JIMMY_MAC
02-19-2009, 09:43 PM
The Giant Cupid was released in September 1998 in time for the Soldier of Fortune show in Las Vegas. Approximately the first 48 pieces had �SOF 98� and �LAS VEGAS� engraved into the handle. As of this writing, the Giant Cupid at 13 � 9/16� overall length, is the largest knife ever produced by the Dalton shop. The knives are all serial numbered xxx/200, leading one to assume that 200 total pieces were made. However, Mrs. Dalton recalls that all 200 pieces were not completed. We have seen serial numbers ranging from 3 to 198, but remember that knives are not necessarily built sequentially, according to their serial number, in the Dalton shop. Mrs. Dalton also indicated that the Giants were made as display pieces � they were not intended as regular user knives.
Based on some slight differences in the hue and darkness of the Olive Drab handle anodizing between different serial number ranges, it appears that at least two separate production runs were sent to the anodizing contractor. The earlier handles are a bit darker and greener than the handles with later serial numbers. These monsters did not have pocket clips, as you�d need pretty big pockets for them. They were provided with a paracord lanyard. The only logo used on them that I am aware of is the standard etched Dalton logo on the blade. Besides the double ground blades that most of the Giants were fitted with, Mrs. Dalton indicated that some were fitted with chisel ground blades. I have not yet run across one of these.
http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/files//466270-giant1post.jpg
The dimensions of the Giant Cupid:
Overall Length: 13 � 9/16�
Blade Length: 5 � 7/8" (to center of handle)
Blade Thickness: 0.127"
Handle Thickness: 0.5�
Many of the Giant Cupids were plagued by lockup problems. I think that what it boils down to is that the Daltons could never find a spring that was sufficiently strong enough to fire that massive blade under all conditions. The lockup problem is generally more noticeable if the blade is pointed upwards than when the blade is pointed down. A good lubricant will often reduce lockup problems.
Based on some slight differences in the hue and darkness of the Olive Drab handle anodizing between different serial number ranges, it appears that at least two separate production runs were sent to the anodizing contractor. The earlier handles are a bit darker and greener than the handles with later serial numbers. These monsters did not have pocket clips, as you�d need pretty big pockets for them. They were provided with a paracord lanyard. The only logo used on them that I am aware of is the standard etched Dalton logo on the blade. Besides the double ground blades that most of the Giants were fitted with, Mrs. Dalton indicated that some were fitted with chisel ground blades. I have not yet run across one of these.
http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/files//466270-giant1post.jpg
The dimensions of the Giant Cupid:
Overall Length: 13 � 9/16�
Blade Length: 5 � 7/8" (to center of handle)
Blade Thickness: 0.127"
Handle Thickness: 0.5�
Many of the Giant Cupids were plagued by lockup problems. I think that what it boils down to is that the Daltons could never find a spring that was sufficiently strong enough to fire that massive blade under all conditions. The lockup problem is generally more noticeable if the blade is pointed upwards than when the blade is pointed down. A good lubricant will often reduce lockup problems.