4-Max Variations?

[Murindo]

I have what I consider 3rd and 4th release 4-Max's

I bought one when they came out after the lock bar issue was fixed. I bought a second one this week to save for my grandson.

They are identical except:

• Stone wash on latest one is a bit darker and markings a bit fainter
• G-10 is a bit lighter in color
• End of the lock bar has been rounded when seen from above (see pic, latest version on left). Please note that while stock thickness of bar, blade, and back spacer may seem thinner on the latest version, my micrometer says they are the same

By my definition there have been four releases of the USA made 4-Max

1. First - Original release, perfect lock bar (with step I think), sold out
2. Second - Proud lock bar, had to be fixed by CS under Demko direction, either sold out or stopped production
3. Third - Release after the proud lock bar fiasco, perfect, sold out
4. Fourth - Current release with rounded lock bar

I'm not a collector so my definitions are likely wrong. I bought my 4-Max as a user and consider it the best production folder I've ever seen in more than 60 years of owning knives and I'v e owned over 500.

Comments appreciated and with the end of USA production looming, one of you avid collectors should document the variations.

 

[PeteyTwoPointOne]

Good eye there fellow Demkomaniac...

I'd say your spot on from my observations, but without CS confirmation "observing" may be the only thing we get

...however...however...with such <regrettable & unbelievable> spotty F&F with some of the "runs" there may be even more variations...or variations within variations, if you will..

such as grippier G10 variant...or un-radiused liner variant...or blocky handle variant...and who could forget, missing torx variant?

Even so, I am happy I landed a pristine initial release early on and have picked up a second equally lovely specimen on the Exchange!

 

[AF]

I got a defective one that was unusable so when I hear best production folder I just shake my head. The blade was also overground such that it had a recurve.
I've owned hundreds of folders too. The best have been Taichung-made Spydercos and Reate.
I like the design of the 4Max. I plan on buying another when they are produced in Italy.

 

[Murindo]

I got a defective one that was unusable so when I hear best production folder I just shake my head. The blade was also overground such that it had a recurve.
I've owned hundreds of folders too. The best have been Taichung-made Spydercos and Reate.
I like the design of the 4-Max. I plan on buying another when they are produced in Italy.

My two 4-Max knives are the equal of a Demko custom with the exception of blade finish which is satin on the customs. The grinds on both of my 4-Max's have been perfect. I guess I have been lucky.

 

[dogrunner]

I have one that came with the lockbar issue, fixed by Demko, now it is as good a production knife as any I have seen. I was hesitant to spend this much, but it is one I can honestly say - no regrets. I buy them to use and this one is easily the sturdiest folder I own, but still a great cutter. I mostly carry spydercos, and I pair the 4max with a spyderco military for its finer tip and have all my cutting chores covered! I have a lot of other folders too, including a bunch of nice CSs (Talwar XL is my folding machete ), but these two are real EDCs. Still looking forward to the SR1 too.

 

[KAS67]

My two 4-Max knives are the equal of a Demko custom with the exception of blade finish which is satin on the customs. The grinds on both of my 4-Max's have been perfect. I guess I have been lucky.

I respect your opinion of the Demco custom vs cold steel 4 max. But it's an opinion I do not share the Demko custom is the far superior knife.

Are you comparing it to the AD10 in 3V. Or a full custom Demco? I respect your opinion but it's one I don't share.

 

[whp]

I respect your opinion of the Demco custom vs cold steel 4 max. But it's an opinion I do not share the Demko custom is the far superior knife.

Are you comparing it to the AD10 in 3V. Or a full custom Demco? I respect your opinion but it's one I don't share.

I admire your ability to distinguish small differences in quality between two knives.
Unfortunately, I belong to that 90% of the population who ,when given two unknown knives of similar quality, would prefer which ever one was labelled "custom". It wouldn't t matter which knife the label was on!
May be definition of "similar" is key to my assertion.

 

[Murindo]

Hey I didn't say I prefer the CS 4-Max to a Demko custom (I've had an AD-10 +P and have an AD-10). I will say that anyone who buys a CS 4-Max is getting a knife that is damn close to custom with the exception of the blade finish. CPM 20V is a high end steel and I don't consdider 3V to be that much better if at all.

I think Demko and CS have done knife buyers a great service. You get superior knife for $ 350 versus waiting years for a custom or paying $ 1250+, if you can find one.

 

[KAS67]

My two 4-Max knives are the equal of a Demko custom with the exception of blade finish which is satin on the customs. The grinds on both of my 4-Max's have been perfect. I guess I have been lucky.

The two that I purchased are of good quality as well with none of the reported issue's, it's a good buy @ current price for what you get.There is no other knife company that i am aware of putting out a comparable product/price.

Wow, what a circus this turned out to be! Long wait times missed schedule's quality control, fit and Fitness issues. Now cold steel is moving production of the 4 Max to Italy, kind of defeats the made in the USA part.

Cold Steel it's a kick ass knife but seriously get your s*** together.

Again I respect all/everyone's opinion but I disagree, the cold steel 4 Max is nowhere near the level of knife that a Demko custom or his AD10 + P is.


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[Murindo]

I too am disappointed that CS has moved the production to Italy. I know there are USA manufacturers that can get it right. I suspect keeping it in the USA meant lower profit margins than making it in Italy.

If it's Lion Steel making it then there will be no quality issues. I would prefer to see them at least change the color of the G-10 or go to wood to differentiate them from the USA versions.

KAS67, I respect your view but continue to disagree. Maybe we can get together sometime and go over our CS 4-Max's and Demko AD-10's point by point and learn our different points of view.

I think it's time to close this thread.