[Rob87]

What do you guys think of Cold Steel?

I've read this forum a bit, as well as other forums purely devoted to knives, and I've noticed I don't see much about Cold Steel. What I do see is positive, but rarely anything other than something along the lines of "I have a Cold Steel (model name), and it's pretty cool."

Compare this to the constant "Benchmade is absolutely awesome" remarks I see here, I can't help but wonder if Cold Steel's claims of having the sharpest and strongest knives on the planet is untrue. I liked their advertising gimmick (free DVD and catalog showcasing how tough their knives are), but I wonder if I got sucked into it.

I bought a Large Voyager with a 4" plain clip point, and I think it's really nice. It's the first folder I've ever bought, and I know it's sharp as I gave myself a couple of nice cuts playing around with it. It cut my skin so cleanly, I didn't notice them until hours later when I went to wash my hands and noticed the dried blood. It's gross, I know, but it just goes to show that the blade is awfully sharp.

The only problem I have with it is that the blade has shown noticeable wear after I whittled some wood. I got bored, and started grabbing fallen branches trying to make a stake or something. I mostly just peeled off bark and tried to make a nice cone at the end of a couple of pieces. Later, I noticed the very tiny "chips" taken out of the edge of the blade. If I cut something now, I can feel it. It's almost like it has very tiny serrations now. Is this normal for a knife? Is this a sign of poor quality?

Is Cold Steel a good company to buy from? Or are they complete crap hidden behind well-devised marketing?

I obviously know nothing at all about knives, so feel free to educate me. :)

[hso]

Don't worry about the gushy comments from folks. You'll see that sort of unwarranted enthusiasm on the net. Considering all the good companies producing good products you can mark it up to limited experience. After decades of playing with a staggering range of knives I may have become jaded, but most companies produce perfectly good knives these days.

Cold Steel produces products that provide good value at all their price points.

[Joe Demko]

Cold Steel's products are good quality, no question about that. The edge chipping on your example may be from a couple things:
1. Were you twisting the knife as you whittled?
2. Sometimes, a knife escapes the factory that got messed up during the heat treating process. I have an expensive set of kitchen knives from a quality maker. The smaller chef's knife from the set is near useless as it chips under normal kitchen use!
Be of good cheer, though. If what I suspect to be the case is true, your knife isn't really chipped. Just run it over a steel a couple times and I think the "chips" will disappear.

[Geno]

I have owned 3 Cold Steel knives, and have yet to have any problems. I use my knives too...believe me...I uuuuuuuuuuse them. They are tools. I gave one of my Cold Steel knives to my brother because he didn't own a good knife, and I still have my Recon Scout: http://www.coldsteel.com/39lrs.html

I also still have my Land and Sea Rescue: http://csstoreonline.stores.yahoo.net/29rls.html

But, I am selling my Land Sea Rescue (Picture #14): http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=3383803#post3383803

Wow, as I was viewing the Cold Steel site I came across this hair brush for bad-hair-days:
Honey Comb: http://www.coldsteel.com/92hc.html

Back to your question about the edges...no Cold Steel knife should chip from something so mundane as that. I have used my fixed blade Cold Steel knives for chopping branches when I forgot my small axe. E-mail the company and ask that they replace it under warranty.

Doc2005

[Rob87]

Well, when I was whittling, I did find myself turning the edge somewhat (creating a bigger angle to the actual wood) when I'd hit a knot or the joint of a branch. It was almost like I was trying to pry it apart with a crowbar. Is this what did it?

[Valkman]

You probably don't want to know what I think of CS, but it is a sign of their quality that the knife was not heat treated properly. Lots of guys whittle and don't mess up the edge of their knife.

[Browning]

I think that Cold Steels motto should be "Pretty Good Knives for the Money".

That's basically what they are, okay and fairly durable.

That's my take on them, but I don't whittle, so maybe my experience has been different from some people.

My experience consists of using knives for cutting boxes, rope, cords, tape, card board, plastic tubing, splints, cloth bandages, seatbelts and every once in a while animal skin or food. If there's any sort of prying to be done, I get something else (like a prybar).

I've only ever had two Cold Steel knives and I thought that they were okay, but just okay.

[rugerfreak]

I only own one CS--a Hunter model---its been an OK knife----some of the folders I've seen in the store I wouldn't touch with 10ft pole though.

[KD5NRH]

I've carried Cold Steel, Kershaw, Spyderco, CRKT, Gerber, and Benchmade. I'd have to say CS is pretty high on my list still, but if you still have too much doubt, go find yourself a Benchmade Griptilian. It's a heck of a good knife and at about $60-70, it's in the CS folder price range.

[JTW Jr.]

I am with Don , I have a less than favorable opinion of Cold Steel Knives or their marketing . Their DVD makes a nice drink coaster though ;)

[Rob87]

The 551 Griptilian? I'm about to order one, I think.

