Anyone dislike ColdSteel Ti-Lites?

L

lerner

Joined
Sep 1, 2008
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125
I like the 4-inch Zytel handled one, but fail to see how it can be so much cheaper (1 third the price!) than the Titanium handled version.

Different sites have advertised the blade steel as AUS 8A, as well as "VG-1 Stainless" and "440A Sub Zero Quench" stainless steel?

It's hard to believe Titanium handles could cost more than the blade itself. So...
maybe the Zytel models use a cheaper heat-treatment/annealing,
or are ground with less precision (like when the spine is off-center at the tip).
Maybe the blades for Zytel models are Titanium model rejects?

So chime in if you're impressed. or unsatisfied, with your 4-inch Zytel Ti-lite.
 
I like the Ti-Lite series. I have one of the larger ones, though, so I don't know if it's a fair comparison. They have style, feel sturdy, and would perform their intended function well enough if it came to that.
 
The one I had was garbage, wouldn't take or keep a edge, cut like a butter knife, and tore the hell out of my pants. The lock also sucked, very little spine preasure would release it.
 
knifenut1013 said:
The one I had was garbage, wouldn't take or keep a edge, cut like a butter knife, and tore the hell out of my pants. The lock also sucked, very little spine preasure would release it.
Click to expand...

i have the six inch version and i agree with all but your last complaint. the liner lock on mine locks up like a friggin' vault. it takes quite a bit of pressure to disengage it, far more than any other liner lock i've ever used.
 
zytel/plastic handles are easier to make than titanium or aluminum and when you add the cool factor it explains a lot..
 
I think it would be a poor choice for utility with its narrow blade and with that grind. I have handled a few and the blade shape does not lend itself to easy sharpening. I am sure it penetrates well but for general utlility and EDC there are much better choices.
 
I had two, first year production, Ti handled versions.

I liked them. Locked up tight and stayed sharp a decent amount of time.

The one I carried at work I reprofiled the blade to make a more acute edge - this really helped when cutting, but the steel seemed more burr prone when sharpening.
 
It's a single purpose design, which it does well enough, but if a cop sees it....well, you know.
 
Pro: it looks cool. Probably good at stabbing people.
Cons: Quillion sucks. Blade shape sucks for EDC. Blade steel sucks. Handle is not ergonomic and sucks. Pocket clip is too stiff, sucks. I also find it difficult to use the thumb stud.
 
Ti does cost more in terms of labour and materials - it also has more snob appeal than zytel - if you think the price is exhorbitant don't get it.
 
I LIKE MY TI-LITE 6" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a fanatastic SD tool OPEN and CLOSED :jerkit:
 
I got a 6 inch one and its fantastic. I did rip my pants but meh its ok. the edge is the sharpest i have ever seen from the factory and locked up like a safe!
 
For me,the size of the quillions is what's preventing me from purchasing a Ti-Lite.I like everything about it except when opened, the extremely small quillions don't form much of a guard, like an italian stilleto.

Comfort in various grips is an important thing.
 
I like my six-inch version for a self defense weapon, closed as a kubaton and open as a VERY mean letter opener. The smaller versions (as well as the larger versions) have limited use for utilitarian chores because of its single-minded edge geometry (as use as a piercing tool). The "leafspring" (read: liner) lock on mine is rock solid and very impressive. I find the ergonomics generic and overall lacking, but it's not uncomfortable. The edge came razor sharp and, as I don't use it for utility, has stayed that way since purchase. The quillion guards, which can be used as a sort of quasi-wave feature, and the tight pocket clip do tear up my pants, unless I carry it in my waistband.

It's not my favorite, but it's not a bad buy either.
 
I had an AUS-8 4" Zytel version a couple of years back.

Took a great edge and was sharp as hell from the factory. Very pointy tip. Solid lock-up initially, but failed moderate spine whacks a couple of months in.

It's more of a self-defense tool than anything - it was, by far, the absolute worst utility knife I'd ever picked up. About as un-ergonomic as they come. Sharp quilluion guards, awkward balancing, hotspots... stay away unless you enjoy stabbing your knife into stuff, because you won't be using it to take down cardboard boxes or food prep.
 
Actually, I've sold quite a number of them to people who open large bags on a frequent basis, such as farmers (feed bags) and construction workers (cement bags). Since the motion is essentially a "jab and slash" affair it does a fantastic job. Otherwise it definitely is of limited utility save as a last-ditch defensive item.
 
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