Will and Camillus. Sure to be the People's Choice for "Production Knife of the Year."
Comment by toothed on the Camillus OVB Fisk Bowie: "I can't believe it's not custom!"
Comment by toothed on the Camillus Madd Maxx: "Ditto!"
Disclaimer/Fine Print:
I do not work for Camillus nor own stocks in their fine company. The opinions here are strictly my own and I am receiving no compensation for my review...Hey wait, maybe I should start buying some Camillus stocks.
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2000
- Messages
- 817
"Camillus Madd Maxx: So big you could rip out a man's intestines through his anus!"
That is my new Madd Maxx slogan. Camillus is free to use it
JR
That is my new Madd Maxx slogan. Camillus is free to use it
JR
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2000
- Messages
- 817
And to add to what Toothed said. I got mine from Don at Phoenix blades as well. You can't pick a better person to buy from. Don is top notch and his service is second to none. I highly reccomend Don at www.phoenixblades.com
JR
JR
Well, mine came. I got it from Grand Prairie Knives in Illinois. They shipped it on Tuesday, 4/16 and I picked it up on Friday 4/19 at my P.O. Box. Great service.
It is a huge knife, but interestingly does not seem so intimidating as the somewhat smaller SIFU. I cannot tell you why this is, but that is my gut reaction to it. The blade is beautifully done, better than the SIFU, with a lovely satin finish. The hilt is a blue-grey that would be a cadet grey were it just a bit darker. I tried Windex on mine in an effort to bring ou the blue, but it didn't seem to work, indeed, it semed to make the hilt a blotchy grey. Do any of you have any suggestions? I am still mastering the opening of the knife, it is not so instinctual as other large knives that I own. But I really like the sturdiness of the lock and the fact that it takes some effort to release it. I should be rather concerned about that blade if it did not. The fit and finish is just superb, especially at the price that they charge for the knife.
As I said over on the General Forum, for those who remember James Mattis, I keep thinking of him when I take the knife out to play with it. I keep thinking of his "Wee Pen knife" with its "Chaim" symbol on it. I don't know why I am thinking of his "Wee Pen Knife" when I play with my Maxx 5.5, but I do and I think that he would appreciate the ironies of it.
It is a huge knife, but interestingly does not seem so intimidating as the somewhat smaller SIFU. I cannot tell you why this is, but that is my gut reaction to it. The blade is beautifully done, better than the SIFU, with a lovely satin finish. The hilt is a blue-grey that would be a cadet grey were it just a bit darker. I tried Windex on mine in an effort to bring ou the blue, but it didn't seem to work, indeed, it semed to make the hilt a blotchy grey. Do any of you have any suggestions? I am still mastering the opening of the knife, it is not so instinctual as other large knives that I own. But I really like the sturdiness of the lock and the fact that it takes some effort to release it. I should be rather concerned about that blade if it did not. The fit and finish is just superb, especially at the price that they charge for the knife.
As I said over on the General Forum, for those who remember James Mattis, I keep thinking of him when I take the knife out to play with it. I keep thinking of his "Wee Pen knife" with its "Chaim" symbol on it. I don't know why I am thinking of his "Wee Pen Knife" when I play with my Maxx 5.5, but I do and I think that he would appreciate the ironies of it.
I've been carrying mine on and off duty for the past week.
In front pocket carry (off duty) and sap pocket carry (on duty) it actually conceals better than some of my much smaller folders due to the "low ride" clip design. This also makes it slightly slower to draw from the pocket. It fits very easily in the front pocket of jeans or slacks.
There are a number of ways to open the knife very quickly...all of them very impressive.
In front pocket carry (off duty) and sap pocket carry (on duty) it actually conceals better than some of my much smaller folders due to the "low ride" clip design. This also makes it slightly slower to draw from the pocket. It fits very easily in the front pocket of jeans or slacks.
There are a number of ways to open the knife very quickly...all of them very impressive.
- Joined
- May 21, 2000
- Messages
- 6,228
I want one sooooo bad!
i got my cuda maxx 5.5 a few weeks ago. initial reaction: beautiful lines, awesome size, first-class construction, quality materials. (holy mother of pearl this is a big knife...) after carrying for a while, my thoughts remain the same with a couple of addendums, well one main addendum. i would have to disagree with toothed and say that a cutout on the non-locking handle slab, even a tiny cutout would help greatly in unlocking this big mother. my hands aren't even all that big, so i can't blame a big thumb on my problem with unlocking this behemoth when i've given it a good snap to open it. i compared it to a friend's benchmade AFCK (i know, i know it's apples to golden oranges...) and ease of unlocking with one hand after a panic open was just not comparable, the AFCK's liner lock was as easy and smooth no matter how hard i flicked it open, and the maxx's lock was infinitely harder. anyone else have this reaction? or am i just a dude with a weak thumb?
jbrown
jbrown
one other little note, while walking the land at my uncle's this weekend, a friend asked me to cut the rope that he had tied to a tree out in the paintball field. one swipe was all it took to make him start lusting after my knife, and i had to remind him of the "thou shalt not covet thy neighbors ox...etc." by the way, fuller, why the scripture reference in your signature?