I had a Kershaw and a Gerber in my possession earlier, but I've found that a folder with a 3" blade is too small for me to open with one hand. I returned them since if I needed to open it I'd have to use my left hand, which defeats the purpose.

I have to say I love the fact that my Voyager can be opened with one hand, not to mention the tactile feedback of the blade snapping shut or locking open is very pleasing. :)

But, the fact that the blade was damaged whittling a little wood is scary. I was going to go get a 3" Voyager, but I worry that that blade would have the same problem as the Vapor and Paraframe I I had earlier today.

Is the 551 a back lock? I hate frame locks.

Can anyone recommend a good folder from Kershaw or Gerber I should look at? Again, it's gotta be a little bigger than a 3" blade. I'd prefer a back locking folder, but if a knife is really good enough I'll get one with a frame lock.

[rugerfreak]

I own like 4 maybe 5(need to go check for sure) Griptilians-----I carry a 551 daily---it pushed out Spyderco as my EDC.

The Axis lock is unlike any other system you'll come across---very strong and very slick.

I highly recommend them.

If you can spend a few extra bucks---look into the Cabela's exclusive Griptilian----with the D2 steel upgrade.

[sonofodin]

I own a cold steel Ti-Lite, but I sure do not whittle with it. Its been good so far when I have needed a very sharp knife and a very pointed one at that. I also own a CS Finn Bear in the 4116 Krupp Stainless. Its got a wicked edge on it (practically the sharpest of my field knives) but I have yet to test it because CS just floated 4116 KS onto the market. I also own a CS kukri Machete, which was ground incorrectly from the factory and required alot of work. However, to those that read my post about the kukri machete I have been using it in the field to cut down saplings, trim brush back and make fish spears and it stays relatively sharp. All I need to do is touch it up on a translucent Arkansas stone and go back to work. I have been using SOG products alot lately though and found them to be as worthy as my CS products, as well as my Benchmade Monochrome. I think CS products are one of my top five in the list, but that does not limit them to making a few mistakes from a bad heat treat to an incorrectly ground edge. I think that even the "best" companies can make mistakes. I would say my top 5 would be (in no order of best), 1. Cold Steel, 2. Benchmade, 3. Frosts (mora), 4. CRKT (when you can find a well made one), 5. Spyderco. :cool:

[JTW Jr.]

someone correct me if I am wrong but Cold Steel doesn't actually MAKE any of their knives. They may design a few .

perhaps their marketing should start with saying " The overseas factories that make our knives for us...."

[sonofodin]

:neener:

[hso]

Cold Steel doesn't actually MAKE any of their knives

Most knife companies don't make all (or any) of their knives "themselves". The only knife companies with their own manufacturing facilities where they do everything themselves are Buck, Randal King, Bear MGC, Benchmade and Ontario. Far as I know all the others farm all or part of the manufacturing of the knives under their label out and some of that is overseas.

So, most knife companies don't actually MAKE any of their knives.

[Rob87]

I'm curious: why do so many people speak so highly of Benchmade? And why is their "axis lock" so good?

[Coronach]

Cold Steel is just hysterically overhyped in their marketing. It's like what happens when you have a 14 year old kid hyped up on gallons of Mountain Dew and a Sam's Club sized box of Pop Rocks doing your ad copy.

However, once you filter out Lynn Thompson's hot air, you're left with a pretty good product for the money.

Mike

[Rob87]

Well, it would appear I feel for their marketing ploys. In my defense, I know very little about knives. I don't know why a different blade type is important, or how the serration pattern of a serrated blade helps cutting power, or the types of materials that make a good knife.

I can't say I'm unhappy with my Voyager, because well, I'm really not. When I think about the chips I put in the blade, I realized that I was torquing the blade back and forth on knots I'd come to in the wood I was whittling. I think it's my own fault. I sharpened the entire blade, and the chips are good, and I just love that shine that comes off of the blade.

I should have done more research (i.e. see what other people think of different brands) before buying. Word of mouth is always the best advertisement for a company.

[Ala Dan]

I can't add much, as I only have a small Cold Steel folder. But thus far,
its been all I expect from a knife; as its only a tool, that is very sharp
and cuts easily~! ;) :D

[Scottso]

In a nutshell "Cold Steal" are crap, but hey it's your money and possibly life on the line. if it's worth $50 then God Bless. My lifes worth a bit more!

[Coronach]

I would not go so far as to say their products are crap. Their products are decent, mid-range production blades. They're certainly nothing special, but they're also not actually bad.

Now, if you compare the reality of their quality with the bluster of their ad campaigns...then yes. They don't live up and are crap by comparison. However, I don't think Excalibur would live up to Lynn Thompson's standards. I mean, then man practically invented (or reinvented, or radically improved) everything about metalworking, donchaknow.

