Cold steel Lawman

R

ranger351w

Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
4
Good day

I am new here but it looks like a place for answers.
I am looking for a Good durable folding clip Defense knife similar to the Lawman al58. Anyone have any Ideas as I am new to defensive knife carry.

I was also looking at assisted openers. Heck I don't have a clue so have at it.:o

Mike
 
Welcome to BF, Ranger351w (Mike)!:) Nothing at all wrong with the Cold Steel American Lawman! I've got one and I like it. That said, I see it as more of a 'utility knife' than as a 'defensive knife.' It does have an incredibly strong lock! If you're looking for a purely defensife knife, which of course can also double as an excellent utility knife, check out the Spyderco Waved Endura 4 (linked below). There's none faster on the draw, it costs about the same, has better blade steel and a better warranty behind it!
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=226
C10PGYW_L.jpg


Regards,
3G
 
It will probably be said many times on this thread that the first thing you will want to get is very simple---training.

Defending yourself with a knife is not necessarily an instinctive thing; much better tools could be had for a novice without training. No matter how nice, expensive, or mean-looking your blade is, it won't be a very effective defensive tool without some knowledge and know-how in wielding it.

The Spyderco Endura Wave would make an excellent knife. The blade length is legal for carry in quite a few places, it is quick to deploy manually or with the Wave feature, is not overly expensive, and is easily replacable. Spyderco also makes several different Endura Trainer models, which will help you in knowing how to handle the knife in real situations while in training sessions.

If you can't properly receive or afford extensive training, knife-based self defense should be looked upon with limited practicality and efficiency in a situation against an armed assailant. With limited training, the Spyderco Civilian might be an effective, last-ditch slasher (that's what it was designed for), although it lacks the capability of the stab.

Good luck and God bless!
 
Your original question, regarding the American Lawman: I have one a really like it. Really grippy G10. The lock is one of the strongest, and loudest, I`ve seen, heard or used. The lock bar needs to travel between 4-5mm before it can be disengaged, and it take quite a lot of pressure to due so. If that is important to you, you will like it. It seem it may be stronger if you find yourself using it in a stabbing motion.

The Enduras I`ve had, all needed just 1-2mm of movement to disengage the lock and the pressure to due so is quite minimal. Many like that and prefer it for speed of use. The wave feature will also get`er out as fast as possible.

The Cold Steel Recon1 will open with the flick of a wrist, so consider that model too.

But Kershaws Speed assisted (and non speed assisted) models need to be considered too. You`ll get the most knife for your money, just need to choose from all the styles.

(and welcome to BF)
Dave
 
steelscout30 said:
It will probably be said many times on this thread that the first thing you will want to get is very simple---training.

Defending yourself with a knife is not necessarily an instinctive thing; much better tools could be had for a novice without training. No matter how nice, expensive, or mean-looking your blade is, it won't be a very effective defensive tool without some knowledge and know-how in wielding it.

The Spyderco Endura Wave would make an excellent knife. The blade length is legal for carry in quite a few places, it is quick to deploy manually or with the Wave feature, is not overly expensive, and is easily replacable. Spyderco also makes several different Endura Trainer models, which will help you in knowing how to handle the knife in real situations while in training sessions.


If you can't properly receive or afford extensive training, knife-based self defense should be looked upon with limited practicality and efficiency in a situation against an armed assailant. With limited training, the Spyderco Civilian might be an effective, last-ditch slasher (that's what it was designed for), although it lacks the capability of the stab.

Good luck and God bless!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the heads up. And will look at the mentioned piece.

I have no intentions of trying to be a knife fighter as I ccw ALWAYS and would avoid any confrontation at all cost! However that said I would hate to be in a situation where I did not have a back up chance to survive or at least make it mutual.

I practice awareness and avoidance at all cost. But we know that some times it is inevitable to be put in situations not of our making.

I am in need of you guys expertise on this knife carry subject and appreciate all info.:cool:

Thank you very much
Mike
 
ranger351w said:
Thanks for the heads up. And will look at the mentioned piece.

I have no intentions of trying to be a knife fighter as I ccw ALWAYS and would avoid any confrontation at all cost! However that said I would hate to be in a situation where I did not have a back up chance to survive or at least make it mutual.

I practice awareness and avoidance at all cost. But we know that some times it is inevitable to be put in situations not of our making.

I am in need of you guys expertise on this knife carry subject and appreciate all info.:cool:

Thank you very much
Mike
Click to expand...

