Cold Steel Spectre SanMai III folder review

[STR]

I pretty much quit buying from Cold Steel a while back and said that the Ultimate Hunter folder I bought (great knife by the way) would be the last for a while. Well, a while came and went what can I say. The truth is I've never had any problems with Cold Steel knives and the ones I've owned have been very well made and super users. As a bare bones user maker this always appealed to me. Its pretty sad to have to start a review with justification for the purchase but in this case with this particular knife the justification was in the deal I finally snagged it for. The MSRP on this folder is $370. I got it for well under half price and had pretty much been wanting one to check out ever since I first saw it. There was just something about this one that stood out to me and made me want to have it.

The blade on this puppy is 5mm thick yet taken to a zero degree edge that is razor sharp. The curve of the blade is pretty nice for ripping opening packages which is something I did with it promptly this morning right after opening this one up.

The overall size is perfect IMO at 4.75" closed and 8.75" open with obviously a 4" blade. The folder is just slender enough to hide nicely in the pocket, but long enough for ample handle in the biggest of hands. It is a bit thicker than I expected at right at 9/16" but to accomadate a blade this thick I see no other way around it. The Peerless lock is impressive and strong made of grade 5 titanium in a .060 thickness. It has the proprietary bend at the contact and thumb release spot to both give more contact to the blade and strength to the lock but is more than a bit tight at this point. It sticks pretty good at this writing but if this goes like usual that will probably work in over time and use.

The pocket clip has perfect tension and is not difficult to slide over the pocket of even the thickest pants I own (my backyard outfitter cargo pants).

The texture of the lock on the release area is quite aggressive. Aggressive enough to take off skin with repeated use and yet the thumb stud has no texture at all and is smooth. In fact if there is one thing I know already that I don't like about this folder its the thumb stud. My thumb tends to miss it and I find it difficult to open for both the stud slickness and the fact that the blade sticks closed pretty tight from the detent ball on the lock. As a result it is not a folder that just opens right up without thinking about what you are doing for me which can only mean one thing. Remember I'm a backyard mechanic. It means new thumb stud ala STR.

The non sharpened serrations on the spine of the blade for added grip texture for the thumb are excellent providing perfect grip and placement for the thumb.

The fit and finish on the knife is top shelf. The mirror polished blade and attention to detail both inside and out are exactly what I was expecting.

Is it worth the MSRP? Well, no, not in my opinion anyways. But its not bad for $159.95 if you can find one for that. I've bought lesser knives for more for sure some just recently in fact. I have tried off and on to buy one of these Spectre knives for a long time and no one ever had them in stock. All I ever saw was presales or preorders and pictures until just last week. I had heard that Lynn was so picky that he kept refusing them when they'd make up new prototypes. In my opinion it falls a bit short of expectations and that is always a dissappointment. I had to know though. I do like it and I fully intend to keep it but it won't see the kind of use I had hoped unless I make some adjustments to make it suit me personally. For one I have to be able to open it easier or its just not going to see any use at all. As it is I've nearly cut my thumb twice now from it sliding off the stud on the way out.

Even with these faults as I see them I'd rate the Spectre a high 8 on a scale of 10 with 10 being the highest score and in truth I'd have to still say that for the money the Ultimate Hunter from Cold Steel is a far better value for the $ at $50 plus or minus. But I knew no one had written anything about this one and very few people I know even have one so in the end I bit the bullet and got one of my own. Here are some shots of it on my flat bed scanner, lock view, spine view, opened and a closed one for a clip side view. Its a sweet looker and very cool just not quite what I had hoped in the way of a good EDC user from a company that is usually the master at making super user knives.

STR

 

[biggerjon]

nice writeup


i am glad it faired well.:thumbup:

 

[stedram]

absolutely right, the best description for spectre. recently i owned the hatamoto san mai by coldsteel instead of spectre, i wanted something tough and strong. spectre is a beautiful knife and has a razor sharp like my hatamoto, look out with that. i believe you will enjoy it.

 

[Daniel L]

Thanks STR for a review of a well hyped, but somewhat unpopular line from Cold Steel.

You summarised what I had expected.

 

[STR]

spectre is a beautiful knife and has a razor sharp like my hatamoto, look out with that.