Mike ;)

[TrapperReady]

IMO... Overblown marketing, kinda-sorta-OK products. I've got (IIRC) a Carbon V Master Hunter. The only time I carry it is when I'm deer hunting in "freeze your digits off" cold weather, when I want a handle that's very easy to grip and not at all slippery. Any other time, I have a bunch of other knives I prefer.

[Joe Demko]

Right now, I own two of their pieces: a full size tanto and a Laredo Bowie; I bought each from ebay at prices substantially below typical retail. I've never been much attracted to CS folders. They're both nice knives. There are flaws, but moreso in design than in material or workmanship. For example, there is no good reason for the Laredo to not have a lanyard hole, but it doesn't. Are they the greatest, knifiest knives ever? No, but at what I payed for them, I'm satisfied.

[jkingrph]

I do not know about the Cold Steel knives, but have had a smaller Benchmade, Mchenry&Williams with the axis lock. I have carried and used this as my primary pocketknife for probably twelve years and it shows no appreciable wear. I just touch up the edge on a diamond "stone" when need and clean and oil the piviot a few times a year. I like it so well I got a couple of spares in my gun safe.

[sonofodin]

I think joe hit it on the head with this: "What I payed for them, I'm satisfied". I can say no more or less than for what I payed for mine, I too am satisfied. I also bought my Ti-Lite at lower E-bay prices.

[rdsharp]

I have 3 Cold Steel knives that I bought 12-15 years ago. I am satisfied with all three, and believe I got a fair value for my money. But MY GOD, I haven't looked at a catalog in years. $425 for a Black Bear Classic? $300 for an R1 Military Classic? $115 for a Recon Tanto? I didn't spend $300 total for all three, and that included having a custom kydex sheath made for the Tanto.

A Randall Model 1 -- A REAL RANDALL Mod. 1 retails for $320 from the Randall shop. Why in heaven's name would anyone pay $300 for a knock off? I think mine was about $100 at a time when a Randall was about $250. That made some sense to me. These prices are just nuts.

[MarshallDodge]

I have never owned a Cold Steel knife but their blades seem really nice. The thing I don't like about them is their cheap looking plastic handles and the riveted construction.
For a little more money I bought a Benchmade Griptillian that has nice metal liners and screws. Two and a half years later, it has held up very well and I really like the axis lock.

[WOODROW]

I own the Recon 1 and it has been a good knife for the money. It got me thru my last tour in the MARINES and did well. I have since retired it and now carry a SOG Pentagon Elite I. (Great knife), blows C.S. out of the water for edge retention and durability. With the axis lock it is strong and dependable. I don't much care where a knife is made or who makes it as long as I can depend on it when I need it and the SOG has adapted, improvised and overcame every time. SEMPER FI

[Striker]

My 25 year old mini Tanto has served me well.

[3 gun]

With Cold Steel I feel you get a bit more than you pay for. They don't live up to the hype..but what could?? I have 3 and they all hold a good to great edge. The carbonV steel takes and holds a wicked edge. The folders still open smoothly and lock up tight. The fixed blade is still solid in the handle and the sheath looks good. This after years of use. IMHO Cold Steel is right at the point of diminishing returns. You can spend more for a better knife but it isn't easy to do.

[Sniper X]

I have had three cold steel knives, one Magnum tanto, one Tanto, and the Folding Tanto, all San Mai III process, or folded steel blades, I guess really laminated steel. All were great till the lock tang broke off on the folder. I sold the Tanto, and Magnum Tanto for 5 times what I apid for them so they are GONE! I lost the folder durring a move, and have graduated to other folders like Benchmades, CRKT's, SOG's, and some others. I like the CS knives, but have not bought any since the folder. I know a bunch of guys who love them. I now mostly carry the SOG Pentagon Elite. I love it.

[kellyj00]

cold steel is a good knife, but watch out for their serrated knives...the serrations on the Voyager, (had a 6" clip point serrated at one point) seemed to break off. I lost quite a few teeth before I sold it off.

They make some really great knives for the price. But, IMHO, there's nothing like a Buck or Gerber for cheaper yet in the folding knife market. I've seen their DVD about cutting a 3" piece of rope with one swipe of a voyager...that thing was special I guess, because even the sharpest benchmade's i've tried slicing even 1.5" rope with require a good amount of 'sawing'.

[coelacanth]

Cold Steel in quality and a notch below them in hype. The axis lock is a good solid lock but not any better than a well executed liner lock. Most locking systems are pretty foolproof but none of them are damn fool proof if you get my meaning. I have never been particularly impressed with the Cold Steel folders but their fixed blades are pretty good buys for the money. Do yourself a favor - be nosy, do some research - go to a knife show or two and look around. You'll get a pretty good education and probably save yourself some money and a good bit of frustration down the road. Good luck.

