Cold Steel Paradox

S

swedgie

Joined
Feb 17, 2008
Messages
47
I find this knife kind of intriguing and tend to linger over it when it pops up. I like LT's video of it and have watched it a few times -- he somehow seems particularly proud of it. It's not a balisong, as is mentioned repeatedly, and it requires both hands to open & close. It looks remarkably strong and solid. I think it looks great, a lot like the BM 42 obviously, but it looks like CS did a good job with the finish.

I like that it's NOT a balisong as I'm not into them, but I always dug the look of the BM42s. It appears that when cutting this Paradox knife would behave the same as a sturdy balisong. Is a balisong folder, by design, generally stronger than the typical lock back, liner, or framelock? Or is this another big "depends"?

Anyone have any experience with this knife? The KnifeCenter reviews aren't very helpful as the buyers just seem to get hung up on their disappointment that it's not a balisong. And that it has a tight clip. I'm hoping to hear that it feels solid with great heft, not too difficult to open with 2 hands, and cuts well & feels good to use. It would be my first Cold Steel product. Thanks for any responses!

photo from KnifeCenterCold Steel Paradox.jpg
 
I really don't get this one. It's a balisong, but without the part that makes balisongs fun. If you want a knife that feels solid, is easy to open, has good ergos and cuts well, there are a ton of better options.
 
if you think youll like it, you probably will. if its like any other cold steel folder, it will be nicely made, strong. this one does seem kinda odd, but i suppose thats part of the appeal.
 
Seems like everyone is PURPOSELY IGNORING the entire reason for this knifes existence, which is to provide a balisong pattern knife without violating knife laws.
It's quite nice, but the design makes the edge hit the inside of the tension bar.
 
Last edited:
The real "paradox" is that it's an answer to a question that nobody asked.
 
Planterz said:
The real "paradox" is that it's an answer to a question that nobody asked.
Click to expand...

WTF?
From cold steel's website:

'' Now Cold Steel is proud to introduce a completely legal version of the butterfly knife that we call The Paradox™. It’s designed from the ground up to specifically mimic a traditional Balisong or Butterfly knife in every respect but one – it can’t be opened with one hand! That’s right, the Paradox ™ is not a switchblade, gravity knife, or assisted opener and can’t be opened without the use of both hands. So, while it looks like a classic Butterfly knife from the early 80’s, and feels like one in your hand, it isn’t. It’s a legal Balisong! ''
 
Not to mention it doesn't lock, so is legal in places that ban locking blades. Too bad the blade is too long for UK, otherwise I might pick one up before. I go there in a few months.
 
Apparently it's done well enough for them that it was worth expanding the line. I think it's an interesting concept, focusing on the inherent strength of the balisong design when open, rather than on the "bladed yo-yo" aspect. Not everyone's cup of tea, but neither is the Pocket Bushman and I love mine.
 
Vicarious Reality said:
WTF?
From cold steel's website:

'' Now Cold Steel is proud to introduce a completely legal version of the butterfly knife that we call The Paradox™. It’s designed from the ground up to specifically mimic a traditional Balisong or Butterfly knife in every respect but one – it can’t be opened with one hand! That’s right, the Paradox ™ is not a switchblade, gravity knife, or assisted opener and can’t be opened without the use of both hands. So, while it looks like a classic Butterfly knife from the early 80’s, and feels like one in your hand, it isn’t. It’s a legal Balisong! ''
Click to expand...

I hear they are also coming out with their Enigma, a fixed blade "virtual" balisong, which does not fold at all. It feels and looks like a Balisong, but isn't one at all!
 
marcinek said:
I hear they are also coming out with their Enigma, a fixed blade "virtual" balisong, which does not fold at all. It feels and looks like a Balisong, but isn't one at all!
Click to expand...

LOL

And it won't get you charged with a felony, which CS falsely claims carrying a balisong will.
 
marcinek said:
I hear they are also coming out with their Enigma, a fixed blade "virtual" balisong, which does not fold at all. It feels and looks like a Balisong, but isn't one at all!
Click to expand...

I can't tell if you're making a joke or if that's really in the works. I honestly wouldn't be surprised either way.
 
I don't WANT a flipping balisong, but the Paradox looks to have the potential of being about as strong a folder as you can get. It's about 6oz with the stainless milled handles and looks to be very solid. The springs look strong & tight. In fact, just about the only thing keeping me from clicking "buy now" is the possibility that those springs may be too tight and make it difficult - or even dangerous - to open & close easily. Think it'll be clumsy? Has anyone actually owned or handled this thing? Thanks for the feedback! Enjoy your knives.
 
Vicarious Reality said:
Seems like everyone is PURPOSELY IGNORING the entire reason for this knifes existence, which is to provide a balisong pattern knife without violating knife laws.
It's quite nice, but the design makes the edge hit the inside of the tension bar.
Click to expand...

Like he said. BTW, very nice, and SHARP knife. Solid feel, and seriously stong lock, both open and closed. I love it, and it does look cool.
 
swedgie said:
I don't WANT a flipping balisong, but the Paradox looks to have the potential of being about as strong a folder as you can get. It's about 6oz with the stainless milled handles and looks to be very solid. The springs look strong & tight. In fact, just about the only thing keeping me from clicking "buy now" is the possibility that those springs may be too tight and make it difficult - or even dangerous - to open & close easily. Think it'll be clumsy? Has anyone actually owned or handled this thing? Thanks for the feedback! Enjoy your knives.
Click to expand...

Actually, it is very safe to open, as you have to use 2 hands to do it. Safe to close too.
 
Vicarious Reality said:
Seems like everyone is PURPOSELY IGNORING the entire reason for this knifes existence, which is to provide a balisong pattern knife without violating knife laws.
Click to expand...

I understand what you're saying. Balisongs are "cool", which makes people desire them, but many can't. So they settle for the Paradox. But as I see it, the knife is a sham. It's like putting on all the leather and a bandanna to ride your Vespa because you can't own a Harley.

There are a few advantages to a balisong over other folding knives. One is that it's a true 1-hand opening, 1-hand closing knife where you don't have to put your hand in the path of the edge (assuming you're competent enough to flip it properly). The other advantage is the "lock". A well-made balisong is almost as strong as a fixed blade. And it doesn't even need to be locked (latched) closed.

With the Paradox however, the only advantage is the "lock" strength. What you're left with is a knife that isn't comfortable to use for extended periods, and looks like something that it's not.

I'm fortunate that I can and do legally own and carry balisongs here in sunny Arizona. So maybe I've been spoiled by that, and if I lived elsewhere maybe I would understand the appeal of the Paradox. But from my point of view, it's an idiotic knife.
 
Vicarious Reality said:
Yeah, you come here and show the police you're carrying a balisong and we will see what happens.
Click to expand...

To... Scandanavia? I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that Cold Steel didn't make a knife just to make the Scandanavian police happy.

They do, however, claim that it is a felony to own a balisong in California, which is completely false. It is legal to own one and a minor crime to carry one. They're just saying that to scare people into buying an impostor knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top