One of the Best All-Around EDC Knives Just Got an Unprecedented Upgrade

CJRB gives the Maximal a luxe makeover, complete with a super steel blade, premium handle and, yes, accordant price tag.

CJRB Maximal J1954 CPM S90V Blade Titanium Handle macro

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published April 9, 2025

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When CJRB launched the original Maximal a couple of months ago, it almost immediately established itself as a go-to affordable all-around EDC knife.

That was the intention of its designer, Knife Center’s own David C. Andersen, and thanks to reliable materials, solid construction and smooth functionality, they pretty much nailed it.

CJRB Maximal J1954 CPM S90V Blade Titanium Handle display side full — The new Maximal carries the exact same silhouette as the original, just with higher-end ingredients.

But just as a hit movie often gets a bigger-budget sequel, the brand is following up on the Maximal’s with a much higher-end edition.

Does it have a chance to emulate the beloved John Wick franchise, where every successive chapter costs more but also makes more? Let’s take a closer look.

Lemme upgrade you

To be sure, the upscaled edition of the Maximal boasts many of the same features that made the original so compelling.

The design is, in fact, exactly the same, highlighted by a 2.95-inch drop-point blade, a reliable crossbar lock, a reversible deep-carry pocket clip and sturdy handle scales.

The sharp point and full belly of the blade qualify it for all kinds of everyday tasks, while the sub-3-inch length will help you dodge potential legal hangups in certain states and countries.

CJRB Maximal J1954 CPM S90V Blade Titanium Handle off side folded — Along with Anderson’s signature, the off-side of the blade clearly advertises the blade steel.

The knife also has a finger guard near the blade to boost grip and security, while the Crossbar lock offers smooth, reliable one-handed deployment via ambidextrous thumb studs and a ceramic ball bearing.

A firm pull of the tabs — and gravity — safely returns the blade to its sheath.

Where this Maximal makes its major departure from the original, then, is with regard to the blade steel and handle scales.

CJRB Maximal J1954 CPM S90V Blade Titanium Handle off side full — By repositioning a couple of screws, you can shift the pocket clip to the other side in minutes.

While the original features dependable AR-RPM9 steel and grippy G10 or Micarta handles, the new edition leans premium.

The blade is made of CPM-S90V super steel, renowned for its superior edge retention, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

The handle, meanwhile, is rendered in high-quality titanium, which, together with the stone-washed blade, transforms the whole affair into a stunning, conversation-starting vision in silver.

CJRB Maximal J1954 CPM S90V Blade Titanium Handle spine — As with the original, this Maximal’s design is super sleek and smooth, highlighted by the Crossbar lock at its center.

Ironically, while titanium typically helps products shed weight, this version of the knife weighs more than the original, 3.83 ounces rather than a flat 3.

It will, however, make your wallet much lighter, as it comes in more than triple the cost of the original’s $50.

But hey, if it makes you feel any better, $160 is just 0.00039% of the budget of John Wick: Chapter Two.