Cold Steel new steel CTS-XHP opinions

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augostos

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Sep 15, 2011
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I was wondering how Cold Steel's CTS-XHP is compared to some other widely used knife steels? For example, to Emerson's 154CM, Spyderco S30V or Microtech S35-VN.
 
My experience is that it performs very much like S30V. Maybe a bit less edge retention and a little less microchipping to go with it. I would rate it as all around better than 154CM. This is for the 60-61rc blades, though, the Ultimate Hunter has been reported as being run significantly harder and, if that's accurate, will behave quite differently.
 
I like it so far, and agree pretty much with what Moniker said. For me it finally put Cold Steel in the 'one to own' category. I'm pleased with it. It has enough history now to pretty much confirm it's a good knife steel.

I have XHP in a couple of Ti-Lites and wish they weren't bead blast. I'll have to see how they do long-term on rust.
 
Just got mine yesterday, so I don't have much time in with it, but it is certainly a huge improvement over AUS-8!

I know some people have had good experiences with Cold Steel's AUS, so I may have simply gotten a dud.

I think they are paying more attention to the heat treat with the CTS blades, too. That will make a world of difference.
 
I have a Code 4 in CTS-HXP. Pretty good stuff as far as I'm concerned, with a noticeable difference in edge retention over Cold Steel's previous AUS8 versions.
 
It feels like it takes just as sharp of an edge that the previous Aus-8A did, with much better edge retention.

I am seeing improved quality control on the CTS-XHP models too.

The opening action is smoother and the DLC-coating completely covers the blade, unlike the previous black teflon coating that would sometimes have chips brand new, right out of the box.
 
I just watched a youtube review of it and the reviewer stated that it is similar to S30V except that it rolls when S30V chips. If that is true, it is impressive. I just ordered a CS ultimate hunter in it, so it will be interesting to see how it does.
 
I have a recon 1 spear point with the new steel. I have not used it that much but it seems easier to touch up than S30v. The DLC coating is a huge improvement over the Recon 1 I had with AUS8.
 
I can't add anything to what has been said but I am glad Cold Steel offers CTS-XHP.
Two thumbs up.
I like it.
 
I have a Recon 1 spear point as well and I have been impressed with it. I had it with me when I was clearing some hunting lanes and spots for my climber/stands this year. I used it chopping off quite a few limbs and cutting down a few bushes, especially around my trail cams. It made short work of everything I threw at it and I decided to put it through a couple of roughly 3" diameter oaks. Through everything it never chipped or rolled. I didn't even have to touch it up as it would still shave and the coating shows no real wear at all. I am definitely impressed with it and for the price it is one heck of a knife.
 
Still sharp after a couple cardboard boxes, and an apple!

(I really like this steel)

It did seem to be slowing down a little, so I stropped it across the steel from the butcher's block. Back to good!

(I really like this steel!)

It's also worth mentioning that up to this point, my only other experience with "expensive" steel was a D2 Mini-Grip. I've mostly been content with 8CroMov123456 stuff. I'm pretty sure I'm spoiled for anything less, now.
 
Yeah, scratches are going to happen, even when we are careful.

I have scratched two of my newer Cold Steel's so far:

A Hold Out II and a Code 4 Spear Point.

But they are great user knives!
 
Insipid Moniker said:
My experience is that it performs very much like S30V. Maybe a bit less edge retention and a little less microchipping to go with it. I would rate it as all around better than 154CM. This is for the 60-61rc blades, though, the Ultimate Hunter has been reported as being run significantly harder and, if that's accurate, will behave quite differently.
Click to expand...

Has there been any confirmation that different Cold Steel XHP blades are run at different hardnesses? This is the first I hear of this! I'd be interested to hear more about this! Thanks!
 
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