Are Cold Steels handles, that bad?

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hey guys, i've read and heard a few times here, and from other people that the handles on the coldsteel knives come loose. Now, the reasons they've came loose is from extreme use. So what im wondering is, is that really true, I was looking into the cold steel srk, and then the thought of the handle coming loose poped into my mind.
so under normal camp, and everyday wilderness chores, is the handle going to come loose? will it just pop off one day while im whiltiling?
How many of you folks had this happen?

thanks all
 
I use the hell out of my srk for the last 6 years or so, lots of prying and other "questionable" knife practices and the handle is rock solid. I just would keep it away from gasoline, maybe deet. Great for a relatively cheap knife

cheers,
--Dave
 
I have many cold steel knives and 0 handle problems. I also have heard that the handles come off, but It must happen under extreme situations. I also have the srk and it's a solid knife. the handle is still on it.
 
I'm thinking there may be a relationship to grip strength and how the knife is used.

I've only seen one in which the grip came loose in person.

My issue with the Trailmaster and other knives is length. I prefer longer handles.
 
My Recon Scout handle was great for about 2 years and then it started like peeling but it never got loose. I think the Swamp Rat knives have superior handles if you really plan on whacking the crap out of the thing though. For the money I'd always pick a Camp Tramp over say a Recon Scout or a Trail Master knowing what I know now but they are all fairly decent knives. I just think The Swamp Rats have the edge from every angle.

STR
 
My intention is not for this to be an anti-Cold Steel post, but with your intended usage and apparent general price range, there are a number of other very good knives from which to choose.
 
Padawan
My intention is not for this to be an anti-Cold Steel post, but with your intended usage and apparent general price range, there are a number of other very good knives from which to choose.
Today 06:01 PM


could you elaborate a lil' on some more knives, I do like the sounds of the swamp rat knives, and yes they well be going through a beating. I usually use a gerber harsey hunter, but i found out today, that with harder camp use, the blade will bend, i've never had this happen, even with ka-bars. I thought befor it did anything it would break, but no,.... it bent. so now im in the market for something much more stronger, in the price ranger of the srk.

mabye up to $60 more

thanks all
 
Some others you may want to look into are offerings from Scrap Yard, Bark River, Ontario, Becker, etc. :thumbup:
 
I have an SRK that I've used hard for a few years. After 4.5 years of ownership, the handle can be lifted away from the blade tang about 1 centimeter, at the point of the blade-handle insertion at the guard. The handle is still solidly attached, though.

When my handle does finally come off, I intend to put a new one on, probably made of Micarta with a steel guard and pommel. There are knife makers out there who do such alterations to knives for not too much money.

For the money, I think the SRK is a great purchase. Just make sure to use the knife in-town for its intended tasks before going out in the field with it, to check for potential weaknesses.
 
It seems theres allot of negative stuff on Cold Steel products.

My first comment is all the folders I have had are very good. Second comment for the dollar value one of the best knives you can purchase.

You'll get lots of good use out of a Cold Steel knife, if it does wear out, go buy another one there not that expensive.
 
If in doubt, change out the handle. I pulled off the rubber grip on a Trailmaster, replaced the junky brass guard with a hefty nickel silver
custom guard- black palm wood scales. I'll take that one anywhere.
 
I have used CS products for twenty years. I'm still waiting for the first problem of any kind. I have two knives currently with the Kraton handles and they have been troble free.
 
I rather like the feel of the CS Kraton handles -- it was one decision element in a recent purchase of mine. When/If mine ever fails at some point in the distant future, I'll probably just make a paracord wrap or some such thing as a replacement. I personally don't see it as much of an issue at all.
 
Here is the list of Cold Steel knives that are giving me handle headaches right now:

Magnum Tanto San Mai III(7" blade) Handle has become sticky and green ooze is coming out of it, especially bad around the brass thong hole.

SRK- same as above

Recon Tanto- same as above

Master Hunter in Carbon V- has just started with symptoms, same as above

Trailmaster- Handle has become loose and wobbles a bit.

I need to add that these knives(as are all of my knives) are stored in a cool, dry place, out of sunlight.

I like CS knives, especially the Carbon V models, but, the Kraton they use flat out stinks.(insert smilie holding nose here)
 
I've used their products and even liked them since the company was first formed. They are nice for the most part. I mostly focused in on the folders though. I've only had a few of their fixed blades and all were good bang for the buck. You can get a second in most of them and save money yet still get a very good useable knife. In fact all I ever had was seconds from them in fixed blades with the exception of the old Warheads I bought new.

Its the owner most people are negative about. Its hard to find fault with CS knives.

STR
 
Misque, I've heard of others having the same problem you're having. My knives are at least twenty years old and I've had no problems. I wonder if it has to do with the salt air in Florida? Is Ocala on the coast?

Who is doing the rehandle job for you?
 
Hey Folny...

The only problem I've ever had with a cold Steel,, is the Kubon...
All of the other CS knives I have have no problem at all...

ttyle

Eric..
O/ST
 
Willieboy wrote:

Misque, I've heard of others having the same problem you're having. My knives are at least twenty years old and I've had no problems. I wonder if it has to do with the salt air in Florida? Is Ocala on the coast?

Who is doing the rehandle job for you?
Click to expand...

I don't know what the deal is with their handles. I have Kraton handled knives from other makers and there is no prob with them, many of which are as old as the CS stuff.:confused:

Ocala is pretty far inland from the coasts. I have a 60 mile drive due east(on SR 40) to Ormond Beach and about 25-30 mile drive west to Cedar Key. I wish I could smell the ocean air here.:)

I have a fairly decent assortment of exotic hardwoods(about 150-200 lbs:eek: ) here from when I was making knives so re-handling is not a problem.

It just really bothers me that I'm even having the problem. Oh well...
 
Hey Guys...

BTW....

Cold Steel wouldn't warranty the handle on the knife either....

Basically told me "Too Bad"

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
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