Laredo Bowie in 4034 Stainless

Wasn't that a discontinued steel for the Laredo?
If so, I wonder how they found a source that still could supply them with them?
Hmm?... I am curious as to what turns up of this.
Keep us informed 👍😊👍
 
Man with no name said:
Type Laredo Bowie and search. You will see 3 models, the 3V. rubber trainer and the 4034.
Click to expand...

Nope. Searching "Laredo Bowie" produces 3V (coming soon). rubber trainers and even two sites still listing A2.
One site even has the 01. But don't see the 4034 anywhere.
Even searching "Laredo Bowie 4034" shows nothing.
Its not on the CS site including the 2021 New Products page. Please post the link when you can.
 
I had thought that maybe it was a discontinued model... But, are you folks saying it's actually a new version that has not yet been released?
So, is it on the CS website or somewhere in it's catalog?
Thanks in advance for any insight you guys may have about it.
 
PocketKnifeJimmy said:
I had thought that maybe it was a discontinued model... But, are you folks saying it's actually a new version that has not yet been released?
So, is it on the CS website or somewhere in it's catalog?
Thanks in advance for any insight you guys may have about it.
Click to expand...
bladeforums.com/threads/a2-steel-update.1742924/

Most of the story is in the link above. Basically people had been waiting for knives that were supposed replace O-1 steel models with A-2. When Lynn Thompson told people that the promised A-2 models would be replaced with 4034 stainless there was an uproar and it was never spoken of again. A few months later Cold Steel is sold to GSM and the 4034 and A-2 models were never mentioned again. It wasn't until last night that I came across the 4034 Laredo and Gurkha Plus Kukri did I or anybody else that I'm aware of, even know that they were in the works.
 
Hmm... It seems to be a very basic/low end stainless steel. It's price at the above mentioned website is listed at about $260, which seems quite steep for the steel it's made with.
 
Man with no name said:
bladeforums.com/threads/a2-steel-update.1742924/

Most of the story is in the link above. Basically people had been waiting for knives that were supposed replace O-1 steel models with A-2. When Lynn Thompson told people that the promised A-2 models would be replaced with 4034 stainless there was an uproar and it was never spoken of again. A few months later Cold Steel is sold to GSM and the 4034 and A-2 models were never mentioned again. It wasn't until last night that I came across the 4034 Laredo and Gurkha Plus Kukri did I or anybody else that I'm aware of, even know that they were in the works.
Click to expand...
Don't forget how Demko came here saying how they were surprised how good the 4034 was on one of the knives (outdoorsman lite?) during testing, and posted video of rope cutting.:rolleyes:
 
In addition to the Outdoorsman Lite, the prototypes of the new Warcraft series at Blade Show were in 4034. I suspect that Cold Steel is experimenting with multiple knives in 4034 to see if they can use it across the catalog as the budget version of most models. That kind of widespread adoption of different steels (both high-end and low-end) has been routine throughout the company's history. Lynn was continually tinkering to improve price and performance.


-Steve
 
The Outdoorsman Lite in 4034 was easy to sharpen and took a keen edge. I haven’t vigorously tested for edge retention though.

It’s a great beginner steel for practicing sharpening, but I definitely wouldn’t assign it survival or heavy use tasks. For larger Bowie sized blades, I’m concerned that the steel may shatter and possibly harm the user. For light utility tasks though, it serves just fine.

If I bought a Laredo in 4034, it would be a wall hanger or conversational piece.
 
The Whip said:
In addition to the Outdoorsman Lite, the prototypes of the new Warcraft series at Blade Show were in 4034. I suspect that Cold Steel is experimenting with multiple knives in 4034 to see if they can use it across the catalog as the budget version of most models. That kind of widespread adoption of different steels (both high-end and low-end) has been routine throughout the company's history. Lynn was continually tinkering to improve price and performance.


-Steve
Click to expand...
I’ll keep an open mind, but it would’ve been nicer if they got SK5 instead for the budget route.
 
DangerZone98 said:
I’ll keep an open mind, but it would’ve been nicer if they got SK5 instead for the budget route.
Click to expand...

For the price they have that 4034 listed for on that vendor's website, ($260'ish), one might be better off seeking a NIB SK-5 or O1 version on the secondary market.

The knife on the top of the following picture, is the O1 carbon steel Laredo Bowie knife I acquired online last week from a vendor, (still had it NIB). It ran me $259 + s/h & tax.
So, it was literally at the same price point as the 4034 stainless steel version being discussed here.

Although I'm happy with my purchase, I wasn't totally ecstatic about having paid what I did for it. But, I do realize that it is NIB, and is a discontinued item, so the market will reflect that, (not to mention EVERYTHING creeping up in cost).
Actually, considering how much the 4034 version is going for, I'm now thinking I may have gotten a bit of a bargain, considering these current real world market situations.
I imagine that similar scores can still be obtained with a little seeking out and some patience 👍

With that said, it does currently seem that there is quite the slim pickings in both new and secondary selling markets for Laredo and Natchez Bowie knives.

In any case, good luck to anyone that may be on the hunt for some "Old Steel".
Please share pics if you score one 😊

 
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