Actually that was not the case at all. As a further note: The Spectre, to my complete dismay is without a doubt the dullest knife NIB that I have bought for this kind of money in many years, and most certainly the dullest I have ever recieved from Cold Steel. I kid you not when I tell you that it was just opened and new with no evidence of tampering or others owning the knife before me or from someone buying the knife and returning it after being in the box because it was sealed and still in the new vacuum sealed packaging from CS. It would not even slice Post Office reciepts which is something even my everyday carry user knife can do readily. I thought when I first examined it that it was razor sharp but it proved to be what I call a false edge. It was highly polished like it should have been sharp but when I actually used it for some tests it didn't perform as expected. I have trouble believing that cutting open some mail with it dulled the factory edge enough to keep it from slicing postal reciepts. None the less its fixed now.

For anyone interested the edge angle on this is not really zero degree after all but more like 25 degree based on my best guess using the Edge Pro.

Go figure. One of the first things I had to do after replacing the thumb stud on the blade with one more to my thumbs liking so I can find it to open it without slipping, was to tape off the blade and sharpen it on my Edge Pro to bring it up to my expectations. Now its where it should be and readily pops hairs and shaves news print. Leave it to me to get the one they forgot to do the final step on. Fortunately I can fix such things easily though.

I've used a lead pencil on the blade contact area for the lock to ease up the pressure necessary to close it. I must admit when I got up this morning my thumb was real tender from opening and closing this beefcake lock yesterday. It is one stout lock now let me tell you. Overall though I'm enjoying the knife and like the thin profile. I expect over time that it will break in the old fashioned way and become a smoother more functional performer. It is well made and heavy duty. I honestly believe I could stab this one in a tree and climb up it using this knife opened and that it would hold me long enough to give me a leg up. You can say a lot bad about Lynn but he does make sure they make their locks strong and reliable if nothing else.

Oh yeah. One more observation for anyone that doesn't know the San Mai blades. I've found that these San Mai III laminated blades are very similar to the ZDP189 laminated ones in the way they scratch very easily. The super finish and scratch free polish and spit shine of the blade will not last long on these. Enjoy it before you use it because the first couple times you slice something with it you will start to notice more and more evidence of it on the blade. Just goes with the territory of on these softer outer steel harder inner core laminated blades as the old saying goes.

STR

 

[biggerjon]

i know what you mean about there locks. when i open my xl voyager it feels as solid as slamming a car door shut.

 

[tholiver]

Hmm nice knife. But i have a question where'd you buy the new thumb stud? I have an old first gen SOG Tomcat that i love but rarely use because opening it is strictly a two-handed operation. An aftermarket thumb stud or one of those disc shaped butons would be ideal. Anybody have any links or recommendations?

 

[STR]

The one on my knife came from Texas knifemaker supply. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62755&d=1163793772

Several suppliers sell them. I like these pretty well though. If you want a longer one than they offer you can buy a 3/16 pivot barrel from knifekits if they still offer them in the 2-56 size thread. Some are 4-40 thread and only work on so many folders. I'm not sure what SOG uses.

STR

 

[Cliff Stamp]

For anyone interested the edge angle on this is not really zero degree after all but more like 25 degree based on my best guess using the Edge Pro.

The wording from this on Cold Steel does tend to imply the edge is zero-bevel but upon careful reading of the promotional material that is really only specified for the custom prototype.

http://www.coldsteel.com/60sf.html

I do find a lot of interesting comments made on that page however like :

"...[FONT=arial, helvetica]styled with our own Talon point, a blade style which offers absolutely ferocious ripping, cutting and slashing power without compromising the point’s ability to be used for piercing."

[/FONT]That handle to me doesn't really seem suited to that style of cutting as the security looks fairly low, especially for thrusting. Would you feel comfortable using the knife in such a fashion, and in those regards :

"[FONT=arial, helvetica] It has solid Titanium liners to give its understructure superior strength ..."

[/FONT]The blade to me looks like a precision cutting instrument with a very fine point and thus it doesn't seem obvious that handle strength is really a concern. Would even FRN grips fail before the point went if the knife saw a lot of dynamic cutting?

-Cliff

 

[STR]

That handle to me doesn't really seem suited to that style of cutting as the security looks fairly low, especially for thrusting. Would you feel comfortable using the knife in such a fashion, and in those regards :

No way, not for thrusting hard anyway. Not from the factory. I trust it more now with my pocket hook on the blade to at least give your hand a physical stop but even that is inadequate. You'd severely cut your hand trying a hard stab because there is nothing to keep your hand from sliding up on the blade right off the handle. However the blade does penetrate well. The blade and lock can stand up to it I believe. It slices well for a 5mm thick piece of steel but its by no means a good knife for slicing an apple or some other such job as this but for slashing it could probably be a fierce cutting tool as sharp as it is.

