Cold Steel= flat out liars

I have a CS medium Voyager. It was one of those impulse e-bay purchases, but I like the knife. It's got an AUS-8 serrated blade, the action is pretty smooth for a lockback, good lock up, nice fit and finish. It's not a BM Mini Grip, but it only cost me half as much as my Mini Grip and I like it 3/4 as well.

One caveat would be that CS only warranties their folders for one year.
 
ralph.merlino said:
I would agree with m calingo. I would spend a little more money and get a Brian Tighe
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It isn't a little more money, it is nearly twice the price (again, the Web, as opposed to List, price)--and the Tighe Stick, an excellent knife that I have held in my hot little hand, is not better than a black Sable: it is merely different. The Black Sable has a less ingenious lock, to be sure, but San Mai III is every bit as good as BG-42, though, again, completely different in character and composition...obviously enough. A decision like this one has less to do with quality than style. Even in the wildest dream of a Tighe lover, the Black Sable ain't two-hundred dollars less knife. Take it from this old warrior, the Black Sable is the single best thing ever to come out of Cold steel, whose folders are not on the same level as creations from several price competitors. And if you read my text above, you will know that I am no fan of the company or its founder. Even their braggadocio-laden copy makes me feel slightly ill.... But none of that changes the fact that this new product is first-rate. There is no stronger folder for the money, merely other worthy choices which deserve proper respect.
 
TheBruce : first, welcome to the forums! Its a great place to hang out! Next, thanks for the review of the Black Sable. It's always better to hear first hand from someone whos owns one than to read a mag review. I found it selling for $249.99 + $5.95 S/H from New Graham (where I buy 95% of my knives) so it is definately affordable for me (though I'm sure my wife will have other ideas! :D ). Got a b'day coming up in Nov sooooo ..... :D
 
ronsec said:
TheBruce : first, welcome to the forums! Its a great place to hang out! Next, thanks for the review of the Black Sable. It's always better to hear first hand from someone whos owns one than to read a mag review. I found it selling for $249.99 + $5.95 S/H from New Graham (where I buy 95% of my knives) so it is definately affordable for me (though I'm sure my wife will have other ideas! :D ). Got a b'day coming up in Nov sooooo ..... :D
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Thank you for your kind message, Ronsec! I'm happy to have found the Blade Forum, which is clearly loaded with enthusiasts who love great design and performance. I have seen New Graham and it is an attractive site; in fact, they had a beautiful spear point William Henry that interested me, but the thing was sold out by the time I got there (WH-T09-I: 154CM blade, desert ironwood scales, titanium bolsters). By the way, funny that you should bring up wife management. My own wife is a terrific gal who understands that men need to collect things, but she is still mystified that I can find joy in owning dozens of sharp objects, many of which open and close in a quite similar fashion...the less said the better. Though I do on occasion resort to underhanded techniques, like the suggestion that she's seen that brand spanking new knife before, since, and this is a direct quote, "it opens and closes just like the rest of your folding knives." This is my way of saying that I hope you have an excellent birthday!
 
but San Mai III is every bit as good as BG-42, though, again, completely different in character and composition...obviously enough.
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AFAIK San Mai is just AUS8 sandwhiched by 420, and that's better then BG42?
 
DaveH said:
AFAIK San Mai is just AUS8 sandwhiched by 420, and that's better then BG42?
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Good to read a fellow's post before you wade in, Dave.... I said that "San Mai III is every bit as good as BG-42, though, again, completely different in character and composition...obviously enough." I did not claim that San Mai III was better than BG-42, which is one of the best knife steels in existence. Are you looking for a fight or a dialogue? The two materials are completely different. But San Mai III is one of the most rugged steels I have ever used to do heavy work and it holds a good edge. BG-42 is not a laminate, it is isn't designed to be tough on the outside and hard in the middle like San Mai III; BG-42 is just tough and hard all the way through--in fact, it is one of my absolute favorites. Let's not get off on the wrong foot: I am a professional, not a truculent weeny. Professionals appreciate the best of everything. And recognize that there are ideal uses for every good steel, together with solid all-round performers that also deserve respect. San Mai III is a solid all-round performer.
 
Generally I'm just a sebenza troll, sometimes I become other kinds of trolls. :D
(Not really)

I'd like to see some sort of actual comparison ala Cliff stamp for the same or similar knives, one being San Mai III and another being BG42 or even VG10.

