Is 'Cold Steel' all hype? - Page 2

bakes · October 23rd, 2009, 04:19 PM

Have had older folders and loved them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

QKShooter · October 23rd, 2009, 05:27 PM

ASHTXSNIPER - You really DO like them.

The Trail Master is excellent for chopping.

What is your opinion of the newer Cold Steel knives?
The older ones were USA made and I understand that now they are China made.

ASHTXSNIPER · October 23rd, 2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QKShooter

ASHTXSNIPER - You really DO like them.

The Trail Master is excellent for chopping.

What is your opinion of the newer Cold Steel knives?
The older ones were USA made and I understand that now they are China made.

All of the Trailmasters I have are Carbon V USA made. I stocked up on them when Camillus went out of business. I have a Gurka Kukri in SK-5 amd it is right up there with the Carbon V stuff.

jbum · October 23rd, 2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QKShooter

I had an early Trailmaster Bowie and gave it to my Brother years ago and he is still using it.

The only Cold Steel knife that I own right now is one of their Bushman knives.

You can usually pick one up for dirt cheap on Ebay.
I got lucky and bought mine on Ebay for less than $10.00

It certainly does win "The Worst Sheath Ever Made For Any Knife" award.

It sucks for chopping but, I beat the hell out of mine.

I use it for digging weeds out of my sidewalk and all Knife Chores around the house that I don't want to ruin a more expensive knife doing.

My Wife uses it for gardening tasks like digging tulip bulb holes in the dirt and digging out or cutting weeds.

It takes a fast sharp (initially agressive) field edge but, will not hold it very long because it is not super hard steel.

You sure can beat the living crap out of it though.
Check out the youtube knife tests VID and watch that guy beat the crap out of his with a 5 Pound hammer.

Buy one if you can get one cheap and toss it into the vehicle or your SHTF Bag just for the heckovit.

I have 3 of these and just beat the heck out of them they just keep going. 1 in the car 1 for the house and 1 in my back pack.

flyby · October 24th, 2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamRudolph

They're way overblown, but some of their knives, particularly their older folding knives, are pretty decent.

The problems:

The materials are relatively chintzy. They use cheap blade steels sold at premium prices. What gets you S30V, 154CM, or VG-10 from Spyderco, Kershaw, or Benchmade, gets you AUS8 from Cold Steel. Their San Mai is nothing to write home about, making San Mai layered steel from average to crummy steel still makes it average to crummy steel. They like to come up with fancy names for their steel that bear eerie resemblances to good knife steels but are in fact the same mid-to-low quality stainless steels they have always used. I'm not saying that AUS8 can't make decent knives, I'm just saying for what you pay, you should get more than that.

Crummy and Chintzy aren't very accurate words to describe properly tempered aus8 (even though their largely using VG-1 now which is a real and different steel from aus8 ;) ..though how much better is debatable.
But yes it would be nice to see some of the other super steels especially on their most expensive models.

Quote:

Originally Posted by unloved

I'm not talking about the Ti-Lite. Have you seen the AK-47, Spartan, the two larger knives of the Espada family, Rajah (both models), and the Talwar?

Yea I've seen them, though it seems they might work more reliably if the thumb disc was bent/pitched up a several degrees more to increase the gap for snagging ..but anyway point taken ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASHTXSNIPER

I like them

Nice Collection!!

EvilMonk · October 25th, 2009, 04:34 AM

Can't speak much on their knives, but their specialty items are very good. I have a sjambok (think whip meets baton) that will disintegrate a tree in no time flat.

As mentioned above by many, some things are good and some things are...not.

If you see something you like specifically, ask around here or do a thread search for the reviews...

SIGP250 · October 25th, 2009, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r0rtiz

This is my first post so forgive me if this topic has already been addressed. I was buying some ammo at the sporting goods store the other day and they were playing the Cold Steel knives demo videos. I was pretty impressed by the various knives so i went home and watched some more stuff on the internet.

The blades look freaking amazing, albeit very over-priced and I wanted to know if they are the "real deal". Certainly one's training greatly impacts the effectiveness of the knife, but still... Are the blades themselves really all that?!

Not really,

I sell DMT, Gerber, Remington, Superknife, Winchester, Case, Kershaw, SOG, Ka-bar, Browning, Coast, Cold Steel, Columbia River, Leatherman, CAS Hanwei and Puma Tec.

It just depends on what you are looking for at a certain price point. Most all have a wide range of knives that are competitive with each other.

When you look at the more expensive models, the type of steel, tempering, hand working, etc. becomes more important.

Cold Steel sells steak knives and axes too but they also make some very fine hunting knives.

