ColdSteel VS. Benchmade VS. Spyderco

marthinus

marthinus

Joined
Dec 10, 2006
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I am looking to buy a "high end" knife and am looking at either a Cold Steel Recon 1, Benchmade Griptilian mini or normal, or a Spyderco Delica or Endura.

What are oppinions on these knives? Which one will hold up better to abuse? Any other models I might consider?

I like the Recon because its Ultra Lock™ that is like the Benchmades Axis. It comes with G-10 handles and has a Disk "top hat" instaid of thum studs Like an Emerson so its almost like 2 in 1! Lol.

But I don't know which one I should go with. Any advise?

PS. (Pictures on how the folders look after a view years of use would be appreciated)
 
From what I hear the AXIS lock imitations aren't as good as genuine Bencmade AXIS lock. Stick with the original. The Benchmade Grips are nice, or you could step up a level to a Benchmade 710, Mini Rukus, Rukus, etc.
 
The coating Cold Steel puts on the Recon 1's blade will chip and scratch off with use. I own both a Benchmade Griptillian (full size) and a Spyderco Endura 4. They are both great knives. If you prefer an axis lock over a more traditional lock back, go with the Griptillian. If you have a little more money, take Wade's advice and get the 710. I don't own one, but folks who do seem to all like them, plus it has a longer blade than the Griptillian.
 
I just got a spyderco military and own a old CS Trailmaster. The quality of both is great.
 
I'd go with a Griptilian or an Endura. The Endura 4s have ss liners throughout thehandle which gives it a more sturdy feel to it. I really like the axis on the grips, but I like the Endura model better overall. There have been a few threads about the CS models breaking.
 
All of them will perform admirably I'm sure. Looking at them for what you get I'd discount the Cold Steel right off the bat for three big reasons.

1) Blade steel: BenchMade or Spyderco both have better blade steel as far as edge holding.

2) Lock issues: I've read several reports of lock problems with that Recon 1 involving bad action when opening, improper engagement and stuff like that than I have with the BenchMade one. They are similar and you may get a good one but I can guarantee the quality control at BM is superior regarding the lock and fit and finish.

3) Warranty: Both Spyderco and BenchMade kick Cold Steel in the behind for coverage and customer service. No contest. 1 year warranty vs two of the best in the industry. Its a no brainer for me.

As for the Spyderco models you are asking about. Both of these are very fine everyday carry hard use folders but I have never personally considered the fiberglass reinforced nylon handled knives to be 'high end' from any manufacturer using that material. I mean no disrespect to the companies using it. Regardless of how great a material it is it still looks like cheap plastic to me even though Spyderco now lines them with steel. I'd buy the mini Manix over all of them mentioned here but seriously there are others more at the same price point that I'd rate over the Delica and Endura just because these other models have G10 over steel liners. Something in that class is what I'd call higher end. I also believe this folder is a better choice to compare side by side with the 710 if you are considering that one. The Grip has FRN also and is also what I'd refer to as a cheaper, I'm sorry, lesser expensive alternative. You can buy a BM Grip with plastic handles for around $75 to $100 or more or a Mini Manix for $104 to $112.

Its my opinion that the Mini Manix, also referred to as the 83mm Manix is one of the top three offerings from Spyderco right now that I've handled.


STR
 
Cold steel is deffinatly the ugly sister you dont want to date .

Chris
 
I'm thinking the quality on Cold Steel is really going down, as I'm seeing there Voyagers on sale in the $30-40 range now... I've heard their VG-1 steel isn't even as good as the AUS8 they used to use
 
i dont know about the new recon 1's (they have g10 handles or something) but i like the old version allot, it is however compared to the endura and a griptillian a much bigger and heavier knife. i think the recon is geared towards bigger tasks than the griptillian and if your looking for an edc id go with the griptillian just because of size issues. ive had a recon for about a year, no problems with the lock so far.
 
i'd get either the BM Griptilian fullsize, or the Spydie Endura

FWIW, this is how i rate these companies as a whole:

1. spyderco
2. benchmade
3. cold steel

YMMAWPV
 
Most people would say that Cold Steel is well below Spyderco and Benchmade, though not ALL of Cold Steel's knives are crap, some of them are pretty decent knives.

