[Sandmann]

I own many Cold Steel knives and I believe they are the best knife for the money when not buying a custom piece. The Trail Master and Recon Tanto are fantastic field knives, and can take a TON of abuse. Cold Steel's Voyager lockblades are also a lot of knife for the money. What other knives out their do all of you prefer?

[JShirley]

A lot of people like Cold Steel knives. Some folks who have been experienced a lot of different companies don't like them as much.

Other great knife values are Himalayan Imports, Eight Dollar Mountain Foundry, Camillus Becker, and Swamp Rat Knife Works. For folding knife value, Spyderco is tough-to-beat match of customer friendliness, quality materials, and reasonable pricing.

I started out buying Cold Steel knives, and there are certainly some good ones out there, but there are lots of other knife companies too, some of whom tend to have even greater customer satisfaction. One good place to check some of them out is www.BladeForums.com.

John

[Christoefor]

Well I like spyderco but still seem to have a Cold Steel Ltc chopper a SRK and a key chain model urbun pal. Also gave a few to friends, you can't beat coldsteel for price and value.

[bubbygator]

I like Becker. Here's my car knife.
http://www.fernknives.com/becker/combat-utility-7/440/index.html

[Sandmann]

How do all of these companies and knives perform in the field. I own a Mountain Dollar Foundary knuckle smatchet, but have never really put it through the paces like my Cold Steel Trailmaster. Probably because it was a custom order.

Are you satisfied with your Becker? It looks rugged enough!!!

[Gary G23]

I like Benchmade on the high end and CRKT on the low end.

[Moonclip]

I like cold steel with Benchmade a runner up.

[DT Guy]

Cold Steel's 'Carbon V' seems to perform about like O-1, from what I understand. Nothing wrong with O-1, I make knives from it myself at times. It's just not what you'd consider the state-of-the-art in many respects.

AFA their folding knives, I prefer less Zytel. For what they're getting for some of their plastic handled knives, I think you could do better, but that's just me.


Larry

[JShirley]

Dale Sandberg (EDMF) makes tough, no-nonsense knives. They hold an edge almost forever.

[scbair]

I particularly like Cold Steel's Carbon V blades for good quality working blades at a very competitive price point. I bought a large "Twistmaster" (similar to the Opinel folders, with a plastic handle). It takes and holds a really wicked edge.

Of course, it requires two hands to open, and uses the twist-ring lock, that also requires manual activation. Since this is strictly a deer-dressing knife, no problem!

In fact, I like it so much that, after learning it had been discontinued :banghead: I found and purchased a spare, should my "user" ever break or wear out (like I'm ever gonna bag THAT much venison . . .).

For EDC / defensive carry, I must admit I prefer any of several models of Spyderco or Benchmade.

[JShirley]

I have purchased (that I remember):

CS Large Voyager
LTC Kukuri
Twistmasters
Shovel
Assegai
Bushmasters
Recon Tanto
Mini Pals
Ready Edges
assorted small items (Delta Darts, key knives, etc)
and one of the large hunting knives, though I don't remember the model right now...

For folders, Spyderco is now my favorite maker. Depending on type of blade, HI or SRKW might be my favorite noncustom FB makers.

John

[Sandmann]

To Date I have purchased:

Cold Steel:
Carbon V Trailmaster
Carbon V Gurkha Kukri
Carbon V Recon Tanto
Carbon V Peace Keeper
4" Recon Folder
4" Gunsite Tanto Folder (Gave it to my Father in law when his knife broke)
5" Clip Point Voyager Folder- Very impressive performance, cuts like a fixed blade!!!
6" Vaquero Folder

All of these knives performed outstandingly. Lot's of abuse, no complaints.

Cold steel also has a great selection of swords, although I'm not sure how they would hold up against a forged blade, say from Bugei, or a custom maker.

My MDF Smatchet is a custom piece and is too prized by myself to be taken to the field and abused like I have my Cold Steel pieces.