[Rushifell]

I recently purchased a Benchmade Ambush.
Finest knife I have ever owned, very happy with it, opens easily and smoothly with one hand, closes just as easily one handed. Thoroughly pleased with the purchase, and can be found for ~$70-$80


http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=10200


When I was looking and toying with prospective purchases all of the cold steel offerings felt terrible to me, not necessarily the steel but the grip was horriffic IMO, the material used didnt provide me a comfortable grip on any knife available to me at the shop with around 15 or so cold steel offerings to choose from.

[Rob87]

I sent Cold Steel an e-mail, and they were going to recall it at their cost to look at the damage, but they took so long to respond I got impatient and sharpened the blade. No more visible damage, so they won't take it back.

Oh well.

So I'm looking at Benchmades now...I like the 551 Griptilian and the 10200 Ambush. Which one?

...or...both? /poor wallet

[MarshallDodge]

I like the nylon scales on the Griptillian. The aluminum scales get cold in the winter on the Ambush but I think they now have a version with plastic scales.

[Rushifell]

The link in my post is to the 10200 ambush, and I can say that it feels great, very comfortable to use. Plastic/polymer grips. Very comfortable, not too thick, not too thin.

[SaMx]

I was considering buying a CS Canadian belt knife, because it looked cool and was pretty cheap. Then I saw on bladeforums that it was an exact copy of a knife made by Grohman, a Canadian company. I don't want to buy a stolen design. Apparently the steel it's made of is pretty crappy too.

[sonofodin]

I have a Finn Bear and it seems to be a pretty good blade.

[Griff]

I have many Cold Steel knives, and they have never broken or failed to cut stuff within reason. That's the secret; I think. If you need to poke through car doors and such, use a Fireman's axe. For apples, string, cardboard boxes, small furry animals, and masking tape, you'll do fine.

May I suggest a 4" Voyager as a good, all-around folder? Roughly the same as a Spyderco Endura, for most practical intents and purposes.

Many of my military buddies like their SRK or Recon Tantos in fixed blades.

Take care

[mp510]

I think Cold Steel offers a decent product line, and has the capability to offer decent prices as well, but some of their items definetely seems to be pricey.

I personally have a partiality for the Bushman. Here's my custom sub-4" Bushman.
http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=58262&d=1179546452

[JShirley]

I was present when Byron- one of the most skilled knife throwers I know- broke one at the blade/handle seam by throwing it into plywood.

[Rob87]

LOL that sucks.

[steeltiger]

I have nigh on to thirty cs knives, kerambits,nearly each of the voyager line and a few other fixxed blades and I have had two problems, both fairly insignifigant.
Yes the adverts are over the top but these knives can do it, the voyagers have very thin edges and cut extremely well, but are more damagable, the fixxed blades are bomb proof but in turn dont cut well. they offer considerable value if you like the design.
the ghroman, or rather ''canadian belt'' is a direct, unmistakable copy, but at 1/5th the price of the real thing. and is in turn 1/5th the quality, but, it is a good design offered for much cheaper than the origanal, same for the strider. you get what you pay for on these two knives. and I swear I will buy a dozen GI tanto's before I pay $400 for the origanal, however good it is.
BM is much better quality, not any stronger, but if your'e going to stab your car to death I don't suspect you will use your pocket knife to do so. CS makes good knives, there are better knives on the market, at higher prices.
As for lyn Tompson, he seems to be as much of a mental case as I am, but I cannot judge someone I've never met, nor can I base any reliable assumption on my knowledge of him.
this is my opinion, and I do not expect it to be as cherished by you as it is by me, but that it may provide some more thoughts for you to help in your decisions, just stay away from 4116krup, its a poor steel, but stil usable.

[mrmeval]

Cold steel has a good product. They've gone very commercial and their prices have come down.

Benchmade is smooth, just unbelievably smooth. They feel very good and work very good.

[JTW Jr.]

the ghroman, or rather ''canadian belt'' is a direct, unmistakable copy, but at 1/5th the price of the real thing. and is in turn 1/5th the quality, but, it is a good design offered for much cheaper than the origanal, same for the strider. you get what you pay for on these two knives. and I swear I will buy a dozen GI tanto's before I pay $400 for the origanal ripping off someone else's designs tells me alot about a company's integrity , I vote with my wallet , I buy anything else BUT CS products.

[sonofodin]

Steeltiger, why do you say that CS fixed blades don't cut well? The reason I ask is because I own one of the original ODA's in carbon V and I can Not, for the life of me, get it to take a decent edge. Also, what do you know about Krupp Stainless? I have one of the Finn Bear's, half because I want Nordic/Scandinavian knives and half because its so darn cheap. I have not done ANY work with it yet, but it has a very nice edge on it. My Kurkri machete takes a better edge than my ODA....I am somewhat disappointed in the ODA.

[poor_richard]

I've owned two CS knives (both Nogalas folders), and they are decent knives. However, for the price range that most CS knives are, one could buy a MB Griptillian or a Spyderco Endura/Delica. Both the Benchmades, and the Spyderco's are better knives that the CS, so I don't consider the CS knives all that great a deal for the money invested. If you get a CS knife, you'll have a good knife, but you could get more for your money with another brand.

