I Finally Want a Cold Steel

Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,486
For years I've overlooked Cold Steel in favor of other brands.
They've finally gotten on my radar and I want one for EDC.
I don't know much about their lineup other than they make a lot of large
knives that wouldn't be appropriate for EDC.
So, the only one I've seen that would be appropriately sized for EDC is
the American Lawman.
Are there any other models I'm overlooking?
Thanks all
 
The American Lawman is the smallest CS folder I have, but it is a really nice folder. The one I got is so smooth in operation and compact size its just makes for a great edc knife. I'm sure more folks will be a long with more info soon. Cold Steel was just bought out so their future prices may go up some.
 
OK, thanks for all the suggestions.
Looks like it's between the Code 4 and American Lawman.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
 
Lenny said:
OK, thanks for all the suggestions.
Looks like it's between the Code 4 and American Lawman.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
Click to expand...
Can’t speak for the Lawman but I have a Code 4.

Pros:
- slim
- lightweight
- great S35VN steel
- perfect lockup

Cons
- the aluminum handle may be slippery for some. Doesn’t really bother me
- bit of a stiff lock disengagement, but should break in over time
 
The Code 4 looks like a nice smooth textured folder. It probably slides in and out of the pocket nicely. I like the blade design reminds me of the Bush Ranger. So is it as light weight as a Recon 1?
 
ad15 is a good pick too. new lite is out, but standard green s35vn version is on sale at big online place for about same price as lite version add a sawbuck.
 
The Air Lite models are also slim and light, and nicely sized for EDC.

After owning a range of ~3.5"CS knives -- Code 4, Air Lite, Lawman, AD-10, Ultimate Hunter, AK-47 (I think that's all of them!) -- the two I stuck with are the AD-10 and Rajah III. The Ultimate Hunter was a close runner-up for me, and it's considerably lighter than the AD-10 -- but the AD-10 is the most refined CS knife I've ever owned, and a joy to carry if you don't mind the weight and thickness.

The Rajah is often overlooked or considered gimmicky, but it's got a surprisingly practical grind, a great handle (especially once you sand the texture off under the pocket clip), it's waved, and it's inexpensive.

CtEK5gp.jpg


dt3lXGV.jpg
 
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I have several CS knives. I am happy with all of them. I currently EDC a Tuff lite. It serves the purpose of a small, yet sturdy lock blade knife.
 
I do not own an Ultimate Hunter although i am big fan of its big brother - the AD-10; I'm sure that you would be very satisfied with either, especially the UH if lightweight was a consideration.

Yes, the Code 4 is sleek and carries well, Another thin slicer of a CS knife is the Broken Shull - even with that stupid name billboarded on the blade.

I too for years shied away from Cold Steel - mainly because of the goofy/tacky videos. But I did try some of their foxed blades and was very impressed with the performance for value so eventually, guardedly and almost grudgingly, I tried a couple of their folders. Now, I'm sold. I went from CS fahgetabouddit to CS fanboy - just like that. From the 4-Max, AD-10, Recon 1 down to the Air Lite they are great value, great performing knives.

Lastly, the American Lawman is an excellent, excellent knife - and very popular.I foolishly sold mine because it was way too much like so many other knives that I had that I wasn't carrying it enough - and I prefer larger folders mostly; I wish i had it back for what sold it for.

Happy hunting.
 
Dadpool said:
The Air Lite models are also slim and light, and nicely sized for EDC.

After owning a range of ~3.5"CS knives -- Code 4, Air Lite, Lawman, AD-10, Ultimate Hunter, AK-47 (I think that's all of them!) -- the two I stuck with are the AD-10 and Rajah III. The Ultimate Hunter was a close runner-up for me, and it's considerably lighter than the AD-10 -- but the AD-10 is the most refined CS knife I've ever owned, and a joy to carry if you don't mind the weight and thickness.

The Rajah is often overlooked or considered gimmicky, but it's got a surprisingly practical grind, a great handle (especially once you sand the texture off under the pocket clip), it's waved, and it's inexpensive.

CtEK5gp.jpg


dt3lXGV.jpg
Click to expand...
+1. For the Rajah 3. Awesome EDC knife.
 
The Code 4 is cheaper, better looking (IMO), easier to find, and way more pocket friendly.
The Lawman is much better for hard use/self defense, but is a pocket-eater if you don't sand underneath the pocket clip.

I cut out some dime sized circles of GT-5000 grip tape on my Code 4 (both sides) to give it more traction. It helped.
It does have a pretty deep finger choil, as well.
Golden Eye Elite
Golden Eye
Code 4
4QVnmWk.jpg
 
A few observations:
While I'm not a fan of coated blades, the thing I like about the American Lawman over the Code 4 is the forward finger choil. The Code 4 has a lot of wasted space in the ricasso area that could have been either a finger choil or more sharpened blade. And while I like the Al handle, I think it would be slippery in certain situations.
As for the AD 10, I love it. I just think it would be a bit large for EDC. My Paramilitary 2 is probably at the upper end of my preferred size for EDC. But dang, I'd like to try one out.
Does anybody know how Amazon can sell the AD-10 for $138 while every other place has them priced at $190 or so? Do you think the Amazon ones are fakes?
Thanks all and keep the discussion going. I'm learning a lot.
 
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Lenny said:
A few observations:
While I'm not a fan of coated blades, the thing I like about the American Lawman over the Code 4 is the forward finger choil. The Code 4 has a lot of wasted space in the ricasso area that could have been either a finger choil or more sharpened blade. And while I like the Al handle, I think it would be slippery in certain situations.
As for the AD 10, I love it. I just think it would be a bit large for EDC. My Paramilitary 2 is probably at the upper end of my preferred size for EDC. But dang, I'd like to try one out.
Does anybody know how Amazon can sell the AD-10 for $138 while every other place has them priced at $190 or so? Do you think the Amazon ones are fakes?
Thanks all and keep the discussion going. I'm learning a lot.
Click to expand...

Amazon can sell them at 138 because MAP is implemented to help the little guy.
All the brick and mortar shops asked for MAP someone told me on the Spyderco forum.

I made the exact argument that the big boys don’t follow the rules here and now the only place a person can get a good deal is Amazon or eBay.
I don’t think all the shops asked for this just the ones big enough to eek out a living competing with the big ones and the small dealers eventually fold.

Less competition, smart business.

Back to CS , I really wish they would bring back the medium Voyager, pretty much the same size as a Delica but a little chunkier, great knife.
The Grik and Ghan are also excellent smaller sized CS knives.
The Grik especially, it is very tough and a great blade shape, I like the Khan but it never gets much pocket time with my other options.
 
Lenny said:
Um what's MAP?
Click to expand...
the opposite of a free market:D:p:D

as man with no name said. it says minimum advertised price. meaning everyone should be selling at the same prices. whether they buy cheaper in volume like Walmart or pay more like a small dealer, the price to the consumer stays about the same. it actually helps the bigger dealers who buy in larger volume and get better prices. it helps big box stores more than smaller dealers who can work on smaller margins.
 
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