Cold Steel American Lawman CTS XHP

I mod'ed a American Lawman for a friend and was so impressed with the construction that I ended up buying it from him some time later. I had pulled all the screws out and the dang thing wouldn't come apart, it felt as solid as when fully assembled. The lock functioned perfect even with all the screws removed. I had to pry the dang thing apart. Here it is, smooth as can be and tough as nails! I see a cts xhp version in my future, for sure.
24660480445_0a03af6076_b.jpg
 
I am really interested in the American Lawman. From the reviews I have read, this thing is built like a tank. I am a little concerned about the CTS XHP steel though. I read that it is prone to chipping. Can anyone tell me if this is the case or is it being blown out of proportion?
 
well i've used CTS XHP pretty hard around the ranch and done things I shouldn't have with it, pry stuff cut wire hammered it through a nail by accident. No chipping at all and held a good edge i'm impressed with it.
 
I always liked the American Lawman. I've handled older models but did not own one until the XHP. My only gripe is that with the XHP model in particular, I kinda feel the thumbstud isn't in the most optimal position. I don't remember this problem on the older models. Maybe its my grip on the knife in general, with this model having thinner handles than previous models
 
TheEdge01 said:
I am really interested in the American Lawman. From the reviews I have read, this thing is built like a tank. I am a little concerned about the CTS XHP steel though. I read that it is prone to chipping. Can anyone tell me if this is the case or is it being blown out of proportion?
Click to expand...

Anything is possible. Also remember, there are those that will not be happy with any product if they are influenced by its country of manufacture, their promotional techniques, or their spokespeople.

To expand your search, take a look here (mods... it's just a google search page!)

https://goo.gl/oRgcCW

It is surprising how well that knife is reviewed. I have always thought that the reason it wasn't more talked about here is (honestly, as mentioned above) that it just isn't pretty. It doesn't flick, it isn't assisted opening, and it isn't made in the super steel of the month.

On that page of videos, I only watched a couple but personally have never heard of a chipping problem being with this knife. No doubt someone has damaged theirs (like the guys that shot theirs) but certainly nothing from normal knife use.

Robert
 
flatblackcapo said:
I mod'ed a American Lawman for a friend and was so impressed with the construction that I ended up buying it from him some time later. I had pulled all the screws out and the dang thing wouldn't come apart, it felt as solid as when fully assembled. The lock functioned perfect even with all the screws removed. I had to pry the dang thing apart. Here it is, smooth as can be and tough as nails! I see a cts xhp version in my future, for sure.
24660480445_0a03af6076_b.jpg
Click to expand...
Can you elaborate what mod did you do?
I have been interested with Lawman but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I like the AUS8 CS does. Is it still available or all are now XHP? I’m concerned that I cannot have XHP to shave similar to S110V, also same problem with BM’s D2.
 
Chris "Anagarika" said:
Can you elaborate what mod did you do?
I have been interested with Lawman but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I like the AUS8 CS does. Is it still available or all are now XHP? I’m concerned that I cannot have XHP to shave similar to S110V, also same problem with BM’s D2.
Click to expand...

Hey Chris , I just did a simple acid stonewash on that Lawman. I'm not really sure if Cold Steel is still offering the AUS 8 version or not but a quick search on BHQ , Knife Center and DLT only turned up the XHP model. I don't have any experience with XHP but I agree that CS does a nice heat treat on their AUS 8.
 
cricketdave said:
well i've used CTS XHP pretty hard around the ranch and done things I shouldn't have with it, pry stuff cut wire hammered it through a nail by accident. No chipping at all and held a good edge i'm impressed with it.
Click to expand...

Yup with my CTS XHP, I've cut copper wire, blackberry vines (one of the toughest vines I know of in the western US), cardboard boxes, and whittled wood, with 3 different CTS XHP blades (2 by CS, 1 by Spyderco). No prying as you did, but cutting some pretty gnarly stuff. One of these blades, the CS Recon, I bought intentionally to be used hard, and have used it borderline abusively. Even tried chopping a little pressure treated wood with it. Not a chip or rolled edge yet. Anybody that thinks CS can't do HT right, hasn't tried one of their latest CTS XHP or 3v blades.
 
cricketdave said:
I have found the Recon, the Lawman, the talwar all too be really good user's they are designed to cut and they do it very well as well as being durable. I was not fond on cold steel for years, then they changed steel and I bought one to try, yeah i'm very fond of them now. I carry a 4max every day. They are just all very well designed for ergonomics and use.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I'm VERY interested in the upcoming Bush Ranger. The handle looks very, very comfortable.
 
flatblackcapo said:
Hey Chris , I just did a simple acid stonewash on that Lawman. I'm not really sure if Cold Steel is still offering the AUS 8 version or not but a quick search on BHQ , Knife Center and DLT only turned up the XHP model. I don't have any experience with XHP but I agree that CS does a nice heat treat on their AUS 8.
Click to expand...

Thanks! That looks nice, now that you mentioned it, initially I thought it was lighting effect on the photo. :o :D
 
Insipid Moniker said:
The Lawman is a nice knife that I think gets overlooked to a degree. For all their buffoonery, Cold Steel has a solid core of tough, affordable knives that are designed to cut well and are really very practical.
Click to expand...
Thats how I always feel. I dont own any of their knives but the quality seems to be there. But their advertising and branding is so outlandish. I find it hard to get over the names of their knives that they boldy print on the blade like "broken skull"
I cant tell if they just try not to take themselves too seriously or if it is the exact opposite. Either way it always steers me away from them as a brand. I will say I like watching their videos though.
 
I bought one, but later sold it. I liked it a lot actually, but always carry a SAK, so I sold it. Maybe I'll get another.
 
In fact, I just ordered three.

I assume that the hex nut on the opposite side from the STMF functions like a normal thumbstud for non-Wave openings.
 
Anyone know if Cold Steel will make the Lawman again? I can't find one anywhere.
 
Behr95 said:
Anyone know if Cold Steel will make the Lawman again? I can't find one anywhere.
Click to expand...
You should see them soon (ish?) as they get replenished with S35VN steel. The OOS knives you are seeing are CTS-XHP models.
 
A Canadian retailer that sells to the US has OD and Coyote Tan in stock. Both CTS-XHP....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top