The edge retention of Spyderco's VG-10 exceeds that of the CS steel (mostly AUS-8), and they have screw construction with nested steel liners. They are also better in the ergonomics that the CS (however that depends upon the individual. Go to a show and handle as many as you can). Cold Steel's knives are comparable in quality, fit and finish to Spyderco's byrd line.

I've never owned a BM but have handled enough to note that their fit and finish is very nice. A lot of people like the Axis lock because they like to "fast action flick" their knives open. If you want a fast opening knife, get an Emerson Wave, or a Spyderco with the Emerson Wave. Nothing is faster than the Wave.

[steeltiger]

If CS made a grohman of the same cost, and in the same ''realm'' as a real grohman, I would consider it a real offence but this gives us a cheaper alternative, albeit a much poorer one.

I do own a 4116 krupp CS knife, slice a peice of paper and its dull, puts it right up there with CRKT, as some of the worse steel I've delt with (I have five columbia rivers to back up my opinion if need be)

I also own a recon tanto, it is absolutly bulletproof, but the edge is much to thick and I can barely get it to shave, also as others have pointed out, the sheaths can but not neccesacerily do dull the fine edges should you manage to get one. As a counterpoint I'll note that my steeltiger kerambit has neither problem, and the cheap 4116 knives (like that in wich you and I own) have a nicley thin edge, mine came real sharp from the factory too!

I don't have an ODA but I have a OSS in the mail, and I'm worried about bending the tip, its 4116 and if its anything like my ''canadian belt knife'' it'll be ''delicate'', or at least more so than I would like

[modifiedbrowning]

The only knife companies with their own manufacturing facilities where they do everything themselves are Buck, Randal King, Bear MGC, Benchmade and Ontario
hso, I thought Spyderco made some of their knives in Golden,Co.

[sonofodin]

Well, Steeltiger, I am glad to know the capability the 4116 LACKS so I can throw it in a tackle box or shell bag and forget about it until I need an emergency blade. It seems that upon further attempt my ODA just wont take a fine edge without being ground so in the first place. It may be bullet proof but what damn good is it if it wont even cut weed whacker cord? Pathetic, IMO. I own several CRKT'S (a companion, a Komodo 7 and a Sawtooth 2000 in fixed blade) and they take very fine edges and last. I have several pocket knives from CRKT as well and only my M-16 has any problem with retention. CRKT blades seem to be hit and miss but my CRKT blades are all AUS 4, 6 and 8, so that might have something to do with it. It would also seem my CS Kukri wont take an edge on it, but it gets a better one than my ODA and thats good enough for clearing brush and chopping the heads off snakes. My Ti-Lite seems to be the only worthwhile blade from CS that I have left and its taken me a long time to get it razor sharp like in the video. Shame I wasted my money on that ODA, seems like I would have been better off buying a Camillus or actual Ka-Bar field knife and an Ontario machete. Or, rather, A bigger SOG field knife because my Seal pup and Field pup are both razor sharp knives and worth every penny, same as my Twitch II lim. edt. Lastly, anyone on here find a way to make these slabs of cold steel take a thinner edge without too much work? False advertising in the video of a razor sharp ODA or OSS.... :cuss::fire::banghead:

[Joe Demko]

With what are you sharpening? My Spyderco triangle sharpener has very coarse diamond rods that let you hog off a lot of metal pretty quickly when it is necessary to completely reprofile an edge.

[sonofodin]

I have EZ Lap Diamond credit cards, soft, hard, black and translucent Arkansas stones....

[poor_richard]

hso, I thought Spyderco made some of their knives in Golden,Co.That is absolutely correct. Yojimbo, Chinook, Military, Native, Paramilitary, and others are all made in Golden, CO. Basically, if the steel is foreign, then the knife is usually made in that country (ie. VG-10 is Japanese, and the knives using it are assembled in Japan. S30V is made by Crucible, so the S30V knives are made in Golden).

Gorgoroth,

The CRKT knives I’ve had with AUS-6 have had terrible edge retention, and aren’t worth much IMHO because of it. If your M-16 has Zytel scales, then that is probably why you have that problem with it. Their AUS-8 isn’t bad at all. I wouldn’t buy a knife with AUS-4. VG-10 is better than all three.

BTW: those CS knives you were talking about were most likely made by Camillus, as were anything with “Carbon V”. Camillus went under in February, so if any of you like the Carbon V, or any of those CS knives, you’d better get them before they dry up.

Best way to reprofile an edge of a difficult knife is to get the coarsest hone you can find. Diamonds work well, but can wear out after a while. A good way to go is take a flat board and glue coarse sandpaper to it. There are many other ways to get the angle down on the edge.