[JShirley]

The point I'm making is that I have used CS knives. After having explored the market a bit, though, I find lots of other knives with at least as much value, sold by nicer people- or even, some of them, by people who just don't feel the need to make an ass of themselves or even really present themselves in public in any way.

I don't buy Mad Dog knives, either, though of course, their price points are higher.

Dale Sandberg is a great guy, and I'm sorry I missed the chance to go see him while I was living in WA. To call Eight Dollar Mountain Knives "custom" pieces may not be very accurate, though, and EDMF knives are cheaper for what you get than Cold Steel knives, by far (I've bought 3 EDMF knives).

J

[Sandmann]

Good points all.

[Andrew Wyatt]

CS knives are only a really good deal if you get the factory seconds. also, the video they come with is entertaining.


there are better knives out there. benchmade.

[hso]

Sandman,

They're just another mass market manufacturer. They are much better quality than some and not as good as others. They are a much better value than some and not as good as others.

OTOH, if you stay away from the trendy crap and the value lines and stick to the higher priced product they produce some truely outstanding knives. The Japanese production Black Bear was one of the best production knives ever made by anyone. The swords are all uniformly overpriced. Their kuks are not as good a value as the HI kuks. The less expensive knives are not as good as CRKT's or Outdoor Edge less expensive models.

[middy]

They make some very good knives, but I think Spyderco and Swamp Rat knives are a better value.

[Estela216]

I'm surprised no one here has mentioned Busse as the be all end all of tough knives. My straight handled Battle Mistress, Satin Jack and Mean Street are the toughest knives I own. My Mean Street and Satin Jack have been made full convex and are also some of the sharpest I own. My SHBM will take all that I throw at it and more.

I think knives should be used as knives and not prybars, chisels or sledgehammers. However, I wouldn't hesitate to use my knife as one of these in a true emergency and bet my life on it. By the way, I say true emergency because I don't like to be an armchair commando that does "field tests" that only test how much damage can be done to a knife.

Cold Steel isn't bad and I've owned a few. Handle a Busse or Swamp Rat and you will soon say you've owned them before also.

Kev

[Guns_and_Labs]

I like Benchmade on the high end and CRKT on the low end.

+1, though I'd throw a Ka-Bar D2 in there somewhere, too.

[bubbygator]

Yes, I like my Becker. It has the sharpest edge I've seen outside of a custom knife. The only change I made to it was to coat the handle with a rubberized dip-coating used for tool handles to increase the "grippability" of the hard plastic handle slabs. Although it has a thumb-control ridge, this isn't a knife for very fine work - it's a hardy soldier to stab, hack, & slice anything you want.

[Sandmann]

Estela216,

Is that the same knife company that's in Wauseon, OH? If it is, I agree that those knives are built like Findlay, OH M-1 tanks!!!! What is the going price on Busse knives these days?

[Sandmann]

hso,

Re: "The (Cold Steel) swords are all uniformly overpriced."

Why are they overpriced, and what sword would you recommend?

[JShirley]

Estela,

I believe Sandmann was making the point that Cold Steel knives are extremely cost-effective...

Which is why I mentioned Swamp Rat, but not Busse (who does indeed make great knives, and Jerry is an awesome guy).

J

[Sam Cade]

IIRC, cold steel dosent make anything

The Most (maybe all) of the folders are made in japan.

The fixed blade carbon steel knives are made by Camillus.

[CDignition]

SOG makes nice knives, Microtech is the leader of production automatics in my opine, but there are many out there just as nice but lesser known...

I just picked up a Sw Homeland security knife..tanto blade, 440SS blade with Urban camo on it...about 8 1/2 inches of blade, 13 1/2 in long, thick tang...45 bux...it was dull as hell, but not now, hee hee

[hso]

Sandman,

Kris Cutlery (http://www.kriscutlery.com/) and Cas Ibera Paul Chens (http://casiberia.com/cas/productsearch.asp?page=22&recs=10&searchtext=hanwei) both produce good swords at better prices than CS and I find them to be as good and better than the CS.

