American Lawman

K

Knivesandoutdoors

Joined
Dec 10, 2012
Messages
180
Hey guys, I know for a fact that a lot of you probably have an CS American Lawman, how is it? I was always attracted to the knife because of it's simple design and hollow ground drop point blade. But was wondering what you guys thought about it. Thanks
 
I would recommend it, as it is my most often grabbed folder. I actually like the AUS-8, despite what some may tell you it holds up pretty well and takes no time to sharpen.

just my two cents.
 
Bugout Bill said:
It's a terrific design, I just wish they made a satin version and added a Boye dent.
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I don't own the knife, but the coating is supposed to come off with mere steel wool. And also by doing that, it kind of gives stonewashed type of finish.
 
I've got one of the old ones (metal liners), the newer ones are better since they are every bit as strong but much lighter and a bit thinner.

It's a good knife. Materials are good, very grippy G-10 and AUS-8 which isn't a super steel by any stretch but is certainly up to most tasks (it does take a wicked edge and polishes up nicely). Size is about right for me and the lock is ridiculously strong.

The coating is crappy, I just took it off mine using paint remover and a plastic spatula. Came off easily and the finish I found underneath is much better looking.

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I bought a NIB mini-Lawman for my grandson. He couldn't open the blade. His "big" dad was finally able to...said later that he'll have to put it in the drawer for a few yrs until the kid gets stronger. It was all I could do to open it. VERY discouraging to watch your grandson open his new gift and cannot use it.
I've heard those springs are strong...but good grief!
 
Wow I wonder if you got an extra strong one or something. Its definitely not a knife you can flick open real quick with your thumbnail but mine I can open fairly quickly with the meat of my thumb. I guess that's just the price you pay for having such a solid lock. I really does get smoother though once its been broken in and oiled a little bit.
 
No one earlier mentioned the Demko Tri-Ad lock which makes the CS knives with them an excellent choice in a hard use folder. Extremely solid lock up. Now, I usually carry a CS large AK-47 as I like the wave feature for quick opening. But, the American Lawman is a top choice too.
 
I have one that I have used extensively. Very comfortable handle and awesome lock. As others have said the aus 8 doesn't hold an edge for very long but is easy to sharpen. Look for one on the exchange. I got mine unused with the horrible coating already stripped for $35 shipped!
 
Sonnydaze said:
I bought a NIB mini-Lawman for my grandson. He couldn't open the blade. His "big" dad was finally able to...said later that he'll have to put it in the drawer for a few yrs until the kid gets stronger. It was all I could do to open it. VERY discouraging to watch your grandson open his new gift and cannot use it.
I've heard those springs are strong...but good grief!
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You might want to contact Cold Steel, mate. That doesn't sound right. I own a few Tri-Ad lock knives and although they aren't going to win any prizes for the smoothest action, they are all fairly comfortable to open, I don't really find that much of a difference with other lockkbacks. Perhaps the smaller ones are harder to deploy, but it sounds like they should replace yours.
 
The AM is one of the better knives Cold Steel makes. A few issues I noticed were that the handles can be incredibly rough, batch depending, the lock can sometimes be insanely tough to open, again batch depending, and the coating is pure garbage. Strip the blade, sand the handles a little, and wear in the lock and you should have a nice knife.
 
Yeah the lock is pretty tough at first, but it breaks in better. I've found it easier to use bony part of my thumb to press on the lock rather than the meaty part.
 
ninjarabbi said:
Yeah the lock is pretty tough at first, but it breaks in better. I've found it easier to use bony part of my thumb to press on the lock rather than the meaty part.
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My experience as well - knife (Recon 1) was hard to deploy and lock difficult to disengage NIB, but working with it stretched (?) the spring and the knife is now quite easy to deploy and I disengage the lock as quoted above using the bony joint of my thumb. These are good work knives with an impressive lock.
 
One of my favorite knives ever... and I've had many. As others have said, the coating is cheap, but underneath is a great stonewash. The high hollow grind is AMAZING as a slicer! And the lock is unparalleled in strength. The G10 has incredible grip, and the pocket clip buries pretty deep. I recommend sanding under the clip a bit though, the AM can shred pockets.
 
I love the design of this knife and it is extra grippy, like all CS knives. While it's a great knife with fantastic ergos , I don't EDC it often because it is bulky. If that isn't an issue for you, it's a great knife for the money. As a hard use knife that is quick and easy to sharpen, it's a great option.
 
I picked up one from a forum member here..I like it! For the price, and what your getting, good value in my opinion. Mine came super factory sharp.

 
It is a nice knife, and for me is what a 'hard use' folder must be. I am not that hardcore user tho.
i don't like the coating, so I took it apart and polished it...

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I do like AUS - 8 too. easy to sharpen and hold the edge quite long. :D
 
SouthEast said:
It is a nice knife, and for me is what a 'hard use' folder must be. I am not that hardcore user tho.
i don't like the coating, so I took it apart and polished it...

1625568_10203468069969136_1006509123_n.jpg


I do like AUS - 8 too. easy to sharpen and hold the edge quite long. :D
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Nice job!!!
 
I have had mine for just over two years now. It excels in EDC and was excellent in the woods on the two or three trips I brought it on (fire prep). My lock has since broken in and feels like childs-play compared to my new CS Code 4. The forward choil is excellent for me (small hands). I also enjoy the AUS-8 on the CS blades, rolls before chipping, easy to strop back to health, lower price point, etc etc.

Along side my superleaf and manix 2, the American Lawman and the code 4 are the blades I reach for the most.
 
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