[sonofodin]

Richard,

I have one of the Rollocks with Aus 4, a folding falcon with Aus 6 and a Kasper/Polkowski companion in Aus 6. the M-16 is Aus 8. Companion on my hip right now. Just got home after a day of wading the river, fishing. It did fine. Guess that Two blade hunter with faux jigged bone handles from Camillus is worth saving in the box. Think A Mill File would work on the edge of that knife?

[poor_richard]

I use a cheap set of tool & die files I bought at a show for heavy work. Don't know about a mill file. Start slow untill you get a feel for how much it will take off. When you get the primary bevel you can go to finer grits.

I had the Kasper/Polkowski folder. Couldn't hold an edge worth a can of beans. Had an M-18 that was very good. M-16 with alluminum handles (AUS-8) should be pretty decent. Might call CRKT on that one if the edge doesn't hold up. Or, just try some VG-10:D.

[sonofodin]

My K/P is a fixed blade. Feels very comfortable compared to a sheath hanging down, 'cept the handle pokes me in the ribs a bit. Other than that, no job right now and no money beyond the monthly allotment for heavy labor renderd in turn for smokes. (no more than a few bucks here and there, just enough). Would like some VG-10, but it seems to be very pricey. Think for now I'll stick to my Benchmade Monochrome ala N690 And My CS Ti-lite ala Aus 8.

[sonofodin]

Oh lookie, I just got senior member status! woooo!

[Mike U.]

CS makes pretty decent mid-price knives.
Their fixed blade Carbon V knives were the real standouts in their line-up. Great straight Carbon Steel knives that take wickedly sharp, toothy edges and hold onto that edge pretty good to boot. They had a very good heat treat on the Carbon V blades. They are still my favorite knives in the CS line-up.
Their Voyager line was okay when they were using AUS-8A. Not great, but, okay. I believe they could have taken the hardness up another point on the HRc scale enhancing the edge holding of those particular knives. They opted for better toughness so the sacrifice was a slightly softer blade. Toughness comes with a price and that price is usually laid at the doorstep of edge retention. The good part was even though they weren't as working hard as they could be, they are easy to sharpen and like all AUS-8A blades take a VERY sharp, keen edge. You just have to sharpen them a little more often.
Now, where I find fault with CS is their very overpriced "San Mai" knives. Most of those are ridiculously overpriced, IMO. It's a clad steel and likely not cheap to make, but, the steel they use as the center cutting edge steel is not what I consider a premium grade. It used to be AUS-8A. I have no idea what it is now that they've re-vamped their steel. If your going to charge premium prices for a clad steel knife, you damn well better be using a premium grade of steel for the cutting edge. Like VG-10 or D-2 or BG-42 and so on. There are plenty to choose from.
Now, having said that:
What I like best about Cold Steel is that Lynn Thompson, as over-the-top as he is, has 'nads enough to offer product in his line-up you do not see from other makers. For example, where else can you find a company that offers spears?
And Sjamboks? And walking sticks that are stout enough to double as combat weapons aren't too common either.
I have to tip my hat to CS for their intestinal fortitude. They do have a rather unique line of tools you can't readily find elsewhere.

[poor_richard]

An inexpensive way to try some good VG-10 is the Browning Ice Storm.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/bricestlilok.html

Hopefully they'll be around when your raise some funds. I have personally used that knife and it's what made me to decide to stay away from knives with what I'd consider lesser blade steel. I think the price is low because I don't see it on Browning's web site anymore. It has got to be the best deal in cutlery currently going. There are two different styles. The one to get is the one with the rounded handle (the other handle is straight, and not a very secure design for that lock). These knives are made by Mcusta. Very good quality.

[pete f]

If you can touch the edge of a knife with a file, then the knife is no good.

Files are usually around 54 or so Rockwell C, any good knife is going to be harder than that.

CS is a marketing company that imports knives. They send out RFB's all over the world, and the lowest bidder gets the contract.


BRKT, Queen cutlery, Northwinds, and several others are all made here. A lot of Bucks and Benchmades are made overseas too, I think there are a few Gerbers still made here, but they have fallen off the radar as far as I am concerned. Knife companies can make it here, but they can not sell american knifes at 15 dollars at wally world and make it.

[MarshallDodge]

A lot of Bucks and Benchmades are made overseas too
That is not 100% true. I don't know about Buck but Benchmade has a seperate line of knives that are made overseas. Most of their knives are made here.

[sonofodin]

Recently went on a day long fishing trip off the main road. Lashed my ODA to my pack. It seems to do all right, as long as the chore does not require an extremely sharp knife. So, I had my Frosts Mora incase I needed superior sharpness.

[hso]

hso, I thought Spyderco made some of their knives in Golden,Co. I'm not certain, but I think they OEM out the parts (still in the US) and do assembly in Golden for those US made knives. The manufacturers mentioned can make all the parts for a knife and assemble it. At that, Benchmade and Buck have manufacturing done off-shore for their least expensive knives.