[Sandmann]

hso,

CAS Iberia and Kris Cutlery both look like they have a great selection.

Are they any other die hard knife or sword fans out there who stand by their products?

What about K-bar, Marbles, Black Jack, Schrade, Buck, or Randall? Any luck with any of these blades?

[Estela216]

All I have to say is, "when you buy quality, you only cry once." I've had my Battle Mistress for years and it is the best backwoods knife (the one I reach for when I go deep into the woods) for the job. Even though it cost an arm and a leg, I know that if it ever breaks, it gets fixed or replaced for free.

How about that for a manufacturer standing behind his product? The only service that bests Busse is Bark River Knife and Tool. Mike Stewart is the best owner around.

Kev

[ecos]

swamp rats also have a lifetime guarantee...but thats expected since swamp rats are basically busses. owned by busse, made in the same factory, on the same machines during a different shift.

[Coronach]

Cold Steel knives are OK.

There are other good knives at that same point on the cost/quality curve, and I dislike Cold Steel's bloviating attempt at an ad campaign. It makes me laugh, in the same way that any film by Ed Wood does. I prefer Spyderco and Benchmade for folders, HI for khuks, and various and sundry makes of fixed blades. There are lots of other options for knives, without contributing to global warming via CS's marketing hype (read: hot air).

That said, their knives aren't bad, and can be a good deal.

Mike

[berettashotgun]

Spyderco always everyday,everywhere- well almost everywhere. Even have Syyderco kitchen knives.Found a Cold Steel tanto folder when I was fishing. Don't know the model but it is a big folder. Great knife for free- but too big for everyday carry- besides, I like a drop point.

[JShirley]

Estela,

HI has a warranty as good, if not better. On at least one knife, if you break it, they'll send you two more.

J

[hso]

K-bar - Some of their knives are excellent (especially the Dozier)

Marbles - Excellent knives with tried and true designs

Black Jack - Old Effinghame Black Jack knifes bring premium prices for good reason. The new Ken Warner Black Jacks are worth every penny.

Schrade - KIA The new Schrades are iffy

Buck - No opinion

Randall - legendary for good reason, but you can get as good a performing knife from other makers for less. Of course, it's dang hard to get a more desirable knife.

[GW]

Cold Steel knives are a good deal.
I have :
Tanto
Recon Tanto
Outdoorsman
SRK
LTC
Desperado
Trailmaster and both of the push-daggers
And the Warhead (Remember that one?)
Assegai and that mace they were pushing as well
Their folders never impressed me-- I agree with the other fellow
Benchmade at the upper end & CRKT at the other for my folders
CS's greatest attribute is that its a good blade that won't break your wallet (or your heart if you should break it)
I own Randalls, Swamp Rat, Beckers (A great value!!)
Chris Reeve a Mad Dog, SOG's and others but its CS that I tend to use the most because I don't care if I scratch or break it (which I haven't been able to do yet)
The things I've done to a CS (Trailmaster & Recon Tanto in particular) I'd never do to the Randalls
So, once again that that is CS' greatest virtue--- You don't care if you trash it and therefore YOU'LL USE IT!

[rs3604]

I like Benchmade knives in 440c or n690 also for a good blade steel it's hard to beat VG10 and Spyderco makes some nice ones using VG10. AUS steels are ok but tend to be a little bit weaker. Benchmade, CRKT and others have been using it alot. Coldsteel makes some good knives but remeber it's all in the steel. Buck also does some amazing things with 420hc which is a low end steel, Except when Buck gets done with it.

[TMM]

i just bought a Cold Steel Ti-Lite for myself. CT is a sheeple state, so i can't carry it except at home. i'll respond on what i think. should arrive today or tomorrow.

bought grampa a BM 551S, i'm also happy with them. the 440C steel is kinda iffy though. 154CM i heard, is great stuff.