I find it interesting in some of the write ups also. For example opening it in a flash is kind of a joke. That isn't happening the way it comes from the factory.

Both the Spectres I bought have lock detent balls that are extremely retentive. They hold the blade closed so well that getting it past that point of retention to begin the blade from the closed position to the opening motion is difficult, and compounded by the smooth surface and small size of the thumb stud which simply allows the thumb to slide off with the blade remaining closed. At best you can whip it out in a flash in the closed position and use the handle to beat your oponent. :jerkit:

I do like the thin profile of the handle and the way it rides in the pocket basically disappearing until you need it. Its uses are limited though although it does cut well and seems to hold the edge well now that I've reprofiled it and sharpened it to a 18 degree bevel using the Edge Pro.

I tend to zero in on the weird knives sometimes. Knives I often refer to as 'flops' in the industry. I suspect this one will be one of those. If my guess is correct it will be discontinued. Although it is very well made with an incredibly strong lock for a liner lock, it is not the best knife in the custom series from Cold Steel. I'm betting it will be the first to be discontinued after seeing it first hand.

I will say that these Peerless locks are very impressive though. They are made like no other and do in fact hold up to more stress, side torque and weight than some huge frame locks I have seen. Lynn does make some impressively strong locks that appear to be quite reliable and researched for refinement and fit as well.

STR

 

[tholiver]

The one on my knife came from Texas knifemaker supply. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62755&d=1163793772

Several suppliers sell them. I like these pretty well though. If you want a longer one than they offer you can buy a 3/16 pivot barrel from knifekits if they still offer them in the 2-56 size thread. Some are 4-40 thread and only work on so many folders. I'm not sure what SOG uses.

STR

Excellent leads. I'm looking at the Texas knifemaker supply site and the knife kits site right now. Great sites, i found all i need right there! Fairly inexpensive too.
My first gen SOG Tomcat blade is 3/16 thick and its probably the sturdiest folder i've ever seen. The only downside is the slow two handed opening and its weight (its definitely a sheath knife). However the thumb stud will definitely remedy the opening problems!. Thanks!

 

[STR]

Yes. The 3/16 pivot barrels they used to sell offered an option of basically custom cutting the length of a thumb stud without knurls. Personally some of the knurls are just too aggressive and tear up thumb skin which is bothersome to me and others. So if you want smooth get you a pivot barrel that uses a 2-56 screw if your knife uses the small screw in the stud in it now. This will allow you to use one long enough to catch with your thumb but not so aggressive that it starts peeling skin. You may have to phone them to see if they can still supply you with some of the ones that take the #2-56 size screw if you do not see them on the site.

Above when I note that the Spectre is a flop. It doesn't mean I don't like the knife. I do and obviously well enough to buy a second one. It would not have been kept though from the factory had I not been able to add my pocket hook to it to Wave it open. The way I have it set up now the knife is just fun. I find it very convenient to use for most jobs around the house that I do daily. When I need a real working knife though, I grab one of the my other beater uppers.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4123785&postcount=168

STR

 

[TexasNativeDRJH]

Both the Spectres I bought have lock detent balls that are extremely retentive. They hold the blade closed so well that getting it past that point of retention to begin the blade from the closed position to the opening motion is difficult...

My zytel handled Ti-lite was the same way. It took a month or so of repeated opening and closing to loosen it up. My thumb was pretty raw for awhile, but the knife opens fine now.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

... for slashing it could probably be a fierce cutting tool as sharp as it is.

Would you be confident with the retention in such a cut, especially in a "tactical" situation where the knife was drawn fast and the grip not perfectly ideal. For that kind of use I would see handle designs like Emerson uses to be more optimal. The above knife from cold steel has a handle which very much looks like a gentleman's knife with low security, no inherent guard, no high shape indexing (Emerson), no aggressive checkering, etc. .

-Cliff

 

[kel_aa]

The above knife from cold steel has a handle which very much looks like a gentleman's knife with low security, no inherent guard, no high shape indexing (Emerson), no aggressive checkering, etc. .

Instead of spending the time to look for a more coherent design, wouldn't it just be easier to lash it onto your hand 24/7?