[xpun8]

Have only seen one mention of SOG, I believe all knives are made in USA.
Benchmade, CRKT and SOG are all quality companies that backup a quality product. I had a Kershaw folder that my dad gave me that I loved, good quality and a blade that would hold an edge.

[PracticeFreedom]

My take on Cold steel is they were once great, but frankly, are currently garbage.

Cold steel once made fun of makers that used stuff like 420j2 junk steel, while they used/contracted "Carbon V" (technically 0176-C / 50100b--good stuff) for their "serious" knives. Now, Cold Steel no longer uses Carbon V (check their web-site) and uses the same bottom-grade 420 or sk5 they made fun of on most of their knives (and some nice but overpriced laminates on others.) Also, after losing to Busse on their trailmaster challenge (back when it was made out of good steel), they REALLY ratcheted up their hype machine and stopped any factual, verifiable claims. Good knife companies tell you specifically what steel is used on their knives, as good steel is a selling point. Cold Steel uses the same marketing fluff words they used to make fun of now. The actual materials their knives are made of, are for what they charge, trash. IMO

Almost forgot....A little bird told me that their good knives (Carbon V) were actually made by Camillius. So when Camillius went belly-up, so did Cold Steel's good models.

[hso]

SOG now has the Fusion line which is made in China while their SOG knives are made in Taiwan and here.
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/s_through_z/sog_specialty_knives/sog_tech_bowie.html

[carpettbaggerr]

I was present when Byron...broke one at the blade/handle seam by throwing it into plywood.Broke a Bushman? Isn't that one piece of steel?

[TimboKhan]

Gorgoroth, thats a sweet name, and I am guessing that I am one of the few that associates it with Metal.

As far as CS goes, I like thier products OK. The cheapo Kukri I bought from them has been worth every penny I paid for it, and I know that the fixed blades were very popular back when I was in the USMC. Not such a fan of their folders, from the viewpoint of aesthetics. Sounds goofy, but there are enough excellent choices in daily carry folders out there that aesthetics is a perfectly reasonable thing to consider, in my mind. I have looked at a few benchmades, and they are on my list of knives to try out.

[sonofodin]

If your thinking about the Black Metal band, than yep, we are on the same page. I own three SOG knives, now that someone mentioned them. I have a Seal Pup marked Seki City. My Field Pup is not marked, but I think its made in Taiwan. I bought a Twitch II limi. edition at a steal price of $25! It's made, supposedly, in the U.S.A. I find SOG knives to be superior to Cold Steel knives. On A majorative term, anyways...

[Dirty Bob]

In their latest catalog, on page 88, the first three knives: the "Sure Balance Thrower," the "Pro Balance Thrower," and the "Perfect Balance Thrower," are all blatant copies of Harry McEvoy's Tru Balance Knife Company knives. The last one is a clone of the famous Tru-Bal Bowie Axe, a knife I lusted over as a teenager. Would I buy Lynn's clones? The ones that don't credit their source? No, thanks.

On the other hand, I've considered buying another Special Forces Shovel. I have one, and I use it all the time. It's a good little tool and a fearsome weapon, if need be.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

[kuser]

Hello guys. I am new to the forum but I would like to share my experience with you about CS knives. I used to own and used several of them. The reason why I dislike them is that when during one of my vacations in the back country I lost the screw and opener disk of my Recon Tanto Folder. As soon as I came back home I sent them an email requesting a price quotation of the parts lost. They replied a couple days ago asking about whether the knife was from Taiwan or Japan (as if that mattered much). I replied back with the required info. The next day they replied again telling me that they would send me the parts at no charge. After waiting for more than 2 months for the needed (and wanted parts), guess what....... THEY NEVER ARRIVED!!! I emailed them asking if they have sent or not the part and they never replied back. After that, I decided not to pursue the matter any further and sell ALL my COLD STEEL knives. I can see that they don't stand behind their products. They might sell reasonable priced knives but their Customer Service sucks. I am not only a knife user BUT also a knife retailer. After selling my CS inventory, I don't plan to stock their products anymore. I hope that Lynn Thompson see this post.

[ReadyFreddy23]

I bought a CS SRK for $50. To me, it is well worth it. When I received the knife, I noticed a problem with the sheath. I called CS and they sent me a replacement sheath for free.

I like their fixed blades. I held the Voyager (folder) and the handle felt very cheap and didn't inspire confidence. I could be wrong but that's the impression I got when I held it.

[Corndogg]

yep, pretty good knives for the money. i have a few items from them, but honestly i dont hesitate to pay more, knowing that i get top quality. for midrange, moderate usage they are decent knives, and have a wide selection.

[scbair]

I agree they're good values. My favorite CS blade is the now-discontinued Twistmaster; essentially an Opinel, with synthetic handles (won't swell when wet), and Carbon V blade. I bought a Large Twistmaster for butchering deer, and discovered it is a strong, lightweight, scary sharp, folding butcher knife!

