The story is that ever since I saw Aftermath designed by Darrel Ralph I wanted it. For certain reasons I was unable to get it for a while. Later on Camillus introduced CUDA Aftermath, continuing collaboration between collaboration between Camillus and a custom knife maker D. Ralph. And also continuing Camillus mega folder lineup. Earlier Camillus introduced CUDA MAXX and it's spearpoint version. In their best tradition, Aftermath features 5.5" long blade and Titanium handle, utilizing framelock mechanism. The original Aftermath is still orderable from Darrel Ralph, check out his page. Obviously the price is higher, and frankly CUDA aftermath isn't a cheap folder either, with the price tag around 350$ MSRP. Of course you can get it cheaper on the street (read online).
Overall
- CUDA Aftermath is one huge folder. Definitely a looker. IMHO it is e beautiful, sexy blade. I don't really care for its fancy handle, I am not into that, but the blade and handle geometry overall create a real gorgeous knife. The knife is huge, for the folder. If you are into large folding knives this one definitely worth looking at. On this picture you can see Lochsa, Aftermath, CUDA EDC. Considering that the Lochsa is 4 inch blade folder you can get an idea as how big the Aftermath is. Overall, it's the same caliber as CUDA Maxx, but a lot better looking in my opinion. Probably because of the higher price Aftermath didn't get too much attention on the bladeforums, somehow CUDA Maxx seems to be more popular, but after all it's all about the taste :) I like this one better, and I've sold my Maxx.Blade
- Aftermath's 5.5" long blade is more or less classic clip point, with pronounced belly. Which obviously is very useful for cutting :) Steel is the same as with the other Camillus megafolders, good, old semi stainless D2. As far as I am concerned 58-60 HRC. Which is reasonable for the blade of this size. NIB edge wasn't exactly perfect. Standard factory rough edge, with clear grind marks. However, the blade finish is very good. Semi satin, semi mirror polished blade. You can see on the pictures for yourself. I didn't use edge pro to thin down the edge this time, as the edge was not too thick. Instead I've spent around half an hour sharpening Aftermath on the mousepad and sandpaper. I've started with 600 grit and gradually went to 1000, 2000, 3000 polishing tape and then stropped on the CrO compound loaded leather. The result was hair splitting sharp, mirror polished convex edge. Though the rest of the edge is still rough. Works fine for both, push cutting and saw motion cuts. I haven't used this knife so far seriously, so can't tell much about its comfortability and cutting abilities. D2 is a good steel and I have all reasons to believe it'll hold the edge reasonably well.Handle/Lock
- Titanium with I think stainless steel plates on it. For a production folder it's quite fancy, on the other hand, considering the 350$ price tag it's not all that surprising :) For light cutting that I've done so far it seemed to be comfy enough. We'll see how it'll do with prolonged cutting. Next cardboard cutting session is scheduled sometimes within next 2 weeks. So I should have more data to report. Locking mechanism is a standard framelock. Lockup is very solid and the lock engages less than 50% when opened. Which is a good sign for a framelock ;)Other than that, the only detail worth mentioning is the assisted opening mechanism. There is a steel bar in the handle slab that pushes the blade open once you open it around 30 degree from locked position. Unfortunately, for CA knife owners that's not as good as it sounds. Depending on DA your assisted opening blade can be considered as a switchblade and you'll be facing all the unpleasant consequences. For that reason I have removed the bar. Actually in original threads on BF, both blades Aftermath and Dominator were discussed in that regard(assisted opening related problems) and it was mentioned by Camillus rep that those bars are removable. That all sounds fine, but once I've removed the bar the blade which was on dead center before immediately went left. All that because of the screw closest to the handle butt. From one end, where the opener bar was it is narrower and doesn't hold the handle in place. So for now I am not sure what to do. Get the extra screw from Camillus, standard one, which will supposedly fix the problem, or alternatively cut that opener bar in half, thus disabling assisted opening and insert the back half lack in the handle slab to restore the centering. Obviously I'll try to get the right screws before I make irreversible changes ;) I'm not sure the screws are replaceable though. I'll update the page once I manage to do all that.
- Specifications:
- Blade: D2 Tool steel, 58-60 HRC;
- Length: 5.5"
- Handle: Anodized Titanium;
- Lock Mechanism: Integral Frame Lock;
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime;
Last updated - 05/19/19