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2000
- Messages
- 345
JBrown- Don't even try to close the Cuda Maxx with your thumb like it was a normal liner lock. DDR doesn't want his knives to be easy to close for fear they might close on your fingers. Use two hands to close the knife and pull the lock bar back with your index finger. I bought a liner lock EDC from DDR at a show last year, and he explained this to me.
Thanks Wirebender,
i actually emailed mr. ralph and got the following reply:
The Maxx is built to be a real knife for extreme use.
The lock is straight across for a reason. When in a situation where you are twisting and really in trouble the lock will not disengage on you . Other locks with a thumb cut out will disengage with a twisting motion. The two relief's inside the frame are for your thumb. Press down and out to disengage the knife. I hope this helps. Big blades require a good lock up. This knife should become like a straight knife when opened with authority.
That was the intent.
Please enjoy.
now that i know the intent of the maker, i can appreciate the actual thought that went into this knife, and baby, it really is like a straight knife when opened with "authority."
i actually emailed mr. ralph and got the following reply:
The Maxx is built to be a real knife for extreme use.
The lock is straight across for a reason. When in a situation where you are twisting and really in trouble the lock will not disengage on you . Other locks with a thumb cut out will disengage with a twisting motion. The two relief's inside the frame are for your thumb. Press down and out to disengage the knife. I hope this helps. Big blades require a good lock up. This knife should become like a straight knife when opened with authority.
That was the intent.
Please enjoy.
now that i know the intent of the maker, i can appreciate the actual thought that went into this knife, and baby, it really is like a straight knife when opened with "authority."
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 3,148
Has anyone ever needed to quickly unlock their knife in the real world?
For the utmost in strength, there are a few "sacrifices" design wise that must be made.
For the utmost in strength, there are a few "sacrifices" design wise that must be made.
stjames
Sebenzanista
- Joined
- Oct 26, 1998
- Messages
- 6,465
The need to open, use, and secure your folding knife in a working environment one handed is an important safety issue. One major advantage of the frame-lock design over traditional lock-backs and liner locks is that they are not as easily effected by debris jamming the knife in the open position. This is a hazard to be avoided, and the need to close a knife with both hands negates this benefit of the lock design.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2000
- Messages
- 2,688
Well, I got my Maxx 5.5 last night when I got Home from work! 
I could not believe my eyes. There is not much that I could say that all of you have not already said. It is HUGE!! It seems bigger than my two Sifu, while not looking as mean. The finish on the blade is a nice touch. Sort of a high finish stone wash. Finer media would be my guess. The blade centers perfectly. This is usually the first thing I look for in a new folder. If it is not centered when closed, I am starting off unhappy. This was perfect! As everyone has mentioned, the lockup is TIGHT. Oh baby, it does take some getting used to. After reading the message from DR in one of the above posts about the lockup, and pushing down and to the left to disengage the lock, it has become easier for me. Plus I use the area of the thumb closer to the joint instead of the tip of the pad as I do on lighter duty knives. It is a sweet knife! I like the fact that Camillus buffs the final edge on their knives. It is a small touch, but I feel it shows that little bit extra they are willing to do for the customer. It makes for a scary sharp edge from the factory. Something I do not see that often anymore. I am very satisfied with my Maxx, just as I was a couple weeks ago with my new EDC. CAMILLUS, you guys are on the fast track!! Great product, wonderful price, and from watching your forum presence, great concern for the customer. You will see much more of MY money in the future! Thanks for some great products!!
I could not believe my eyes. There is not much that I could say that all of you have not already said. It is HUGE!! It seems bigger than my two Sifu, while not looking as mean. The finish on the blade is a nice touch. Sort of a high finish stone wash. Finer media would be my guess. The blade centers perfectly. This is usually the first thing I look for in a new folder. If it is not centered when closed, I am starting off unhappy. This was perfect! As everyone has mentioned, the lockup is TIGHT. Oh baby, it does take some getting used to. After reading the message from DR in one of the above posts about the lockup, and pushing down and to the left to disengage the lock, it has become easier for me. Plus I use the area of the thumb closer to the joint instead of the tip of the pad as I do on lighter duty knives. It is a sweet knife! I like the fact that Camillus buffs the final edge on their knives. It is a small touch, but I feel it shows that little bit extra they are willing to do for the customer. It makes for a scary sharp edge from the factory. Something I do not see that often anymore. I am very satisfied with my Maxx, just as I was a couple weeks ago with my new EDC. CAMILLUS, you guys are on the fast track!! Great product, wonderful price, and from watching your forum presence, great concern for the customer. You will see much more of MY money in the future! Thanks for some great products!!
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2000
- Messages
- 3,625
Drool!!!! If only CRK would make a Sebenza like this...
Till then... I better start saving up, this looks like a stunning blade. First non Spyderco knife that has started my interest in 'normal' production blades, if 'normal' is a word I can use with this knife!!!
Till then... I better start saving up, this looks like a stunning blade.
First non Spyderco knife that has started my interest in 'normal' production blades, if 'normal' is a word I can use with this knife!!!