Leather or wood handle for Cold Steel knives

S

STRIKER-5x5

Joined
Jun 9, 2006
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20
From what I've read here, there are mixed feelings about the quality of Cold Steel knives. Well, I'm still thinking about investing in one, probably either the Recon Scout or the Trail Master. The one thing that I prefer on a knife though, is either a wood or leather grip. Just my preferance. I'm one that looks at comfort and quality in my guns and knives. I know the rubber grips will last a long time, but leather and wood are just more comfortable to me.

I've already been told by an email from Cold Steel that they don't offer wood or leather grips on their knives. So I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good company that will replace the handle.

Actually, I will be looking for a nice leather sheath also.

Any assistance would be appreciative.
 
Why not just look at different brands of knives, some with natural handles?

Cold Steels aren't that great, and they are way overpriced. You will end up spending more for the sheath and handle than the knife itself. I would just look for a different knife altogether.
 
Honestly , you buy a CS and then have it re-handled is going to cost you more than buying a nicer knife with the handle types you prefer in the first place.
Why not check out the "Makers forum" on here and see what some of our members have to offer ?
Besides that there are tons of knives to choose from that allready have wood/rubber/leather/metal/whatever scales on them.
CS is okay , the 3 I own aren't too bad but in a market with so many choices , I do not limimt myself to one brand.
 
www.sunrisecustomknives.com was recommended in an earlier post.

Note that finding someone local to do such work should not be too difficult. I've come to realize that all states have a few good knifemakers/craftsmen. The problem is finding them. Try the knife associations, etc.

Also, look at the custum knife area of this forum and the makers section.

If your going to modify a knife, I recommend looking on the secondary market. Pawnshops, etc. can (look at the price, as some want full retail, etc.) be a good source, especially for $100+ knives, as relatively few are ever used that much (guilty as charged myself).
 
I understand that there are better knives, and I understand that there are worse knives. I've read the bashing of Cold Steel here, and I've read the praises of the company also. With the wide spectrum of opinions, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I'll have to look at one for myself and make my own determination.

I've looked at Ka-bar, SOG, Tops, Boker, and there is a Beretta Stampede bowie that looks nice but that I can't find any information on. And I like quite a few of those particular knives, especially the Ka-bars and SOG's. Unfortunately, most of the sporting goods, and gun & knife shops around my area don't carry that great of a selection. It's generally either Ka-Bar, Case or Buck.

I like knives, but the majority of my knowledge is in handguns and ballistics. Which is why I've been trying to do as much research here as possible before I purchase. I would hate to purchase a knife for $100+ on an internet knife vender site, and not like the knife. But a couple of the Cold Steel knives look like they would work for the kind of outdoor activities that I would be purchasing it for. With the exception of my personal preferance of a leather sheath and either leather or wood handles. Times being what they are, I can't justify spending money on multiple knives.

This thread was almost on the verge of becoming hijacked. Asked a question concerning any companies people are aware of that can replace grips and any that make sheaths. And the answers I receive are, "get a differant knife". I stated in the original post that "From what I've read here, there are mixed feelings about the quality of Cold Steel knives". That's why I didn't ask for knife opinions, I asked for handle and sheath recommendations.
 
Oh, yeah, I forgot.

A few months ago there was a thread where a member put micarta handles on one. Been meaning to give that a try myself. (tried searching for it, but had no luck).

Sunrise and CHAX seem to do excellent work, though.
 
Thanks, I'll see if I can find it. I can live with micarta handles. Similar feel as wood, at least to me they do.
 
I have quite a few Cold Steel products. Among them is a first generation Trailmaster and a Satin Finished Gurkha Kukri (the Kukri is up for trade) I know I know shamless plug :) :) , anyway the tramasters handle is loose and needs a new one, the knife cost me $140 when it first came out. Here is a link for handle replacement. http://www.sunrisecustomknives.com/repairs/repairs.html
His work looks great but a new handle will run close to $200. I'm not sure I want to invest that so I think I will do it my self this winter. These people have everything you need http://www.texasknife.com/TKS_Mainframe.htm. Cold Steel knives are good the handles are just poorly designed. Nothing that can't be fixed.
 
I'm not a pro, matter of fact this is the second knife handle I ever made.
If I can do it you can. I did most of this on the kitchen table before I built my shop. Only power tools were a belt sander and a Dremel used out on the front porch.
Handle.jpg


AlmostFinished.jpg
 
Consider doing the work yourself. I learned to work with leather that way as a teenager and the skills have stood me well over the years. I now make my own sheaths, belts, etc. Tools cost less than a single custom item and will last a lifetime (at least mine have so far!!!). Even the best leather is comparitively cheap. Cs blades are also cheap enough so that if you do foul up, you won't have to shead too many tears over a ruined knife. Actually, you probably can just replace the original handle and start over again!

Lots of tutorials on line.

Good Luck.
 
BRO!.....
A great knife, that I have read ZERO complaints about are fallknivens.
Check out the leather handled Bowies, they come in 4 sizes!
fnnl4.jpg
 
STRIKER-5x5,

That one is black linen micarta.

Walking Man,

As to the Fallkniven they are fantastic blades, but the handle leaves much to be desired. They are slippery when wet and hard to hold on to when your hands are freezing cold.

If you have young, strong hands and live in a warm climate or don't depend on it for your survival the leather looks very nice.

I'm working on a new brown canvas micarta handle for one now.
 
frugalweaver said:
If you have young, strong hands and live in a warm climate or don't depend on it for your survival the leather looks very nice.
Click to expand...
They are made out of leather........ Don't they soften up after a while? Also, would there be a way to soften up the handle a bit, maybe use some of that stuff they use on baseball gloves to soften them up. (can't think of it right now.)
 
I carry a cold steel when I don't carry my handmade knife. I like them. Take a shot at rehandling a cheaper knife and them if you like the way it turns out try it on the cold steel.
 
Rehandling a cheaper blade as a warm up is a great idea.
Ragweed forge ( www.ragweedforge.com ) has plenty of affordable bare blades (<$20) that are similar in construction/design to the 2 CS's you're thinking of.
Here are 2 of my 3 rehandle jobs.
buckbone2.gif

This was the first. A rubber handled Buck 619. The new handle is cowbone, the brass for the guard and pin material came from the local hobby shop.
Here is the second, a Brusletto "nostalgi" Norwegian blade with real stag that I bought at the last knifeshow.
scanicker.jpg

I bought a bar of thick brass in downtown Manhattan.
I'd say that the guard took the most time.

Ragnar (ragweedforge) has all sorts of supplies and even kits.
Take a peek, give it a try.
I've got 2 more blades from him before I take the handle off my cs rs
Scout_Kydex.jpg


Go for it, ya can't do just one!

DIY rules :D
 
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