~TMM

[GunGoBoom]

I find Cold Steel knives to be decent values in the fixed blades, but not-so-much of a value in their folders. Much prefer Kershaw (or CRKT) in folders. Those Beckers and Swamp Rats are good deals in fixed blades as well, it would seem.

[TMM]

well, i got my CS. to my dismay, it was made in taiwan. the blade did not look as sharp-edged (not the cutting edge. like, the corners and stuff. they're a bit rounded), which didn't make it look as good as in the pic. pocket clip was too tight. the little guards are kinda sharp, which i'll fix. sluggish flicking, which i'll fix. felt real dull, but shaved hair twice as well as the NEW BM551 that i got for grampa! i'm going to chop some other stuff later.

i do like it. it just needs getting used to. i just love my benchmade... fits my hand so well it makes me smile, after holding the CS.

~TMM

[Don Gwinn]

Don't despair, there are good knives coming out of Taiwan. CRKT sells some really good stuff made there.

Besides, you've got time for all the expensive stuff. A guy your age needs a knife he can use, abuse and lose without crying about it.

[TMM]

good point - yet i can't carry this except around the house because CT is infested with sheeple. i mean, i could carry and probably never have a problem - but if i need to defend myself...

[Sandmann]

How would a Cold Steel Sword hold up in a "combat" situation, ie. very hard use in sparring, compared to a custom made sword?

I know the Cold Steel swords are made of 1050 tempered spring steel, but would it hold up to custom forged sword?

[TMM]

they seem extremely strong and sharp, but what i'm worried about is weight and balance.

~TMM

[Guyon]

CS seems to elicit a lot of controversy among knife knuts. There are "love 'em" types and there are "hate 'em" types. A lot of the hard feelings seem to be generated by Lynn Thompson, owner of CS.

There's a current, rather long thread on Bladeforums right now about CS.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=366361

I like the one CS knife I own--a Master Hunter in Carbon V. Keeps a wicked edge and is one hefty chunk of steel for the price. Nice grippy rubber handle and a decent sheath to boot.

[Sandmann]

Guyon,

What caused the "hard feeling"? Is Thompson are difficult, opinionated sort of character? Or does the industry like to take pot shots because he puts out a good product?

[middy]

The Cold Steel swords will hold up fine in actual use. The problem is what TMM said, they are pretty heavy compared to a true fighting sword like an Angus Trim.

[JShirley]

Or does the industry like to take pot shots because he puts out a good product?

No, bombastic hype and personal arrogance is much more likely to generate ill feeling than good product.

John

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

I'm not much impressed with Cold Steel. Any company who thinks it's cool to cut through automobiles with a knife doesn't quite "get it", in my opinion.

They're decent knives, though. Buy one if you want. But you won't see me carrying a Cold Steel any time soon.

[Valkman]

Edit: I said I was gonna stay out of this, so I'm staying out of it. :p

[Guyon]

What caused the "hard feeling"? Is Thompson are difficult, opinionated sort of character? Or does the industry like to take pot shots because he puts out a good product?

I think most of the invective is aimed at the man and his dispositions rather than the products. Happens a lot. Many folks on this board despise Bill Ruger yet will admit that Ruger makes a pretty good gun. Some folks just don't like CS knives though. Different strokes, different folks.

Regarding Lynn Thompson, I think the "hard feelings" have mostly to do with two factors: business practices and personality. Check out that Bladeforums thread.

Frankly though, I don't know all the details.

[hso]

Sandman,

Mr. Thompon's personality is one factor. In the past he has been a terrible braggart. The expression of his personality in the videos and advertising is another. Both are selfagrandising. That's the truely polarizing issue. Lynn comes off as a cross between Rambo and Hemingway. Whether the knives are any good or not is actually the smallest factor in the strong opinions held about CS.

In recent years he's seemed to mellow at the shows where we've talked. His employees say he's great to work with. It's just that the in your face, bigger than truth, bombastic way the products get promoted that galls a lot of people.

I like the CS knives that I like in spite of the hype.

