benchmade vs cold steel?

But those don't have the Benchmade name. If it says Benchmade and has a butterfly, it is made in the US.
 
They are still sold by and under the same umbrella. You can nitpick if you like, doesn't change much. It was a way around the "All American" image change they went through a couple years ago.
 
Benchmade produces superior folding knives, Cold Steel does the same, but with fixed blades...
 
Most people will tell you that benchmade is Great and cold steel is Crap, cold steel makes hard use knives with tight tolerances and decent materials, many arn't pretty but great knives.
Benchmade is slightly overrated and slightly overpriced, but its worth it, cold steel makes harder use tactical knives.
 
benchmade versus cold steel?

Lincoln/Cadillac versus Ford/Chevy.

Your choice, your money. Which one will last longer depends on how you use and maintain it and assumes that neither is defective from factory. Both do certain jobs, and assuming you're not an idiot, a decent sample or either will probably outlast you or me.

For me, the choice comes down to where it's made...
 
The two companies both make a wide range of knives. Cold Steel makes a much wider range of knife styles than Benchmade. For a standard 3 or 4 inch folder I like the benchmades. I have the Cold Steel SRK in Carbon V and it is great for what it is designed for, light chopping. I also have the Vaquero Grande, though I would not consider my fully serrated Vaquero Grande a heavy use knife since the serrations are delicate if you want to keep thier pattern with all the little points.
 
I can only speak to folders. But 2 points for overall generalization:

1. If you randomly pick a Benchmade folder from its catalog, it will be superior in steel and fit&finish to a randomly picked Cold Steel folder.

2. Overall, a lower level Benchmade folder (e.g., Pika or H&K line) will be about on par with the best Cold Steel folder in some respects (though maybe not lock strength).

Frankly, I think the strength of the Triad lock helps the appeal of Cold Steel folders, a lot of which go overboard for "tactical" appeal -- sometime 16th century tactical. But some of their knives (Recon 1 or Voyager line) are excellent tough value knives with useful blade shapes and good grips.
 
I've had experience with many CS knives and only a couple BM's but it all comes down to the price for what you are getting. I love CS's Tri-Ad lock, and their knives are cheap enough to be beaten on. A lot of benchmades are up there in price and I wouldn't what to beat on them as much as say, my CS mini AK-47.

In the end, I would say both companies produce substantial quality for what you're paying for.
 
Everyone bashes Cold Steel for their marketing, and while Lynn is a terrible actor, he proves a point. They do have the strongest locks on the market, and comparing that to a lock that is supported by springs proves Cold steel superior in that aspect. Fit and finish, blade steel and action on Benchmade's $60 and up are superior. Red class Benchmade's are about on par with the Recon 1, Lawman, and AK line. It really boils down to what you want in a folder. Strength and abuse-ability -> Cold Steel. Excellent EDC and fit and finish -> Benchmade.
 
IMO the only big difference is the target audience of their average product. Take a knife from each company in the same price range and you will have a similar product (except that Cold Steel uses AUS-8 on just about everything).
 
Legenda said:
which one makes the better quality knives that will last longer? which company makes the better knives? I know both are very good and make high end knives, but when you consider the 2, which is better? thanks guys.
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Apples & oranges. The two companies don't really compete, since they have their own target markets.

I have some major problems with Benchmade's marketing policies, and haven't made any purchases, but nonetheless they make some awesome quality stuff. Cold Steel makes some "good" stuff, but even their best barely equals Benchmade's "so-so."

If you have the money and like the designs, go for the Benchmade. If you are tight on cash, and the design and intended purpose will fit your need, go for the Cold Steel. Nothing "wrong" with Cold Steel's usual AUS-8, as it meets most reasonable needs. Got two or three Franklins for one piece? Then get yourself something Benchmade with S30V or better. And as already was noted, Cold Steel's warranty is, well, "less than desired." Excellent quality never fears extending a lifetime warranty.
 
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Not easy to answer, altough they both have a very good locking mecanism, cold steel and benchmade make very different knives (cold steel makes bigger/tactical knives, benchmade makes more EDC like knives).

So if you have the money, the need for better steel (s30v, 154cm) and need an edc blade go for a benchmade, if you want a bigger knife with good steel (aus8a) and oustanding locking for a more affordable price go for a cold steel
 
Well, there are a few differences as many have noted.

One thing many focus on seems to be the lock. Tri-Ad is a strong lock. No doubt, strongest lock CURRENTLY. However, there are still shear points in any back lock folder, if you do patent searches there are many locks that can surpass the Tri-Ad if they see the light of day.

We are people and always wanting "improvement".

Axis lock. Drawback seems the omega springs for some. However, it is one of the only locks that can be manipulated to still work even if the springs break.

If steel is your focus. Benchmade. They also supply military personal if that is important for you.
 
Personally I have issues with the Axis lock on any knife that might be used as a weapon - it's far too easy to disengage in my opinion. Though I think it's the best lock out there for EDC chores.
 
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