Cold Steel Ti-Lite

ThinkOfTheChildren

ThinkOfTheChildren

Joined
Jul 7, 2000
Messages
1,556
I just handled one of these in my local B&M shop. They just got it in (this is a new piece, right?) so I wanted to feel it. It looked great at first but the execution of the design is sub-par in my opinion.
The blade was horribly off center when closed and difficult to open. The backspacer was put together in such a bad way that the edge was actually impacting it when closed. You could see a dent forming on the inside of the backspacer where the edge was chipping away at it. Obviously this means you would dull or damage your edge just by opening and closing the knife.
The liner lock was not great and would stick pretty badly if the knife was opened with too much force.
At first I thought that the guards on the blade could be used as a carson flipper type of action but no luck. It did not protrude from the spine enough for adequate leverage on the blade.
Conclusion: I was not about to buy something with this low of a regard towards quality control. The store was asking $200. It looks cool in the case but pick it up and you'll be dissapointed.
 
I just found this at 1sks
here's a pic:
<img src="http://www.1sks.com/images/coldsteel/cs-26S.jpg">
1sks is asking $150
 
Geez, it looks like Mayo and his drill got ahold of the handle on that one.:D.:D.
 
Yeah, I found it to be sub-par too.
Couple that with the fact that they want $150.00+ for a folder with AUS8A for blade steel and well...there is just no way I'm paying that kind of money for a folder using AUS8A for blade steel.:rolleyes:
At that price point the blade steel needs to be CPM440V, BG-42 or VG-10 even. Maybe even ATS-34. This is of course just my humble opinion.(But in this case, it is the correct opinion.) :p
 
The only problem I found in this knife was the sticky linerlock. However, after working the lock a bit, my ti-lite's lock never sticks. Alot of you are probably thinking "hey, if I pay a lot of $ for a knife, I expect it to be perfect right out of the box." Well, lets see you wear brand new 200$ italian shoes all day and not complain about your feet being pinched or rubbed; lets face it, some things need a breaking in period.

As for the off-center blade and the chipping back spacer, it sounds like you handled a dud. Mine has neither problem...but I dont know too much about CS's QC so I cant really defend the company in that area...

As you said, the guards do not facilitate the Carson flipper method, but does allow it to be opened a la the emerson wave method...not too shabby in my book...

And yes, the price is way too high. I feel I splurged paying 100$ for the knife, but the idea of an italian stiletto with a tactical look was irresistable ;)
 
I also was planning on purchasing one of the Ti-lites. However, after asking around on other threads, about the knife, nearly everyone complained about the lock sticking and the knife being very hard to close.

Sgtp: It sounds that you have proven that the lock works much better after some use.

As far as price goes: Check Botach. They have them for $90.00. Yes I know the potential problems with Botach, but for $90.00 (compared to $200 or $150)it would be worth the aggravation.
 
I had a Cold Steel Scimitar with a sticky lock too, but after a while, it cmoothed up a little. The Ti-Lite is really a nice looking folder, but way too overpriced for an AUS-8 blade.
 
I just handled one of these just hours ago...All in all the one I looked at was not that bad. The main reason I didnt like it was because of the top guard. Just take a look at the pic above and guess where your thumb is going to be when using it...Yup, it doesnt feel any better than it looks.

The other thing I noticed was the weight....This knife is NOT "lite".
 
:( Don't tell me it's a piece of Junk, I just ordered one last night. Maybe that's why CS is discontinuing them. When I get mine I'll have to give my review then. Thank's JT
 
You steel snobs just make me sick. :barf: Cold Steel has been telling us for years that AUS8A is the best stainless steel, and have put out a video proving it. Whassamater with you?! :D :D
 
i like the looks...great display...wish it was an auto......dont have one yet and after reading this info i dont think i will be spending 150+ on this knife now
 
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