Cold Steel AK-47 as an EDC?

My friend uses the new AK-47 at work installing AC units & systems, mostly cutting ductboard & opening boxes. I see it every month or so for sharpenings. He's hard on all his stuff & I bought it for him with that in mind.

Very secure grip. Nice blade geometry. Takes a very fine edge & seems to hold it well. The opening action is disturbingly smooth, considering all the hype about the lock's brute strength. Same with his Recon 1. A few drops of Militec lube & it was noticeably smoother than any of my lockbacks.

As for pure toughness, I doubt you could better it, especially for the price. Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDDQGmW2Hrg
 
Though my AK-47 isn't my favorite folder overall, it is an extremely tough work knife. I work in a warehouse during the summers between college years and using my AK-47 there has been great. Whether it's something as mundane as opening boxes to receive parts, or something as hard as actually prying open a small crate with the pommel's pinky extension (And yes I have successfully done that a few times!). The finish on the blade isn't great compared to a lot of other options, but that doesn't matter to me very much. The AUS-8 takes a fine edge and holds it for a good while. Though it doesn't compare to S30V or 154CM it is adequately tough for most tasks. Just my 2 cents for what it's worth, it's not an overly excellent knife, but it's tough and does the job.
 
Tsujigiri said:
IMO 50-70 is high for AUS-8 considering what other steels you can get today. I don't think that the tri-ad lock is flawed for being too strong, but I do think that it will provide no appreciable difference. Knives usually don't break because people put too much pressure on the back of the blade. People quote the lock strength all the time, but that would only matter if you actually needed that feature. Kind of like the company that brags about their "triple heat treated blades."

As I said before, the Manix 2 is a very strong knife in that price range. And just because it doesn't have the magical extra stop pin of the tri-ad lock doesn't mean it isn't strong. Even if lock strength against a closing force did matter that much, there are a lot of locks that are about as strong as the tri-ad.
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i think youre still missing the point that their aus 8 steel is perfect for the way they advertise their knives, and few people whove used it would consider it a low end steel. their is far too much importance placed on "better" steels, when every steel has its strong and weak points, and clearly some steels are better suited for specific blades then others. itd be great if i could get a spartan in A2, but that doesnt mean the spartan i have in aus8 isnt worth it.

i mean if one is basing their decison entirely on blade steel, i feel they are missing out on a large spectrum of great knives. what would you say if i said i regret buying my manix 2 and zt200 because they only have 154cm and not s30v? clearly id be a fool to say that, these knives would be solid in 440c, vg10, whatever.

its very easy to slam on a knife because of blade steel, and can be done on just about every low end, middle, even high end. all kinds of perspectives.

the tri ad lock is not getting its proper due because cold steel picked up on it. if it were spyderco, folks like you would be praising it through the streets. its an extremely strong lock, damn near eliminates any blade play, and is self adjusting.

i used to be just like you, i would never even look at cold steel or any knife that didnt have premimum everything. and i was missing out big time.

and youre right, super lock strengh isnt important, but you sure dont see too many slip joints and friction folders dominating the knife world, even though they are just fine for 99% of ones knife usage. spyderco didnt need to put in a ball bearing lock on their manix 2, but innovation is innovation. cold steel didnt need to pick up the tri ad, but innovation is innovation. people dont need a whole lot of stuff thats offered in the glorious world of knife addiction, but that doesnt mean its not appreciated.
 
My AK-47 is in my pocket almost every day, I really like it. Unfortunately the pocket clip is pretty much useless for me because so much of the handle is sticking out of the pocket. I'm in the process of making a lowrider clip for it, hopefully that will work out!
 
J.Vervoorst said:
My AK-47 is in my pocket almost every day, I really like it. Unfortunately the pocket clip is pretty much useless for me because so much of the handle is sticking out of the pocket. I'm in the process of making a lowrider clip for it, hopefully that will work out!
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Yeah it rides way too high for me.....other then that it's a great knife.
 
I don't have an AK, but i do EDC an American Lawman and i really, really, really like it.

For me, the lock-up IS a big deal. HUGE!!! It's all business - safety and security. When i open that blade with that loud CLACK there is no question that it will stay open until i intentionally close it.

ALso, the handle/grip is awesome - i can grip it for all i've got and it's completely comfy. Yes, it's tough on pockets, but i've sanded it a bit and taken off the clip (i carry it horizontal in my back pocket) so we're back to "no problems" land.

Nope, the AUS8 doesn't hold a super sharp edge for a long, long time, but certainly for a reasonable time. PLUS it takes a wicked sharp edge very easily (like about 2 minutes on my stone). I can live with that. In fact, i *prefer* that to some carbide monster requiring hours to get back in shape.

