GSM maybe not all bad ?

what model is the top one ? Not bad - 3 under $50. Guilt free users 👍👍
 
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Please keep in mind that "deal spotting" is not permitted per forum guidelines...
 
This is what I've been thinking, too... I haven't tried GSM's customer service so I can't comment on how the takeover has affected that, but their strategy of pricing things high but allowing heavy discounts at intervals has given collectors the opportunity to snag some great deals. In the past year or two, I was able to snag a large aluminum Espada for $180 and a Black Bear Classic subhilt for about $160. I don't remember these dipping that low before, and that was with the older AUS-8A steel. I can see how this would have angered the long time fans, though, since many of them trade old models at a high collector's premium. I suspect this is a big part of why some people are trying to assign a higher value to models with the old logo. I haven't seen a whole lot of evidence that there's been a quality change since the takeover.
 
There was a good interview on The Knife Junky podcast with Keith Beam of GSM talking about Cold Steel Knives. He's not the top guy at GSM, he's the one who does their videos, but he said that Lynn Thompson is still very involved in the company and they still send new models to him to inspect. He also said that they kept all the same people manufacturing the knives for them, so non of that has changed. He says that the lead time on orders is 18 months, so all the knives that we've seen up until now have actually been the same orders placed before the GSM takover. GSM just made their first model just now. Damn I can't remember the name of it, but it's a large folder model that just came out. Honestly GSM sounds like a pretty decent operation, at least as far as the Cold Steel brand goes. Keith Beam started out by making an archery company who made some really good broadheads from what I hear. Eventually Primos bought the brand and Primos kind of cheapened it up.

Edit: The interview is episode #438.
 
Personally, I don't get the GSM "hate" thing. I have old Cold Steels and I have new Cold Steels. I like my new Cold Steel knives as much as my older models, possibly even more in some cases.

For instance, the 3V SRK is pure genius. For years, there have been several knives in the knife world that have been screaming to be made in 3V. And, in my humble opinion, the SRK was one of 'em. Take a robust/proven/do-it-all design and make it in 3V? I don't know who brought that up at the Board Meeting, but "Give that man a SEEGAR!"

...same goes for the Trail Master and Recon Scout.


Their drop forged offerings, their stout folders, their axes and hawks...Fuggedaboutit. For me, they represent a tremendous value.

That "sale" that you mentioned...which I should stress has been over for days...was pretty incredible. The "Exclusive" 3V SRKs were $82.50 after the discount. If you find a quality/robust/proven/6"/3V field knife for 83 bucks, please buy ten for me.


By the way, nice score you got there...and, at $50 all-in, that is just insane. :thumbsup:
 
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I purchased a Cold Steel Hold Out about 4 months ago and I just received a Cold Steel Engage yesterday. Perhaps those were already in production before GSM took over the brand but they are both great quality knives.

I am not sure if GSM designed the Atlas Lock on my Engage or not but whoever designed it deserves applause in my opinion.
 
I use that commercial series Scalper in the kitchen and even run it through the dishwasher often. Works very well as a kitchen knife, comparable to my Victorinox kitchen knives in edge holding, sharpen-ability, and stainless-ness.

Anyway, I agree, I haven’t seen the huge downfall of Cold Steel’s quality everyone was talking about/concerned with. On average, my post GSM knives are just as good as the pre GSM knives.

One caveat, I’m seeing some Recon 1’s that switched from DLC to a flat black PVD coating. I’m sure the heat treat and construction are the same, but the PVD coating is not as desirable in my opinion (contrary to what the GSM rep stated on the CS subfurum). That’s a minor nitpick, and according to the rep, they aren’t switching to all PVD, they will offer both. Which is kind of strange.
 
Not really all bad, but looking at their newest offerings (such as Verdict) pricing 4116 as much as they do... yeah they kinda suck.
 
I am still testing my CS recon scout in 3v and so far nothing has dulled the edge. The handles are not good in my opinion very square and for small hands, my custom handle solved that problem.
 
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