[Sandmann]

All,

Thanks for all of the insight on Lynn Thompson. I work with a lot of "strong" personalities, so his actions didn't seem all that strange or abrasive to me.

As far as his swords being heavy compared to custom forgers, would that make them "stronger, but slower"?

[middy]

would that make them "stronger, but slower"?
Yes, which loses to "strong enough, but faster" in a sword fight.

Not that any of us are likely to get into a sword fight. :rolleyes:

[tarrigoni]

Strider. The End.

I also like Kershaw. The only thing Cold Steel has going for them are the mini and urban pals.

[50 Freak]

The CS trailmaster and recons factory seconds are the best deal around.

I just paid $140 bucks shipped for 4 CS trailmasters seconds. Hell of deal in my book.

At that price, I don't mind giving away/losing one or two.

But a SHTF knife for me will be my full tang (chiruwa) HI Khukuri. Light enough to carry, yet heavy enough to decapitate a zombie in one swipe. Feels like an extension of my arm and has a bit of "soul" in it. Can't buy that just anywhere.

[boots]

you paid $35 PER trailmaster?, how can i get this deal?

[boots]

even with the 40% discount for military/leo, 4 trailmaster seconds would come out to $252 before shipping... just let me know where you bought them, so i could get a couple for myself. thanks.

[boots]

you should look at the Himalayan Imports Everest Katana.

[TMM]

boots, read the post - he said they were seconds.

[Guyon]

boots is talking about seconds: http://www.coldsteel.com/seconds.html

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

Trailmaster seconds run $105 each. 50 Freak says he got 4 Trailmasters for $140. Do the math. Something doesn't add up.

[boots]

I did read the post. Why don't you go look at the price of seconds. Guyon provided the link.

[middy]

Trailmaster seconds. $104.99

[JShirley]

Okay, so just ask 50freak where he got them...

[Guyon]

I'm as interested as anybody as to where he got them. 50 Freak???

[Gandalf]

I have two Cold Steel fixed blade knives; a recon tanto and an SRK. I have put both through the wringer and can truthfully say that they can take a great deal of abuse and still work. I do not, however, like their folders. Benchmade, Kershaw and others make a better product at a comparable price point.
My EDC is a Chris Reeve sebenza. Great knife at a reasonable price. I would not be without it.

[GW]

What does EDC mean?

[boots]

Every Day Carry

[Dave McCracken]

Here's my take on a few varied CS products that have turned up in Casa McC....

Voyager 4" Tanto point folder. Strong, well made knife suited for rugged use. Capable of cutting a seat belt in one swipe. Holds a decent edge.

Mini Tac neck knife. Superb GP hideout, takes a very good edge. Not for prying, more like a straight razor than a K Bar. Unfortunately,discontinued.

Recon Tanto. Excellent rugged use big knife. Great edge, a bit large for GP work and a bit light to cut through helicopters.

Bird and Trout knife. Little 2" one piece knife sold with a plastic neck sheath. Knife's OK for precision work, though I should change the grind a bit to get it really sharp. The sheath will not hold the knife in when upside down,as it is meant to be worn. One of these days I'll find a good leather worker and get a skimpy belt sheath made.

Kukri Style machete. Decent quality chopper. Not a good weapon but OK for clearing light brush and pruning.

All are good values for the money, though not screaming bargains, IMO.

[50 Freak]

I'm as interested as anybody as to where he got them. 50 Freak???

Check on Bladeforums. There is a guy there that was selling a bunch of CS stuff cheap. Apparently his store closed and he had a lot of CS inventory sitting around. I'll dig up his e-mail somewhere if I hadn't deleted yet.


Don't know if this guy still has any more CS trailmaster 2nds left. I may have bought his last 4.

[50 Freak]

Whoops, my mistake guys.

It was $65 per knife plus $2.50 for shipping. Got my numbers confused. Just bought an ARMS para mount for $140.

And that's where that number came from.

Sucks getting old.