 

[STR]

Yes. I was just going to say that with a lanyard I'd feel better with it. But the handle is actually quite strong and ample for grip. Its also nearly as thick as it is wide so its more to grip than it may appear from just a side profile shot. I don't usually ever carry a knife for defensive minded reasons and that was not my reason for purchasing this one. I generally disregard the write ups from Cold Steel with the exception of noting the blade steel, and other 'factual' information. You know in our conversation earlier about the new format for testing knives that you are creating to help about 'hype' in advertising? Well, I know CS is one that you see a lot of hype from. We all do. In fact I think its safe to say they lead the league in hype and perhaps are in their own league altogether. But even with them leading the way I don't see a lot but may wake up should I start reading what you read. Another story for elsewhere though.

I really can't say what it was that appealed to me about this particular model from Cold Steel Cliff. As you know I had pretty much written off CS but ever since I first saw this one I wanted one. Part of the appeal I think was that it reminded me of a knife I carried when I was in my youth that was Italian like some of the slick autos that they made but a manual opening one. The Spectre still reminds me of them but its more than that. I just loved the look for some reason so when I found one for a great price I snagged it.

I don't see this as a self defense knife. It certainly would not be my first choice out of my other choices. Like you it may be one of the Emersons or and Axis like the HK34 perhaps by BM.

I really don't think about it much because as I said I never carry a knife with that intent. I would go for my gun first since I always carry one of those. The knife would just function as a back up in a pinch.

STR

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Instead of spending the time to look for a more coherent design, wouldn't it just be easier to lash it onto your hand 24/7?

It is always the solution right in front of you that you can never see. Just think of all the hours people have wasted in handle designs.

Its also nearly as thick as it is wide so its more to grip than it may appear from just a side profile shot.

Yes, I would not question hot spots from lack of profile contact, but would be concerned about retention in any kind of dynamic use which seems to be the main focus of the knife. You can test this rather safely on such neutral grips (not directionally biased) by just slamming the pommell into something and checking the retention.

Now tactical retention isn't one of my primary uses, but it seems odd to me to have a knife with conflicting design features. If you removed the handle, the blade looks like a small fillet or larger paring knife so I would have expected a thin/acute edge and something designed to cut very well. But no, it has a thick spine and and obtuse edge with a handle which is very strong but a grip which isn't indexing in shape/texture.

So an an EDC I would wonder where it would fit it, what kind of work would have you saying, this is where the Spectre would be a much better choice. Cold Steel does a heavy martial promotion, but as you noted, promotion should not be used to unfairly judge a knife. There are lots of decent knives out there under some really silly promotion. This does give a reviewer a bit of a problem though, do you go with what the knife is actually supposed to do from its description or from your own experience make sense of its design to some extent.

Cold Steel has a number of these higher priced knives, I would be curious as to how they are selling. Does anyone feel they are actually comparable price wise to the other knives of that class, especially if you can't get them at some extreme discount?

-Cliff

 

[STR]

To my knowledge the Black Sable is the only one that moves from what I've been told by the dealers but it moves like a snail.

The customs in CS line up are built well, with strong locks but as to your other questions. I don't think they are the best choices and for sure not the best prices. This one is certainly not one I'd say would sell well except to those with a bit of disposable income. Based on what I've seen I'd be afraid if I was a dealer that my return policy was going to be utilized with it if I had an inventory of them. With every one I sold I'd wonder if it was coming back or not. They are very stiff to open and the locks are very tough on thumbs even well seasoned callused one like mine.

As for uses. I like it fine for ripping open dog and cat food, cat litter and other bags, mail, cutting tape, and such but its not good for much else in the way of everyday carry stuff. Its not exactly a survial knife, not exactly a self defense tool, not exactly a gents folder, and not exactly an everyday carry. So what is it? Well, its a flop of course when it comes to good well thought out designs. Which naturally makes this folder a good way to learn what not to do if you make a folding knife. This flop happens to look pretty good flopping though, at least to me. But it goes against the idea of a whole of the parts of a folder coming together to form the perfect system and that Cliff said so well recently about the design of a folding knife, that being, " a folding knife should be designed with an intended purpose and all elements of it should be so goaled." The Spectre doesn't do that. And ironically to me that is what makes it collectible, but it may also be what attracted me to it. Since the day I first saw a pic of it I looked at it in stunned puzzlement. You can't help but wonder when you look at it, "now what do you suppose that folder was designed for?"

STR