4-Max Curiosity

Wolverine666

Wolverine666

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Messages
6,719
I'm about to pull the trigger on a Cold Steel 4-Max (2018 USA model). However , I have some questions for anyone who has some hands-on experience :

1) Is there a real difference between the USA model and the older Italy model? Besides the $70 , that is.
2) Can the clip be removed without compromising the handle sturdiness?
3) How's the QC track record for the 4-Max?
4) Is there anything else similar that I should consider? I'm still looking at the Colossus and I like the Grayman Satu but it seems to not be available on the Graymsn site right now.
 
Take a look at the Cold Steel SR1. Clip or tanto. Earliest run of clip point had an issue re pocket clip screw threads. Has been resolved.
 
I have a 2nd round (USA) version of the 4Max. It had a slightly misfitted lockbar that Mr. Demko fixed at no cost. I don't think it would have affected lockup, just grip comfort. The thread referenced above and others in the CS forum are worth a look, but I consider the 4Max my favorite large extra heavy duty folder. It is a great cutter, unlike most overbuilt overly thick bladed folders. My favorite folder is a Spyderco Military, both have 4" blades, but they are very different in every other way. I carry both, but the 4max is a chore coat knife (folding fixed blade), the mili carries very easily in a pocket.
Sorry, I cannot address your question about current versions.
 
I have a early version italian one. mine has no issues. haven't taken it apart or tried to remove the pocket clip. dont plan to, so I'm good......
 
So the clip has the screws attached to it/bolted on? If it does affect integrity you could try and ask CS for a 2nd clip, cut off the clip part and just use the attachment part to keep everything together. Just a thought. Kind of stupid of CS to do it that way since I don't see an upside to making it one piece rather than using the clip as a sort of spacer.
 

I've actually got both clips on mine to clip on both belt and waistband , but I know you can remove them with no problem ! Everyone into BA folders should have one just for the heck of it . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
Wolverine666 said:
After reading the linked thread , the 4-Max seems like an awfully big gamble for $345. I think I'm gonna pass.
Click to expand...
I sure wouldn't get one I couldn't easily return , but there have been very good reviews from those who got a good one . IIRC I've seen the Italian newer model for ~$250 .
 
Wolverine666 Wolverine666 , since you like big folders, keep an eye out for this, IF you don't mind two handed opening:
e4929e1136.jpg

Pohl Force "Force One" , 4.8 inch Niolox blade, .2 inch thick stock, OCS Lock (Combines Slipjoin Backspring with an Axis Lock), titanium scales, green G10 or black G10 scales, slated to late October, early November. I think it'll rival the 4Max. Made in Italy.
 
b00n said:
Wolverine666 Wolverine666 , since you like big folders, keep an eye out for this, IF you don't mind two handed opening:
e4929e1136.jpg

Pohl Force "Force One" , 4.8 inch Niolox blade, .2 inch thick stock, OCS Lock (Combines Slipjoin Backspring with an Axis Lock), titanium scales, green G10 or black G10 scales, slated to late October, early November. I think it'll rival the 4Max. Made in Italy.
Click to expand...
Wow , I'll keep an eye out. Thanks.
 
b00n said:
since you like big folders, keep an eye out for this, IF you don't mind two handed opening:
Click to expand...

Based on comments here on the forum, I have looked into Pohl Force. Doesn't seem they have much of a presence currently, at least here in the States. Are they still active? There's not much in the way of recent activity on their forum, and Vininull absolutely destroyed one in a hard use video he did. Anyone have any experience with one lately?

And, based on the comments here, it sounds like you need to be careful and do some more research before jumping on a 4-Max. Best of luck to you.
 
bobobama said:
Based on comments here on the forum, I have looked into Pohl Force. Doesn't seem they have much of a presence currently, at least here in the States. Are they still active? There's not much in the way of recent activity on their forum, and Vininull absolutely destroyed one in a hard use video he did. Anyone have any experience with one lately?

And, based on the comments here, it sounds like you need to be careful and do some more research before jumping on a 4-Max. Best of luck to you.
Click to expand...

I think they are more a german/Euro thing. The overall have a decent reputation here and are popular with LEO and Army (the fixed blades mostly), what that means...I don't know. I've been in the market for a big legal folder, so it fits the bill for me.
I did check out the video you mentioned, yeah it's a destructive test, nothing any normal person would do with a folder in particular. It's nice that the CS stands up to it, but I still wouldn't buy one personally. To each their own. (I wouldn't be interested in an expensive 440c lockback from PF either though.)
 
Wolverine666 said:
After reading the linked thread , the 4-Max seems like an awfully big gamble for $345. I think I'm gonna pass.
Click to expand...

There are likely knives I would rather buy for that price. If you like the Satu I would personally rather wait for one of those.

I would really like to try one of the Wander Tactical folders but it looks like they have discontinued all their folders. What a bummer.
 
b00n said:
I did check out the video you mentioned, yeah it's a destructive test, nothing any normal person would do with a folder in particular.
Click to expand...

You're right about that- it's going way above what one would (or should) normally do with a folder. Maybe he and Lynn Thompson could get together and do a shootout video:D.
 
bobobama said:
You're right about that- it's going way above what one would (or should) normally do with a folder. Maybe he and Lynn Thompson could get together and do a shootout video:D.
Click to expand...

With a 4Max, and whoever breaks his first wins? I'd watch that. :eek::thumbsup:
 
Lapedog said:
There are likely knives I would rather buy for that price. If you like the Satu I would personally rather wait for one of those.

I would really like to try one of the Wander Tactical folders but it looks like they have discontinued all their folders. What a bummer.
Click to expand...
Yeah , I'll just keep looking around. And I'll check the Grayman site regularly. I'm in no rush. I just thought the 4-Max looked cool.
 
Wolverine666 said:
Yeah , I'll just keep looking around. And I'll check the Grayman site regularly. I'm in no rush. I just thought the 4-Max looked cool.
Click to expand...

You can probably find a Hinderer on the exchange for near your budget if that floats your boat at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top