No thanks. Keep your "super" steel.

I'm happy to keep my "non-super-steel but still excellent" AUS8 and it's very easy to afford price tag.
 
"spyderco military, zero tolerance 350, benchmade 710

don't spend $70+ on cold steel aus 8
"

All 3 of these are OVER his price range. Do people even ready any more? You can find an AK for less than $70 and it's worth every penny.

"Because AUS-8 won't hold an edge as well as other steels, nor is it as tough or as stain resistant as some other options. AUS-8 is fine in many circumstances, but it is much cheaper, so if I see it in a knife I expect to see justification. Cold Steel knives are made in Taiwan, have fairly cheap finishing, and not much support for warranty. I would be ok with all of these things if their knives were much cheaper, but I see no reason why they should cost as much as they do given what they are.

This is all wrong. AUS 8 is arguably as tough if not tougher than the so called super steels that will be more costly, AND it's easily sharpened without the use of expensive diamond hones etc. Sure the edge won't stay sharp as long, so what, learn to maintain your knives. The cheap finishing comment; have you held one? My old gen AK is damn near perfect for a production knife. I honestly can't say there is one spot on that knife that I'd critique except for maybe the sharp thumbplate that has been fixed with the new models. There have been many stories of CS's customer service coming through for people so please don't spread false information. A guy here a while back batoned his Long Hunter through a cow's RIBS screwing the edge all up and CS replaced the knife! Try getting that from Benchmade or Spyderco, I wouldn't even expect Kershaw to honor that one. A CS knife in the $50-$70 range is worth every penny when you take into consideration the knife as a whole and don't get hung up on the need for a "super steel".
 
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Tostig said:
Why ?

At least give a half decent reason before being so dismissive. Some folks happen to still like Aus-8 after all these years.

Not to mention that none of the knives you mentioned have this wonderful new lock that has hit the market. :)
Which , I think is a great reason to choose one of the newer Cold Steel folders.

Tostig
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well...

-bad warranty
-cheap materials
-taiwan
-overpriced

I think some cold steel knives are very well designed, especially the lawman. but they are made cheaply with cheap materials. sure it's a strong lock but he probably won't break the ones I listed.

I'm not saying AUS-8 is a BAD steel, i'm saying all together here the package is not even close to being worth $70. I'd be all over it for $30.

for $70 you can get better steel, quality, lifetime warranty, made in the usa.
 
I have the one of the original AK-47s and one of the second generation American Lawman. Although I like them both, I ended up cutting off the extended pommel on the AK as it just got in the way. The new model is lighter, but the extended pommel would stop me from buying one.

I love my American Lawman, and it's always in the EDC rotation. I find it's easier to slip into the pocket due to the lack of disc opener and the linerless construction.

Other CS models to consider: 2nd generation Recon-1 (more blade than the AL); Rajah III (similar blade length to the AL, thicker blade, liners, disc opener). All have Tri-ad locks.

I've never had problems with CS AUS8, and I've used my CS pieces very hard. I have lots of knives with more highly touted alloys, but I can't say anything bad about the performance of CS steel. If I know I'll have control of what I'm cutting and how, then I don't worry about edge chipping on a harder, more exotic alloy. However, my philosopy is that EDC knives must be able to tolerate a certain amount of risk (and, no, I don't mean pry-bar type stuff...I mean the occasional burl, or hidden staple/wire). I'd rather deal with a rolled edge than a chip any day.
 
col902 said:
would the weight be an issue? its not the lightest knife in the world, im sure you guys could recommend knives that were just as sturdy but less weight. im also not sure how the pocket clip is, it seems like it would have a lot of knife protruding.
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I do not mean to cynical when I say this, but it's just that I hear this time and time again and I just don't get it. Unless you are extremely weak or wear paper thin clothing all the time, then weight would be an issue. If you wear jeans at all, there is no problem. It just gets a little tiring hear people say "Uhhh, this knife is too heavy" when it's a folder weighing 4-5 ounces. If that is too heavy, the easy solution is to just use a Vic Alox something. The weight is a non issue, please. Also, this is not the best choice if you work in an office environment that is loaded with prudish people that jump at the chance to report "scary weapons" to the local HR official. If that is the case, pass on it and get a Vic Alox something.

monger4142 said:
spyderco military, zero tolerance 350, benchmade 710

don't spend $70+ on cold steel aus 8
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That is just silly, as already noted. Have you even used AUS8 as presented in these knives? I highly doubt it, otherwise you would not be so dismissive. If you are buying them for $70 you are paying too much. The Military, 0350, and 710 are on a different level here. The CS knives are excellent beater knives that don't break the bank.

col902 said:
between the recon 1, lawman, and ak-47, which is your favorite? and please explain why
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Different knives for different things. Sure they all cut, but if you need a larger blade for a specific purpose then that is the beauty of variety. I have found in using the R1 and AL, the Recon 1 holds its edge a lot longer. Both knives were sharpened to a 36* inclusive edge and the Recon 1 has not dulled as fast as the AL. Other people have noticed this too. Draw your won conclusions. :thumbup:
 
monger4142 said:
well...

