Who's Making the Hottest Tactical Folder—And Why?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Smith on -
I'd have to say DDR makes the hottest tactical folders. There is no reason not to consider DDR especially now that you can get HTM versions. I think an HTM Gunhammer is a good intro to DDR's knives. From there you can progress to a full blown custom that Darrel makes. The HTM Gunny is offered in spear point, radian (a tanto with a recurve), and bowie blades. They are available assisted or non-assisted and in s30v and s35vn (I think). They are great hard use pieces that will take care of most jobs that knives are design to do. Obviously, this is not a knife designed to baton through wood. The handles are aluminum but can be had with a number of inlays. The alu is military type III hard coated. Personally, I carry the unassisted version with a bowie blade. The high flat grind makes for an awesome cutter.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Shackleford on -
Well said, John. For those who don't know, DDR is, of course, Darrel Ralph.
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Permalink Reply by John Smith on
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I forgot to mention that the Gunhammer is so smooth when you flip it that you really don't need an assist mechanism. After you get used to the flipper, you can open it lightning quick. The assisted mechanism is such that it's possible for you to buy an assisted version and take out the mechanism entirely. Conversely, you can buy a non-assisted version and drop in the assist mechanism.
Some people may not know this, but the mechanism was a joint project that Darrel designed with the late (and great) Blackie Collins. It does not use a torsion bar like most assisted mechanisms. There is an actual coil spring inside that hooks to the blade and to the handle. That's about as best as I can explain it. It works beautifully. I just prefer non-assisted mechanisms after cutting myself once with an assisted knife (not a DDR).
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Permalink Reply by Steve Shackleford on
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I know what you mean about assisteds. I don't have anything against them and they have been a boon to the knife industry, but I prefer a smooth-opening manual or flipper folder any day. Of course, the fact that i have trouble chewing gum and walking at the same time probably has something to do with it.
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Permalink Reply by John Smith on
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Something else that's neat about the HTM Gunhammer is the nested linerlock. It adds a lot to the stream lined look since you can really only see the lockbar area where you would use a finger to disengage the lock. More importantly though, if the .90 inch thick titanium lockbar ever needs replacing, it's as simple as taking the knife apart and swapping the nested linerlock for a new one.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Shackleford on
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You should write Darrel's catalog for him, John (if he had one). ;)
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Permalink Reply by John Smith on
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I've met the guy. We had dinner together after Blade in fact. I recall him asking me in the past if I was interested in writing a magazine article for him. I wouldn't mind. I really do love his knives. I have a custom Gunhammer commissioned. It's been about a year already since I asked him to do a special Gunny for me. For these kinds of products, I don't really try to tell people to buy a Darrel Ralph. They are like firearms in that you just have to handle one to see if you like it. On the other hand, I don't shy away from telling people to give an HTM or a DDR custom a try. Most people that end up handling them either buy one or put one on a list of things they want to buy.
In the end you just have to see for yourself if you like his stuff. I know I do.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Shackleford on
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A fantastic description of why you like Darrel's work, John. You've fulfilled the questions i asked for this category and much more. And you're right--Darrel's a good guy, and he's really come a long way in this industry. He's worked hard, designed some great knives and made a name for himself that's known worldwide. A great story, all the way around.
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Permalink Reply by Shawn Sonnentag on
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I bought my first custom DDR knife based solely on it's looks. It was a Dress Trigger Torpedo, with a beautiful Mastodon Ivory inlay. When I received the knife I was really impressed by the fit and finish, as well as its function. The blade opened smoothly, with a gentle flick to the trigger. Since then I have purchased 14 more DDR customs, and have a 15th custom on order with Darrel. If you're looking for a custom tactical knife that is built to last, ergonomic, and has looks to kill, then you need not look any further that Darrel Ralph.
Shawn
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Permalink Reply by Steve Shackleford on
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15th custom order? Whoa! I bet Darrel lights up when you approach his table at knife shows!
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