Mike,
You sound like a very sharp guy who also has a lot of common sense! Those are indeed the proper attributes to have when considering carrying any tool for one's defense. I highly suggest you take a look at this subforum, where like-minded individuals tend to post. It's called "Practical Tactical," or "Prac-Tac" for short: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=680

Good luck to you and please do stick around!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G
 
Yeah, I bought a Lawman for my buddy who is a state trooper up here, and I was VERY impressed with it...I have a full-size BM Griptilian, and the Lawman compared favorably everywhere but maybe steel quality (but I could be wrong)...heavy, solid, great lock, nice blade profile, etc....awesome knife!
 
I was looking to buy a CS American Lawman and saw this picture. If someone who owns one could comment on the goofy sharp edged space on the folded knife. It looks like it could hang up on just about anything that comes near it.
csstoreonline_2040_18487394.jpg
 
cadjak said:
If someone who owns one could comment on the goofy sharp edged space on the folded knife. It looks like it could hang up on just about anything that comes near it.
Click to expand...
It doesn't, especially when you carry it in your pocket.;)

Regards,
3G
 
Thanks. I do my best not to have many unpleasant surprises after I buy a knife. It still can happen, but having someone who actually owns the knife comment, is helpful.
 
Gotta agree that the Lawman is an impressive piece. The handle is large and comfortable in a couple positions. The lock engages with a thwack and there is zero bladeplay unlike most lockbacks. I'm tempted to check out the Rajah because the Lawman is so good.
 
Check out the ultimate hunter while you're at it. Has one of the strongest lock designs of any folder.
 
cadjak said:
Thanks. I do my best not to have many unpleasant surprises after I buy a knife. It still can happen, but having someone who actually owns the knife comment, is helpful.
Click to expand...
Smart guy!:thumbup: The CS American Lawman is indeed a good, tough folder. You shouldn't have any problems with it.

Regards,
3G
 
I have one, carry it, and like it, my best lockback!
The corner of the blade you refer to it not sharp, the only sharp part of the blade is the one that belongs there:p
 
The part which is mentioned to be a risk in hooking in the pockets is not a risk. I regularly take this folder out of my pocket and not once has it snagged.

The lockup is superb and the design of this 'lockback' means under repeated opening/closing there will be no bladeplay as wearing out the moving parts only cause the lockbar to move in deeper into the lock cavity (IMO and analysis). The steel is not a great steel but it suffices for my cardboard cutting and edge retention is actually quite ok.

The grind is quite high up and it's a hollow grind and with minor reprofiling of the knife edge (my practice/choice) it is a good cutter. I still don't like the teflon coating and prefer DLC or Titanium Nitrite (If any coating is necessary) and the teflon coat smudges/scratches easy.

I also like the handle where the 'guard' is rather pronounced and this is good for safety. The choil is well placed and is also additional safety when closing it. I also don't like the backspacer screws, too few and small. I added a pivot screw into the lanyard hole and bolted/screwed it together. Now it is extra rigid and I prefer it that way.

Gettit, you won't regret it regardless for SD or EDC use.

PS: As an alternative with a similar overall size I'd recommend the Manix (Spyderco)and the Lahar (Kershaw). But perhaps something that opens fast is better for SD so anything with a wave like the Enduras mentioned earlier or the Cold Steel AK-47 (same blade shape somewhat) with a 'wave' thumbplate fits your bill.
 
Last edited:
ranger351w said:
I am looking for a Good durable folding clip Defense knife similar to the Lawman al58. Anyone have any Ideas as I am new to defensive knife carry.
Click to expand...
The best advice I can give is to determine the price you want to pay for the knife, determine exactly what you'll use it for, then go with your own personal tastes. For self defense, blade metal isn't terribly important, but you don't want junk. It needs to have a blade of an appropriate and legal length (generally 4-inch blade length or above).

For defensive use, I find it hard to beat Cold Steel's Voyager Extra Large with serrations. CS has an attractive and ferocious serration pattern that's fine enough to cut most of what you'll need for an Every Day Carry (EDC) knife. They're not "bumpy" like many other patterns and they even cut paper well.

ColdSteelVoyagers_1.jpg


Cold Steel Voyager and Vaquero Grande (6-inchers)
and Voyager Extra Large 5-incher. All are great knives.

ColdSteelSerrations.jpg


Cold Steel serrations. Very effective for
self defense.

The Voyager comes in 3-inches, 4-inches, 5-inches and 6-inches (blade length). The 4-incher is a good, generally, very effective SD knife. The 5-incher is my favorite.

If you want a black knife, consider the Cold Steel Recon 1. Spyderco makes a decent line of knives, but they tend to be pricey. Still, you be the judge when $$$$$$$$ is at stake.
 
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