Has COLD STEEL Gone Too Far?

Confederate said:
And is the boost in strength in CS's knives worth the boost in price?
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I am relatively new to CS, but now own 4 of them. I find their value to cost ratio to be very high. From the Lawman to Recon 1 to AK-47, most flavors can be found for $60 more or less. Irrespective of the past, thats quite a value. I'm looking forward to next year's Voyager, and will almost certainly buy one or more.

:thumbup:
 
Psycoman said:
...time to quote the quote that you quoted me

I love all cs products.

"I JUST wish it was americans producing them."

...not a bunch of little zippers that work for peanuts.

and it's NOT win-win, when there are 15 million+ americans out of work...because of many companies like cs that have factories in asia.

They can make the same products in USA. They just wouldn't be able to use VG-1 anymore for their steels. Because, the zippers are smart and don't allow their goods to be exported. Something America should do with our goods...if we could.

That and they wouldn't have as high bottom line that they do now...well unless they sell more products even though they cost more.
Some people may not mind paying a little xtra for MADE IN THE USA?

Sadly, many others like me, just can't afford that little bit xtra...mainly due to our economy the way it is.
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The racist BS is not warranted, stick to the facts. :thumbdn:
 
Psycoman said:
...time to quote the quote that you quoted me

I love all cs products.

"I JUST wish it was americans producing them."

...not a bunch of little zippers that work for peanuts.

and it's NOT win-win, when there are 15 million+ americans out of work...because of many companies like cs that have factories in asia.

They can make the same products in USA. They just wouldn't be able to use VG-1 anymore for their steels. Because, the zippers are smart and don't allow their goods to be exported. Something America should do with our goods...if we could.

That and they wouldn't have as high bottom line that they do now...well unless they sell more products even though they cost more.
Some people may not mind paying a little xtra for MADE IN THE USA?

Sadly, many others like me, just can't afford that little bit xtra...mainly due to our economy the way it is.
Click to expand...

What exactly does that mean in your post? It sounds completely racist by the way, not a very mature or educated way to get your point across. :thumbdn:
I gladly reported your post, enjoy the chiclets
 
We have a Political Arena for discussing socio-economic factors in today's world. We have an infraction system for bigotry. Please continue discussing the knives.

I will check back periodically to see if we need this thread closed.
 
There is too much emphasis placed on steel type. The average consumer could care less about that as compared to strength. I would rather have a strong knife than the steel-of-the-week mentality that permeates the hobby.
 
Confederate said:
In your knife, which is more important, blade steel or strength in construction? And is the boost in strength in CS's knives worth the boost in price? Is CS's choice of steels adequate?
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People buy Volvo's because they are "safe cars". Not because the have stellar 0 to 60 times. Not because they handle like a go-cart. Not because they are priced like a Kia. Not because the resale value is higher than brand X.

If CS wants to market their knives to an audience that puts stock in the lock mechanism, and that is willing to pay for it, that's their business.

Personally, I've come full circle and happen to like some of the lesser steels that some would snub. Blade steel and strength of construction take a back seat to aesthetics, ease of use, and pocket comfort.
 
dano said:
There is too much emphasis placed on steel type. The average consumer could care less about that as compared to strength. I would rather have a strong knife than the steel-of-the-week mentality that permeates the hobby.
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That's funny you mention it because I would rather have a good VG-1 or AUS 8a than the same knife with ZDP or S30v. Mostly because I can't sharpen either of those worth a damn! :p

My CS Master Hunter is really easy to get a great edge on, the Recons even easier.

Know if only Cold Steel would learn the magic that is BG42 or 154CM ;)
 
hardheart said:
CS prices also fluctuate with exchange rates, it's all imported product. Plan on seeing prices rise further if the tries to bump exports and fight deflation.
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Thanks for all the replies. My greatest gripe is that some of the series have been changed to accommodate the Tri-Ad locking system and a steel change from VG-1 to San Mai. This has resulted in the prices being boosted too high, in my opinion. (And if they had bead blast finishes, that would be horrible.)

What I'm talking about is that knives are a balance of construction, blade material, finish and price.

The old Voyagers were almost perfect for me. I didn't need the blade to be any better, the knife stronger, and I loved the polished blades. The only two criticisms I had were that the handle could have have had a surer grip and the clip had a tendency to chip black paint. Otherwise it did everything I wanted them to do. Beautiful knives!

