Inexpensive knives with strong locks

M

Mr.Wizard

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Feb 28, 2015
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I liked Cold Steel for inexpensive knives with the strength of the Tri-Ad lock, like the Tuff Lite I EDC.
What I have read about Cold Steel after the buyout is not encouraging so I do not plan to buy more.
What are possible replacements, inexpensive folding knives with strong and shock-resistant locks?
 
I don’t know what size knife you are wanting, type of lock you prefer, or price point you are considering- however the CS 4 Max Scout is a beast of a knife with an incredible lock and can be found for about $50. The Spyderco Tenacious is a really great knife and I have used a few of them very hard for chores with no lock issues at all. Buck folders offer a lot of knife for the money. Lots of great knives out there for good prices.

I personally have not had any of my folding knives have a lock failure since I was a kid buying ‘cheap’ (not just inexpensive) knives.
 
MolokaiRider said:
Cold Steel is still my preferred pocket knife maker, despite the changeover.

I keep buying them, as even pre-GSM Cold Steel's customer service was not very good.

They are still releasing new models...so there is still that.
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100% agree. Their customer service was always kinda meh. I bought a large axe that had a fold line in the head, and I sent them an email asking if it was OK. I wasn't planning on raiding 11th century Anglo Saxon villages, so it really didn't matter, but I was curious.

I got an email back "Oh we need to look at this for sure! I'm going to take this straight to the owner and I'll get right back with you!". I kinda gushed and thanked them as I had never dreamed that LT would be hearing about my mild issue. 2 weeks go by, and nothing. Another week I send them a follow up email asking if they had heard anything. Another 2 weeks and the company is sold taking my warranty with it.

Solid knives, and I like them for the price, but customer service is not something I rely on when purchasing as CS.
 
Don't believe everything that you read Mr. Wizard. Cold Steel still makes an exceptional blade for the money. I've purchased four in the last two months. All of them are GSM-ownership products, and all are great in my opinion. Knives like the Bush Ranger, Recon 1, Voyager, and 4 Max should handle any chore that presents itself. I never feel 'under-knifed' while carrying one.
 
If a strong, shock resistant (why?) lock is of high importance to you, for safety reasons I'll presume, perhaps think one step further and use a tough, inexpensive fixed blade like a Mora instead. Is it more important to you to have a folder or to safely use a knife under circumstances where a lock would be critical?
 
TC said:
If a strong, shock resistant (why?) lock is of high importance to you, for safety reasons I'll presume, perhaps think one step further and use a tough, inexpensive fixed blade like a Mora instead. Is it more important to you to have a folder or to safely use a knife under circumstances where a lock would be critical?
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Fixed blades are not legal in all jurisdictions.
 
Mr.Wizard said:
Fixed blades are not legal in all jurisdictions.
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Yeah, same problem I have with one-hand locking folders... law makers, smartest people in the world, right? They should all convene in one place at some time, and then someone could drop....oh, never mind.
 
TC said:
If a strong, shock resistant (why?) lock is of high importance to you, for safety reasons I'll presume, perhaps think one step further and use a tough, inexpensive fixed blade like a Mora instead. Is it more important to you to have a folder or to safely use a knife under circumstances where a lock would be critical?
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A folder folds . More OAL in a much more compact/easy carry package . No sheath needed . Clips to pocket or belt /WB .

Cold Steel Tri-ad lock knives are as strong as many fixed blades . Stronger than some . ;)

Not as simple and easy to clean and maintain , of course .
 
Perhaps reconsider your boycott of Cold Steel and give the Atlas Lock a try. I bought an Engage 2.5 because it was an inexpensive way to check out the Atlas Lock. I ended up liking the knife much more than I thought I would.

There are some negative thoughts on the Atlas Lock but I like mine. I'm sure Cold Steel will introduce more Atlas Lock models. Consider trying one if they ever make a model that you like. You might be pleasantly surprised. Or not but it won't cost you an arm and a leg to find out.

The negative thoughts on the Atlas Lock are mostly about the possibility of the lock disengaging accidentally by the user when used in certain situations. I agree with those thoughts but nevertheless, the Atlas Lock might not be as “safe” as the Triad Lock but I’m inclined to believe that it is every bit as strong as long as user error doesn’t intervene.

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DocJD said:
A folder folds . More OAL in a much more compact/easy carry package . No sheath needed . Clips to pocket or belt /WB .

Cold Steel Tri-ad lock knives are as strong as many fixed blades . Stronger than some . ;)

Not as simple and easy to clean and maintain , of course .
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Yep, it folds. Its only benefit. Hence my question of what the major requirement might be - does it fold or is it stable. Legal restraints seemed to be the answer. Can't argue with that, though "fixed" would obviously be the better solution.
 
TC said:
Yep, it folds. Its only benefit. Hence my question of what the major requirement might be - does it fold or is it stable. Legal restraints seemed to be the answer. Can't argue with that, though "fixed" would obviously be the better solution.
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Agreed, I would think 99% of most locking mechanisms are great for the intended purpose of folding knives. Anything testing/pushing the limits of most locks should probably be done with a fixed blade or even better yet, the proper tool.
 
TC said:
obviously be the better solution.
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Only if a person can, and will, actually carry a fixed of equivalent useful overall length .

Why do you suppose , so many people opt for a folder ? Not hardly just for any legal or social acceptance concerns .
 
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