I want to try a cold steel folder

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May 20, 2007
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It has been a long time and I want to give CS another try. What would you steer me towards as a prime example of a nice edc folder?
I know I want to try the tri ad lock and the upgrade steel. I use my knives at work in a kitchen and carry all the time. I generally carry a decent sized knife, lately a Gayle Bradley, a southard flipper, and a custom Alan Davis sodbuster are my regular carries.
Basically if you guys could agree on the best example under 200$ that would be great.
Thanks for your time, Russ
 
I'm a big fan of the recon 1. Holds up very well to abuse and the new steel and coating seem to be top notch.
 
I'd also suggest the Recon 1. You will probably want to loosen the clip and/or sand under the clip to reduce pocket wear. Also a fan of the Hold Out 2 and Medium Espada. Be aware that some of the new models have smoother G-10.
 
By sheer looks the recon, the law Man, and the ultimate hunter stood out. The recon 1 is rather large am I right? I carry a sr a1 and a Zt 452 at times so I would be squeamish as long as it wasn't a total pocket hog.
Are you guys finding the cts xhp is good stuff? I had a manix in that steel and liked it. Thanks for the answers, Russ
 
Recon would be the best example of a popular EDC folder.
The Swift is a little more up-to-date in style, but has assisted opening.
The 4-Max would be the premium choice at a higher price.
The Large Espada, XL Talwar, and Rajah II, Hold Out 1 would exhibit one of Cold Steel's signature folder characteristics: they're big (but still EDC)
 
Ultimate Hunter is a great design with excellent edge retention and a very ergonomic, comfortable handle. It won't be quite as pocket friendly as their slimmer models, but will be better in extended use.
 
I carry a 4" Talwar and I really love it


Aye, I was going to recommend the same knife. That and the Counter Point 1 have been true winners for me as far as value, quality, and ergonomics. The Talwar is really an exceptional knife, and the Counter Point is the most ergonomic knife I've held since the Tuff Lite. The butt of the handle is even scalloped for thumb placement. Truly an ergonomic masterpiece.
 
I carry a bunch of different knives, but the Ultimate Hunter is one of my personal favorites.
I carry that knife a lot
I think you will like it
 
My favorite folder is the Recon 1. Simple fact of the matter is that it's all about being a good knife where it counts.

I'm also a big fan of the AK-47 and Code 4. Gosh, I don't think there's a better EDC than the Code 4, at all, anywhere. It's perfect in every way: light, slim and strong as hell. They're also all very, very sharp out of box. And then there's the medium Espada. That thing is a work of functional art if I ever saw one. Looking at photos isn't enough, you need to hold an Espada and really experience it to get it.
 
One warning about the 4" Talwar. If you have big hands the handle can be surprisingly cramped for a knife that size. I love almost everything about that model, but I got rid of mine because it was uncomfortable using it for any amount of time.
 
One warning about the 4" Talwar. If you have big hands the handle can be surprisingly cramped for a knife that size. I love almost everything about that model, but I got rid of mine because it was uncomfortable using it for any amount of time.

It's interesting you mention that; the sword that the knife is modelled after has a handle designed to be purposely cramped. I don't remember why, it had something to do with the way the sword is swung. As far as the knife goes, I have little boy hands so I wouldn't know.
 
The American Lawman is a great option. Simple design and comfortable to carry and use.
 
It's interesting you mention that; the sword that the knife is modelled after has a handle designed to be purposely cramped. I don't remember why, it had something to do with the way the sword is swung. As far as the knife goes, I have little boy hands so I wouldn't know.

I sort of have gorilla paws, so it may not affect many, but most knives with a 4" blade have more than enough handle for me so the Talwar was an unpleasant surprise. Particularly because I had been waiting for Cold Steel to make something just like it. Hell, I like the damn thing so much I'm still halfway tempted to pick up an XHP model and see if I can mod the handle a bit to fit my hand better.
 
Some great posts here, thanks guys. I will let you know what I get, afraid there may be more then one in my future. Aus8 has held me back, and that no longer seems to be an issue. Russ
 
I've been carrying an American Lawman in CTS-XHP lately, and am highly impressed with this knife. I did a review of it here a while back if you care to search. The Tri-Ad lock is extremely strong, the flat G-10 scales make it easy to slip into a pocket, and the steel holds a fantastic edge -- I also like the high thin grind. Great slicer.
 
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