The Tri-Ad designs were great, but not worth the extra $$$. I also have no use for the San Mai steel, which I think is a gimmick.

Since going to the newer designs, the prices have crept up to rival those of some of the better Spydercos. At the risk of being labeled a stodgy conservative, I liked the older designs just fine. Sure, I'd like the Tri-Ad locks, but while they're stronger, I'm not sure I want to pay extra for them.

Whatever CS does, I don't want to see them go bead blast!
 
SRP for the AK-47 :

2009- with AUS8A blade, G-10 handle, Teflon coated, Ultra Lock, and grivory pommel-
$134.99

2010- with AUS8A blade, G-10 handle, Teflon coated, Tri-Ad Lock, and Aluminum pommel-
$119.99

SRP for the Recon 1:

2009- $119.99
2010- $104.99

Has nobody noticed this? These models were upgraded and the price actually went down.
 
Even those prices are deceptive. MSRP for any knife is going to be higher than street price, and waiting till someone else buys it and decides to sell, the price goes down more. I have rarely had to worry about actual purchase price on a CS knife. I did like the old Voyager / Gunsite / Vaquero style, though. But times change, models come and go.
 
In todays economy, I'd be willing to take (final price) 2/3 of however much I had invested in it. For example, my Emerson Super CQC7 cost approx $150. I sent it to Reese Weiland for a complete Ti framelock conversion of .160" Ti... that cost $275. If I couldn't get $290 for it including shipping, I'm putting it away.

2/3 is worst case scenario. I have managed to make money on 3 knives in the last year but I really hope to break even.
 
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If these were made in America they'd all cost quite a bit more due to workers wanting higher wages and employer-based healthcare and all that.

It's confusing to me to complain about the price and the fact that they're made overseas. :confused:
 
Psycoman said:
...time to quote the quote that you quoted me

I love all cs products.

"I JUST wish it was americans producing them."

...not a bunch of little zippers that work for peanuts.

and it's NOT win-win, when there are 15 million+ americans out of work...because of many companies like cs that have factories in asia.

They can make the same products in USA. They just wouldn't be able to use VG-1 anymore for their steels. Because, the zippers are smart and don't allow their goods to be exported. Something America should do with our goods...if we could.

That and they wouldn't have as high bottom line that they do now...well unless they sell more products even though they cost more.
Some people may not mind paying a little xtra for MADE IN THE USA?

Sadly, many others like me, just can't afford that little bit xtra...mainly due to our economy the way it is.
Click to expand...

Zippers = Asians? :eek:

You, sir, are a racist putz. Good day. :cool:
 
Charlie Mike said:
In todays economy, I'd be willing to take (final price) 2/3 of however much I had invested in it. For example, my Emerson Super CQC7 cost approx $150. I sent it to Reese Weiland for a complete Ti framelock conversion of .160" Ti... that cost $275. If I couldn't get $290 for it including shipping, I'm putting it away.

2/3 is worst case scenario. I have managed to make money on 3 knives in the last year but I really hope to break even.
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That's a good case for resale in general.

As to the Cold Steel pricing, the MSRP is just like a new car, look around...I bought a CS RECON 1 from my local B&M shop for 84.99 when I could have got it for cheaper at any internet site, still lower than the 109 quoted via MSRP. I bought it there because Vince and Mike are friends, they do old world things (sharpening, tune ups, etc) so I in turn kick down a little more for the follow up service and the fact that it's still lower than retail.

I don't care that the knife is made overseas, the parts for my cpu are too, my TV is a Sony Bravia, and I eat banana's from Costa Rica. That is world today, if I were rich, I'd still buy all the same things and then spend my money on more important things like trips to China and Costa Rica to visit. :D
 
CS knives are mostly made in Japan.

the JPY (japanese yen) has been strengthening significantly over the past few months. Maybe this accounts for some of the higher prices?

As a knife maker, CS is probably getting squeezed between lower prices its customers demand and the higher costs is manufacturers demand.
 
I don't buy a lot of Cold Steel products, but today I received a new Trail Hawk and a folding Pocket Bushman knife.

I am very pleased with them both. Sharp out of the box, sturdy and decently priced. The folder is simply a great hard use blade.
PocketBushman.jpg
 
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