I've since found two more for sale by individuals/former dealers at gun shows, and bought both of 'em. I believe I paid $20 apiece. Mine's gonna wear out some day . . . I just know it . . .

[hso]

kuser,

Welcome to THR!

[jahwarrior]

the quality of CS depends on which forum you're reading.:D

[cnorman18]

I've owned several CS knives, and have no complaints about any of them. Didn't care for the folding tanto--it just felt clumsy in my hand. Medium twistmaster is about as sharp and tough as any blade I own. Others were ok--nothing all that special. I think the scimitar is cool-looking, but I don't know how practical it would be. CS knives come sharp from the factory, in my experience.

I collect knives, in a casual kind of way; I just buy what I like, mostly for the collection. I do keep a CS push dagger in the side pocket of my car just in case--best push knife around, IMO. Illegal as hell to carry in Texas--a lot of my knives are, and they stay in the drawer (Gerber covert A-F folder with the false edge sharpened, e.g.--also a Filipino Balisong with a 6" double-edged Kris blade).

W. R. Case knives are still 100% made in the Case plant. I collect mostly those lately--I have over 2 dozen. I know they're more for collecting than using, but I carry one daily just because I like it. (For more serious purposes I carry a Spydie Civilian, too.)

I've bought more other stuff from CS than knives; I have an old-style Purple Heart walking stick with the large knob that's among my favorite sticks (I collect those, too). Most recent acquisition was a pole axe that I cut down to 36". I love it; best battle-axe ever made, IMO, and I've owned several. Where else can you get a combat shovel or a boar spear?

I kind of envy Lynn Thompson. It must be nice to be an arms freak and own your own company that'll make whatever you want... Same for Hank Reinhardt at Atlanta Cutlery. He started Museum Replicas so he could make his own swords. Geeez...

[Mat, not doormat]

My first esperience with Cold Steel was one of their Large Voyagers, with tanto point and half serrated. That was my favorite knife for about 3 years. Only ever had one problem with it. I lost it. :banghead:

I needed a knife in a hurry, and I thought I'd upgrade a little in the process. I bought a smallish example of benchmade's redbox line as a replacement. After cussing the BM's smallish nature, and the behavior of the axis lock for quite some time, I donated it to my father.

I then went on an internet hunt for a good replacement. Wound up with the Extra Large Voyager, Gunsite edition. I now have a new favorite knife. I use it quite a bit, but can't claim to have torture tested it. It's done everything I've asked it to, though, and hasn't needed sharpening yet.

~~~Mat

[jahwarrior]

it's really all about personal opinion. people go on and on about benchmade, and i used to own two myself. used to. i've never picked one up that i've liked, to me they suck, but that's just my opinion. i own knives from CS, spyderco, gerber, crkt, mantis, mtech, HAK, and one custom. i have to say my favorite knives are, in order: my custom aikuchi necker, spyderco chinook II, utility HAK, CS mini kukri, spyderco karambit, CS xl voyager, spyderco rescue 93mm, and crkt plan b. so i don't think you can say "are CS knives good/crap?" as much as "which CS knives are good/crap?"

[goon]

I just got one of their Norse hawks today as an early birthday present. The consensus is that its about the coolest gift I have ever got. My brother and I spent a large part of the afternoon throwing it at an old stump out in the yard and the reports from others are that they are about indestructible so other than replacing the handles that I'm likely to break it should be pretty much trouble free.
Based on past experience though I probably wouldn't buy one of their machetes. The one I have didn't stand up to light use at all.
But all their other stuff seems to get good reports.

[Mike Sastre]

I like Cold Steel! They aren't afraid to call knives weapons and they make some pretty damn good fighting knives and Bowies. I've got a LOT of experience with their Carbon V knives, and they'll take and keep a good edge. I had a Trailmaster that lived in my truck, that I used for clearing put-in and take-out trails and some of our local kayak spots. This also gave me great practice with snap cuts and cleaving cuts. I'm currently evaluating an SK-5 Laredo, and so far, while it is not quite Carbon V, it still performs well for what I want a Bowie to do, and costs half as much as the Carbon V Laredo. Lot of knife for the money!

[hopkin]

"BRKT, Queen cutlery, Northwinds, and several others are all made here."

From the photos I've seen, Bark River Knife & Tool products are made in a small shack by attractive ladies. No glossy factory in evidence, just good craftsmanship and sound design.

BRKT is one of the companies I always recommend for people who want to buy American. Mike Stewart, the owner, is tireless in helping people on knife forums. Great knives and a company I am glad to give my money to.

BRKT people: if you want to send me a golok for that, feel free.

[hso]

This one's gotten a bit long in the tooth.

The consensus is that they're awful/great knives that are over hyped/interestingly advertised and they perform well/are crappy. :evil:

Some good, some bad.