Cold Steel is stepping it up with XHP

BellaBlades

BellaBlades

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Jul 12, 2013
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For those of who that do not know. Cold steel is starting to use CTS-XHP steel on various models. The AK-47 has always been a favorite of mine.
I am not sure on what the heat treat is. But I can say it really does hold its edge well after doing some come cutting. The heat treat is amazing as anything else. It is such a good feeling to finally have a state of the art steel on my favorite design. The Tri ad lock speaks for itself. You can see everything you need in the photos.
I am not sure what these will go for. But I payed a small premium I think at 130$ shipped. That said, I would pay 200$ for this knife. It already had everything going for itself, but with the new steel it is King.
The coating is awesome and reminds me of a lighter colored boron carbide. Just brighter.




 
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That coating is a lot better. Nice knife, if they offer it on the Voyager i'll get one. Thanks for the heads-up and pics.
 
Now they just need a Lawman with these upgrades and I'm sold
 
The color and sheen look awesome. Can't wait to get my hands on an American Lawman and a Recon 1 in this steel.
 
I just sold my Lawman although I like them both very much. I can choke up easily on the AK so I dont need the choil.
The pommel that wraps the pinky is amazing on the knife for grip. Plus it opens beer and other items as well.

grownstar said:
Agreed.

The AK-47 has always intrigued me, especially with that pommel.
Click to expand...
 
Models I would kinda kill to see in XHP:

Tuff Lite
Talwar
Code 4
Hold Out
Point Guard (!!!)


But really, the Kobun. I love my Warcraft Tanto, but I could use something a little smaller for daily carry.
 
Very nice. Just got an AK-47 in a trade and it's a great knife so far. The grip is really great so I imagine I'll be getting the XHP version next year...especially with the DLC - can't stand this cheap paint stuff...
 
As I understand it, Cold Steel are moving to CTS-BD1 for their lower range knives, and XHP for their upper end knives. Obviously at the moment it's difficult justifying the difference in price between an XL Voyager and an XL Recon when both use the same steel, but even though there would be a premium for the XHP it would make the Recon more valuable than the Voyager in the eyes of a buyer.

I think it's what they were trying to do with VG-1 a few years ago, but people weren't willing to pay extra for the steel improvement so to remain in business they downgraded to AUS8.
 
The gentleman that I purchased this from picked up a batch from blade show I believe. I am not sure when they come out.
I can say that after a bit of cutting this afternoon I can tell it does very well and is tough. I did a little chopping with it before cutting cardboard and plastic. It really is still just as sharp, I hit it up on the strop and she shaves like a dream. The steel seems very uniform through out. The coating cleans up very nicely. I like that it has a bit of a sheen and not just flat black.
 
I agree with all the good comments on the triad lock, it's super. The steel sounds great, but why didn't they sharpen the edge all the way? It looks like a small portion was missed. Other than that, I'll be happy to get one as well!
 
Ive only owned two before this, they always come that way. A small inconsistency in some models.
I can say it prevents it from snagging like that little choil does on some blades I have used. So that is a positive.
Either sharpen it out with a diamond or let it wear in, but not really an issue.
The only thing I did was sand under the pocket clip, before all of my pockets are shredded.

Does any body know when they will be available?
 
Their handles do tend to be a bit aggressive on my jeans as well! :D Thanks for the pictures, I'll be looking for these. I've always enjoy CS's products, they are definitely upping the ante here, which is great!
 
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