[13.45]

i've had good luck with the cold steel folders i've used (and i've used them hard in some cases)

[exoduster18]

I haven't seen anyone mention Gerber (if they did, i didn't catch it) any thoughts on Gerber? I swear by their knives.. Case is pretty good to...I live half an hour away from where they are made...oh Zippo lighters are mad there to.....

[SgtGunner]

After a very bad (read that miserable) experience with a warranty issue I sold the few that I had and have not bought another since and likely never will. To me if a company balks at standing behind their product I dont need it.

All I buy now are Ken Onion kershaws and Becker knife and tool (considering ethan becker is a life long friend I kind of have to....lol)

[BigSlick]

I own several CS knives. All were purchased MANY years ago.

Tanto San Mai is a favorite for camp work, mini tanto is a great belt knife.

For folders, Spyderco is hard to beat - depending upon the model. I love the MeerKat for a pocket knife.

Best folder I have ever owned is SOG - hands down.

Very well made, fit and finish is outstanding. I have a Lakota I picked up somewhere over the years (don't remember where) that is a top quality knife as well.

For a cheapie, the Buck 110 still holds merit (to some) for it's price range for everyday use. I got a poly handled Buck 110 (or whatever model it is) several years ago as a freebie from a vendor. It isn't anything special, but it works everytime - kinda like the Glock of knives.

The owner at CS (in my opinion) can be a whiney assed cry baby. I met him at a show once, he wasn't promoting his product, he was asking people to sign a petition to forward to Blade magazine demanding more CS articles, so 'his' products could be given due credit and expose the rest of the worlds knife mfrs. for the garbage they truly are (paraphrased).

It seems he got cross with some Blade editor (I think) and there was some personality conflicts between them (go figure).

Overall I like their products. Not the cheapest by far, but far from a bad purchase, at least with the ones I own.

BigSlick

[Nematocyst]

Did someone say swords?

http://angustrimdirect.com/

http://www.albion-swords.com/

http://www.christianfletcher.com/

[Rat-30]

I stopped buying Cold Steel after I found Swamp Rat. I carry the Rat Trap folder every day. The Camp Tramp is my favorite field knife right now, however the Howling Rat is the most usuable size for my present needs.

Both are tough, made from SR101 and the larger Camp Tramp is differentially tempered.


Item B. is Camp Tramp (Desert):


http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/images/desert_rats.jpg


Howling Rat:

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/images/howlingratsm.jpg


See more info, here:http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/knives.html

[GW]

Got a picture of the Rat Trap?
I didn't know they were making folders!

[Byron Quick]

I haven't read the entire thread so forgive me if my post is redundant.

Their knives seem to be pretty good. I don't care for the designs but the workmanship and material seems to be a good value. I had a Bushman break on me with only light use...ever. It was made of near pot metal "steel." Their 'Bad Axe' is darn near a joke. Some of the other stuff I have no direct experience with but it certainly looks cheesy.

[Rat-30]

Rat Trap:
There are not any pictures on Swamp Rat's site, just a listing on the order form.
Order page (https://host4.apollohosting.com/swampratknifeworks/Order/order.mv?)

Here are some pictures

http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/9151/rt011tx.png
http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/2884/rt028yd.png
http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/8937/rt032bw.png
http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/5254/rt049bk.png
http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/4629/rt056ax.png

[Wasz]

I too am a Swamp Rat owner, Rat Trap and a Camp Tramp. Swamp Rat will not steer you wrong, their fixed blades are near indestructable and the Rat Trap is so thin and light that I regularly forget its in my pocket (which it always is). In my opinion and from what Ive learned from other people, CS is decent for the price for most of their knives, some people hate a few of their designs and some love CS. There are better steels out there for sure and there have been complaints about the company and dealing with them. I never saw anything from CS that would make me buy one of thier knives when I could spend that money on a benchmade or spyderco, its all personal prefrence I guess. Try going to www.bladeforums.com think of it as the highroad of knives, lots of good knowledgable guys, tons of knife and equipment reviews and everyone is willing to share advice and experiences.