-bad warranty
-cheap materials
-taiwan
-overpriced

I think some cold steel knives are very well designed, especially the lawman. but they are made cheaply with cheap materials. sure it's a strong lock but he probably won't break the ones I listed.

I'm not saying AUS-8 is a BAD steel, i'm saying all together here the package is not even close to being worth $70. I'd be all over it for $30.

for $70 you can get better steel, quality, lifetime warranty, made in the usa.
Click to expand...

So much fail in this statement.
 
mogmz said:
So much fail in this statement.
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I have to agree.

He said cheap materials ? G10 and steel like a hundred other production knives out there.

Did you expect titanium and CMP-S30V for $70 ?

As far as being made in Taiwan ? So what.... I could care less about the "Made in America" thing anymore , corporations , politicians and so forth do not care , why should I ? Especially when everything we use these days in our daily lives is not Made in America. Not anymore.

That is neither here nor there though.


To the OP - Check out one of the aforementioned models , I doubt you will be disappointed.

Tostig
 
right now its between the recon 1, ak-47, and american lawman, im kind of leaning towards either the lawman or recon 1 because the ak-47 seems a lot bulkier, for those who have had experience with all of these, please help me decide
 
col902 said:
right now its between the recon 1, ak-47, and american lawman, im kind of leaning towards either the lawman or recon 1 because the ak-47 seems a lot bulkier, for those who have had experience with all of these, please help me decide
Click to expand...

You've already gotten 2 pages of opinions, the final choice has to be yours. Don't be so indecisive. Pick the knife YOU like the best. You are the one that will be using it and carrying it. There is only so much we can online you know. ;)
 
jakeyjake4528 said:
i think youre still missing the point that their aus 8 steel is perfect for the way they advertise their knives, and few people whove used it would consider it a low end steel. their is far too much importance placed on "better" steels, when every steel has its strong and weak points, and clearly some steels are better suited for specific blades then others. itd be great if i could get a spartan in A2, but that doesnt mean the spartan i have in aus8 isnt worth it.

i mean if one is basing their decison entirely on blade steel, i feel they are missing out on a large spectrum of great knives. what would you say if i said i regret buying my manix 2 and zt200 because they only have 154cm and not s30v? clearly id be a fool to say that, these knives would be solid in 440c, vg10, whatever.

its very easy to slam on a knife because of blade steel, and can be done on just about every low end, middle, even high end. all kinds of perspectives.

the tri ad lock is not getting its proper due because cold steel picked up on it. if it were spyderco, folks like you would be praising it through the streets. its an extremely strong lock, damn near eliminates any blade play, and is self adjusting.

i used to be just like you, i would never even look at cold steel or any knife that didnt have premimum everything. and i was missing out big time.

and youre right, super lock strengh isnt important, but you sure dont see too many slip joints and friction folders dominating the knife world, even though they are just fine for 99% of ones knife usage. spyderco didnt need to put in a ball bearing lock on their manix 2, but innovation is innovation. cold steel didnt need to pick up the tri ad, but innovation is innovation. people dont need a whole lot of stuff thats offered in the glorious world of knife addiction, but that doesnt mean its not appreciated.
Click to expand...

Good post. I still think that the materials don't justify the price when they have some direct competitors. For something like the Spartan, there isn't really another knife in that price range to compete with it if you want a large folder, but there is for the AK47. If you need lock strength, then the tri-ad certainly is a great option, but personally I look for features like ease of disengagement and smoothness more than strength, no matter what company produces it. Cold Steel's design philosophy certainly does have its place, but how practical that is is up to debate.

mogmz said:
So much fail in this statement.
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Do you ever post something of value? It seems that you're always darting into threads, taking a shot at a particular poster, and then drifting off to wherever mogmz goes...
 
just one last thing, i dont have a knife store around, so does the extra half inch of blade on the recon feel like a lot or is it not to noticable
 
col902 said:
just one last thing, i dont have a knife store around, so does the extra half inch of blade on the recon feel like a lot or is it not to noticable
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Pick the Recon 1, it's got the most comfortable handle and has an arguably better blade shape. :thumbup:
 
Any 4" bladed CS knife is a big honkin knife coming in at around 9-10" opened. If you are at all concerned about opening it in mixed company, a Recon 1 may not be for you.
 
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