Benchmade, Case, Cold Steel??

Can't say as I have had any problem with CS's Kraton grips (or the steel either, for that matter -- Carbon V). I like the looks of micarta but a polished grip would likely get slippery under adverse conditions (cold, snow, blood, etc.). No such problem with kraton, even when cold (-20) and covered with congealed deer fat. Haven't worn one out yet.
 
I Like Cold Steel becuase they offer some good knives for a reasonable price. If I am looking for a fixed blade for defense that can't cost a lot of money. I will check my CS catalog first. I also like them for bringing radical designs such as the megafolders, tomahawks, and torpedo throwing knives. But, the overall quality in fit and finish can be poor, e.g. kraton handles that can be squeezed to the point that you worry when they will come off. The sharpeness out of the box has always been excellent though. And their sheaths generally suck. For a company that advertises the defensive capabilities of their knives so prominently, it is amazing that they provide sheaths that make it so difficult to carry them concealed or comfortable. They went the right way by offering some kydex sheaths, but they are as thin as paper!
 
Steve, get another SRK, you'll want it back down the road, I speak from experience =)

As far as Cold Steel goes: They make great knives. I think they make really good fixed blades, I have never had any problems with any fixed blade Cold Steel makes, literally none. They're folders are ok at best though. Not really poor quality as much as I didn't like the feel. They're knives are great deals as far as price goes, especially 2nd's.
Nobody here can say an SRK isn't worth $40 or a Bushman isn't worth $16 (that's almost insane, just $16). The quality of their knives I can't see debated....
However, I see where some people are coming from when they say Lynn Thompson talks a lot of B.S. ok, he does - but he backs it up. He's shows you his knives going under some ral tests, and passing (thou I am well aware that some might of failed while making the "Proof" video). I can't really bash them for that, other companies do it too, but they do back it up and will challenge anyone.
Customer service with them could be a bit better,it's their weak link. But it's not awful (at least with me, thou I know some have had more problems than me, I'm well aware). They can take awile getting people's money back to them if something isn't in. Then again, it's realitivly short when you think of people trying to obtain a Battle Mistress...
Overall, I like Cold Steel, and will continue to buy their products until they give me reason not to. I really wish that they were a little bit more "customer friendly" though, because it seems to some people they weren't. Too bad...

 
YKnow - this is the very first subject in my posting life on this forum in which I can say I knew a lot about and felt like an "expert" in. All the other times I'm asking questions, nice to be able to answer one for once...
 
Thanks for the replies, guys.

misque; I looked at the FalKniven(sp?). It is a very nice blade, but Alberta Ed makes the telling point; that Micarta handle is just too slippery for my taste. One of the things I really liked about the SRK was the Kraton handle.

I'll ask this again; anyone know if CS is shipping SRKs with Kydex sheaths yet, or do I have to shell out extra again to Blade-tech?

Steve
 
When did Fallkniven start putting Micarta handles on their blades??
Fallkniven uses a rubbery substance they call Thermorum Elastomer.
or as I like to call it: Kraton.
smile.gif

It's a little harder than CS's Kraton but a rose by any other name.
Micarta? Were you looking at Fallkniven's knives?
smile.gif


------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid.




[This message has been edited by misque (edited 08 September 1999).]
 
Steve - I am getting a 2nd SRK knive myself in a few days. (2 is better than 1) I can tell you by next Monday or Tuesday I bet... just E-Mail me if i forget.
 
The srk is a great knife for the money the customer service issue I have never needed it, if it is near as bad as you people say it is , they will end up just like blackjack knives did no service no costomers .
 
Latest CS catalog just came in the mail. In response to the question about kydex sheaths, it appears that the SRK is coming with a concealex sheath. Same thing?
 
James,
Are you gonna scan these Fallkniven Micarta knives when they come in?
This is a very interesting development.
I hope they do it soon.
Man, talk about making a great thing even better!

Regards,
------------
Mike

------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid.


 
James,
Are you gonna scan these Fallkniven Micarta knives when they come in?
This is a very interesting development.
I hope they do it soon.
Man, talk about making a great thing even better!

Regards,
------------
Mike

------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid.


 
James,
Are you gonna scan these Fallkniven Micarta knives when they come in?
This is a very interesting development.
I hope they do it soon.
Man, talk about making a great thing even better!

Regards,
------------
Mike

------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid.


 
Uniform product line? Boring. Read posts on sharpest knife you own. Cold Steel is listed often. You get what you pay for.

------------------
Drac Noroc

A mind is like a
parachute, it only functions when open.

AKTI # BA00013

 
I've owned several Cold Steel knives and I'm quite happy with them.

Take the SRK for example, where else are you going to find a knife like that + a concealex sheath for $50?

Then there is the Vaquero. For $30 you're getting a 5" AUS8 blade with a rock-solid lock. I've never heard one fail.

CS knives are always reliably sharp out of the box. They use quality steel and heat treat. I've never heard anyone fault their quality-control. They have a wide variety of products. Should I need to go into the jungle, I can drop by a CS dealer and get all my shoping done at once. And I have no fear to use or lose most of their knives.

Admittedly, their advertisment is over the top. And sure their knives aren't perfect. But perfection would cost me more $.

Bottomline: they've always satisfied the one thing that matters, the ELU.



[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 10 September 1999).]
 
misque,

I was parroting what someone else said about the micarta handles; in the photos, they DO look like Micarta. But obviously not. Sorry for the confusion. I don't particularly care for Micarta, though. After using Kraton and G10 handled knives, I prefer that. So, the A1 has a type of Kraton handle? It is an impressive looking knife.

ptn,

Concealex is simply product-improved Kydex from Blade-Tech; thinner than "regular" Kydex, without sacrificing any strength. That's great news. Kydex has revolutionized carrying defensive personal weapons; knives and firearms. It basically lasts forever. In 21 years as a cop, I have replaced my leather off-duty holster at least five times. The Kydex one I'm using now will serve my four year old grandson admirably. Kydex is great stuff.

This thread is getting long, so I'm going to change it a bit with a new question. Thanks to all who responded.

Steve
 
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