Just not on Spyderco/Benchmade level. A $45 Delica will outperform a $45 Voyager. Benchmades will run you a little more, but Les and Sal both make good products AND they're more scrupulous on the business end.
 
one of some CS's i really like is the Peacekeeper. it's great, but lo and behold.....they disco'd it........doh! :grumpy:
 
+1 one the peacekeeper.
Cold Steel has some good knives but they are not consistent.
Can anyone think of a bad spyderco though?
I am not to familyer with Benchmade other than their great rep but I am considering one of their red boxed fixed blades (Offsider strait black) because I could not get a scrapyard and they seem likee an exellent deal.
 
Unsub said:
+1 one the peacekeeper.
Cold Steel has some good knives but they are not consistent.
Can anyone think of a bad spyderco though?
I am not to familyer with Benchmade other than their great rep but I am considering one of their red boxed fixed blades (Offsider strait black) because I could not get a scrapyard and they seem likee an exellent deal.
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Only thing bad I've ever heard about a Spyderco was that they're fugly, but that's a matter of taste.

Only thing I've ever heard bad about Benchmade was that they can be spotty at factory sharpening sometimes, although I've never had a BM, new or used, that wasn't sharp.
 
hahahahahahaha.

Well, Spydrcos low end kbnives are made int he same factory as the CS voyagers, ect, but beyond that, not much to compare.

even CS high end knives, the ones what are actualy made of quality materials, are lacking in design; they just arent as ergonomic or as functional as the Spyderco, probably due to the over-weaponization.

I was looking at getting a recon 1.....got a Dodo instead. The dodo feels better in the hand, its lock is easyer to manipulate, the steels better, and its shape while wierd allows it better cutting potential. There is nothing WRONG or BAD about hte CS recon 1, and it uses similar materials and workmanship tot he Spyderco, but the spyderco outclasses it in a dozen often overlooked sub catagories. In my experience that is typical of the two brands. CS sells good knives, but the devil is in the details, and the details are why benchmade and Spyderco are better. :)
 
mr.trooper said:
CS sells good knives, but the devil is in the details, and the details are why benchmade and Spyderco are better. :)
Click to expand...

Exactly. Handle as many models from BM and Spyderco as you can. Eventually one of them will just "click" with you. Get that one.
 
My experience with Cold Steel is that they make a solid, functional knife, but they lack fit and finish. The materials they use are of a good grade for a work knife, because if you mess it up, it isn't that big a deal. I have the Recon 1 (before they started using G-10), and it works fine, but lives in my tool box. There really isn't anything wrong with Cold Steel other than their advertising, but their products are not of the same quality as Benchmade or Spyderco. I flinched when I saw the comparison. If you want a knife similar in in size and shape to the Recon 1, I think the Manix is a great suggestion. I do not own one, but from what I hear, they are indestructible. If you want something thinner and lighter, the Endura is a great knife too. I have the Endura 4 Wave, with the FRN handles and full steel liners, and do not have a single complaint about it. To summarize, if you are looking for a knife that you will carry on a regular basis, I think you will be happier spending a little more and staying away from CS. Good hunting. :thumbup:
 
I recommend a Benchmade Mini-Grip or a Spyderco Native. Neither is what I would call high-end, but both are solid, well-built, highly usable, ~$50 knives. The Mini-Grip has the better lock, but the Native has the better ergonomics.

And I agree with USSR: handle lots of knives before you spend your money. Have some general idea of what you want, and look at the knives with an open mind and a critical eye. ;)
 
I own the Recon 1 in G10 and it's one big heavy knife with a very coarse finish on the handles that gives it almost too much grip. I never experienced failure, either to engage or disengage with the "ultra lock" but once managed to jam it closed while fiddling with it.
The only complain I have with it is for the quality of assembly, one screw just wouldn't stay in place without a drop of loctite.

I do not EDC it and favor my Military instead which feels feather lite in comparison, but if I had to do some heavy work like prying, the Recon 1 would definetly get my preference.
 
I have a BM 710 and a Spyderco Manix. I like both although I prefer the larger pivot on the BM ad the fact that it has metal bushings. Just my preferences, don't know what other's like or dislike.
 
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