Italian 4max

I'm not sure but I've been looking them over as well and they look nice. I'd look out for the prices rising that's for sure, good luck on your hunt.
 
unwisefool said:
I think I'm going to pass, got some more pictures and it doesn't look like the liners are flush with the scales and they look pitted.
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Came close to pulling the trigger at ~$240 many times , but sure not going to at current prices .

I have the AD-10 and a Colossus (current carry) already , and the 4Max Scout looks pretty good at $82 or so , if I suddenly needed one.
 
I saw someone on Ebay asking 800+ for them, i think 2 sold, too. They are definitely not worth that kind of money.
 
I saw someone make a comment in another thread awhile ago in General something along the lines of, "Everyone recognizes that the Italian version of the 4-Max was the best by far." I chuckled at that (and almost replied, but then figured it wasn't worth it) because it's utter nonsense. I haven't seen that opinion expressed by anyone--let alone "everyone"--who actually owns all three versions of the 4-Max.

In my opinion, the Italian 4-Max is the worst of the lot when it comes to fit and finish. Don't get me wrong, it's still an excellent knife and likely would out-perform just about any other "hard use" folding knife from another brand. But, despite the price difference, I think the 4-Max Scout outshines the Italian 4-Max in construction and in what I can only describe as an intangible "solid feel."

As for the American 4-Max...well, I'll simply say this because it pretty much says it all. My U.S.-made 4-Max isn't just among the best Cold Steel knives; it's absolutely one of the very best knives I own, period. Everything about it screams quality. And it suits me perfectly.

The only great feature of the Italian 4-Max is its clip, which has the proper level of spring tension for pocket carry. But even here, it's not superior--the material of the Italian clip is thinner than that of the others, making it seem flimsier (whether or not it actually is in use).

My advice is this: If you want a user, don't hesitate to buy a Scout. If you want higher-grade materials and can't find an American version, wait to see how the 4-Max Elite shakes out.


-Steve
 
I looked at the 4 Max recently at 249.00, but couldn t see getting a 10oz folder. Picked up an AD 10 instead and I m surprised how much I like it. And I m a Ultimate Hunter fan (carrying one today).
 
unwisefool said:
I had a chance to get one for $260, but just didn't like what I saw. Too many potential issues that I could spot in the pictures.
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Don't give up, I haven't, I like CS for their substantial knives. That 4Max will slot in just fine with the Aluminum Espada's, when I find one. I sold an AD 10 recently to help fund a 4Max Purchase, didn't impress me enough to keep it. I like the 4" Blade on the 4Max too.
 
I remember back with the "old" CS , someone posted here about sending a 4Max back to CS for some problem .

AD , himself fixed it under warranty , IIRC . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Doubt that would now be true . :rolleyes:
 
DocJD said:
I remember back with the "old" CS , someone posted here about sending a 4Max back to CS for some problem .


AD , himself fixed it under warranty , IIRC .





Doubt that would now be true .
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That was probably me, though I wasn't the only one. The issue was the lock bar that sat slightly proud of the handle. If I remember correctly, it was only on the third run of the American version.

I contacted Cold Steel Customer Service, and they sent me a paid shipping label to mail the knife directly to Andrew Demko. He fixed it and shipped it to me in perfect shape.

That year at Blade Show, I asked Lynn Thompson about the issue and he told me that the manufacturer screwed up. Demko graciously agreed to help with the clean-up.

Contrary to what you might think, the experience actually further endeared the knife to me. Despite the slight hassle, I have a knife that Cold Steel cared enough about to make perfect and that was repaired personally by the designer--makes it all the more special.


-Steve
 
The Whip said:
I saw someone make a comment in another thread awhile ago in General something along the lines of, "Everyone recognizes that the Italian version of the 4-Max was the best by far." I chuckled at that (and almost replied, but then figured it wasn't worth it) because it's utter nonsense. I haven't seen that opinion expressed by anyone--let alone "everyone"--who actually owns all three versions of the 4-Max.

In my opinion, the Italian 4-Max is the worst of the lot when it comes to fit and finish. Don't get me wrong, it's still an excellent knife and likely would out-perform just about any other "hard use" folding knife from another brand. But, despite the price difference, I think the 4-Max Scout outshines the Italian 4-Max in construction and in what I can only describe as an intangible "solid feel."

As for the American 4-Max...well, I'll simply say this because it pretty much says it all. My U.S.-made 4-Max isn't just among the best Cold Steel knives; it's absolutely one of the very best knives I own, period. Everything about it screams quality. And it suits me perfectly.

The only great feature of the Italian 4-Max is its clip, which has the proper level of spring tension for pocket carry. But even here, it's not superior--the material of the Italian clip is thinner than that of the others, making it seem flimsier (whether or not it actually is in use).

My advice is this: If you want a user, don't hesitate to buy a Scout. If you want higher-grade materials and can't find an American version, wait to see how the 4-Max Elite shakes out.


-Steve
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I my experience the Italian was a fraction better than the USA version's i have had 2 usa's that was a first and second gen, currently a proper user Italian and a brand new safe queen I got before the prices went nuts.....I also have a scout thats 95%+ as good as any of them.
the only think I liked more on the usa was the colour.....
 
I'm on the hunt for one it's just which one, American or Italian? At any rate the one I end up with must be pretty much perfect. I collect more than I use so I don't want any issues for sure.
 
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I seem to remember the first or second version American had some issues...the early Italian ones as well. seemed both were fixed for the most part in llater versions.

I only have the Italian and scout versions. they are all perfect.
 
I own 2 first run American versions and a custom 4Max...the CS 4M's are perfect and represent some of the best value they ever put out, imho.

IIRC, there was a CS regular poster here who took delivery of one of the very first production 4Max's and he claimed it had missing pins, male & female screws, etc. When other forumites questioned his claims, he quit BF.

I've seen sloppyness with the Italia version ... think about it ... one loser on the assembly line can make the entire model look like trash if the QC guy working that same shift is a bum, too.

It's similar to how you get a car that runs 300K before needing repair and your neighbor has the exact same model and it's a lemon.
 
I agree with jbmonkey regarding the 4 Max, and Scout. These are top-notch in my estimation.

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