I don't doubt it's a reasonable or even comparable performer. IMO it just seems extraordinarily hyped and extraordinarily expensive for AUS8. Rationally it just doesn't make sense to me, though I have no problem with people buying it and liking it.
 
TheBruce said:
Good to read a fellow's post before you wade in, Dave.... I said that "San Mai III is every bit as good as BG-42, though, again, completely different in character and composition...obviously enough." I did not claim that San Mai III was better than BG-42, which is one of the best knife steels in existence. Are you looking for a fight or a dialogue? The two materials are completely different. But San Mai III is one of the most rugged steels I have ever used to do heavy work and it holds a good edge. BG-42 is not a laminate, it is isn't designed to be tough on the outside and hard in the middle like San Mai III; BG-42 is just tough and hard all the way through--in fact, it is one of my absolute favorites. Let's not get off on the wrong foot: I am a professional, not a truculent weeny. Professionals appreciate the best of everything. And recognize that there are ideal uses for every good steel, together with solid all-round performers that also deserve respect. San Mai III is a solid all-round performer.
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The Bruce,

Aren't there some guys who makes custom knives using BG-42? I think their names are Reeve or Loveless, something or the other.

http://cgi.ebay.com/R-W-LOVELESS-SK...ryZ43325QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Chris-Reeve-Sma...ryZ43334QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
Titus said:
Actually, CS licenses the Ultra Lock from BM. That doesn't mean that it is as strong or well made, though.
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I don't know where you got that idea. According to the Cold Steel website, "they each feature our revolutionary Ultra Lock™ (patent pending)."

Or for more detail:
Ultralock said:
After 2 years of experimentation and testing, Cold Steel® is proud to introduce our new Ultra Lock.™ We believe this revolutionary locking mechanism (patent pending) is as “fool proof” as it gets and represents a big advancement in safety. The way the lock works is as the knife is opened the blade rotates in a semi circular manner around the locking pin via a larger cut channel in the blade tang. Then just prior to reaching the fully opened position the spring loaded locking pin moves forward through the oncoming straight portion of the tang channel until it “dead ends”. At this point the blade is rigidly locked open and can’t budge even a fraction of an inch as the locking pin is surrounded by solid steel which prevents any movement of the blade. In fact this lockup is so strong it can only be overcome in two manners. The first is to apply so much force to the blade that the locking pin shears off or breaks through the solid steel blade tang. The second is to manually retract the locking pin far enough that it escapes the straight part of the channel. Once this is done the curve portion of the channel can engage it and once again rotate around it as the blade is closed.
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Yeah, it's revolutionary. Revolutionarily stolen form Benchmade.

Maybe you're thinking of Heckler and Koch, 'Designed around Benchmade’s patented AXIS™ locking mechanism; an ingenious creation touted as quite possibly “the strongest folding lock ever,” '
 
I've got 2 CS knives. The first I bought was a Voyager Medium Tanto Point with integral clip. This knive has perfect fit and finish and no blade play in either direction. Then I bought the Scimitar. Total waste of money. The handle feels cheap, blade play and the blade started to rust after a week of just lying in my display.
At the moment I only buy Spyderco. They're so much better(especially their non FRN knives, those are perfect) :thumbup:
 
I've been EDCing a CS Voyager 3" Clip Point with the plain edge for a while now. I got it at a really good price and I've been happy with it. Very sharp, solid feeling lock. I haven't used it heavily so I haven't had to resharpen it yet. I like it, though I do wish there were steel liners in the handles. I just like metal over plastic.

Also,their video may be a lot of hype but it is hilarious.
 
DaveH said:
Generally I'm just a sebenza troll, sometimes I become other kinds of trolls. :D
(Not really)

I'd like to see some sort of actual comparison ala Cliff stamp for the same or similar knives, one being San Mai III and another being BG42 or even VG10.