Send me a PM if you are interested in anything I have. There are hundreds to choose from at all price points.

jhh3rd · October 26th, 2009, 08:18 PM

I have a couple folders and the shovel modeled after the Spetsnaz shovel. Pretty good knives and the shovel is no slouch for gardening, planting bulbs, etc. I'll try just about any brand except for those made in China (excluding Taiwan) and any knife made in Pakistan and India.

SamRudolph · October 27th, 2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyby

Crummy and Chintzy aren't very accurate words to describe properly tempered aus8 (even though their largely using VG-1 now which is a real and different steel from aus8 ;) ..though how much better is debatable.
But yes it would be nice to see some of the other super steels especially on their most expensive models.

AUS8 isn't bad, per se, but for what Cold Steel's MSRP is, it's bad.

max7777 · October 28th, 2009, 07:51 AM

I have a talon folder & love it. wish they made it in a 3.5 " holds a good edge & works good as a all round utility knife for me at home & work. It's a real conversation piece also

justim · December 3rd, 2009, 08:07 PM

the city stick, recon tanto, and trail master. i have no complaints

rsb319 · December 4th, 2009, 12:41 AM

I have purchased a few Cold Steel knives over the years. I have been very happy with what the ones I have. Of course, I have not tried any of the tests that you see in their videos. Recon Tanto, El Hombre, and Recon 1

carbuncle · December 4th, 2009, 03:40 AM

I've had two Voyager Tantos for well over a decade, a small and a large. I picked them up when the series had the plastic, Spyderco ripoff pocket clip (they have metal clips now) and broke the clips off both by catching them on door frames within 6 months. I filed the left over plastic down flat with the handle and found it made both much more suited for pocket carry.

Other than that, the blades still look great, still hold a very sharp edge and sharpen right up with no problems and have withstood everything I've thrown at them. The little one was regularly used for a summer's work on construction sites for everything from opening bags of cement to prying out staples and other fasteners and was a great toolbox knife up until I cleaned it off a few weeks ago, restored a razor edge to it and gave it to my wife for carry in her purse. The big one is a great camping knife, light for it's size and opens quickly and gets a lot of carry time in my jacket pocket because of how slim and light it is.

Both are good, solid lockback knives which I've never been able to accidentally trigger while open (despite trying every likely scenario), even while practicing quick-draw-and-open and closing drills and holding in a reverse grip.

Bottom line, the Voyagers are, IMO, good knives for the price if they fit your needs.

DBRideout · December 4th, 2009, 11:11 AM

I have one of their pocket swords, the Caledonian Edge with the San Mai III blade, Titanium liners and Micarta scales. I love the thing.

Look closely at the edge and you can see the laminate.

I'll say this for the video's, the guy is sure a salesman!

Bill DeShivs · December 5th, 2009, 03:37 AM

They are great if you are ever attacked by a car door!
CS makes some good knives, but their marketing hype is WAY over the top!

jem102 · December 5th, 2009, 03:05 PM

Have carried a Recon 1 half serrated every day for three years now. Feel I have more than gotten my $75.00 worth.

Dupek · December 7th, 2009, 06:26 PM

Cold Steel always arrives sharp outta the box, which is more than I can say for other knife companies.

theghostrider · December 7th, 2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamRudolph

They're way overblown, but some of their knives, particularly their older folding knives, are pretty decent.

The problems:

The materials are relatively chintzy. They use cheap blade steels sold at premium prices. What gets you S30V, 154CM, or VG-10 from Spyderco, Kershaw, or Benchmade, gets you AUS8 from Cold Steel. Their San Mai is nothing to write home about, making San Mai layered steel from average to crummy steel still makes it average to crummy steel. They like to come up with fancy names for their steel that bear eerie resemblances to good knife steels but are in fact the same mid-to-low quality stainless steels they have always used. I'm not saying that AUS8 can't make decent knives, I'm just saying for what you pay, you should get more than that.

Their DVDs are ridiculous. If you do anything they do in those movies with your Cold Steel knife, you void the warranty, which to my way of thinking kind of defeats the purpose of making such movies.

They have a tendency to copy elements or whole knives from other makers without permission. There's a long-running spat between Lynn Thompson and Emerson Knives about knives with wave-like features.

To some degree I would agree with this post with a few exceptions.

First. Cold Steel does not make ANY knives. They design and sell knives that they commission others to make.

As to the quality of materials. I believe Cold Steel sells a good product. The marketing is a bunch of overrated hype IMHO, but that doesn't change that they put forth good quality. It's also true that for the price you pay for a CS product, you can probably spend the same amount for another brand and get better materials. However, they are solid knives, and their lineup provides certain knives that are not produced elsewhere. They do tend to copy other brands IMHO, but then look how many other companies have copied Lynn Thompson's Americanized Tanto.

