Cold Steel Swift 3

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pborst2023

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Mar 29, 2023
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IMG_8597.jpegIMG_8595.jpegIMG_8593.jpegIMG_8594.jpegI just received my Cold Steel Swift 3 in CPM M4 with a 4 inch drop point blade that appears to have a high flat grind. Titanium nitride coating on the blade and the scale positioned safety. It’s their first assisted opening knife so I’m told. And well executed. Like most assisted knives it’s not fidget, friendly but easy one hand close and easier one hand open.

It’s over 8 inches open with plenty of handle grip for medium to x large hands with or without gloves. The blade reminds me of my recon one in S 35V except that that’s stainless and this isn’t. I don’t own that many carbon steel knives. So I’m going to make sure that I dry it after every use and oil it every 2 to 3 weeks.

I don’t mind assisted knives, the way most folks do. But the atlas lock is not as fidget, friendly or ergonomic as the shark lock. No question. Whether it’s as strong as the trident lock or not, I don’t know. The testings seem to say yes, it is . But Aaron on Gideon‘s tactical managed to break one which I’ve never seen happen to a trident lock. I own one other atlas lock, which is the. Engage and have had no problems with it.

I’m going to post a couple of pictures with the swift and my Benchmade PSK, which is also assisted and a little bit smaller in magnacut with a spine mono safety. For pure value. The Swift has it beat. $199 versus $405. I don’t get a life, sharp guarantee, but big whoop. I still love the PSK but I think for pure value Cold Steel is killing it.
 

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I've got one on order... for the price 4 inches of CPM-M4 is hard to beat! Was curious as to how you found the clip? Its a different design to the usual CS style.
 
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goldie said:
Just got mine today too and it doesnt disappoint; when you release the atlas lock the blade drops half way and its nice to know because of the assist it stops there so you cant get cut. Feels great in the hand; this is the 1st non Demko design that still screams Cold Steel.
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how's the texture of the g10 under around the pocket clip pinch point. looks like a pocket shredder still in the pic?
 
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First since GSM perhaps, but it's called the III because years ago there was a I and II (only difference being one was satin and the other coated). And they had a rash of broken springs.
 
jlauffer said:
First since GSM perhaps, but it's called the III because years ago there was a I and II (only difference being one was satin and the other coated). And they had a rash of broken springs.
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wonder if these new ones fixed that flaw on the spring design
 
goldie said:
The g10 is smooth it has texture but not agressive it wont rip up the pockets.I had one of the older swifts,never had an issue with the spring.Pocket clip is unlike any other CS knife,seems to work pretty good.
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good info, thanks....
 
Got mine in.... its my first assisted folder, first Atlas lock and first with a safety lock so I was a bit puzzled to begin with.

After figuring out the safety was engaged and disengaging it, it started to operate. Don't laugh 🤣

The assist wasn't pushing the blade fully open at first but its already loosening up. There was no lube so I threw some Rem Oil in there to help out.

The ergos are great. It IS quite heavy (my most regular carries are either a Griptilian or an Endura, two lightweights) but nice and slim. Blade is sharp and a great shape.

All in all, a nice package for the dough and something that occupies a fairly unique niche of its own. I was interested in this because CPM-M4 folders are quite rare and usually pricey as hell. M4 is one of my favourite steels. The last one I bought was a Benchmade Bail Out which now retails for $270 and its a tiny little thing compared to this. Also the Bail Out is a tanto and I'm not a fan of tantos, unlike some. The drop point/spear point with a swedge is my favourite blade profile.

I appreciate CS bringing the value to a hobby that is getting increasingly expensive.

My first CS folder in a while! Next up, a Magnacut Recon...
 
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I got one coming. found at a dealer with a 15% off code. so worth it to try it.
 
Only thing I don't like is the clip tension is very poor and it seems impossible to get it off to if anything can be done about it. CS really struggle with clips!

I won't carry it in pants with thin material because it can slip right out your pocket, given its a heavy knife.
 
Interesting. I haven't had that problem with my Swift. Sounds like a quality control problem. The company should provide you with a replacement clip under warranty. After all, what good is a clip that doesn't have the proper tension?
 
pborst2023 said:
Interesting. I haven't had that problem with my Swift. Sounds like a quality control problem. The company should provide you with a replacement clip under warranty. After all, what good is a clip that doesn't have the proper tension?
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Its more to do with the design. The clip doesn't actually touch the scale.

Sadly, I think I stripped the T8 screw trying to loosen it .... I hate it when they use Loc-tite on screws. 🤬
 
Hmmm. My clip does but not sure. Definitely design or QA issue. Sorry about the stripped screw. Completely agree with you about loc-tite. So unnecessary. I use a heat gun and the drill after listening to Ben Peterson from Knafs.
 
mine also doesn't touch the scale. i dont mind as I prefer that to a pocket shredder......
 
Hello pborst2023--it looks like you are a lefty like me since it appears that the clip has been moved to the opposite side. How was it changing the clip? I'm awaiting mine to arrive in the mail.
 
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