I don't doubt it's a reasonable or even comparable performer. IMO it just seems extraordinarily hyped and extraordinarily expensive for AUS8. Rationally it just doesn't make sense to me, though I have no problem with people buying it and liking it.
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Your comments are well noted. First, AUS8 is a good "everyday" steel; second, the sandwich is what you pay for, and it exponentially increases the effectiveness of the inner layer by making the whole construct just stupid tough. I took a San Mai III blade to GWI and the thing was indestructible, and this despite constant abuse. I respect your reaction to the stuff, and I understand it, too. I personally love Chris Reeve, William Henry, Benchmade and Spyderco, though each listed maker is intrinsically different. There is a place for Cold Steel, though I agree with the members who dump on their more pathetic offerings. None of that changes the simple fact that the black Sable is an excellent knife, and that San Mai III is strong and reliable. Know what I mean, Sebenza-troll? Sure you do....

Now perhaps we can be pals, Dave. And I second your wish for a proper trial. In fact, it would be terrific if an impartial test of all the top knife steels were carried-out by a respected outfit.
 
DGG said:
The Bruce,

Aren't there some guys who makes custom knives using BG-42? I think their names are Reeve or Loveless, something or the other.

http://cgi.ebay.com/R-W-LOVELESS-SK...ryZ43325QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Chris-Reeve-Sma...ryZ43334QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Honestly, DGG, are you serious with this insulting rubbish? You might consider actually reading my post, in which I highly praise the quality of BG-42 steel. I know exactly who uses the stuff to make custom knives.... Or has the generally informed and balanced tone of my posts escaped you entirely? Don't patronize your elders--it isn't nice.
 
I've a fair number of CS products over the ears. I like their Voyager series for workers. I have owned a number of their fixed blade the Trailmaster, Recon Scout & Tanto, and a SRK. I traded or sold them all they just didn't suit my taste.
 
Sgt. Art said:
I've a fair number of CS products over the ears. I like their Voyager series for workers. I have owned a number of their fixed blade the Trailmaster, Recon Scout & Tanto, and a SRK. I traded or sold them all they just didn't suit my taste.
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You echo my own situation exactly, Sgt. Art: like you, I have owned and sold or traded several of their knives. The only Cold Steel product I've cared enough to acquire in the last few years is the above-mentioned Black Sable. And though my San Mai III Tanto was a good knife, ultimately the Kraton handle broke me down; the stuff just beats the heck of your hands, and its hot weather performance is downright sad. There are many high-end makers doing better work than CS--but Cold Steel nonetheless fills a need. And I really like the Black Sable, which is presently receiving a proper edge from Mr. O'Malley at Epicurean edge, in Kirkland, Washington. There is nothing else in the CS lineup that moves me, however....
 
Am I the only one that is bothered by the fact that the Cold Steal "Black Sable" is a blatant rip-off of Brian Tighe's design? Lynn Thompson has no honor- he will never get another dime from me:(
 
Yester5 said:
Am I the only one that is bothered by the fact that the Cold Steal "Black Sable" is a blatant rip-off of Brian Tighe's design? Lynn Thompson has no honor- he will never get another dime from me:(
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Anyone heard from Brian Tighe about this?
 
Yester5 said:
Am I the only one that is bothered by the fact that the Cold Steal "Black Sable" is a blatant rip-off of Brian Tighe's design? Lynn Thompson has no honor- he will never get another dime from me:(
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Nope, I'm bothered as well. Your observations are similar to mine, Yester5.


Cheers,
3Guardsmen
 
No, it is not a rip-off of the Brian Tighe design.

The Black Sable is based on a combination of the scimitar and the tanto blade tip.

If one assumes that LT and CS are in the business of "riping off" the competition, then they are not aware of not only CS long history in the industry (some 25 years), or how much time and money LT puts into design, research, marketing, and legal issues (like making sure that a chosen name is not previousley owned) before a knife goes into the rather expensive process of production.

If we are going to start with the "rip off" label, let's not forget that CS introduced the tanto to the American market. Yet I do not hear you CS detractors jump up and say that all these other companies and custom makers "ripped off" CS designs. It's called a double standard, and it's not right.

I have the feeling that I am going to be one of the few defenders of CS. Let the flaming begin.
 
TheBruce said:
First, AUS8 is a good "everyday" steel; second, the sandwich is what you pay for, and it exponentially increases the effectiveness of the inner layer by making the whole construct just stupid tough.
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I'd bet a manix or chinook will do everything that these new cold steels can do and much more, for half the price.

What scientific foundation are you basing these claims about the toughness of San Mai III on? I'd love to see some charpy test results.
 
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