D Strokes · December 8th, 2009, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASHTXSNIPER

All of the Trailmasters I have are Carbon V USA made. I stocked up on them when Camillus went out of business. I have a Gurka Kukri in SK-5 amd it is right up there with the Carbon V stuff.

I only have one Camillus knife, and it is one heck of a knife! From what I've experienced, they make great knives. I am thinking about ordering a few more since they went OOB.

mynameisFred · December 8th, 2009, 03:58 AM

I like my Trailmasters and SRK.

October 25th, 2009, 04:34 AM	#26
EvilMonk Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N. Kentucky Area Posts: 350	Can't speak much on their knives, but their specialty items are very good. I have a sjambok (think whip meets baton) that will disintegrate a tree in no time flat. As mentioned above by many, some things are good and some things are...not. If you see something you like specifically, ask around here or do a thread search for the reviews... __________________ That which does not kill us leaves us broken and bleeding... Convenire Volui Spectatus

October 28th, 2009, 07:51 AM	#30
max7777 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: denver Posts: 86	I have a talon folder & love it. wish they made it in a 3.5 " holds a good edge & works good as a all round utility knife for me at home & work. It's a real conversation piece also __________________ Support your local gun shop.

December 4th, 2009, 12:41 AM	#32
rsb319 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 35	I have purchased a few Cold Steel knives over the years. I have been very happy with what the ones I have. Of course, I have not tried any of the tests that you see in their videos. Recon Tanto, El Hombre, and Recon 1 __________________ Carrying a gun means I am prepared for one more eventuality than those who do not.

December 4th, 2009, 11:11 AM	#34
DBRideout Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: near Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado Posts: 115	I have one of their pocket swords, the Caledonian Edge with the San Mai III blade, Titanium liners and Micarta scales. I love the thing. Look closely at the edge and you can see the laminate. I'll say this for the video's, the guy is sure a salesman! __________________ “Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” “A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity” Sigmund Freud

December 5th, 2009, 03:37 AM	#35
Bill DeShivs Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tenn Posts: 58	They are great if you are ever attacked by a car door! CS makes some good knives, but their marketing hype is WAY over the top! __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

October 23rd, 2009, 04:19 PM	#21
bakes Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: ohio Posts: 16	Have had older folders and loved them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 23rd, 2009, 05:27 PM	#22
QKShooter Assistant Administrator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Off Of The X Posts: 24,298	ASHTXSNIPER - You really DO like them. The Trail Master is excellent for chopping. What is your opinion of the newer Cold Steel knives? The older ones were USA made and I understand that now they are China made.

October 26th, 2009, 08:18 PM	#28
jhh3rd Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: nc Posts: 521	I have a couple folders and the shovel modeled after the Spetsnaz shovel. Pretty good knives and the shovel is no slouch for gardening, planting bulbs, etc. I'll try just about any brand except for those made in China (excluding Taiwan) and any knife made in Pakistan and India.

December 3rd, 2009, 08:07 PM	#31
justim New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: arizona Posts: 4	the city stick, recon tanto, and trail master. i have no complaints

December 4th, 2009, 03:40 AM	#33
carbuncle New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 3	I've had two Voyager Tantos for well over a decade, a small and a large. I picked them up when the series had the plastic, Spyderco ripoff pocket clip (they have metal clips now) and broke the clips off both by catching them on door frames within 6 months. I filed the left over plastic down flat with the handle and found it made both much more suited for pocket carry. Other than that, the blades still look great, still hold a very sharp edge and sharpen right up with no problems and have withstood everything I've thrown at them. The little one was regularly used for a summer's work on construction sites for everything from opening bags of cement to prying out staples and other fasteners and was a great toolbox knife up until I cleaned it off a few weeks ago, restored a razor edge to it and gave it to my wife for carry in her purse. The big one is a great camping knife, light for it's size and opens quickly and gets a lot of carry time in my jacket pocket because of how slim and light it is. Both are good, solid lockback knives which I've never been able to accidentally trigger while open (despite trying every likely scenario), even while practicing quick-draw-and-open and closing drills and holding in a reverse grip. Bottom line, the Voyagers are, IMO, good knives for the price if they fit your needs.

December 5th, 2009, 03:05 PM	#36
jem102 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Jefferson County TN Posts: 296	Have carried a Recon 1 half serrated every day for three years now. Feel I have more than gotten my $75.00 worth. __________________ Who is John Galt?

December 7th, 2009, 06:26 PM	#37
Dupek Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Baltimore Posts: 17	Cold Steel always arrives sharp outta the box, which is more than I can say for other knife companies.

December 8th, 2009, 03:58 AM	#40
mynameisFred Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Midwest Posts: 64	I like my Trailmasters and SRK.

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